Backpacking with Muzzleloaders

[Nuthatch]

This winter, I'll be packing in several miles to camp for a late season deer hunt & I'll be taking my Woodsman. It's a coastal area so it never gets too cold. But it can get wet & often rains at least a little, even if just at night. I'll be out for 4-5 days. The hike in requires some effort. But since camp is at the bottom of a canyon, the hike out is the real chore -- even without a deer. So weight is an issue. This is also a solo hunt so there's no gear that can be shared or carried by another.

So I'm looking to create a gear list for the hunt & can use some input on the rifle gear. Here's what I've got so far:
5 plastic vials with pre-measured powder charges
Bullets (or balls with patches)
10 Caps
Pre-lubed patches
T-handle for cleaning rod
Nipple wrench
Spare Nipple
Patch puller
Bore covers (latex) & nipple covers for wet weather
Small multi-tool

I'd include a screw-on bullet puller but since I'll be using copper or ITX, I didn't think those would work. I'd like to get a CO2 discharger but can't seem to locate one for sale anywhere (I assume a bike or keg charger have different fittings).

Anything other critical items I'm missing?

 

[azmntman]

a few pipe cleaners

 

[Semisane]

 

[brewer12345]

I found a CO2 discharger for sale on Ox Yoke's site a month or so back. Might be worth checking.

 

[8 BORE]

I use a 50 cal pistol with a 14" bbl. Works good easy to pack

 

[Nuthatch]

AZ - I should have caught that. Thanks.
Semisane - good idea.
Brewer - I'll check it out. Thanks!
8 Bore - I do okay with a rifle but my pistol shooting (especially with open sights) is only fair. My distance would have to be so close that I may as well take my recurve. Cool idea, though.

 

[SDSmlf]

Not sure if you will have cell service where you are going. I have used a GPS tracker signaling device that allows me to get a signal out if I am in trouble (or ok) from just about anywhere. Has worked for me in the NC mountains, Western US and Canada, Alaska, Namibia among other locations. Call piece of mind.

Here is a link to one I use. There are others out there. https://www.findmespot.com/en/

As far as your equipment list, I would double up on the caps and keep them in two separate waterproof containers/packages. If you have all 10 together and they get wet.....

 

[hanshi]

Me, well, I'd take a few more ball/bullets than that; more like 10 minimum and powder charges.

 

[Nuthatch]

SDSmlf - I have signal in some places. Good idea on the caps.
hanshi - if I use up 5 shots and have no deer to show for it, I deserve that long walk of shame.

 

[Carbon 6]

I find that the more I over think something, the more I over pack.

 

[nhmoose]

Like caps are heavy 10 should be fine. {sarcasm off}

 

[SDSmlf]

Like caps are heavy 10 should be fine. {sarcasm off}

I don’t know. Five loads available, two caps per load makes sense. But my point was don’t keep the caps all together. Plastic viles for powder. Put some extra caps (maybe 10) in a powder vile and you are good to go. If your supply of caps gets wet you go from a hunting adventure to a hike.

Looking at your list would add a nipple pick (piano wire) or something to ensure nipple orifice is clear. SOP in my pouch. Also, I have gotten away from the latex bore covers. Small roll of electrical tape provides a more durable material for a bore cover. Two pieces ninety degrees to each other and then a quick wrap around that muzzle. Hunt the nastiest weather you can imagine every year just south of Buffalo NY and have never had a fouled load from the muzzle. Prefer using flintlock, but when it is raining, slushing and snowing find a caplock with some silicone covers over the cap and nipple I purchased (no idea from where, but have a personal lifetime supply) years ago work real well. Also, a bit of Never-Seez or some other thread sealant are required on all threads. Never had an issue with the first shot from a clean gun, no matter the weather. So few second shots with a dirty gun that I have no opinion.

 

[Mean Gene]

I would add a first aid kit, not just band aids.

 

[Ames]

Skip the CO2. I might pull one ball every 2 years or so. Not lugging extra gear like that .
Add a good first aid kit and bring a Lifestraw. Bad water is more likely to bring your hunt to a short end than a stuck projectile.

 

[Nuthatch]

First aid & filter go with the non-muzzleloading stuff. But definitely essential gear.