You don’t go to war with only your good intentions the same way you don’t go hunting without your hunting day pack. World War II hero Desmond Doss went to battle without a gun. He was there as a medic with the sole intention of helping the injured soldiers. Doss, aka The Preacher, managed to save 75 young and brave souls during the Battle of Okinawa.
When it comes to hunting, you don’t go to the field with the intention of sparing every animal that comes your way. Of course, that’s a noble thing to do but for people who enjoy hunting, they’d rather take their hunting day pack essentials along with their hunting weapon of choice and hunting license.
Backpack
Your hunting day pack will not be complete without something to pack your stuff in. Hunting will likely involve a bit of hiking. Make sure your backpack is lightweight yet durable enough to carry your load.
Of course, you won’t be stuffing your hunting day pack with bot-so-useful items. Carrying a heavy load will take a toll on your energy. If you’re tired from the hike, you won’t be able to hunt well.
If you’re going bow hunting, you’ll need a backpack specifically crafted for such. Check out this list of bow-hunting backpacks from Big Game Logic.
Water
This is a no-brainer. Bring enough water to last the day and then some. You never know if something happens which will keep you from heading back home immediately. This means you may not have access to clean drinking water while you’re out.
Bring a water bottle, a hydration bladder, or packs of emergency drinking water. You should also have a personal water filter in your hunting day pack in case you run out of water. Water purification tablets will do, as well.
Food
There’s a misconception that hunters hunt just for the fun of it or to add to their collection of heads on the wall. While there are people, like the dude who killed Cecil the Lion, who enjoy trophy hunting, most hunters are in it for the meat. Think homesteaders, people who live off the grid, and ancient humans who ganged up on mastodons.
Just to be clear, though, trophy hunters are supposed to take and consume the meat of their kill, according to hunter Collin Cottrell on Medium. In fact, hunters in Africa are required to donate the majority of the meat to the locals.
That said, you should still include snacks and other non-perishable food in your hunting day pack, especially if you don’t plan on eating game. It may take some time before you get a kill and you’d probably get hungry. An energy bar will do for little hunger pangs and for that boost of energy.
Navigation
One of the worst things that could happen while you’re out for a hunt is to get lost. Instead of looking for animals, rescuers will be looking for you.
Avoid getting lost in the wilderness by doing some research on the area first. The more you know about where you’re going, the less likely you’ll encounter trouble.
You also need to pack navigation tools in your hunting day pack. Bring maps, a compass, and a GPS tracker. Your phone will also be useful for tracking as long as there’s a signal and enough juice in your battery. Speaking of, bring extra batteries for your GPS tracker and your phone.
A good skill to have is the ability to navigate using the stars. This will help you find your way home in case you get lost in the dark.
Binoculars
When you’re hunting, you need to see from afar to help identify your prey. Your hunting rifle likely has a scope already but a small but decent pair of binoculars will also come in handy.
Use your binoculars to spot animals from a hundred or so meters away. You can also use it to look for animal tracks on the ground.
Binoculars should not just be part of your hunting day pack. You should have one in your bug out bag, as well. It is useful not just for seeing things closely but also for starting a fire, sending signals, and other survival hacks. Check this article from The Prepper Journal to know more about binoculars.
Hunting Knife
Every hunter has his or her favorite hunting knife. It’s mainly used for preparing the game, which includes skinning and slicing the meat. A hunting knife may also be used to defend yourself in case the animal decides to attack you and you can’t get a shot off in time.
Aside from your hunting knife, you should have a spare knife and a multi-tool in your hunting day pack. Bring a sharpening stone, as well.
Paracord or Nylon Cord
A paracord is one of the most useful things that one can find in a hunting day pack. It will particularly come in handy once you successfully hunt your game.
Tie the feet together with paracord so it’s easier to carry. If you have a tarp, tie the ends with your paracord and use it to drag the animal. Use your paracord to hang your kill and make it easier to clean if you plan on doing this right where you are.
Paracord will also be useful in any survival situation you may find yourself in. For a list of the many uses of a paracord, check this out.
Extra Clothes
Wear quick-drying shorts for your first layer then put on a long-sleeved shirt and pants. Of course, you’ll be wearing a decent pair of socks and boots.
Aside from the clothes on your back, bring an extra shirt, extra underwear, and an extra pair of socks. But if you’re on a ten-day long hunting trip, for example, you’ll need an extra set of hunting clothes.
Protection From the Elements
Since you’re out in the open, you’re exposed to the elements. Protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun by applying sunscreen on exposed areas, especially the face. A pair of polarized sunglasses and a hat or cap will protect your eyes and head, respectively.
Don’t forget to include light rain gear in your hunting day pack. A Mylar blanket, tarp, or poncho will also protect you from direct sunlight while also providing warmth in case you have to stay the night out in the open.
Bug Repellent
Insects, particularly mosquitoes, are a hunter’s worst nightmare aside from being overpowered by a lion or any animal you’re preying on. It’s frustrating when you have your sight set on an animal and when you’re about to squeeze the trigger, a mosquito bites you. Avoid this by having a bug repellent in your hunting day pack.
First Aid Kit
You’re in the wild chasing after animals so there’s a high possibility you’ll get hurt in some capacity. Include a first aid kit in your hunting day pack so you can treat blisters, scratches, cuts, sprains, broken bones, lion bites, or any other possible injury.
Survival Gear
You have to be prepared for anything that may happen. Never discount the possibility that you may get hurt or lost or both. If something tragic like that happens, having the right gear will definitely help you survive and eventually get home.
You’ll need matches, lighters, or a Ferro rod to start a fire. Use the fire to cook meat, purify water, provide warmth and light, and send out SOS signals.
Include a flashlight, lantern, and headlamp in your hunting day pack so you can still see the way in case it gets dark on your way back or if you have to stay the night.
Even if you plan to get home before it gets dark, you should still bring a bivy sack or a tube tent. It’s compact and lightweight so you’d barely notice it in your hunting day pack. When you have to sleep in the wild, you’ll be extremely grateful you brought a bivy sack.
An emergency whistle and signal mirror will make it easier for rescuers to find you in case you need to be found.
Pack at least three garbage bags. You’ll need them to carry meat and trash, separately of course. Plus, they can be useful in survival situations. Survival Life has come up with a list of survival uses for trash bags. Check them out.
The hunting day pack essentials mentioned here are just the basic ones you’ll need for a successful and safe outdoor quest. The list can, of course, change depending on what you have planned or if you are going on a hunt for more than a day.
If you think we missed something or if you have other suggestions on what to include in a hunting day pack, please tell us in the comment section. You can also go to Gentleman Pirate Club if you want to know more about the many survival items you can bring on your next outdoor adventure, whether there’s hunting involved or not.
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