Basic Hunting Gear Package - What's Included?

[Dutch1987]

Hi, I'm a new bow hunter and looking to put together a list of must-have gear, for the entire hunt. What's in your backpack? What are you wearing? List EVERYTHING that is a must-have on my first few hunts! Looking to do day trips near Calgary for Deer, to start with.

Favorite camo gear?
Favorite Bino's (Looking for recommendations on a pair up to about $300)
Whats good to buy used vs new?

Any tips greatly appreciated!

Thanks

[Demonical]

#1 thing for me...Toilet paper... in a ziplock bag...

#2 Is a quality head lamp, and extra batteries.

[Stinky Buffalo]

My must-haves:

• Tags
• Extra ammo
• Knife and pocket sharpener
• TP
• Fire starter/backup fire starter
• Paracord
• Compass
• Basic First Aid Kit
• Water
• Granola/protein bars
• Flashlight/Headlamp
• And usually, Trail tape

Camo:

• Not necessary, but I buy what looks practical and is deeply discounted at the time.

Used vs. new:

• Clothes I sometimes buy used, as well as vehicles, tents, guns, packs etc.

Binos:

1. Leupold BX-1 is a decent bino. Not the lightest, but decent performance for the price. Also goes on sale below $200 from time to time (was on sale last week at Cabelas) https://www.cabelas.ca/product/15135...-hd-binoculars
2. The Vortex Diamondback HD would be in the same class. $100 off this week. https://www.cabelas.ca/product/13725...etimber-strata

[bigbuck]

It’s kind of sad how long my list is but here goes nothing. Not necessarily all back pack stuff but just things I use and need. Mostly for longer trips. But you can definitely get away with a lot less!

TP
Base layers
Mid layers
Outer layers
Lots of socks
Trail cams
Backpack
Sd card reader
Cams
Mock scrape spray
Tags
Phone
Knife
Extra arrows/ammo
Calls
Cheese cloth
Water
Headlamps
Binos
Spotting scope
Bino harness
Face warmer/gloves etc
Range finder
Lense cloth/cleaner

Don’t need to buy the fancy clothing, although I personally like how it fits and feels. Main thing is to have layers. Might take a couple trips but you will find what you need and don’t need pretty quick.

Good luck!

[blgoodbrand1]

Instead of tp grab a small pack or of wet wipes.
I always keep an elk call on me if there’s an uncut tag.
I never leave home with out my binos.
Touque with ear flaps.
Couple big garbage bags, they have many uses.
An empty large ziplock is great for throwing a grouse or 2 in.
Wind checker bottle.
I keep a few lighters in different pockets.
Lithium batteries.
iPhone phone charger cord and battery pack
Compass
Game bags
Puffy coat and packable rain gear
Small set of Allen wrenches
Small fabric measuring tape (comes free with many home improvement supplies)
Flip flops or shoes for the drive home
Roll of electrical tape



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[Colin_r6]

The best advice I ever got for binoculars was to pick a price point that I liked and then go spend more money on the next step up in quality.

Lots of people buy a pair and then end up upgrading them a year or two later.

I ended up with Vortex Viper HD's. Still have them over 10 years later - and they have been a great tool! Many many hours of use.

[Dutch1987]

thanks, everyone! I have some gear on these lists from back country snowboarding so I can at least reuse some of it for hunting. Thanks again!

[calgarychef]

Dairy Queen napkins are the best toilet paper and they work for other things too.
Wet wipes are a wonderful addition, most of them aren’t very biodegradable, so bury them well.

[Remps17]

I would honestly buy everything used if you can find it and use it for the season. From there you will have a good idea what works for you and what needs to be upgraded.

One thing I would say is buy new boots but buy them in spring. Give yourself 6 months of breaking them in. This will give you enough time to see how they fit and if they give you hot spots or not. Boots are not necessary for hunting until your packing out or in the hills/rocks.

You will find out through your journey that new gear isn’t necessary.

Shoot your bow every chance you get. All the gear in the world won’t make up for a lack of practice.

Good luck this season.