Title: Hunting Backpack – What’s in Yours’?
Tags: Hunting Backpack
Blog Entry: The Big Game Hunting Backpack – What’s in Yours’? Hello there adventurer, whether you consider yourself a neighborhood “back 40 hunter”, an “Extreme conditions hunter” who flies into the most remote reaches of mother earth or something in between, lets spend a few moments and discuss what you typically put in your hunting backpack. I am often surprised at what people tell me they bring. It makes sense to consider that where you go and what you hunt, the contents of your pack will most certainly vary. But, lets review a list of items you may want to consider no matter where you go. Below I have organized the contents into 5 groups. Each group offers a number of items to consider. Not all are essential on every trip. It’s up to you, to determine what’s required and what’s not. You may have other personal items to include. This list is to serve as a starting point for your planning exercise. Let’s go.. Standard Hunting Pack Essentials Category 1. Has anyone ever told you to “Get Lost”, Well hunting is a sure-fire way to give them their wish, unless you’re prepared. GPS, Compass, Local Maps, Topo Maps (either or)(remember extra batteries for all electronics) also bring a whistle and set of radios if hunting with a partner (where allowable by hunting regulations, check your state rules)(again remember extra batteries), Personal Satellite Locator Beacons if your going extremely remote. Category 2, No one predicted this kind of weather! I’ve heard this more than once. Fastest way to change the weather is to go hunting, be ready for anything. Packable Water Proof rainwear (pants, parka with hood and waterproof gloves) - Make sure they are big enough to fit OVER your existing clothes They can be used alternatively as an extra layer, for warmth in case the wind picks up and a cold front moves in. Remember that Cotton Kills, don’t wear Cotton hunting clothes. Once wet, cotton robs your body of warmth as it dries. Go synthetic and stay alive. Extra socks are also a welcome addition, consider wearing liner socks and bringing an extra pair of over socks. Gortex or waterproof watch cap that covers your ears. Bandanna or white cloth handkerchief (A million and 1 uses) Pack all clothing in 100% waterproof travel bags then squeeze the air out place in pack at bottom. Category 3, Basic Human Needs (food, water shelter) Since you are now off the couch and away from the closest refrigerator let’s bring a few basic comforts of home with us. Water. Integrated Backpack Bladder, Simple water bottles or Filtration System To reduce weight consider adding a 2 micro filter bottle to use existing wild water sources as needed. Caution, when hunting in warm climates where rivers and ponds contain viruses, either boil then filter or purchase a LifeSaver water bottle. This is the only bottle I use. Its expensive at $225 but you can use ANY freshwater source to obtain safe drinking water. A lunch (simple but nourishing) (MRE’s work well since you can open and eat without heating. Check camping stores for non military versions. Some are not bad at all. Eat out of the container and pack a spoon/fork to minimize weight and pack space. Bring a gallon size ZipLock bag to store your garbage and take it out with you. Unless you will be planning to start a fire and boil water, don’t buy the freeze dried foods. I prefer the ready to eat stuff. It’s temperature friendly in anything but the most sever cold weather. I keep a zip lock with the following items (A travel mini shampoo bottle (washed out well) to store powdered drink mix, (to flavor water bottles), a pack of chewing gum, an assortment of individual wrapped hard candies, a small lighter, a few mini cigars, a few strips of jerky, tea or coffee bags and a pack of breath mints) An emergency space blanket, multipurpose hardware store tarp with grommet holes, or a few black heavy duty plastic lawn leaf bags. Any of these items can be used to prepare a makeshift shelter if needed. Also, a 10 foot section of rope, a few chemical light sticks for at night. Add a flashlight or headlamp in case you find yourself operating in the dark. Category 4, Now how did I go and do that to myself! Emergency Medial Items Basic first aid kit (bandages, scissors, tape, Water Proof Band-Aids, triple antibiotic ointment, anti itch cream, eye drops, mirror, good tweezers, Advil, Tylenol, Aspirin, blister kit, anti diarrhea pills, Insect repellent), Package or two of sealed portable baby wipes. Believe it or not you can fit most of these items in a soft waterproof flat school pencil case. Category 5, I really wish I had brought a ….! Other things that really seen to come in handy.. Cell phone, Camera, mini multi-tool/leatherman, zip lock with small journal and cut down pencil or small pen, "hunter orange" stocking cap, clip on watch, clip on thermometer, hiking stick, screw top plastic container for berries or forage food, binoculars, waterproof matches, fishing line and hooks, plastic bags, folding pocket knife, a few dollars in cash and change, magnifying glass (for creating fires), ear plugs to combat snoring tent partners and for sighting in rifle, take down 1 piece rifle cleaning rod, and small cleaning kit with patches for your caliber rifle Remember, you most likely wont need everything on this list or you won’t make it up the first hill without blowing a blood vessel. Category 5 items are where we all most often load ourselves down. Focus on 1-4 and based on remaining space take what you need with you and leave the rest back at camp. Get creative with reducing weight and space in your packed items as much as possible. The lighter you are the farther you’ll go. So challenge yourself but be prepared for whatever comes your way and you’ll enjoy the thrill that exploring new places brings. Happy Travels DJ
VIEW FULL VERSION: Link