I’m planning a walk in back country elk hunt for next year . I’m not going to start an argument over wearing glasses instead, I’m wearing contacts for a reason .
Of you folks that do this sort of thing on a regular basis, how do you deal with contacts when living out of a backpack? Do they still make the 30 day lenses that you can wear 24/7 ? That seems like the simplest solution. What about the once a day version, put on a new pair everyday and throw the old ones away .
Just wanted to hear from the folks with real experience dealing with this issue.
Thanks in advance.
GB

I use the daily wear lenses. A water rinse for removing and putting the lenses in, spit sometimes. I switch to eyeglasses while at camp in the evenings.

When I wore contacts, I would carry 3 or 4 extra sets of disposable lenses just in case, I carried my case and solution and would basically function like I did at home take them out right before bed and put them back in in the morning. I would carry a small square of plastic sheeting about 18 inches square to use to put them in and take them out over. I did this for years without any issues. I did carry a pair of glasses just in case but never needed them but since they weighed next to nothing it was worth the piece of mind.

I can get by without if need be , can’t still pass the eye exam at the dmv if I go a couple of days without correction . I just didn’t think packing in cleaner and solution was the answer when a 7 to 10 mile hike with everything I need for ten days was going to be on my back . I’m no spring chicken anymore.

Yes they still make the extended wear. I keep mine in for 30 days or more all the time. I would take extras just in case.

Yes, I wear the extended wear. And have zero issues other than the temptation to leave them in longer than they should. This can lead to a scratched or oxygen deprived cornea, read painful, due to calcium buildup on the lenses.
Take them out and swap on time or at the first sign of discomfort. Also lenses that have calcium build up are far less clear than fresh ones but you won't notice it due to the slow buildup over time.

Now I shouldn't say this but the recommended interval to swap lenses is rather conservative, extremely so. But ymmv.

The only other issue is they have yet to make a multifocal lense for those of us with older eyes, or at least one that works. There are a few tricks you can try such as a differing focal in each eye and training yourself to switch eye dominance but that's a pia most won't master or tolerate.

A pair of readers worn low works for me if close up delicate tasks are at hand. For hunting they would remain in a pocket.

As for hunting or extended trips I would start with a new pair in and carry a spare set and my regular glasses, bifocals, plus readers. I would carry minimal supplies for contact care as I hesitate to swap lenses in the field due to hygiene issues, though I have done it.

Another thing. If you do not have a current contact lense prescription you won't be able to buy as they have to be fitted.
Once you have a current one go to one of the online sellers for best pricing and they keep prescription on file while most brick and mortars want to see a hard copy less than a year old.

Small mirror , some solution , and an extra set or two .

I pull mine out every night

I've tried to leave them in overnight but results are not good the next morning


Glasses suck

1 ounce of solution goes a long way. I would pack that and an extra pair.

I ordered contacts from 1-800-contacts in September. When I ordered I was told there was a 5-7 week backorder. I got lucky, however, and a customer service person helped me out and I had them in about a week.

Just keep the potential of a backorder in mind if you have to order some.

Have a good, safe hunt and have fun!

Moosetrot

As others have said, I just take a half of a small bottle of solution, an extra pair of contacts just in case, hand sanitizer to clean hands prior to removing the lenses. I never carried glasses as I can see around camp okay without any correction. That set up is pretty light. I've done some super ultralight backpack hunting trips before and that stuff always made the cut without issue

I have 2 week lenses, but switch to daily for over hunting and extended camping trips. Easy and no problems yet.

Thanks for the heads up on the back order, I guess you can’t assume anything these days.

Warrior realistically how long can you wear a pair without swapping for new ones ? We are talking day and night without removing them right ?

I shouldn't say but longer than a month and, yes 24/7.

BUT, not everyone can so use caution.

Like other said, I do the same thing I do at home. Take ‘em out to go to sleep, put ‘em back in when I wake up. I just use the mirror on my compass to put them in.

if your eyes dry up just put a little chewing tobacco in them. they will water right up

Danny I’ve done that, it works very well.