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Kevin Messex
Kevin Messex Twentynine Palms, California
Kevin Messex
Kevin Messex Twentynine Palms, California

Messex Mule Deer Pack

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I am pretty new to western hunting, 2024 with be my 3rd year hunting out west. Mostly hunting California mule deer and Idaho mule deer. When I first started preparing the gear was overwhelming!!! But I have quickly learned what I do, and do not need in the backcountry. I have become a gear nerd. Location: Southern California & Idaho | Pursuit: Mule Deer | Season: General
May contain sponsored links*

Optics

I spend a lot of time hiking to glassing spots and trying to get back deep in to areas people do not want to go. Half of the reason I backcountry hunting is the adventure and solitude. A good pack and good glass have really helped me become a better backcountry hunter. I do my best to keep my gear light and minimal.

Binoculars & Range Finder

Cronus 10x50 UHD Rangefinding Binocular
Athlon Optics

Bino Harness

Muley Freak - Game Changer Bino Harness

Spotting Scope

RAZOR® HD 13-39x56 (ANGLED)
Vortex Optics

Tripod

SUMMIT™ CARBON II TRIPOD + PAN HEAD
Vortex Optics

Backpacks & Gear

I usually hunt solo and plan on 4-5 day hunts. I do have a second pack for my day trips, or just over night. I have had to adjust my pack and it has taken some time to find what I really like.

Backpack / Frame

Stone Glacier - SKY 5900

Knives

RazorLite™
Outdoor Edge
Benchmade - Saddle Mountain Skinner

Hydration

48 OZ. NALGENE - MOUNTAINSCAPE
Hardside Hydration
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System
Sawyer Products

Flashlights & Headlamps

Pretzl - Actik Core Headlamp
Pelican - LED Flashlight

GPS & Satellite Messengers

I dont carry one at this time.

Safety & First Aid

I have built my own personal backcountry first aid kit.

Sidekick
MY MEDIC

Game Bags

HUSH - Deer Game Bags

Fire Starter

Pyro Putty 2 Oz Can Waterproof Fire Starters
Phone Skope
BIC - Classic Lighter
I like to carry two.

Camping Equipment

I have an older Kelty tent, I need to upgrade. Pretty basic USMC sleeping bag. My tent and sleeping system are the next pieces of gear I need to upgrade.

Tent

DISCOVERY TRAIL 2
Kelty

Sleeping Bag

USMC Issued Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite

Other

Flash Cooking System
Jetboil

Food & Nutrition

My goal is to eat 3,000 Calories a day. I plan each days food and separate it into its own 1 gallon ziplock back so that way I also have a trash back while in the backcountry.

Supplement

IGNITE TRAIL PACKS
MTN OPS
Gives you a boost of energy during those middle of the day glassing sessions.

Snacks/ Bars

Snickers
Kind Bar
Trail Mix
Jerky Sticks

Freeze Dried Meals

I eat Peak Refuel every morning

Peak Breakfast Pack 2.0
Peak Refuel

Other

Black Rifle Coffee Company - Instant Coffee
Protekt - Electrolyte Drink Mix

Clothing

I keep it very basic with clothing. Good pants. A good base layer top and bottom, puffy jacket, and rain jacket.

Baselayers

First Lite - Kiln Top
First Lite - Kiln Bottom

Outerwear/ Jackets

First Lite - Uncompahgre 2.0 Puffy Jacket

Pants

First Lite - Foundry Pant

Rain Gear

First Lite - FlashStorm Jacket

Footwear

Nevada Non-Insulated GTX
Crispi

Gloves

First Lite - Talus Fingerless Merino Glove

Socks

Danner - Hot Weather TFX Drymax Socks

Hats & Beanies

Carhartt Beanie

Rifle Equipment

I want to upgrade rifles and optics soon. This is basically what I have that works for the time being.

Rifle

Vanguard® Camilla™ Wilderness
Weatherby
.308

Ammo

308 Win 178 gr ELD-X® Precision Hunter®
Hornady

Rifle Scope

DIAMONDBACK® Tactical 4-16x44 FFP
Vortex Optics

Bipods/ Shooting Sticks

Spartan - Precision Pro Hunt Tac Bipod
Kevin Messex
Kevin Messex Twentynine Palms, California
Active duty Marine Corps for the past 15 years (so close to retirement!!). Im married with 2 awesome kids. My passions a... Read more
*NOTE: The links to purchase certain products I recommend in this gear list may result in me being paid a small commission. I appreciate your support!