Every hunter prepares his pack differently. He adjusts his gear to match his hunting style and personal needs. I find that preparing and organizing my gear is one of the most enjoyable things about hunting. I love the challenge of be prepared, but not burdened down. Every time I go out a tweak me gear, finding that I don't need some things, but really need others.
I had the opportunity to spend and entire day in the field recently. When I say entire, I mean entire. I was in the stand from sun up to sun down. Obviously, this requires more gear that a quick couple of hours in the stand. I normally pack much less.
Here is the gear I packed:
Obviously, this does not include my clothing and weapon. This is just the gear I keep in my backpack and pockets.
Lets look closer.
Safety Harness - Don't climb a stand without it. Mine was inexpensive, and is quite heavy at over 5 pounds. It does have a deer drag built into it, which saves a couple ounces.
Pouch - I like to keep all of my smaller items in a pouch. This just helps me keep organized.
Apple Pies - Over 400 calories each. Yummy and quiet to eat. This is my favorite hunting food. Two will keep me satisfied all day.
Water bottle - I prefer bota bags or these plastic water bags. They are less noisy and don't take up as much space.
Butt-out Tool - I used this on my last hunt. Now I will not go deer hunting without one.
Ziploc bags - Used to put dirty or bloody gear in and for the heart, if there is anything left of it.
Rangefinder - Next to my weapon and knife, this is my most important piece of gear.
Hand warmers - Two for my feet, two for my hands, and one for the small of my back.
5 rounds - Only 5? I've never needed more than three. I keep an entire box in the truck.
Small camera tripod - Weighs almost nothing and makes your pictures much nicer. You can actually wrap this one around a branch or something.
Old Timer 69OT - The gut hook and saw make this knife a life saver. This is my main hunting knife.
Buck 110 - The best skinning knife I have ever used. I take this on every deer hunt.
Gutting gloves - I hate touching blood and raw meat. I know.... a big problem for a hunter. I always carry lots of latex gloves.
Paracord - About 1000 uses. I don't ever go outdoors without it.
IPhone - Communication, GPS, weather, topo maps, clock, sunrise/sunset times..... the list goes on forever. This is never more then 10 feet from me, 24/7/365.
Not shown:
Toilet Paper - Every had diarrhea in a swamp? I have.
Matches - In case I get stuck in the woods over night.
Often when I am just out for a few hours I will just take what will fit in my pockets. I hate using a backpack, but when I am out all day it is necessary.
What do you take to a long stand?
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