What do you carry in your day pack?
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Topic: What do you carry in your day pack?
Posted By: Wing master
Subject: What do you carry in your day pack?
Date Posted: 25 July 2016 at 17:12
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900f made a really good point in another thread about
getting all of my stuff together and then getting a pack that it will fit in. Here's my list just off the top of my head. 25 to 50 feet of paracord A knife A small bone saw. I carry a Wyoming saw. some snacks. Power bars, granola bars, etc. a couple bottles of water. Head light, flash light, extra batteries. GPS Range finder. Trash bag big enough to put backstraps in. Water proof matches and a lighter. some extra rounds of ammo. I'm sure their is more and maybe I wouldn't need some of these things. What do you take for a few hours to an all day hunt? Wing master ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Replies:
Posted By: Irish Bird Dog
Date Posted: 25 July 2016 at 19:10
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I have heard it is not a good idea to use the Black trash bags for meat. Not sure if it has any merit but the reason was the black bags were made from recycled plastic and not "safe" for meat. Never researched it but now I carry the white ones. wing your list looks pretty good. I'd add a plain old magnetic compass for backup to the electronic gizmos. Maybe a topo map of area for same reason. some sort of first aid kit...I carry a spool(s) of dental floss too...very strong for size/wt and can be used to repair "stuff". I repaired a sling in MT yrs back when the brass screw went missing on loop. Still that way, tied with the dental floss. You can even use it to floss your teeth if you have any! goes without saying to have a good pair of binos with you. Now days there are those gadgets that you precharge to carry to recharge a cell phone or camera or etc. Also, they have small (smartphone size) solar generators for same use...recharge from sun power. When hunting with a partner(s) it's nice to have a set of those 2 way FSR radios to keep in contact. next.....your turn someone...  ------------- Irish Bird Dog NRA Life/Endowment 2nd Amendment Supporter |
Posted By: d4570
Date Posted: 26 July 2016 at 00:59
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Wow Am I under prepared. Most the time I don't carry a pack at all. When I do it's mostly empty. As the day heats I can shed layer after layer, or the opposite If I'm walking in to sit for hours I have extra stuff to put on and not freeze to death. Two bottles of water and some band aids that's about it. My binows are in a chest carrier my knife, saw , and camera is on my belt, extra ammo in my pockets. I normally don't eat anything till I get back...If we shoot anything we walk back and get the cart and anything we need to complete the task. ------------- Remember: Four boxes keep us free ,the soap box, the ballot box, the jury box, AND the cartridge box |
Posted By: RobertMT
Date Posted: 26 July 2016 at 07:00
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Map and compass, as backup to GPS.
Fire starting, magnesium, flint, & striker, two lighters, birthday candles. Signaling, whistle, 6 strobe type and 3 smoke fireworks (carried in old pellet can, lid also functions as mirror), head lamp and flashlight, extra batteries. Shelter, emergency type of shelter(folded about half the size of sandwich) cloth deer bag (made out of bed sheet, besides normal use, stuff with pine needles or leaves for insulation), trash bag, plastic rain poncho(half the size of pack of smokes folded),electrical tape, extra pair of wool socks, hat, glove liners, and gloves. In fall/winter, I add down vest(compressed fits in gallon sized Ziploc), 8x10 lightweight painter's tarp. First aid kit(minor trauma kit, field medic level), including extra heart meds, antibiotics, tea bag style blood clot bandage, alcohol swaps, antibacterial suave, aspirin, iodine, non-latex gloves, toothbrush (wound cleaning), scissors and suture kit. TP in Ziploc, 1/4" rope 25', dental floss, multi tool, extra bootlaces, zip ties. Emergency food & water, snack bars, squeeze pouches of juice, pouches of tuna/salmon, Qt. Ziploc bags(for both heart & liver and water treatment). I add snacks and water, to be consumed during normal day. Sounds like a lot, but packs down pretty small. Still leaves room in pack for shed clothes. I've had to spend night out couple times, over the years, makes it more comfortable. I've also known a couple who didn't and know of more than a few who didn't. If you can spend the night in relative comfort, it makes foolish trip out, in bad weather or night less tempting. ------------- Want to stop Drunk Drivers, from Killing Sober Drivers? Ban Sober Drivers from Driving. That's how Gun Control Works. NRA Benefactor Life, GOA Patriot, SAF |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 26 July 2016 at 14:57
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Robert,
It looks like you are very well prepared. I especially like the idea about being prepared to spend the night if needed. I will add a compass and map. I think a couple game bags would be better than trash bags for meat, but I will keep a couple trash bags on my list. I also forgot my hunting license and a ball point pen. An extra pair of socks for sure. and gloves. I hadn't thought about first aid. And very important, I forgot to mention TP. Any other ideas? Wing master ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: RobertMT
Date Posted: 26 July 2016 at 16:55
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I also carry in my shell holder on belt, tweezers & needle (cactus, thorns, splinters or first aid), couple lengths of flagging tape, dental floss, 2 Ziploc bags (field dressing, first aid or water use), piece of electric tape (taping on tag or first aid use), fire stick.
I've been known to drop pack, on final stalk and want gear on me, just in case, short stalk becomes longer. I've used tweezers many times, quicker you get cactus needles out the better. Needle to blister and piece of tape, can save hike. Might add moleskin to kit. ------------- Want to stop Drunk Drivers, from Killing Sober Drivers? Ban Sober Drivers from Driving. That's how Gun Control Works. NRA Benefactor Life, GOA Patriot, SAF |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 27 July 2016 at 06:54
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You have given me some great ideas.
Thank You Wing master ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 27 July 2016 at 07:33
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I carry most of that stuff in ultra light weight
versions. I also carry a pee bottle, I usually hunt from a stand and especially bear hunting they can 'make you' on the urine. Also I am a diabetic so I have some M&Ms in a small size. some of those packs are 6+ years old! I take no insulin nor pills. Before the open heart surgery I carried Nitro. Lunch, if any thing is a can of smoked herring in oil (might attract a bear, legally)! |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 27 July 2016 at 15:42
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I guess I should be more concerned about ounces of
weight in my pack. I am more worried about pounds on my ass. I have made a list from all of your suggestions. I am gathering everything up now to see how big the pile is so I can see how much room I will need. Thanks for all the input. Wing master ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: RobertMT
Date Posted: 27 July 2016 at 19:26
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Out of curiosity, I pulled pack from behind seat of truck and went through it. Replacing what went missing or out of date, updated list with updated content.
I weighed pack with everything less water, it weighed 6lbs. Add 4lbs for 2qts water, gets you to 10lbs and room for shed clothes. Best as I can figure, main compartment is 11x15x5=825, second pocket, where everything (except tarp, deer bag, socks, gloves, hat, vest and water) fits is 8x6x3=144. I guessing, they would call this 1,000 cubic inch or better, depending how tight you packed it. ------------- Want to stop Drunk Drivers, from Killing Sober Drivers? Ban Sober Drivers from Driving. That's how Gun Control Works. NRA Benefactor Life, GOA Patriot, SAF |
Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 28 July 2016 at 02:07
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I do carry two Sudafed tablets in a sealed plastic
factory container. Always seem to get some congestion/fluid when cold and in deep woods. weight= zero. |
Posted By: RobertMT
Date Posted: 28 July 2016 at 04:16
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Antihistamine like Benadryl is also good idea.
Aspirin is a must have, chewing a standard 325mg tablet, at first sign of heart attack, can dramatically lessen damage. http://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/aspirin-for-heart-attack-chew-or-swallow - Aspirin Since increased stress, on heart, while hiking and especially retrieving game, is a leading cause of heart attack and it's likely to be some time before treatment. It's something everyone needs to be aware of, not just people with known heart problems. ------------- Want to stop Drunk Drivers, from Killing Sober Drivers? Ban Sober Drivers from Driving. That's how Gun Control Works. NRA Benefactor Life, GOA Patriot, SAF |
Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 28 July 2016 at 04:59
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Benadryl for bites and aspirin WILL be added.
thanks Robert |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 28 July 2016 at 16:15
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I have added them to my list too.
Thanks Robert ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: jsgbearpaws1
Date Posted: 29 July 2016 at 08:35
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MRE's x2, toothbrush, Q-tips, thermos of coffee as I'm addicted, skeeter dope. Just things I have above and beyond whats already been listed. Toenail clippers and a leatherman are also good ideas. Depending on the area, a good set of fish hooks and some spiderwire are a good bet as well. Double duty if you need to give yourself stitches or catch a quick meal. They can fit in a little plastic chew can for easy storage along with a few other little items that could easily get lost like flints, floss...etc. Let us not overlook a few of the alcohol wet wipe packs. Not only to wipe the animal blood from our hands but to disinfect small areas of wounds, bites, and scratches to ward off infections. A good staph infection can take you out as quick as hypothermia. I have some laundry style bags that are a cheese-clothe like material. They are awesome for packing meat and then can be put in garbage bags after to avoid the direct contact of meat to plastic. Little drawstrings are great on these. My pack is a bit over fifteen pounds....due to the thermos of coffee and the required bourbon.....for emergencies of course!  ------------- ...oh yeah! thats gonna hurt! |
Posted By: CB900F
Date Posted: 29 July 2016 at 09:59
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Fella's;
It is well known that being without bourbon is an emergency! 900F ------------- Birth certificate!? He don't need no steenkink birth certificate!! |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 29 July 2016 at 10:10
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How big and how heavy are MRE's? That might be good
for a lunch too. I am thinking we have some of those laundry bags. I will look at them. I have always used the disposable game bags. Coffee. I usually drink about a gallon of coffee before I set out hiking. then water from there. Thanks for the tips. Wing master ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: RobertMT
Date Posted: 29 July 2016 at 14:25
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You can find better tasting and cheaper food, by shopping creatively in grocery store. They have ready to eat food in pouches or plastic containers. Check between beans and soups, besides the canned pasta, they have stews, meats, fish, precooked rice and potatoes, fruits and veggies, in pouches instead of cans, shelf stable milk, in boxes, along with drinks.
Buy and try a couple MREs, for the price, you can get much better. ------------- Want to stop Drunk Drivers, from Killing Sober Drivers? Ban Sober Drivers from Driving. That's how Gun Control Works. NRA Benefactor Life, GOA Patriot, SAF |
Posted By: RobertMT
Date Posted: 29 July 2016 at 14:53
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As far as giving yourself stiches, pressure bandage, quickclot, tape are all much more practical.
If you have training, you can carry more equipment, I carry a bit more and would suggest, if you know how to use it. It does no good to carry, what you don't know how to use. For cheap practical carry, with syringe, tampons, maxipads, tape, plastic bag, non-lubed condom and know how, you can stop up leaks and restore airway, for some pretty major injuries. https://www.doomandbloom.net/wp-content/wp_fast_cache/www.doomandbloom.net/index.html - Prep RX has links and some good articles, for those interested in more info. ------------- Want to stop Drunk Drivers, from Killing Sober Drivers? Ban Sober Drivers from Driving. That's how Gun Control Works. NRA Benefactor Life, GOA Patriot, SAF |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 29 July 2016 at 17:19
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Good points Robert.
I am not real picky about what I eat and don't plan on being away from camp or a vehicle for more than a day. If I pack a decent lunch I would be fine even if I had to spend the night but it would be nice to have a few pouches of some kind of protein and calories to be more content if something happend that I had to spend a night in the woods. I will check out the grocery store. I also don't have any training more than a first aid class I took when I worked in the oil field. I don't think I will be stitching myself up if I can put a bandage on it and wrap it up. Anything else, I will just deal with as it comes up. Wing master ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 29 July 2016 at 17:28
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The thing I worry about more than anything is water. I
drink a lot of water every day at work. If I am hiking I really drink a lot of water. I am thinking I would like to have a hydration bladder that holds either 2 or 3 liters and a one liter bottle of water on each side of my pack in the pockets made for them. I think I will have to pace myself so I don't run out of water before noon. Also water is heavy. Wing master ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: RobertMT
Date Posted: 30 July 2016 at 02:15
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I often hunt by myself, so I plan on at least 3 days, to week, before I'm missed. You need at least 1/2 gallon to gallon a day, water's about 8lbs a gallon. You can't carry enough water, you need way to treat it. Iodine is easiest, water filtration bottle is probably best currently. No matter how you treat water, water flavoring, makes it taste better. Either the little packs, meant for single bottle of water or drops meant for case of bottles, would be worth while.
Remember, in a survival situation, you can go without water, for max of three days. Food for min of week, to max of month and you don't want to eat, unless you have water. If you can count on being missed, within day, you need only to worry about comfort. I've considered PLB and if I still hunted backcountry, would probably get one. ------------- Want to stop Drunk Drivers, from Killing Sober Drivers? Ban Sober Drivers from Driving. That's how Gun Control Works. NRA Benefactor Life, GOA Patriot, SAF |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 30 July 2016 at 08:16
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Please excuse my ignorance, but what is a PLB?
Wing master ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: CB900F
Date Posted: 30 July 2016 at 08:56
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Wing;
It's a Public Library Book. If you get lost, sit down and read, let them find you. Don't give the rescuers a moving target.  900F------------- Birth certificate!? He don't need no steenkink birth certificate!! |
Posted By: jsgbearpaws1
Date Posted: 30 July 2016 at 12:01
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Pastrami , Limburger, and bacon sammich....in case you get hungry and also the smell of the pastrami breathe can be smelled for miles! ------------- ...oh yeah! thats gonna hurt! |
Posted By: RobertMT
Date Posted: 30 July 2016 at 14:15
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http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Personal-Locator-Beacon-Reviews/Buying-Advice - PLB ------------- Want to stop Drunk Drivers, from Killing Sober Drivers? Ban Sober Drivers from Driving. That's how Gun Control Works. NRA Benefactor Life, GOA Patriot, SAF |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 30 July 2016 at 16:30
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I don't get far enough into back country to warrant a
PLB. A lot of the places I hunt doesn't even have trees. I do hunt in the black hills and the Big horn mountains. The chance of getting lost isn't the biggest concern but I have gotten into bad weather a few times and can see where an accident or twisted ankle could happen making the time it takes to get out a lot longer. I could even see knocking down a deer or elk shortly before dark and I am thinking that with some kind of shelter I wouldn't mind getting the animal quartered and setting up a makeshift camp and walking out the next morning in the daylight. Especially if it was a couple hour hike back to the truck. In that case, A public library book and a pastrami,Limburger and bacon sammich would be nice to have. Wing master ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: MtElkHunter
Date Posted: 01 August 2016 at 08:02
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I don't carry anything with me. All I have is an empty pack to take the game out in. You guys are all doing it all wrong. I will tell you how to do it. I take most of the stuff other people do I just don't take it in my pack.... I have conned(convinced) the kids... now the grand kids that it is an honor to carry the pack with all the supplies in it and the one carrying the pack also gets the privilege of first shot on any animal we see. I have never told them that I would give them first shot anyway and that I carry all the stuff when they are not there, so they are happy to lug all the stuff wherever we go and if I ask to help they refuse because they want first shot... It works pretty well.... ------------- SW Montana |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 01 August 2016 at 15:45
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That sounds like a pretty good plan.
Wing master ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: Goatlocker
Date Posted: 17 August 2016 at 01:10
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I usually go light because I'm typically hunting in areas I'm familiar with
and would be able to walk out of in the dark. The time of year tends to vary some items needed, so I don't always take everything. Early Fall: Fanny pack and bellows shirt/pants pockets Always have Kbar size knife, and ittybitty knife Short length of string for tying closed anus when field dressing Red lense flash lights, big'un and little'un Compass Length of paracord with one end tyed in a loop, other end secured to center of hikery stick, used to drag out deer. Little ziplock bag of wet-ones, latex rubber gloves, TP Extra ammo, wallet with licences, truck keys. Couple chem-lights One of those handheld butane mosquito repelant machines with extra consumables. Headnet, camy hat, gloves, face cover. Lense paper Binos Some surveyer's orange tape Empty plastic wtr bottle taped up to be quite, to pee in. Full wter bottle Something to eat Phone Cold weather gets a few changes: Mosquito stuff is left home Add extra sox Add warm-up pocket warmers/toe warmers. Change to warm cammy gloves and orange hat. All that stuff above easily goes into the fanny pack. If i'm huntin away from home in cold weather, I add a day pack with extra food, firemaking stuff, extra layers of clothes, maybe gortex top/bottoms too. ------------- Goatlocker Give me a fast boat for I intend to go in harm's way. |
Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 17 August 2016 at 02:02
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I take just a half of a water bottle, and usually bring
most of it back. 40 years ago I got all knives over 4 oz out of my hunting pack...I'm only staying one day, not camping for 2 weeks. Pack rule...keep it light! |
Posted By: Goatlocker
Date Posted: 17 August 2016 at 06:40
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Im with you bear, the lighter the better in my book. I adjust it really,
according to the situation. My list above is what i generally carry for deer. An afternoon walk about for squirrel will get xtra ammo, and maybe a knife and light. The phone goes everywhere nowadays. On the otherhand, if i were making a day trip into unknown territory a ways from civilization, roads, and cell phone coverage, I think harder about what I carry in with me. Especially in cold weather! Most of what I carry, I expect to actually use. Some is for contengency though. For example, I carry a big knife to cut through the rib cage when field dressing, and the littke knife for that delicate work around the rear. Some guys roll their eyes when they see i'm carrying a standard compass while hunting in areas I could walk out of in the dark. What they're missing is how handy a compass can be when one takes a shot at game way out there in non-descript terrain, needs to find a downed animal they can no longer see. Taking a fix with a compass, combined with knowledge of the range to target is mighty helpfull where everything looks the same, like in a growed up cut-down. ------------- Goatlocker Give me a fast boat for I intend to go in harm's way. |
Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 17 August 2016 at 10:06
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I carry two small plastic compasses anytime I hunt.
For exactly what you say. I'm on my 3rd GPS (they do die). Any place I hunt that I can't see the truck, the GPS is with me. Hiking 10 days ago, I ran across two excited ladies on horse back. Young attractive 65 year old. They were lost. didn't know where they where or where their horse trailers were parked....women! They kept saying their GPS didn't work. laugh. My GPS was working fine, but as usual in that area , no cell service. I gave them a map with an X for where they were, some directions toward the closest town. I tried but failed to get them to understand...they didn't have a real GPS. Just a cell phone app. And that doesn't work unless you have Verison with you. |
Posted By: RobertMT
Date Posted: 17 August 2016 at 11:31
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They were riding two very good gps, horses know where the trailer, camp, or barn is. ------------- Want to stop Drunk Drivers, from Killing Sober Drivers? Ban Sober Drivers from Driving. That's how Gun Control Works. NRA Benefactor Life, GOA Patriot, SAF |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 17 August 2016 at 17:30
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Thanks Goatlocker for the suggestions.
In my part of the world, I can walk 20 miles and look back and see my pickup. I do carry a GPS though. It has a program that tells me if I am on public or private land. Wing master ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |