Hunting Pack

[Bobson]

Like the compass thing, I'm not sure this is on topic. It doesn't have much at all to do with firearms, but certainly much to do with hunting. Hope this is on topic.

My uncle got lost in the woods while hunting a few years back. He got out the next day and it was fine, but he wasn't prepared and it could have been worse. Without going into how to avoid getting lost, I'd like to discuss what people typically bring along on a hunt. These are things you'd bring when you don't expect to be out overnight, but maybe you're packing some basics just in case. In other words, don't list a tent, sleeping bag, etc.

Everything you list should be able to fit on your person and/or in a normal sized backpack. Here's what I've got listed so far for what is expected to be a single-day hike/hunt (in no particular order - just as I thought of em):

1. Waterproof matches
2. 2 quart sized ziplock bags
3. A little bundle of a zip ties
4. 3-5 yards of twine (can be used as normal strength twine or peeled for smaller tasks)
5. First Aid Kit
6. Water purification tabs
7. Clif bars, raisins, nuts (basically easy storage, high calorie food that will last)
8. 2 space blankets
9. 2 disposable ponchos
10. Map (waterproofed) and Compass
11. Camelbak (holds initial water and refills as fresh water becomes available)
12. Salt packets (for salt replenishment after intense activity; could be vital after a couple days out)
13. Fixed blade knife
14. A dozen or so Alcohol soaked cotton balls (for easier fire starting in wet or humid conditions)

I guess it could be a bit of an excessive list, but everything there wouldn't sum more than 20 pounds of so (with most of the weight coming from the water, knife, first aid kit, and backpack itself). Trivial weight in exchange for enormous benefit - if you need it, it's cause you're in a life or death situation. Note that most of the things on the list are very small and light in exchange for a huge benefit. Disposable poncho for instance, is about the size of a deck of cards, and half the weight.

Anything major I haven't considered (besides a gun and ammo, ofc; I figured that's a given). I expect some people will view this as being a bit paranoid, but I think everything there is small enough and important enough that it would almost be like, why wouldn't you bring them? Pride? Laziness? Overconfidence? It's good to understand your ability but those three things get people killed in the woods.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I'm in my 50's, and I've been stuck in the woods more than once.

Here's what I carry that you don't have on your list...

A small tomahawk
A Swiss Army lockblade knife, with a sawblade (in addition to a fixed blade, skinning knife) The Trekker model is simple and strong.
Flint-n-steel, and a lighter (in addition to matches - 3 different ways to make fire)
A sharpening stone
A couple of candles
two 1 quart water bottles - at least one is metal
tea or instant coffee
Florist wire (from a craft store)

I'd omit the salt tablets... the salt that you need is potassium, and most of the salt tablets out there are more sodium. Plus you're probably getting proper potassium from the meal bars that you carry...so what you'll only do is increase the need for water.

Change out the zip ties for florist wire. It's cheap, green, strong, and you can do more things with it than with zip ties.

Change the alcohol cotton balls to cotton balls with Vaseline. They work better because you don't have to work against the natural tendency for the alcohol to evaporate.

I'd use the quart bottles over the camelback, as the water purification tablets that I have are made for a specific volume of water... one quart. Not sure about guestimation on how much water I added to the camelback that needed purifying. Too much water and the tablets won't clean it enough; too little water and the over concentration will purify your insides...dehydration from diarrhea in either case simply adds to your troubles.

A metal bottle is good to heat up your water. A shot of caffeine delivered in a hot beverage works wonders, and help to keep up your core temperature. (Contrary to some sources, the amount of caffeine in a regular cup of coffee or tea doesn't may you pee more.) Even if you don't have the caffeine source, drinking some hot water will still help to keep up your core temp, and help your digestion of your ration bars. Plus when you've had your drink, and sanitized your water by boiling (saving the tablets)... the hot water in your bottle, held close to you, contributes to your body heat when you try to sleep.

LD

 

[Bobson]

Very informative, thanks man.

 

[wankerjake]

Vaseline burns longer than alcohol and lights just as easily on the cotton. Vaseline is the way to go. Have a GPS?

 

[Bobson]

I don't have one yet, Jake. I have another (recent) thread in this subforum where I had many of my questions about GPS units answered. Also, I'm signed up for a class that teaches navigation with a map and compass, through REI. I'll buy a GPS, but map and compass will be my main nav tool, probably through most (or all) of 2015. There are some other expense priorities I have first, especially since a map and compass will get me where I need to go.

 

[wankerjake]

As long as you can get satellite coverage, a GPS makes it very hard to get lost. All I carry anymore is means to make a fire and a GPS. Extra batteries. I won't be lost for long

A used garmin etrex has got to be cheap. I'd guess well under $100? GPS works in the dark and in fog or a storm where you can't navigate landmarks. I know that a map and compass are useful if you know what you are doing but a GPS is almost idiot proof.

 

[sage5907]

Hey Bobson, how about a flashlight. I always carry two small flashlights when I'm hunting. If one doesn't work I have a backup, and if one doesn't work it has an extra set of batteries for the one that does work.

 

[climbnjump]

7. Clif bars, raisins, nuts (basically easy storage, high calorie food that will last)

For the most calories per unit of weight, good ol' "Fritos" are hard to beat - pretty high fat content. No, they aren't nutritious, but if you need calories with little weight penalty they are an option.

If you are out in below freezing temps then a stick of butter is also an option. If you carry it between your inner and outer layer, it will not melt but still be soft enough to bite off a chunk when you need to. It's all fat again, but that's what will help keep your body temp up during that long cold night.

 

[Bobson]

a GPS is almost idiot proof.

Oh, thank heavens. I'm in luck lol. No seriously, I see your point. If I can find a used one for a fair price I'll get after it. The pack is a work in progress currently, and I'm building up (physically) to further hikes. I'm currently operating in areas I know very well, with well groomed trails.

Sage, good call on a small flashlight or two. Will add to the kit.

 

[redneck]

My day pack has:
flashlight and extra batteries
fixed blade knife
wet tinder fire starters and a ferrocerium rod
water proof matches
surveyors tape
about 50ft of 550 parachute cord
gutting gloves
couple gallon ziplock bags
water purifying straw
water bottle
2-Clean bandannas
small first aid kit
Silva Huntsman compass

That stuff stays in it at all times, then depending on the weather forecast and how far I plan to go I add food/drinks for the day, a dry shirt, extra gloves etc.

 

[lefteye]

While it may seem silly or stupid to some, I prefer carrying two compasses. Over the years I have found that sometimes I don't "believe" the compass because I think I really know the directions. If the second compass confirms the first compass, I must admit my stupidity and believe both compasses.

 

[RJTravel]

Several 1 gal Ziploc bags are a must. Takes up very little room and weighs nothing, yet you can fill and transport water and they seldom leak. Also you can fill and leave out for a few hours, with or without full sun, and it will purify water without the need for chemicals.

 

[twofifty]

I carry my 'all day hunting' stuff in a compact 43 liter pack that has an ultralight internal frame.

It seldom is full, unless the weather is threatening to turn from rain to snow, which is when extras (extra layer, light cagoule, better socks, hat & gloves, better food) come along.

 

[caribou]

Summer time.....I take extra things in my pack I probably have in my pockets already, like a knife, toilet paper, wire, lighter a nylon Poncho and poncho blanket (real light) to keep dry, over night sorta comfortably and to keep cover my meats in sandy places when carrying it back.extra socks and a couple garbage bags for things I want dry or carry heart liver tongue, ect, as well as an MRE Heater meal. There is the heated meal if things are bad, and the matches , toilet paper, coffee ect double water proofed. I also carry a water bottle, in the pack, if I dont have a thermos, hydration, even on an Arctic Summer is very important.

In Winter I take the travel bag as we call our Hunting packs (nomatter if were hunting or not, the bag gos with) an extra change of clothes and a tent, sleeping bags, ax, small stove and some sorta light, candles, gas light, flashlights. Tools and a sled behind the snow go and Im ready.

Snacks and a thermos of Coffee is nice

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Also you can fill and leave out for a few hours, with or without full sun, and it will purify water without the need for chemicals.

Um... you might SERIOUSLY want to rethink that information:
Modern Survival Blog

The other nice thing about a bottle, is that if you carry a coffee filter, and a rubber band, you can cover the mouth of the bottle and push it below the surface of your wild, water source to keep any sediment, tiny larvae, and plant debris out of the water before you purify it.

LD

 

[Bobson]

The other nice thing about a bottle, is that if you carry a coffee filter, and a rubber band, you can cover the mouth of the bottle and push it below the surface of your wild, water source to keep any sediment, tiny larvae, and plant debris out of the water before you purify it.

Thank you. Last night I was looking at different water containers on Amazon and I started thinking, I need some sort of filter (fabric, mesh, whatever) so I don't gather crud unnecessarily when gathering water. Couldn't think of a good option, but this is a great idea.

Now, on the toic of water containers. If I don't go with the Camelbak (and I might because I already have it), what are the best options? I mean, there's BPA free Nalgene bottles which are very durable and lightweight. But are those rumors about drinking from plastic bottles true? (Something about letting sunlight contact the bottle... I'm not quite sure).

I looked for some sort of metal container so I can boil water over a fire, but short of bringing a camping saucepan or something, I can't find something that seems like it would work well. There are the military canteen cups, but that won't pack well. Any ideas? Or just stick with Nalgene and water purification tablets/drops?

 

[Bobson]

I thought of something else that would be beneficial bring:

Some fishing line and a maybe 6-12 fishing hooks. Very little space required, and could be very valuable if stuck somewhere. Bait is everywhere, so no worries there. Maybe some small clamp-style lead weights (1 per hook?).

Just figured I'd share it on case someone else is reading this getting info for their own kit, either now or in the future.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

In reverse order.... fish hooks are a fine idea for all around survival, but remember you're talking about a survival kit during hunting season. Is the ground soft enough and worms active enough to dig them up when and where you hunt?

The nice thing about the floral wire is that it can be used to fish or to make a snare for rabbits/squirrels, plus for building a shelter.

I was thinking of something like this Aluminum Sport Bottle or if you want fancy, something like this Kelly Kettle, where you build the fire in a chamber that runs through the center of the kettle.

Another option, is a small, plastic bottle with a flip top spout, and plain, chlorine bleach. About four drops of Chlorine, and ten minutes, and a quart of water is purified.

You can find clear, plastic bottles meant to be used as canteens, that are BPA free...often they are made to attached to a Katadyn water filter system too. Here's one from LL Bean. Though in this case the tinting would mess with UV sterilization.

LD

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Here's my list for elk hunting:

Backpacking Elk Hunt Checklist

Load bearing equipment

Pack (internal or external frame, with waistbelt)
Canteen or plastic water bottle​

Clothing

Boots
Socks (Wal Mart Hunter socks) 3pr in sealed bag
Cargo trousers
Waffle weave underwear
Flannel Shirt
Rain Gear (pocket-sized rain parka)
Goretex parka
Goretex socks
Thinsulate socks
Down vest
Extra stocking cap
Blaze orange vest
Wool gloves
Orange Hat
Bandanas (2)​

Rifle and ammo

Rifle with sling
20 rounds
Scope covers
Electrician tape to cover muzzle
Jointed cleaning rod
Patches
Gun Oil​

Cook kit

Pot (large can)
Pot lifter
Anti-gravity stove
Windscreen
Pot scrubber (in sealed bag)
Spoon
Plastic bowl
Plastic cup
Anti-government Lighter
Denatured alcohol for stove​

Sleeping and shelter

Tarp tent
Cord (25-30 feet)
Stakes (6)
Stake Cords
Ground sheet (plastic)
Closed Cell foam pad
Sleeping bag​

First Aid and sanitation

Bandaids
Molefoam
Adhesive tape
Neosporin cream
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Toilet paper
Soap (liquid)
Bug repellent (DEET)
Water purification pills (2-part if desired)
Sunblock (as appropriate)​

Navigation

Map
Compass
GPS​

Miscellaneous

Flashlight
Spare batteries
Skinning knife
Gerber saw
Lightweight trash bags
Ziplock bags​

Food

Oatmeal packets (three per breakfast)
Cocoa packets (two or three a day)
Freeze dried meals (one per day)​

Communications

FMRS radio -- set SOP on channel and call times
Cell Phone -- check for signal​

 

[OYE]

I looked for some sort of metal container so I can boil water over a fire, but short of bringing a camping saucepan or something, I can't find something that seems like it would work well. There are the military canteen cups, but that won't pack well.

Can't think of anything that packs better, a military canteen inside of a canteen cup inside of a canteen cup stove stand. Either in the daypack or on the belt. It's what they are made for. For extreme cold conditions go with the military arctic double walled canteen and cup.

Guess you can use a hankerchief to filter debri from water if you are in a pinch.

We do carry a compass but often just use "dead reckoning".

We find a good quality LED headlamp (with an extra set of batteries) to be of great importance for hands free operation. Skinning out game, around camp, finding your way back to a trail on a dark night, or saddling horses. One that takes 4 AA and will throw a beam 100 meters on high or less for closer work. One similar to the Priceton Tec Apex
or their cabelas clone. Recommend the low discharge rechargeable Eneloop batteries with that. Oh makes an excellent coon hunters light as well. Can't remember the last time we used or even saw a conventional flashlight around here.

We also find use for a 6 x 8 or an 8 x 10 plastic tarp (about 1 lb.) in the daypack for a clean spot to butcher elk, stretched over a carcass overnight to deter critters and birds, to get out of a sudden rain storm, or can be used for a lean to for an overnight shelter.

Most everything is already mentioned for the daypack. One must remember to leave room for the hatchet or bone saw, game bags, binoculars and or spotting scope and tripod, rifle shells, and other things that might not be considered
essential survival equipment.

We usually have horses in camp, so spending a night out "lost " without them
really isn't in the cards since they need feed and water whether we are lost or not. So we don't make that an option. OYE

 

[jrdolall]

Since I hunt about 500 yards from my house......
It has been a long time since I hunted in woods that were big enough to really get lost in. I would love some property where I couldn't hear the constant sound of cars on the highway.
I read a few months ago about a guy that was found naked in the woods by a deer hunter! He said he had gotten lost from a party seven days earlier and had been wandering around in the woods. I know this area just south of Atlanta and there is no way a person that can hear and see could possibly be lost for more than an hour. According to the hunter he had walked about 200 yards from a gravel road when he found the guy.

 

[witchhunter]

I ran hounds for bear and lion for many years. When cat hunting in winter, I always planned on spending the night. I carried 2 mini mags and extra batteries. 2 emergency blankets, knife, diamond steel. A stainless steel cup with a candle, baggies trash bags and tea bags, and sugar packets and instant soup stuffed inside it. Always a sandwich and a candy bar for lunch. A first aid kit in a Tupperware box to include sutures, scissors, tweezers, tape, compress, vet wrap, etc. Water purification straw, spare sox, a 10x10 blue tarp, saw, lighter and flint and steel. also waterproof matches in a waterproof container. 1 quart canteen of water. a silk bandana, paracord, flagging tape, notebook and pencil, walkie-talkie, cliff bars, candy, some pain meds, Neosporin, spare gloves and a wool watch cap. and my S&W 651 in 22 mag with 50 rounds of solids. You need fire, shelter and water, the soup or tea is nice, but you can walk out without it in the morning. You MAY need first aid, a weapon, meds, food, etc, but usually after a warm night in a tarp shelter with a fire, a cup of soup for dinner, and a cliff bar and a cup of tea for breakfast, you can walk back to the truck easy peasy.

 

[twofifty]

(off topic)
Love that amazing Lassen backcountry.

 

[RJTravel]

...four drops of Chlorine, and ten minutes, and a quart of water is purified...
LD

Try that in heavy-use Colorado backcountry and you may well have a very short backpacking season. Use a filter straw or correct use of chemicals. In extremely remote N ID, N/W MT, and B.C. I drink right out of the ubiquitous streams and creeks. I've been backpacking solo in remote areas (now called 'wilderness') since 1955, often 8 or 9 or more trips per year - with never any ill effects, but in Colo I am more cautious. I am still healthy and plan on many more trips this coming year.

b/t/w - you really think "worms" are needed to catch fish in remote areas? In truth you can use anything or even a bare hook. Try a remote trip and you will see.

 

[larbear]

When my ole Dad went hunting back in his day he took his rifle , knife , hand full of tea bags. lard can and a salt shaker with a slab of bannock bread. He would go for a couple days. I sure cant do is but I do admire his bush craft.