What to Pack in Your Hunting Day Pack

A well-stocked day pack turns small problems into minor inconveniences instead of hunt-ending emergencies. You do not need to carry everything you own, but a few essentials belong in every pack, whether you are sitting a stand behind the house or walking into public land before dawn.

Safety and navigation

• Headlamp and spare batteries: you will walk in and out in the dark more often than not.
• Map, compass or GPS app with offline maps: plus a charged phone and a small power bank.
• First-aid kit: bandages, blister care, any personal medications and something to control bleeding.
• Fire starter and emergency blanket: light, cheap and invaluable if you are stuck overnight.
• Whistle: three blasts is a universal call for help.

Field care

• Fixed-blade or folding knife, plus a small sharpener.
• Disposable gloves for field dressing.
• Paracord or a drag rope and a few game bags if you hunt larger animals.
• Tags, license and a pen or zip ties, depending on your state's tagging rules.

Hunting gear

• Binoculars on a harness or strap, and a rangefinder if you use one.
• Extra ammunition or arrows, and any calls you plan to use.
• Blaze orange hat or vest if required where you hunt.
• Scent-free wipes and a small trash bag to pack out what you bring in.

Comfort

• Water and high-energy snacks.
• An extra warm layer, hat and gloves.
• A small seat cushion for long sits.
• Toilet paper and a hand warmer or two.

Keep it organized

Use small, colored stuff sacks so you can find things by feel in the dark, and keep the items you need fast, like your headlamp, knife and tags, in the same pocket every time. Before each season, unpack everything, replace used supplies, check batteries and make sure your first-aid kit is complete.

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