Friday 19 March 2004

What Should I Have in My Hunting Pack?

Many of the aspiring hunters that walk through our doors want to know what they should put in their bow hunting backpack. The answer is that it depends on a couple of factors like where you will be hunting, and how long you will be gone for. With that being said, there are some things that every hunter should have with them at all times.Below are a few things that hunters should keep in their hunting packs.

Hunting Pack: I know that it goes without saying, but you should make sure that you get a quality hunting pack. This is where you will keep all of your hunting knick-knacks and accessories, so choosing the right option is essential. If you only plan on doing day trips, then you can get away with a smaller bag, but if you are going on an extended hunt make sure that you get something on the larger side.
First Aid: This is one of the cheaper items that you can pick up on this list, so make certain that you have space for it in your bag. I cannot tell you how many times a buddy of mine has gotten a scrape or a nick or cut. When this happens, you want to be able to treat the wound so that it can heal faster and it doesn't get infected.
Hunting Permit: Do not forget to put your hunting permit in your backpack! I always make sure that it is the first thing that I put in, and the last thing that I check before I head out.
Water: Whether you are staying out for a short time, or a few days, you want to make sure that you carry the right amount of water. I have a hydration pack that can hold between 58-96 ounces or 1-3 liters of water.
Food: You want to ensure that you have enough food for however long you are staying out in the woods.
Clothes: Much of the time, it can get cold in the woods when the sun sets, so it is best to have a set of thermal clothes to keep you warm -- just in case.
Mylar Blanket: The space blanket, as they are more commonly known are great to have in your bag because they help to prevent the loss of heat. They are also optimal for your hunting backpack because they are very compact. Depending on the size of your bag, space might be at a premium.
Light: A headlamp or a flashlight is needed for when the sun goes down. You have to be able to see in the dark or low-light conditions.
Purification Straw: A good purification straw could save your life. If there is ever a situation where you run out of water and you need to stay hydrated, you will be thankful that you have one of these in your pack.
Knife: I have a leatherman in my bag, but any knife will do. I have always gone the fixed-blade route, but if space is dwindling, you can also use a foldable blade.
Hunting Accessories: This is another thing that should go without saying. You should always carry replacement broadheads, strings, multi-tools, etc. You never know when you will need them. This includes batteries for scopes, GPS, or rangefinders.
GPS/Phone: I have a handy GPS that I use, and have come to rely on for my hunts, but I am sure that you can use your phone as well. You just need to be aware that the service might be spotty, and you might incur roaming charges. I would get the GPS, and only use the phone if you desperately have to.
Hunting packs are becoming less and less of a luxury, and more and more of a necessity. The addition of cell phones has made everything a lot easier, but you never know when something might happen. This is why having a hunting backpack full of all the essentials is important to have. You may not need everything all of the time, but if you have the basics that are listed above,you should be fine to go bow hunting without having to change to much after the initial investment. The other great thing about most of these items is that they are not perishable. Want to read more one bow hunting accessories? Is there something we missed in our hunting pack? Let us know your thoughts.

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