Backpack Hunting Packing List
Stay organized and make sure you have everything you need for your backpack hunt. Click below to download your FREE packing checklist.
Backpack Hunting Gear Guide and Packing List
Use this backpack hunting gear list to aid in the planning and packing for your upcoming backpack hunt. It covers all the basics along with the addition of select items that will improve the overall backcountry experience. Review the following tips to make sure your pack is as light as possible while ensuring you have what you need for a successful hunt.
No two hunts are the same.
Always remember to pack specifically for the mission and conditions for your hunt rather than those “what if” scenarios.
Never underestimate the impact of a single ounce.
Four 4oz items equal an entire pound so be thoughtful and intentional about what goes into your pack. Remember, you’ll be coming out heavier than when you went in…
Understand NEEDS vs. WANTS.
Make sure you know why you’re putting something in your backpack.
Pack your skills, not your fears.
Not everything needs a solution to a problem so find creative ways to solve a potential problem with what’s already going to be in your pack.
Efficiency is king in the mountains.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for quickly, then consider revising how you pack so you could find what you need with a blindfold on.
Use everything.
If you find you’re always packing something you’re not using, stop bringing it.
Revise, revise, revise.
Always revise your kit and look for ways to optimize your setup, but don’t fix what’s not broken. If something is working, leave it alone and focus on areas where you could use improvement (optics, tripod, shelter, sleeping pad, etc.).
Checklist
Hunting-Specific Gear
- License and Tag
- Kill Kit (Game bags, knives, paracord, gloves, etc.)
- Weapon of choice with ammunition or arrows
- Optics with tripod (if required)
- Game Calls (if required)
Backpacking Gear
- Backpack (with optional pack liner or rain cover)
- Tent (with optional ground sheet)
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Pad (with pillow if required)
- Cook System (stove, pot, fuel, lighter, utensil)
- Water Filter
Food and Water
- Food (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
- Food Bag/Storage
- Odor-proof Trash Bag
- Primary Water Bladder or Bottle
- Secondary Water Bottle (collapsible)
Clothing
- Socks (x2)
- Base Layer (top, bottom, underwear)
- Mid Layer (pants, long-sleeved hoodie)
- Insulation Layer
- Rain Gear
- Hat/Beanie/Gloves
- Boots w/ Gaiters (optional)
Accessories
- Trekking Poles
- Primary Navigation: GPS with Maps Downloaded
- Secondary Navigation: Map and Compass
- Head Lamp
- Power Bank (electronics charging with appropriate cables)
- First Aid (with personal medications)
- Hygiene Kit (with wipes)
- Possibles Kit (small multitool, duct tape, fire starter, blister prevention)
Suggested Gear
Below you’ll find suggestions on backpack hunting gear that will give you a great starting point. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions to gear, so be sure to use your best judgment on which items may work for you and your upcoming hunt.
As always, if you have any questions at all about gear, don’t hesitate to reach out directly at emory@byland.co.
Some of the links in this checklist include affiliate links meaning if you make a purchase using that link, I’ll receive a small portion of that sale at no additional cost to you.
Hunting-Specific Gear
Kuiu Quarter Game Bag
Combining advanced construction and patterning with lightweight, breathable, and durable fabrics makes the KUIU Game Bags the premier choice for in-the-field meat care.
Argali Serac Fixed Blade Knife
The Argali Serac is a lightweight, backcountry hunting knife with a full handle grip and a modified skinning style blade designed to cut up any big game animal without needing to be sharpened. Complete with a Ferro rod striker built into the spine of the knife, we designed the Serac for those that prefer a deeper belly knife, but still want a "do it all" knife for field butchering. With a deep belly and a drop point blade tip for tight spaces and detail work, the Serac has the functionality of a skinning and a caping knife. Made in the USA from super-premium S35VN steel for long-lasting edge retention, the Serac is a "one knife" solution for hunters that prefer a deeper belly blade in an ultralight package.
Orange Nitrile Gloves
At 8 mils thick, the gloves deliver three times the puncture resistance of latex, as well as excellent protection against elements.
TOUGH-GRID 750lb Paracord/Parachute Cord
The Tough-grid 750lb and 550lb paracord is TRUE Mil-Spec and meets or exceeds the U.S. Military's MIL-C-5040H specifications.
Backpacking Gear
Exo Mountain Gear 4800
A perfect do-it-all hunting pack. The K3 4800 offers the space you need to pack for a weeklong backcountry trip, yet can still compress down to a streamlined profile when only carrying the essentials.
MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2p
Designed for backpackers who need a tent that can do it all while still being compact and lightweight. The MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-person tent feels as light and efficient to use as it does to carry. From its spacious interior to its quick setup, this tent redefines lightweight livability.
- Shop MSR, REI, Backcountry, Sportsmans Warehouse, Black Ovis
*If your hunt is headed into the late season where snow is a possibility, consider a 4-season tent.
Kuiu Super Down 30 Degree
Incredibly warm, ultralight, and weather-resistant the Super Down 30° is Kuiu’s lightest sleeping bag. Insulated with water-resistant 850+ fill-power Quixdown, it's the ultimate sleeping bag for backpack hunting in mild temperatures.
Klymit Insulated Static V LS
With the Insulated V Ultralite™, you can count ounces and still get it all: Klymalite™ lofted synthetic insulation, a roomy V-Chambered surface to sleep on from head-to-toe, and a reasonable price point.
- Shop Klymit, Backcountry, Black Ovis
Jetboil Flash
Fast, easy, and efficient. The Jetboil flash is a one-and-done system that will get the job done for years to come.
- Shop REI, Backcountry, Sportsmans Warehouse, Black Ovis
P.S. Don’t forget your long-handled spoon for those last little bites.
Sawyer Squeeze
A lightweight and reliable squeeze filter that is flexible enough to use inline on your water bladder or connect directly to a threaded bottle. Best used in areas where running water or deeper pools of water are accessible.
- Shop REI, Sportsmans Warehouse
Food and Water
Ultralight Food Bag
Keep all your food in one place with these 2-3 oz easy food storage bags (choose either small or large size)
LOKSAK OPSAK Odor-Proof Barrier Bag
Like a standard zip-lock, but more durable and reusable for years. OPSAK bags are not just waterproof but also odor and vapor-proof. Great for storing food and trash.
Platypus Big Zip EVO Reservoir (3L)
If you prefer bladders over bottles, this is the one you want because it’s durable and easy to operate. Just be sure you make sure everything is seated, protected from punctures, and handled with care in the backcountry. If you choose to go with another brand, just don’t go cheap because it’s not a matter of if a bladder fails, but when.
For a more foolproof solution, go with 1-liter bottles you can purchase from a gas station. Bottles from Smartwater or similar brands work great with a Sawyer Squeeze and are easily managed and replaced when dirty.
CNOC Outdoors VECTO 2L Water Container
The Vecto is a soft, 2 liters (68 oz), collapsible water container. The patent-pending dual opening system allows for easy filling from a wide opening on one side and a narrow mouthpiece on the other. Use the Vecto for drinking or as part of a water filtration system with particular Sawyer, HydroBlu and other filters.
Accessories
SISSY STIX - Backcountry PRO
The lightest hunting trekking pole PEAX has ever built, the BACKCOUNTRY PRO sissy stix are durable, strong and up to 30% lighter than the competition.
Petzl Tactikka+ Headlamp
Compact and powerful 350 lumen headlamp with WHITE or RED lighting and hybrid battery design.
Anker Portable Charger, PowerCore Essential 20000mAh Power Bank
Charge your phone, GPS, camera, or headlamp with this USB-powered charging bank.
Kuiu Zip Dry Bag
KUIU Zippered Dry Bags provide a convenient and durable waterproof hunting storage solution for everything from your small electronics to your kill kit, emergency gear, and food.
By far the best bags on the market.
Orienteering Compass (backup)
Always have a backup method of navigation.
Ultralight Hygiene and Medical Kit
You don’t need much, just enough to get you through your trip and back to the trailhead.
Clothing
Darn Tough Micro Crew Mid-weight Hiking Sock
A lifetime warranty from Darn Tough makes it hard not to invest in these. A good sock makes a huge difference and there are a LOT of variations to choose from.
Shop Darn Tough, REI, Backcountry, Sportsmans Warehouse.
ExOfficio Men's Give-N-Go Boxer Brief
Synthetic material that’s light, breathable, and reduces chaffing (I’ve personally worn a pair for over 2000 miles)
First Lite Men's Wick Boot Top Bottom
Made of lightweight Aerowool 150 material, these boot-top base layers will take the chill off those early mornings. Better suited for early season hunts.
For the late season, check out the 250 weight Kiln Boot Top Bottoms
Kuiu Merino 120 LT SS CREW-T
Built from the lightest and toughest Merino wool in the industry, the new ULTRA Merino 120 LT short sleeve crew-t harnesses all the natural performance benefits of Merino. It excels as a standalone hunting shirt in the heat, or base layer in cold conditions.
First Lite Tag Cuff Merino Beanie
A great mid-weight merino wool beanie for both early and late seasons.
First Lite Midweight Merino Wool Neck Gaiter
A 250-weight neck gaiter to help keep the cool air off.
First Lite Talus Fingerless Merino Glove
A great first layer for your hands that can be used UNDER a glassing mitt or glove.
First Lite Men's Kiln Hoody
The Kiln Midweight 250 Merino-X Hoody is First Lite’s do-it-all hooded base layer that works from September through the end of the season.
Kuiu Attack Pant
Known for its combination of comfort, durability, and simplicity, the Attack Pant is Kuiu’s best-selling and most versatile hunting pant. One pant to rule them all.
But…if you want to save some money, check out these synthetic pants from Wrangler for around $50!
Kuiu Chugach Rain Gear
Highly packable with incredible stretch, the redefined Chugach TR is purpose-built for ultralight hunting. Revamped with the latest Torain® Waterproof Technology and a streamlined design, it’s more waterproof, stronger, and lighter than ever.
A great set of rain gear for backpack hunters.
Kuiu Super Down Ultra Hooded Jacket and Pants
Unbelievable warmth at an ultralight weight, Super Down ULTRA is the ideal mid-layer down jacket when staying warm while keeping still are critical. Light and packable.