A Guide's Elk Hunting Gear List

[@NAubc]

Clifton is quickly becoming my favorite hunting KZbin personality.

[@annaravenhand5536]

Litterly

[@rebel_cash]

Same

[@RippyTriesMusic]

So helpful

[@bobh2089]

How does this dude not have more subscribers!!! Another fire video Cliff! Thank you

[@CliffGray]

Thanks Bob!

[@GarrettOutdoors]

You have by FAR the most comprehensive first aid kit I have seen in these type of videos. You're advice is golden and I think a lot of people need to watch this to understand the importance of life saving equipment. I love how much of your lifesaving equipment is also modular. Totally worth the extra weight.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks Garrett. Appreciate the feedback.

[@anythingoutdoors0]

Great information here! I especially appreciate the amount of respect you have for the animals. It's refreshing to see.

[@raymondmay7304]

It's awesome that you give out knowledge instead of gear plugs.

[@CliffGray]

thanks Raymond!

[@nate18268]

I absolutely love it. So many hunting channels are nothing but endless rambling about hunting stories or other meaningless bs that is useless to those wanting to learn about hunting. I think it's partially because a lot of people are not good at teaching, just because someone is a skilled hunter doesn't mean they are skilled at teaching others. Anyways I wish a lot more people would make KZbin channels in a similar format to this...

[@americansafarico]

The further I get into this sport the more I appreciate your genius.

[@CliffGray]

Hahaha! Hopefully it’s genius and not insanity 👍

[@Vintage-406]

Never in my life did I think I would listen to a 45 minute video of what someone else keeps as equipment but I value your opinion and you make a boring topic interesting with your commentary Cliff!

[@CliffGray]

👍👍👍really appreciate it man!

[@hummervee3395]

When you cover a topic I feel like I have all the information I need. You point out the things I can use to save money, but also acknowledge the equipment that I’m better off spending a chunk on. Keep up the great work!😅

[@CliffGray]

Appreciate the feedback! Glad the video was helpful 👍

[@TalonID]

Cliff, thank you for sharing more of your earned wisdom. I stopped carrying extra headlamp batts a few years back and carry an extra headlamp (I too carry a little clip on lamp in addition to by two main units). Thanks to you I just added a Hatch bi-pod to my .300.

[@CliffGray]

nice! you will like that Hatch bipod

[@Zygotes1234]

The advice you post in these videos are totally invaluable! You are by far my favorite person to watch. I'm learning so much from you it's ridiculous. Please keep up the awesome work!

[@CliffGray]

Thanks man! Really happy to hear they are helpful to you

[@samw13]

Cliff, your videos have been the most helpful for me. Best hunting info on KZbin! Getting ready for my very first Elk hunt in Montana in 2 weeks..

[@CliffGray]

Good luck Sam!

[@PlumbHappy84]

Cliff I could have left this comment on any number of your videos but thank you for the videos and information. Your a tremendous help to putti me on the right path.

[@CliffGray]

Awesome to hear! Thanks 👍

[@milo555100]

This is excellent. Watched twice. Took notes. I was in Wyoming chasing Mule Deer in October (From Florida). Wish I had this info first. Also, wish I had your “boot” advice prior. Blisters on your heels can compete for your mindset….No matter how far you can run on flat surfaces in Florida. Get good boots. Get good socks and test them. Water, Fire, Communication. Man I dig your vids. You are on point and thoughtful. Great job on the Rogan podcast too. Grateful for your content.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks man! really appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed the Rogan episode. Good luck on your hunts this Fall.

[@jmg25000]

I'm hooked on this channel after the cow elk road hunting tip. I appreciate that he knows that its a method for some folks..... and we're all getting 50' off of the 2 track to make it happen.

[@CliffGray]

it works! haha. thanks for watching

[@darrensmall4313]

Great video and great tips. I would add an extra pair of socks especially if it's cold. Dry socks will help and having that small chunk of therma rest pad will keep your feet off the ground while charging socks or even just allowing your feet and boots to air dry. Thanks for the video!

[@CliffGray]

for sure. great additional tip

[@bryceoleski5680]

Best hunting tutorials on KZbin. Only a matter of time before this channel gains serious traction.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks so much for the support Bryce!

[@surfearth1]

I use caribou game bags and used them on a CO elk trip. They worked great. Kept my mystery ranch bag clean from the 1.5 mile pack out. Wouldn’t leave without them. I’d also suggest a small light weight tarp to lay meat on when quartering.

[@luisefrenburciaga211]

Bro…This video is a masterclass in hunting preparedness. Thank You!!! 🙌🏼

[@journeyman7189]

Awesome breakdown Cliff. I really like the bingo harness small pack tag team idea. That longer ranger is a great idea. I don't understand why more companies don't make them. Nate

[@pB-vp3mo]

Thanks for your info and sharing your experience. I enjoyed hearing about something I have had on a bucket list since the late 80's. life and now age (70 in the rearview mirror) and health got in the way. Maybe you can share some hunt and around camp video. One thing I picked up on was the importance of optics other than a rifle scope. I also enjoyed your take on having to spend a night out while hunting. I hope you keep the great videos coming!

[@OutdoorsAllie]

Great video. Thanks for sharing!

[@CliffGray]

👍

[@user-rk7kg9ik2c]

Outstanding! I have the vast majority of those items in my pack, but your suggestion that backup gear on the really critical items hit home. Great organization. You're basically providing hunting outfitter how-to classes with your posts. I wonder if you ever use pepper on the exterior of your hung bagged quarters while you pack out other parts of the animal. The black pepper may be a deterrent to some critters. Thanks for sharing so much hard-earned knowledge.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks for the note! 👍 I have not used pepper

[@greghertzberg6220]

Speaking on lights: i carry a hand light in my pocket always but including battery backups snd two headlamps. I have practiced, in hunting navigating 8 miles in dark but when the weather goes bad you have to have a waterproof headlamp.

[@CarharttCowboy]

Great to hear that you use flagging tape. Comes in so handy. I work in the bush here on the BC Coast. Always have it in the truck. Comes in handy more times than I can mention. I haven't heard a lot of hunters carrying it. As a logger it's an essential piece of gear

[@CliffGray]

👍

[@jereringler8791]

I really appreciate the not sponsorship driven gear review

[@CliffGray]

👍

[@CarharttCowboy]

Here on the West Coast of British Columbia we used garbage bags for rain ponchos for years. Fits in your pockets and is great for an emergency in the rain

[@CliffGray]

I agree. Great additional tip Deron. Thanks

[@jason-bn4qw]

it's crazy how similar our setups are! A little tip on bipod (+1 for the hatch btw!): I hang mine over the chest straps of my bino harness. Being right on your chest makes it super easy to grab and slap it on when its needed without having to do any acrobatics and trying to fish it out of a pack. You ever use your hatch in the 45 rearward position to support standing shots against your hip? Super useful for mid-range shots

[@CliffGray]

I haven’t but I’m going to try now! 👊👍

[@rockymountainpreparedness3357]

You mention keeping a light source accessible. I've learned to wear a minimal headlamp around my neck at all times (including sleeping). I keep my best headlamps in an accessible part of my pack, but it's good to always have a small light on my body, in case I get separated from my pack, and to prevent me from having to fumble around too much if I need to leave my tent during the night.

[@CliffGray]

great tip!

[@claustin1]

Great information Cliff! Love your videos!

[@geoffader]

Where do you keep your shelter? What do you pack for sleeping pad, sleeping bag, tent, pillow?

[@gregmurphy5014]

excellent video again cliff!

[@CliffGray]

thanks Greg

[@cannontaylor97]

Great video cliff

[@mikemcgee6810]

I’ve been a subscriber for over two years now and love all of your videos. I’m a novice at elk hunting who just started bow hunting two years ago. I have a tendency to take too much with me because I over think things! I am getting better. The one thing that I did not see in your pack is a battery bank or solar panels. What do you do if your phone dies? I use ONX and my garmin in reach mini via Bluetooth on my phone. Also, I use black diamond headlights that are rechargeable.

[@Awesymoto]

I will vacuum bag seal my extra ammo. easy to get into since you always have a knife on you, but keeps your ammo dry. If you get pissed on for days on end, and it dries out, I’ll swap ammo, and use the rain soaked ammo as backup.

[@CliffGray]

Great tip

[@jeffwendt7335]

I like to vacuum seal my game bags for carrying in my pack. They take up 1/4 the space that way. I also throw in a few nitrile gloves.

[@calineman]

I always carry at least 2 ways to filter water and 2 liter platypus foldable bag.

[@jamesmooney5348]

Right on!

[@DenverDave303]

I always recommend a compass.

[@relentlessadv9521]

Excellent Insight! Ever try the crazy creek without the pad removed? It's more packable, but some comfort sacrificed. Thanks again!

[@CliffGray]

I'll try it! thanks

[@markhaywood7307]

Stoney Creek and Swanndri form New Zealand- made to be worn in the NZ bush, can't go wrong. interesting similarities by the way in gear from the "wetter" side of the world

[@CliffGray]

👍

[@alberta1980]

Thanks for the video. Please take only biodegradable/flushable wet wipes into the mountains. Costco sells them now.

[@JC-bf6fy]

Use a pinecone.

[@alberta1980]

@@JC-bf6fy 😂 even better. But you’ll have a sore ass after a few days.

[@6foot8jesuspilledpureblood82]

Personally I'd be looking to drop a lot of weight from this set up, but I'm not a guide so yeah. Great video

[@CliffGray]

I hear ya, I’m sure there are some opportunities in there to drop some ounces. 👍

[@ShaneGregory-b4u]

Got Amy more road hunting tips. Asking for a friend. Lol I hike my ass off but not to good for a little side of the road action.

[@rebel_cash]

Love your videos. Planning stages of 1st elk mountain hunt. Beside the in reach Garmin do you navigate with a watch , gps, compass or on x ? You may have already addressed it but I didn't see. Thanks for sharing all the knowledge man.

[@CliffGray]

I primarily navigate via the gps integrated into my iPhone. Pretty standard nowadays. I use OnX and GoHunt maps. I have a gps watch for backup.

[@trihall2273]

Thank you very much🎉 Excellent❤ You game bags have microbiol resistant materials

[@nativewarrior5052]

I got a Havalon multi-blade knife as a freebie with a Bushnell Forge scope i bought. It has skinner and fillet blades. Thoughts on that for a knife setup? I also carry a Marokniv fixed blade as my camp/pocket knife.

[@lvsv650]

Another great video! I watched it twice, just in case I missed something. Can you please talk about if it's necessary to use red lights when hiking in to glassing spots in the morning?

[@CliffGray]

I used red light when I was around horses/mules because it didn’t mess with their night vision. When I was hiking I tried to use a light as little as possible, particularly as I got close to a spot. Get a light that is dimmable. Usually with a little moon or slight rising of the sun you can walk without a light when getting into a hunting spot. Red lights probably don’t scare game like white light… but I still think super dimmed light or no light is best 👍

[@gradytruitt9126]

Love the video! Just curious why your pack didn’t include cooking, sleeping or shelter gear?

[@kevanmiller2969]

Thank you for taking the time to provide so much useful info,I've changed some of the gear that's in my pack. BTW love the cowboy hat, is it a tom horn ?

[@CliffGray]

Thanks! That hat was given to me as a tip from a client. It is from Kemo Sabe in Aspen, CO.

[@Mattfooey]

Thank you for this content. Can you give more information on the auto locking buckles you use for cinching down your pack? Like a brand or a keyword?

[@JoshuaJones-vp2cg]

New to hunting Montana and have started my research very early haha. Good info here, but one question I haven’t been able to answer is. How do I get a good idea of road accessibility to trail heads during the general season? I will be scouting out the area this July in good condition weather just to get a lay of the land and double check my map research, but I fear some plans and distances hiked maybe be highly dependent on road conditions being I will be limited to a4wheel drive truck. Came up with the idea to check snow reports of near by or similar altitude ski resorts to get an idea, but I’m looking for any more good methods other than experience with the areas.

[@CliffGray]

Ask local folks and ask the local game wardens. Wardens tend to know seasonal road conditions as good as anyone👍

[@jacobceparano]

Great info! I carry a lot of very similar gear. What is your kindling? I carry a pill bottle stuffed with vasoline-coated cotton-balls. They light easy and burn for a couple minutes long, and are super lightweight.

[@CliffGray]

I use little home made fire starters. I have a video on the channel that shows how I make them. Your method is a good one, too!

[@RyanSmith15549]

Great video. Thanks. I am in the market for a light Puffy jacket. What Jacket are you using?

[@CliffGray]

All the mountain hunting brands make good puffies now, FL, Sitka, Kuiu. Main stream brands like Marmot also make exceptional down puffies at better pricing.

[@codyburns8237]

Can you review the bino harness you show here in this video?

[@CliffGray]

Hey Cody, in next few months I'll get a bino harness review video together. thanks

[@curtisgore1611]

Great info! How much for you to help me kill a bull elk with a bow?

[@pvbronco]

Great video as always! was wondering, what backpack do you use?

[@CliffGray]

I typically use a kifaru. I use their AMR and 22 mag bags, 90% of the time 👍

[@37south47]

What kind of head lamp and what brand of down jacket do you use? Great video btw!

[@CliffGray]

Checkout the video description for headlamp info. I have a marmot down jacket, a juju and firstlite… all work well if taken care of. Just don’t leave them compressed or wet.

[@LucasE269]

Which jacket is that from Stony Creek? I was just looking at getting one from them and thinking about the long bush coat or the glaisnock. There isn't a lot of info out there about them. They look like the Swazi coats but come in a little cheaper it seems.

[@CliffGray]

It is a Glaisnock. 👍

[@phatty363]

This guy knows what’s up! What’s your packs base weight? Not a lot of hunters talk about base weight when packing. Seems to be a backpacker thing

[@phatty363]

I’d suggest using dental floss for thread if your sewing. Dental floss will never break and it lasts longer

[@CarharttCowboy]

That's the nesting cup for the Nalgene bottle

[@CliffGray]

Thanks Deron, I’ll check it out

[@CarharttCowboy]

No problem. The store us a Canadian store but I'm sure you can order one from them online. It nests just perfect with the regular size Nalgene bottles. I the Canadian litre

[@John_on_the_mountain]

Along the lines of water filters, i highly recommend the Katadyn BeFree filter bottle. Its amazing

[@ohfsir]

Is the water not clean enough to drink in the nature in usa? In norway we can drink from basically any river or lake we vone across. What have you guys done with your water?

[@CliffGray]

Even up in our alpine lakes we have giardia. It is carried by animals and has been around since trappers explored the West. Most places, particularly places with a beaver population have it.

[@MyHuntingJournal]

So on your mora knife, did you remove the micro bevel so you can grind your scandi flat on that stone? Or do you try to sharpen it by the microbevel that those moras come with?

[@CliffGray]

I actually stick a fairly large micro bevel on my Moras. Lot of folks disagree with this... I have some videos in the pipeline where I talk about it some.

[@bradfieldrich]

Thank you for the great info! How much does your pack and bino case weigh without your rifle?

[@thomasgutierrez6432]

Cliff, with a brake on your rifle, what type of ear protection are you running?

[@clayniss]

Do the Swazi/Stoney Creek jackets work well while riding a horse? Have a hunt booked for the Thorofare in WY next year and trying to decide on rain gear.

[@CliffGray]

They are fine. They will push up around your waist while riding but it’s manageable. Are you a kiwi? If so, for sure go with what you have. It will work well.

[@clayniss]

@@CliffGray No not a kiwi. I'm a WY resident. Like the long tail of these jackets just haven't ridden with one on so I thought I'd ask.

[@CliffGray]

@@clayniss yeah i like them also. Shipping will kill you a little.

[@vincethewoodlander]

Question: I Always use iodine tablets because they continue to decontaminate and can decon threads. I asked a buddy who uses a steripen about the mouth of his container being contaminated. He wasn't certain if the pen deconned it. I'm assuming there is an issue with the container mouth being contaminated because you use the smaller adaptor. Is that true? I'd just like to warn him cause he uses a stock nalgene.

[@CliffGray]

Yes, I will actually dip my nalgene into a water source. So from my perspective the threads of the mouth are always contaminated... the liquid is on the outside of the threads when I have the Steri-pen inside. I have no proof that the UV light doesn't treat that little bit of water, but that is how I think about it. I'm fairly conservative... I have had giardia in the past, many years ago.

[@vincethewoodlander]

@@CliffGray that's what I figured. thanks I'll send him your link. I too have had issues and worry about it. Its Hard to do a ruck march when your emptying fuel out your exhaust. Lol

[@CliffGray]

@@vincethewoodlander bwhahaha, yes it is!

[@csguerdet]

I wish the buck 113 fit in my hand😢.

[@glennjulian6145]

How much does you pack weigh ?

[@jackychandler8594]

I might have missed it, but would like to know the total weight of your pack. I think everything U listed is important, but I'm interested in how much weight I would be dealing with WITHOUT the gun. I'm strictly a bow hunter, so I know that part.

[@crossbowhunter9118]

What chest harness do you use on your guides? For your binoculars

[@CliffGray]

I've used a bunch of different ones. primarily Alaskan Guide Creations and Outdoor Vision

[@toadskipper]

Extra bullets for sure. Another good reason is for when your rifle gets dropped or knocked hard. You may have to confirm and perhaps re-zero your rifle.

[@alecnichols3700]

Bino harness knife and picket knife i recommended highly are opinel i like the no.6 stupid cheap less then 20bucks high carbon steel blade shaving sharp out of the box and the one i keep in my car is very sharp and i cut everything from clamshell packaging to cheese never resharpened

[@jaxonhoopes5020]

What part of Idaho are you guiding in? I hunt south East idaho !

[@CliffGray]

This was a personal hunt. Idaho is a blast!

[@jaxonhoopes5020]

It absolutely is! I just found your page today and I’m loving all the info!

[@CliffGray]

@@jaxonhoopes5020 good deal!

[@aaronstauffer]

What do you use for power for your phone and other devices?

[@danielrich9051]

What's your favorite caliber to shoot elk with?

[@CliffGray]

7mm mag

[@Thetinebroken]

I have never used water purification tablets do they end up messing up your gut from killing the good stuff in your intestines?? Anyone have thoughts?

[@elliotc9091]

What is the black pack? I don't think he said

[@alberta1980]

The ultra lithium batteries do much better in extreme cold and sitting for years

[@jasonstevens5702]

Amazing video like usual. I'm coming to the United States at Xmas and want to get a bipod like you have. What is it called? Also recommended boning knife. Thanks again , keep up the great videos.

[@patrickscheel3943]

Looks like a hatch bipod. I love mine! They kick backward and you can mount it off of your hip to shoot offhand(ish)

[@CliffGray]

It is a Hatch Bipod 👍

[@jasonstevens5702]

@@CliffGray legend, awesome content mate, keep it coming .

[@CliffGray]

@@jasonstevens5702 thanks man!

[@johnkizziah108]

I'm assuming this is a list for hunting in the daytime during the seasion...the night list is quite different hehe.

[@travisalexander7242]

If you’re already carrying a Hatch Bipod, why wouldn’t you just buy their tripod leg too instead of carrying a stand alone tripod? I just bought their tripod adapter but haven’t used it in the field yet.

[@emoryray2681]

What pack do you use?

[@CliffGray]

I primarily use a Kifaru pack

[@Thetinebroken]

I love your explanations for your options One lol I would have is if your being guided have your guide hold your ammo! Or a buddy you can trust to keep you from shooting at young game day one.

[@hudsonduncan8345]

What kind of food do you take?

[@CliffGray]

Hey Hudson, I’ve got a couple videos on the channel that cover food 👍

[@mtnave]

what packs are you using ?

[@CliffGray]

kifaru

[@RyanSmith15549]

I'm curious why you carry both moleskin and leuko tape?

[@ericomfg]

What hat is that? Can i become confident enough to wear a cowboy hat?

[@CliffGray]

It was given to me as a tip from a client years ago. And yes, yes you can 👍😁

[@gold_3]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@brianrobinson1975]

best tool is between the ears

[@mattdelany6799]

You’re like a caveman surfer. Packing in is extremely athletic. If you haven’t prepped at altitude, you will be miserable. I live at 8500 feet msl.

[@Nick-im3ym]

Kay

[@qinxiao5651]

Hi, Cliff. This is Neil, the representative of Aofar. I just watched your videos and I was really impressed. I want to invite you to test and review our newest hunting rangefinder from your practical opinions. I'll send an invitation email to you later, please check. Have a great day.

[@Eiflerisch]

Man, Kids toys ain't nothing to mess with, imagine your 5 y old trying his remote car and it doesn't work because of dads dead AAs!....i rather be alone in the dark with bears...

[@CliffGray]

ha! there is some truth in that

[@annaravenhand5536]

Litterrallily

[@CliffGray]

I am going to LITTERRALLILY - just want to make sure you knew it was FOR SURE :)