Elk Country Essentials: keeping comfortable with Yeti
Andy Husek 10.24.24
Chasing elk in the high country doesn’t mean you have to be completely uncomfortable. While a bit of discomfort is part of the experience—reminding us of how lucky we are to pursue these majestic creatures—it’s quickly forgotten as our freezers fill with delicious burgers, steaks, chops, and roasts. The joys of enjoying those meals with family and friends far outweigh any minor aches.
That said, I’m a creature of comfort, and whenever possible, I go the extra mile to bring along those little luxuries that make the experience more enjoyable. This year was no exception; a couple of extra items found their way into my side-by-side and daypack, earning me high fives and pats on the back from my fellow hunters. After all, everyone appreciates a little comfort in the wild!
Early Season Elk Hunting
During the early season, we were fortunate to hunt on private land in southeastern Colorado, complete with an extensive road system. This allowed us to use a side-by-side for transportation, a total game-changer when chasing elk. Utilizing gas and horsepower instead of just water and boot leather means you can cover much more ground and spot elk more quickly.
With the typical cold mornings and hot afternoons of September in this region, I knew I would need some creature comforts. Hot coffee in the morning and cold drinks in the midday heat were essential. I know, I sound like a diva, but if we have the means to enjoy these comforts, why not?
Yeti Essentials for Comfort
For those chilly mornings, we would fire up the jetboil and whip out the new 34 oz. Yeti French Press coffee pot. A hot cup of coffee can make you forget just how early and cold it is! Yeti recently launched two new French presses: the 34 oz. version is perfect for a daypack and serves a couple of people, while the larger 64 oz. press is ideal for main camp or lodge gatherings. Both feature a grounds control filter, twist-to-lock lid, and double-wall vacuum insulation to keep coffee warm. They come in various colors and retail for $110-$130, making them a great addition to any hunt camp, tailgate, or backyard gathering.
Once our morning hunt wrapped up and temperatures rose, we switched to cold drinks—a much-appreciated treat after some less-than-successful hikes. On this trip, we used the M30 Tote Soft Cooler in the side-by-side, which kept our water and sodas cold all day. The cooler’s vibrant Orange/King Crab Orange color (or as I like to call it, Blaze Orange) is perfect for hunt camp! Just be aware, it stands out for miles, making it easy to see how far you’ve wandered when heading back.
I’ve used older versions of the M30 Tote Soft Cooler in the past, but I was never a fan of the zipper closure. Thankfully, the new MagShield Access feature is incredible! It allows for easy opening and closing, enabling quick access without battling the old zipper. The magnets are strong, and the extra-wide mouth stays open when needed but snaps shut securely when not in use. If you’ve considered the M30 Tote Soft Cooler in the past, I highly recommend checking it out now—it retails for around $350 and comes in a variety of colors.
Conclusion
Elk camp was a success this year, as it always is, and the addition of new Yeti creature comforts made our experience even better. Two thumbs up for the 34 oz. Yeti French Press and the M30 Tote Soft Cooler! For more information on these products or any of Yeti’s other great offerings, visit their website—you won’t be disappointed.
