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The Mountains Don’t Care: Why the 6 Ps of Sheep Hunting Matter More Than Ever

The Mountains Don’t Care: Why the 6 Ps of Sheep Hunting Matter More Than Ever

Hunting sheep in the remote backcountry is one of the most challenging and rewarding adventures a hunter can undertake. These hunts demand peak physical fitness, mental grit, and most importantly well-chosen gear. With weather that can change in minutes and terrain that punishes every step, you need equipment that won’t let you down. This is where the proverbial 6 Ps come into effect – prior planning prevents piss poor performance.

Physical fitness and conditioning are something that should have been worked on months prior and you are way late in the game if only contemplating starting a workout regime a few weeks out from season – the mountains don’t care!

When it comes to the mental fortitude needed, everyone has their own way of dealing with the constant grind. However, one thing that’s certain is you need to have a big dose of “dog f##k”. Like my good friend and sheep guide Vladimir Treshchov always says – “step by step is how you kill a ram”.

Watch some of our sheep hunting films here:

RAM TOWN - Climb one more time - https://youtu.be/eFinG_Bvg9s
Horseback Hunting TIAN SHAN "The Mountains of Heaven" - https://youtu.be/11yheY7XCG4
Namaste Himalaya - A Blue Sheep Expedition - https://youtu.be/zctCvDNtRxU
Brooks Range Warrior - https://youtu.be/91KzUc6cxH8

This blog is by no means a “be all, end all” write up on the subject but merely what I personally have used on the sheep hunts I have been on internationally. Whether it’s your first sheep hunting experience or your slam ram. This list is subjective and can be used to cross check your own, add/remove items, or recall something you might have overlooked altogether.

Here’s the essential gear checklist to help you pack smart, hunt hard, and stay safe in the mountains.

CANIS Clothing

Baselayers
Tahr Merino Brief
Tahr Merino Short Sleeve
Tahr Merino Half Zip Long Sleeve
Tahr Merino 3/4 Zip Tights

Midlayers
Chamois Hooded Half Zip

Insulation
Alpha Grizzly Jacket
Pamir Insulation Jacket/ Alps Down Jacket
Alps Down 3/4 Zip Pants

Pants
Alpine Light Pant (early season)
Alpine Pant

Wet Weather
Nunavut Rain Jacket
Nunavut Rain Pant

Headwear
Alpha Flex Hat
Chamois Beanie
Tahr Merino Neck Gaiter

Accessories
Summit Merino Socks Long
Chamois Fleece Liner Glove
Operator Glove
Alpha Belt
Gaiters

Footwear (Personal preference)

  • High-quality mountain hunting boots – Broken in and waterproof with Flex Rating of 5. (Crispi, Schnee’s or Scarpa)
  • Camp shoes – Lightweight (Crocs)
  • Insoles (Sheep Feet)

Backpack & Carry System

  • Expedition style backpack ( 3500- 5500in / 60–85L) – Must support multi-day loads and meat hauling. (We have used EXO, Kifaru & Mystery Ranch)
  • Dry bags/stuff sacks – For organization and weatherproofing. (CANIS Triton Dry Bags & Sea to Summit Compression Sack)
  • Pack rain cover

Shelter & Sleep System

  • Lightweight tent. (Seek Outside, Hilleberg)
  • Sleeping bag 15°F early 0°F late season (CANIS Alaska Down Bag)
  • Insulated sleeping pad. (I always run a R value of 7 – Outdoor Vitals or Klymit)
  • Emergency bivvy.
  • Tarp (Lanshan)
  • Small piece of sponge to wipe condensation inside of tent.

Optics (Personal preference)

  • Binoculars (Leica or Swarovski 10x or more with rangefinder)
  • Spotting scope (SWAROVSKI 20-60x65 Angled)
  • Tripod (Tricer or Manfrotto BeFree)
  • Bino pack (Marsupial Gear)
  • Ollin (Scope Adapter)

Navigation & Communication

  • OnX with downloaded maps (iPhone)
  • Garmin inReach or Bivvy Stik
  • Portable power bank, cables and solar panel (Dark Energy)

Weapon (Personal preference on caliber)

  • Rifle (Christensen or Snowy MTN)
  • Ammunition (20 rounds)
  • Field cleaning kit (minimal)
  • Fixit Stix

Food & Nutrition (Outfitter supplies meals but pack own extra snacks and hydration powders)

  • High-calorie snacks – (Bars, jerky, trail mix, etc.)
  • Electrolytes or hydration tablets (personal preference)

Cooking & Water

  • Ultralight stove (Jetboil)
  • Fuel canister(s) (Outfitter/guide usually supplies – can’t fly with them)
  • Lightweight cup + spoon (Snow Peak)
  • Water filter or purifier (Sawyer, SteriPen)
  • Water bladder or Nalgene bottles 2–3L capacity. (Camel Pack - Hardside Hydration)

Field Gear

  • Game bag (lightweight and breathable. Guide will also have)
  • Knife + backup or replaceable blades/sharpener (MKC, Winkler or Havlon)
  • Paracord 550 (20–30 ft)
  • Trekking poles (Personal preference)
  • Headlamp with spare batteries. (Last Light)
  • Multi-tool (Leatherman)
  • Glassing Pad (Muley Freak)
  • Disposable skinning gloves x 2
  • Lighter/fire starter

Personal Items & First Aid

  • Limited toiletries
  • Wipes (Dude Wipes)
  • First aid kit, moleskin for blisters, anti-diarrhea, pain, etc. (Uncharted)
  • Lip balm & sunscreen
  • Bug spray or head net (early season)
  • Gold Bond Powder (game changer for a fresh crack and sack)
  • Sunglasses
  • Tenacious Tape
  • Small zip ties
  • Spare boot laces

Every ounce matter’s on a sheep hunt but being underprepared can be even more costly than carrying a few extra pounds. Prioritize quality over quantity and focus on versatility. Test your gear before you go, break in your boots, and always prepare for the unexpected. A successful sheep hunt is built on preparation. This checklist is your foundation.

Good luck this season, kill a big one, and send us those ram pics!