I think that's a question every hunter asks other hunters. I'm always curious what other people pack, and assume that everyone has their own list of "must-have" items for their individual adventures.
For me, the items in my pack vary by season and game, and I take into account whether it’s a day trip, overnight or several days. Over the years, I have gone through several packs, but the one that has outlasted them all has been the Gregory Deva 60---she has served me well for years! Recently, I decided to try a pack frame and purchased the Kelty Yukon 48. I’ve used it only a couple of times and I have been pretty impressed. I’m petite, around 5’2”, so it’s hard to find a pack that fits my frame and I definitely give it thumbs up.
So...What's in My Pack?
For going on a day or overnight trip, I always have my Garmin eTrex 30 with my OnX Hunt chip. This is definitely a lifesaver, and you’ll never have to worry about getting lost.
Survival/First-Aid
Band-Aids
Insect/bite pen
Waterproof matches
Bug net
Fire sticks/lighter
Space Blanket
Chap stick
Potable aqua tabs
Visine
Pack Essentials
Toilet paper
Wilderness Athlete packets of Hydrate/Recover and Energy
Extra set of batteries for my Garmin
Small sunscreen bottle (If its sunny weather)
Snacks such as fruit snacks, Paydays, jerky and trail mix
Pen for writing
Hair tie
Flash light
Headlamp
Wind checker (Dead Down Wind)
Water - the amount various depending on how long my outing is
Extra bullets/shells
Gum
Compact make up (so I can look beautiful for my photos!)
2-way radios if hunting with a partner
Cold-Weather Packing
Hand warmers--I prefer HotHands body warmers since they are bigger than just the regular hand warmers
Extra gloves
Extra pair of socks
Skivvies--a must! You never know when you might see Big Foot and get the sh!t scared out of you!
Neck gaiter. I use the Sitka extreme cold weather and absolutely LOVE IT.
Extra knife--Although I carry a knife on my side, I bring an extra. I love my Buck knife 112, I feel like it holds an edge longer than most.
Waterfowl-Specific Hunting
For waterfowl hunting, I have the Drake Swamp Sole Backpack. It has a rubber bottom which makes it nice to set in mucky or damp ground.
For waterfowl, I don’t carry as much in that pack but usually include the following:
Extra gloves. I have the Sitka Ascent glove, which is great for layering with the Downpour glove; they keep your hands dry and warm. The Traverse glove is a great mid-weight glove to wear alone.
Snacks
Handwarmers
Extra neck gaiter
Water
Rope, to set up a makeshift blind
Plenty of shells
Even though I carry my phone, I always bring a camera too. You never know when you're phone's battery will run down, or when you need a camera for better quality pictures.
Follow Kelly Cohen in Instagram at @kellycohen4202.