In the fall and spring the mountain men would trap. They would travel in brigades of 40 to 60 and fan out into parties of 2 or 3. The group would include Tenders and meat hunters. But, they had to watch their backs because Indians were a constant threat to them. The Blackfeet were the most feared and you also had to avoid the Comanches. But the Shoshone, Crows and Mandans were Normally friendly. Some Men even married and lived with a few Indians. But after Fur hats were no longer in fashion many mountain men became guides for those making the journey across the plains to the west.
Clothing/supplies
Saddle
Used mouse trap as a substitute for beaver trap
Blanket
Powder horn
In July, the groups of Mountain men and Company suppliers would gather at the summer rendezvous. Furs were sold and supplies were bought. What began as a practical gathering to exchange pelts for supplies and reorganize trapping units evolved into a month long carnival, in the middle of the Wilderness. The gathering was not just for trappers, Women, Children, Indians, French Canadians and travelers also joined. Furs would be sold for $2. and the most profitable Idem was Beaver pelts. They also had various activities witch included, horse races, running races, target shooting and gambling. There was a ton of Whiskey Drinking to.
The mountain mens life was not ruled by the calendar but by the climate and seasons. Fall and spring was around the time when the men would trap. The spring season was usually most profitable, with pelt still having their winter thickness. After the rendezvous they would head out to their fall trapping grounds. It only continued in the fall if they were in need of food or if they had been remarkably poor. But in November the streams froze and animals went into hibernation. Life in the winter camp could be easy or difficult depending on the weather, and availability of food. But the greatest enemy was boredom.
Hatchet
Bullet pouch: would not be this advanced tough
The equipment of the mountain man was sparse and well used. A Trapper carried a riding Saddle, beaver Traps, Blankets, a powder horn, bullet pouch, a butcher knife, bait for beavers, a tobacco sack with a pipe, implements for making fire and a hatchet. He would wear Moccasins, a flannel or cotten shirt, leggings, a pair of leather breeches, a coat made of Blanket or a Buffalo robe, a hat or cap of wool, and a blanket draped over his feet.