\Your hunting gear plays a big role in the success of a hunt. Once you have your backpack ready, the next thing to do is prepare the right items to put in it. This is especially important for backpacks for big game hunting because of their more specific gear requirements.

Beginners tend to pack too much, leaving them with overweight packs that may hinder their hunting. To address this, you will want to limit the items in your bag to the ones we’ll discuss today.

What To Put in Your Pack

When packing stuff for hunting, it is not just the items you bring that matter but also the way you pack them. Packing should be a no-fuss experience so that it does not leave you drained before a trip. From day-trip-only to out-of-state packing, there are different kinds of requirements to keep in mind.

Weather Accessories 

Accessories for weather protection are essential to a hunting trip. There is no telling what the forces of nature could expose you to during the day or over the weekend. Hence, it is best to be prepared. A gun rain cover and packable rain suit should prove vital in the wilderness where it’s not just the animals that are unpredictable.

A Knife With a Gut Hook

This is especially important for those going on a deer hunting trip. This tool allows the hunter to take the deer apart before dressing it. It lets you cut the deer’s hide and other parts and remove its gut. It can also be a defensive weapon against wild animals if you ever happen to encounter some.

Wind Direction Powder

Knowing where the wind blows dictates how you stalk your prey. Deer have a particularly keen sense of smell and would flee at the slightest whiff of human odor. Using wind direction powder lets you know where the wind is blowing, allowing you to take steps to keep from alerting prey to your presence.

Pruning Shears

With a folding saw and some pruning shears, no branch can stand in the way of your destination. Sometimes, you’ll need to cut a path through some dense vegetation to get to a campsite or actual hunting site. There’s no need to bring in the heavy artillery for the job when a pair of shears and a saw are enough to do the trick.

Map

Unless you have a photographic memory, you can’t not bring a map of your hunting location. It is easy to lose your way or fall into traps when you have no idea about your current positioning. It could take you hours to get to your prey’s location without a map instead of just a couple of minutes with one.

When hunting on private property, it is a must to keep a permission slip with you. Place it somewhere in your bag that’s secure and easily accessible.

Flashlight

A cheap flashlight will not do much for you in the wilderness. You should always pack a high-quality flashlight with some extra batteries, especially when it starts or ends after dark. You want to be able to see your path clearly in case there are dangers you need to avoid.

Handheld GPS

A phone with built-in GPS or a handheld GPS device keeps you constantly aware of your location. You also want to pack a charger in case your phone’s battery can’t last the entire trip.

Pair this with a reliable compass, and you should be able to meet most of your navigational needs. Location awareness, especially in relation to your prey, can significantly improve your success in hunting.

First-Aid Kit

Scrapes, bruises, and moleskin are things you could become acquainted with on a hunting trip. In the wilderness, you don’t want to leave wounds and skin conditions untreated for too long, as they could become worse by the time you get home. Keep a first-aid kit around to address any of these issues the moment they arise.

Snacks

Walking, stalking prey, reading a map, and climbing will eat up a lot of your energy. You may have eaten breakfast, but it is imperative to take in food in between walks to boost your energy reserves. After all, it could be a few more minutes or hours before you make it to the hunting grounds. A few protein bars and some easy-to-pack carb-rich snacks should do the trick.

Packing Smartly Is Essential to a Hunting Trip

A hunting trip requires you to pack the right stuff correctly. It’s not enough that you bring items that meet your hunting needs. It’s also vital that you organize them efficiently to make the most of your bag’s space.

Arrange your hunting essentials in terms of priority. This way, you do not mess up the bag’s contents during the trip and are able to access the things you need when you need them.