Packing for a hunting trip usually means making a pretty long checklist. Rifle? Check. Ammunition? Check. Boots, layers, food, water, optics? Hopefully!
Then you get home and realize the one thing you actually needed was sitting on the workbench in your garage all along.
The obvious gear tends to get most of the attention, sure. But it’s often the inexpensive, everyday items that save you when something goes wrong. If you’re heading out for your next deer, elk, or backcountry hunt, then make room for the essentials.
And don’t forget the three items mentioned below.
Heavy-Duty Zip Ties
Zip ties. They aren’t exactly exciting hunting gear, but throw a handful in your pack and you’ll probably find a use for them.
A broken strap. A loose piece of gear. A damaged pack. Anything that needs to be held together temporarily. All of these can turn into a real headache when you’re miles from the truck. A few heavy-duty zip ties weigh almost nothing, and they’ll sit in a pocket until you need them.
They’re also cheap enough that there’s little reason not to carry them. Keep a few in your main pack. Maybe even keep a couple in your vehicle as well. You might go an entire season without using one. Then again, the one time you need one, you’ll be glad you brought them.
A Boning Knife
If you’re planning to process game yourself, don’t overlook the knife you’ll use to do it.
A good boning knife gives you the control you need. After all, you need to separate meat from the bone and work around joints. In these areas, a larger blade won’t be helpful. The knife shouldn’t be flashy, either. You want a comfortable handle, a suitable blade, and an edge that holds up to regular use. These aspects matter more.
If you’re putting together a dedicated field-processing kit, then look at your options. An MKC boning knife is definitely worth looking into.
Whatever knife you bring, though, give it a quick inspection before leaving home. Ensure the edge is in good shape. Check the handle feels secure. No one wants to discover a problem after an animal has been brought down. That’s not ideal at all.
A Physical Map
Your phone might be your go-to navigation tool, but you can’t depend on it fully.
So, why not pack an actual map? There’s just something reassuring about this item.
Cell service can disappear at the drop of a hat – particularly when you’re deep in deep in the wood or up in the mountains. Batteries die. Electronics get wet. GPS devices let you down. What doesn’t have these problems? A physical map.
Take a few minutes before the hunt to look over the area. Mark the trailhead, roads, access points, campsites, and any other terrain features you’ll want to recognize. If you’re hunting in unfamiliar public land, know roughly where you are before you start. That’s far better than trying to figure it all out after you’ve taken a wrong turn.
A small compass is a smart companion, too – provided you know how to use it!
To conclude, there’s always something you forget to pack – no matter if it’s a vacation or a hunting trip. Fortunately, this post is here to help. Just ensure you include the above items in your pack, and you’ll be sorted.
