Cory Glauner packing out a moose.

Unguided Moose Hunt Gear List

This unguided moose hunt gear list was put together by a good friend, client and now OUTDOORS INTERNATIONAL Hunting Consultant Kyle Hanson. If you’re interested in booking a moose hunt, be sure to talk to us quickly. The best dates are sometimes booked years in advance.

Unguided Moose Hunt Gear List

Gear for Camp

Rent Guns and Gear If you don’t want to purchase gear that you won’t use again after your moose hunt, check out www.rgunsngear.com. What a cool program!

Be sure to use OIGET10 at checkout to get your discount.

Total Weight of Camp Gear:

Approximately 85 lbs. (not including fuel and salt)

Food

  • Breakfasts: Off Grid Predator Fuel and “real food” (egg beaters, sausage &/or bacon)
  • Lunches: Misc. dehydrated & real food (Off Grid, Peak Refuel, Mountain House, PB&J, Salami cheese n’ bagel)
  • Dinners:  Off Grid, Peak Refuel, Mountain House
  • Snacks: Probars, Probar Bolt Energy Chews, Dehydrated snacks, jerky, PB
  • Coffee: Dark Timber packs
  • Drink mixes: Hot Chocolate mix, Propel packs, Renu go packs
  • Real food for breakfasts & lunch: Meats, egg beaters, bread, PB&J
  • Seasonings & Olive oil: Garlic powder, Sea Salt, & Pepper, Olive oil packets and small bottle
  • Supplements/daily vitamins etc.

Total Weight of Food:

Approximately 25-30 lb. or less

Water Storage/Purification

Total Weight of Water Purification:

Approximately 3.68 lb.

Game Processing Gear to Take to Camp

Total Weight of Game Processing Gear:

Approximately 5.31 lb.

Game Processing Gear to Leave at the Hangar

  • Packaging for skull: bubble wrap, shrink wrap, cardboard, duct tape, packaging tape
  • Meat storage/freezer bags: Gallon & Quart Ziploc freezer bags
  • Knife set & sharpener: Outdoor edge kit
  • Hard Cooler: Igloo 100

Weapon(s)

  • Rifle & ammo:  *11 lb.
  • Pistol & ammo: *5 lb. (optional)
  • Hard travel case: Pelican 2 rifle with customizable foam *N/A
  • Soft case for small plane travel: *1.14 lb. (optional)

Total Weight:

Approximately 17.14 lb.

Clothing System

  • Base layers top/bottom: Sitka Merino Core top/Bottom, First lite Merino boxers & T’s x2 *1.96 lb.
  • Intermediate layer top: Sitka Heavyweight Core Hoodie *.9 lb.
  • Puffy top: Kifaru Full Zip Parka*1.45 lb.
  • Soft-shell top: Sitka Jetstream *1.49 lb. (optional)
  • Vest: Sitka Mountain Vest *.52 lb. (optional)
  • Pant bottom: Sitka Timberline *1.89 lb.
  • Rain Gear Top: Sitka Kodiak *1.94 lb.
  • Rain Gear bottom: Sitka Stormfront *1.54 lb.
  • Gloves: Sitka Mountain & Merino liners *.44 lb.
  • Beanie/Hat: Sitka Jetstream & Merino, Baseball cap *.39
  • Lightweight bug net: Sea to Summit *.1 lb.
  • Extra Clothing: Sitka Apex top/ bottom, lightweight core hoodie, Sitka Kelvin Active puffy, Exoficio Give & Go boxer *3.5 lb. (Extra Base Layer, boxer, pant, mid layer, puffy)

Total Weight of Clothing:

Approximately 16.12 lb.

Footwear

  • Hiking boots: Lowa Tibet GTX *5.13 lb.
  • Rubber boots: Irish Setter neoprene uninsulated *4.29 lb. (may forgo)
  • Gators: Outdoor Research *.63 lb. (may use Sitka Stormfront)
  • Waders: Match your waders to the area you will be hunting. Consult with your outfitter. *.9 lb.
  • Socks: Darn Tough & Farm to Feet 4 pair *.75 lb.

Total Weight of Footwear:

Approximately 11.7 lb.

Sleep System

  • Sleeping Bag: Kifaru 20 degree Slick Bag *2.84 lb.
  • Air pad: Big Agnes Q-core SLX *1.56 lb.
  • Pillow: Nemo *.19 lb.
  • Woobie: Kifaru *1.89 lb. (optional)

Total Weight of Sleep System:

Approximately 6.48 lb.

Electronics/Photography

  • Phone with case: *.55 lb.
  • Phone Scope bracket: *.08 lb.
  • External chargers: Poseidon x2 *.55 lb.
  • Charging cords: Poseidon cord, Suunto cord, wall charger *.24 lb.
  • Flashlights: Petzl Tikka & E-lite headlamps *.19 lb.

Total Weight of Electronic Equipment:

Approximately 1.61 lb.

Kyle Hanson glassing for Arctic grizzly bears AWCG2
OUTDOORS INTERNATIONAL Consultant Kyle Hanson on a recent exploratory trip with a new outfitter in Alaska.

Optics

  • Binoculars & harness:  Vortex Razor 10×42, Sitka Bino harness *2.86 lb. (w/rangefinder & pouch)
  • Rangefinder & pouch: Leupold TBR 1000, FHF pouch ***
  • Bino tripod adapter with qd plate: FOR adapter w/qd plate *.19 lb.
  • Spotting scope with qd plate: Vortex Razor 27-60x85mm angled w/qd plate *4.38 lb.
  • Tripod & head: Slik 624, Manfrotto 700RC2 panhead *2.93 lb.
  • Foam butt pad: Z seat *.08 lb.
  • Cleaning items: Lens cloth, Lens pen *.2 lb.

Total Weight of Optics and Related Gear:

Approximately 10.64 lb.

Land Nav/Comm’s

  • Delorme Inreach *.44 lb.
  • Compass: Suunto *.13 lb.
  • GPS: Suunto Traverse Alpha &/or Garmin Fortrex 401 *.22 lb.
  • Radio’s: misc. walky talky 

Total Weight of Comms:

Approximately .79 lb.

Hunting Pack

  • Pack frame/bag combo: EXO 500 or Kifaru Hunter frame, DT2 bag, Guide Lid, small belt pouch, Nalgene pouch *7.38 lb.
  • Hauling attachments: Cargo net & lashing strap, & gun bearer *1.5 lb.
  • Walking sticks: Easton Carbon Trekkers *1.05 lb.
  • Lightweight tarp: Kifaru Sheep tarp with MSR Groundhog pegs*.9 lb.

Total Weight of Pack and Accessories:

Approximately 10.83 lb.

Possibles

  • Batteries: AAA & AA Energizer Lithium Ion
  • Patch kit: Misc. glues and tenacious tape patches
  • Weapon cleaning & maint. Kit: Leatherman Skeletool CX w/ bit set, misc. small tools for rifle & oil (bits for scope caps and lug bolts) *.5 lb.
  • Tape: duct tape & leukotape
  • Fire kit: Trioxane, flint/steel, lighters, waterproof matches
  • Insect repellent: 100% deet
  • Extra 550 cord: 50-100 ft.

Total Weight of Possibles:

Approximately 2 lb. or less

Cory Calling Moose from the Beaver Lodge Outdoors International Co-owner calling moose on his unguided moose hunt.

Calls and Decoy

  • Moose magnet

Total Weight:

Approximately .9 lb.

First Aid

  • IFAK
  • Band aids/basics
  • Meds: pain killers, anti-diarrheal, antibiotics, energy
  • Chapstick

Total Weight of First Aid Equipment:

Approximately 1 lb. or less

Storage

  • Dry Bags: Outdoor Research 55L & Ditty sacks
  • Compression sack: Kifaru 5 String Medium
  • Lightweight pullouts: Kifaru Lightweight Pullouts
  • Contractor bags: 1-2 Large heavy duty
  • Lightweight trash bags: 2-3 Hefty trash bags
  • Ziplocs: Quart & Gallon, small assortment

Total Weight of Storage:

Approximately 2-3 lbs. or less

Hygiene

  • Baby wipes
  • Toothpaste & brush
  • Eye Drops
  • Skin Moisturizer

Total Weight:

Approximately 1.5 lb. or less

Paperwork

  • License & Tags (Non-Res Hunting License, Harvest tickets for bear & moose, Locking tags for Moose Bear & Wolf, everything signed)
  • Alaska Regulation booklet: Hard copy
  • Copy of Contracts: Both Agent and any from Outfitter/Transporter (Inside ziplock)
  • Transfer of possession forms: From Outfitter (inside ziplock)
  • Write in the rain journal and Pen

Total Weight:

Approximately 1.5 lb.

Overall Total Weight:

+/-210 lb. + Your Total Body Weight

*Weights will vary, but should get you close. Be sure to do your homework so that you are properly prepared for you hunt. If you have questions about this unguided moose hunt gear list, be sure to contact us or your outfitter.

Kyle Hansen with his 69 inch bull moose
Kyle went on our DIY moose hunt with his Dad in 2016 and it was so good, he went again in 2018.

Based on what Kyle learned on his first hunt, he has revised his list to what you see below.

Here are the notes from his 2016 Alaska moose hunt. [See the gear list he used in 2016]

Clothing

Everything I used from my unguided moose hunt gear list performed well and kept us warm and dry. My father used almost the identical setup without any issues either. If I had to do it over again I would go with First Lite rain gear as it would have matched my kit better for layering. By the end of the trip I tore a couple eyelets out of my wading boots from hiking in them. Maybe go with a better boot. If given the chance I would have also liked to bring a slip on rubber boot for around camp. I highly recommend the Sea to Summit lightweight bug net.

Pack

Worked out awesome! That being said I believe any Kifaru pack combined with a grab-it would work just fine. Next go around I will probably bring the new cargo panel for ease of loading. It’s tough loading those giant moose parts into a tube style bag. Also, a guy can get by just fine with a more affordable frame style pack such as a Cabelas guide frame model. I saw a little bit of everything up there, the guys that had the hardest time packing were either smaller guys or they just didn’t prepare for it… nothing to do with the pack.

Shelter

Those tents are tough and affordable; my only complaint is that they can be a little tight for a longer hunt. More annoying than anything. I would bring my own shelter next time. If you are bringing your own I wouldn’t recommend a floorless tent as most of these areas don’t have the solid ground for it. Also don’t bring too large of a tent because the flat spots that you can find usually are not much bigger than the 4 man Cabelas tent we were provided.

Sleep System

I0d went with more of a lightweight backpacking setup than I really needed to. My father used a much larger Big Agnes 0 degree square camp bag with the big thick air paid that slides into it. You are on cots for ten plus days; make the best of it since you won’t be carrying camp with you!

Optics

I feel that a decent 10×40 or 8×40 is adequate. I didn’t bring a spotter but at times it would have been nice. Personal preference. I will be bringing a spotting scope next time.

Cook System

no issues

Food

We had the outfitter supply the food. It was just fine however some of the stuff was a little more elaborate than what I wanted to take the time to prepare. I would bring my own food next time consisting of things that are fast to prepare combined with some fresh items purchased in bethel. Starbucks instant coffee packs are awesome!

Water purification and storage

The Nalgene bottles were our go to. I kept a bladder in the tent next to my cot just to have handy for later at night. The outfitter supplied 5 gal collapsible water containers that were awesome to have on hand. The pump “clogged” right away. Come to find out I just needed to lube the seal. I’m not that versed in water purification, especially when it’s out of a stagnant lake so lesson learned there. We ended up just using the aquamira for the 5 gallon containers and then steripened what we poured into our water bottles just to be safe. Everything we cooked with got boiled so that works great also. Definitely recommend multiple purification sources as it just gives a guy more flexibility. I may go with a bigger bladder next time for camp water, maybe 6-10L MSR.

Fire starting kit

Definitely bring something as a fuel source such as wet fire or trioxane tablets. We waited until we killed both our bulls to have a campfire.

Kill Kit

Basically an overkill version of the one on Rokslide. The interchangeable blade knives are awesome. My theory on using the havalon and the outdoor edge was that I would use the larger thicker bladed outdoor edge for the main butchering and the havalon for the detail work and fine caping. Never broke a blade with either and they both performed exactly as I thought although I thought for sure I was going to break the folding outdoor edge while making the cut up the back of the hide.

Hygiene Kit

Definitely bring this!

Photography/Videography

My smartphone was my go to; I honestly never even got the gopro out of the tent because it was much more convenient just to reach in my pocket. That being said don’t forget external chargers, they are awesome. Dad’s solar charger only worked for brief periods on 2-3 days. Very over casted.

Comms

Would not go back without my Delorme inReach! It was awesome!

Land Navigation

A decent GPS and a compass are important. Lots of these areas are flat and everything looks the same when you start getting away from camp. Especially in the alders, would be easy to get lost. Learn to use some kind of coordinates whether it is latitude/longitude or UTM grid coordinates simply because if something were to happen, being able to communicate precise location is necessary. Also good to set waypoints when you find good calling spots.

Weapons

I saw different setups from 7mm rem mag up to 338 lapua; the 300 win mag seemed to be the more common as well as the Barnes bullets. I’m very satisfied with my choice and wouldn’t hesitate to use it again. I also wouldn’t buy a new gun over it if you have something in that range. According to an article I read that surveyed 1500 moose hunters from Canada the most popular calibers were 270 win, 30-06, 308, 7mm rem, and 300 win mag. Side arms; matter of preference. I left it in the tent as something to make some noise with if something decided to get at us in the middle of the night. Thankfully that was a non-issue. The glock was fun for ptarmigan hunting after we shot our bulls.  

Misc.

I used the crap out of all the stuff on that list. Kind of wish that I had brought the “Moose Magnet” calling funnel as I ended up making a makeshift funnel by the end that worked well. With the funnel it not only projects volume but gives you more of a raspy sound.

Follow Kyle Hanson on Instagram @kylehansonoutdoors.

author avatar
Kyle Hanson
My commitment to my clients from the beginning as a Hunting Consultant with Outdoors International has been and still is to this day to put people first. I will always strive to provide my past, current, and future clients with exceptional customer service. It is a privilege to share in other’s dreams, and not something I take lightly. I am fortunate to send hundreds of my clients a field every year with incredible customer satisfaction. I’d love to help you plan a trip someday!