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How To Build The Ultimate Hunting Pack
Hunting requires a significant investment in time and, for most hunters, money. Planning, preparing for, and then going on a trip only to discover you don’t have the right equipment to be successful is a waste of your valuable time and money. The right gear can make all the difference between a successful hunting trip and a miserable time in the great outdoors.
Building the “ultimate hunting pack” requires knowing the environment you will be hunting in. Hunting in rugged mountainous terrain differs significantly from in moderate forests or wind-swept plains. Then, you need to balance the essentials you select to account for safety, comfort, and effectiveness.
The Mystery Ranch Metcalf makes a great core component of the Ultimate Hunting Pack. Source
This guide will provide a list of items to help you build your ultimate pack. We will discuss selecting the right pack, clothing, hunting gear, navigation tools, and more. This is not an all-inclusive list of the best items but a curated list to help you start picking out the right gear to ensure your next hunt is successful.
Pack
Starting with the right pack makes selecting your other gear easier. You want one with ample pockets and compartments for effective gear organization and plenty of room.
My number one recommendation is usually the Mystery Ranch Metcalf. The Metcalf is known for being an extremely versatile pack and is available in three sizes: the Metcalf 50 (3050 cu-in), the Metcalf 75 (4575 cu-in), and the Metcalf 100 (6100 cu-in). The Metcalf 75 is the optimal size for multi-day hunts.
The Metcalf uses the Ultralight MT frame, which allows the pack to carry heavy loads, see the meat from your most recent kill, and remain lightweight. The harness system is highly adjustable, helping to balance the load comfortably.
The Mystery Ranch Metcalf tips the scales at a higher price than some competitor options, but you never want to skimp on your pack. After you spend all day hiking with an inferior pack and your back and knees are screaming at you, you will wish you had sprung for the Metcalf.
Clothing
The climate in which you hunt in Texas is very different from hunting in Montana or Utah. To that end, I will provide several options for hunting clothes.
Cold Weather Hunting Options
When hunting in cold weather, the appropriate clothing is a must. Source
Base Layer
These need to be durable, warm, and easy to layer with other garments to provide additional warmth for frigid temperatures. Consider items made using merino wool, which is naturally odor-resistant and good for wicking away sweat. Spending the day hunting and ending up soggy and stinky is no fun.
I suggest looking at the First Lite Furnace or the Sitka Core Merino 330 for the base layer.
As someone who doesn’t particularly care for the cold, having the warmest options is worth the price, but each hunter must make that decision themselves.
Insulating Layer
You should consider these two options for your insulating layer: the KUIU Super Down Hooded Jacket and the Sitka Kelvin Down Jacket. The Super Down has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. The Kelvin provides comparable warmth with better wind resistance but also has added weight.
Don’t skimp on your clothing either. Source
Deciding which one to choose depends on the conditions you will be hunting. While both have waterproof attributes, the Kelvin is probably the better choice in wet and windy conditions. The Super Down is better in dry conditions due to its lightweight design.
Outer Layer Jacket
Sitka Gear’s Stormfront Jacket is the choice here. It is excellent in wet and cold conditions. Its 3-layer GORE-TEX construction sheds water and wind, leaving you warm and dry. The Stormfront is built to handle rugged terrain and challenging hunts.
Make sure whichever jacket you pick can shield you from the elements.
Outer Layer Pants
Lightweight and waterproof are critical features, or you can have a very uncomfortable hunt. The Stone Glacier Rain Pants provide both, allowing you to move while maintaining protection against the elements. Taking it up a notch, Cabela’s Insulated Coveralls provide full-body warmth if you prefer an all-in-one solution or don’t need much mobility.
Hat
A good hat is essential for regulating body temperature. The Sitka Beanie, Cabela’s Wool Hat, or Carhartt Beanie are suitable for protecting your head. You can’t go wrong with any of them. Brand doesn’t really matter, but warmth does!
Gloves
Your environment will dictate the gloves you choose. First Lite Cody Gloves, Sitka Traverse Gloves, and Sitka Incinerator Flip Mitt are three good choices. The Sitka Traverse Gloves provide the best dexterity of the three, while the Sitka Incinerator Flip Mitt provides the most protection for the coldest days. First Light Cody Gloves are a nice balance of warmth and dexterity.
Temperate Weather
Camo patterns can be important as well. Source
When selecting hunting gear for hunting in less extreme weather, consider any combination of the following items to meet your needs. Take into account the factors we discussed above and apply them accordingly.
- KUIU Peloton 118
- Artilect Systems Boulder 125
- Cabela’s Fleece Vest
- Drake Silencer Full Zip Jacket Full Camo with Scent Control
- Drake Non-Typical Bibs
- King’s Camo Classic Insulated Bomber Jacket
- KUIU ULTRA Merino 210 Glove
- KUIU Attack Hunting Glove
Hunting Equipment
Rifle
My go-to hunting rifle is the Tikka T3x Lite. It is affordable, durable, lightweight, and incredibly accurate, and it is one of the most highly regarded hunting rifles in the sub-$1,000 price range.
I have used my Tikka T3x to harvest numerous white-tailed deer and hogs. It has never failed me, and it likely never will. The durable synthetic stock, smooth action, and cold hammer-forged barrel make the rifle the perfect addition to your hunting kit.
The author’s personal Tikka T3x.
Choosing the right caliber is crucial to ensure you have the appropriate stopping power to provide a quick, clean, and ethical shot. And, of course, make sure to have a couple of spare mags.
Optics
You need a quality optic to pair with your rifle. Whether it’s a scope or LPVO, choose wisely. Balance magnification with glass clarity and durability.
My choice is the Vortex Viper HS. Its durability, clarity, and low-light performance make it a solid mid-price point scope.
Knife
A good hunting knife is a required piece of kit when building out your setup. The Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter offers a premium knife with excellent ergonomics and a compact design. If the Benchmade’s price or looks are not what you want, check out the Buck 119 Special. It is a traditional and larger hunting knife and is a classic.
Make sure you have a safe way to carry your knife. Source
Rangefinder
Depending on where you are hunting, a rangefinder may not be needed. When I hunt the East Texas woods, many of my shots are under 100 yards, and there is no need for a rangefinder.
If you are hunting in an environment where a rangefinder is beneficial, grab a Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2. It can provide a range of up to 1400 yards, which is more than enough for ethically harvesting an animal.
Navigation and Safety
The gear in this section is very much related to the location and time of year you are hunting.
Compass
A compass is essential for backcountry hunting. The Suunto MC-2G Compass offers everything you need in a compass. It is precise and has a global needle, meaning it will work in both hemispheres and across different terrain types.
GPS
If a GPS is appropriate for your hunting situation, the Garmin GPSMAP 66i and Garmin inReach Mini 2 are two excellent options. The GPSMAP 66i is full-featured, combining detailed mapping and satellite communication. If you need a device for backcountry safety, look no further. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is an excellent option if you don’t need as many features and prefer to rely on it for emergency communication. Both are excellent, depending on your needs.
Medical Kit
I cannot emphasize this enough: you need to have a medical kit regardless of where you are hunting or the type of hunting you are doing. Accidents happen, and even minor ones need proper care.
Every hunting pack needs a medical kit. Source
Your safety and those of the others with you on a hunt should be at the top of your list of concerns. Adventure Medical Kits Sportsman Series 3000 is a comprehensive medical kit you can’t go wrong with. The kit has been tailored for hunters and ensures you can handle most injuries you could experience in the field.
Emergency Blanket
A lightweight, durable, and heat-efficient emergency blanket is an important item for ensuring you are prepared for the unexpected. I recommend the Adventure Medical SOL Survival Blanket. It does its job well.
Whistle
A quality whistle is a simple but essential tool. It allows you to signal for help much more effectively than simple shouting and is almost idiot-proof. I recommend checking out the Fox 40 Whistle.
Food and Hydration
Another essential part of taking care of yourself is ensuring you are fueling your body. If you are too weak to carry out your kill, then your hunting trip was a waste of resources and the life of the animal you harvested.
Water Carrier
The CamelBak Fusion and CamelBak Crux are solid options for carrying water when hunting. The more water you can carry the better, especially if you can do so comfortably and remain mobile.
Portable Meals and Snacks
Lightweight and portable meals are essential when going on more extended hunts. Mountain House and Backpacker’s Pantry are popular freeze-dried meal options. Find the one that works for you, and you actually enjoy. Clif Bars offers a high-energy snack in a portable package. Always keep a few in your pack for when needed.
Other Equipment
Being physically miserable is one of the quickest ways to turn an inexperienced hunter into a non-hunter. If the misery is bad enough, the same can be said for any hunter, so if space permits, adding items to make the experience more comfortable is worth considering.
Blanket
The Snugpak Jungle Blanket has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and can be packed into a compact space. It is also windproof and water resistant. The Jungle Blanket can go a long way to provide extra comfort or even extra warmth in an emergency.
Seat
Sitting on cold or wet ground sucks. The Therm-a-Rest Z Seat provides a soft, warm/dry space to sit on breaks or when down for the night at your camp. Plus, it can double as a splint in an emergency.
Multitool
Always keep a multi-tool on hand. Source
The Leatherman Signal is our choice for a hunting multi-tool. It provides essential tools for any hunting trip, including a knife, can opener, pliers, hammer, and whistle. There are so many quality multi-tools out there; just do your research, and I’m confident you’ll find one that fits your needs.
Last Words
Building the ultimate hunting pack will be a different exercise for every hunter. Your initial pack will not be the same in a year’s time and probably won’t be the same pack even after your first hunt. Your pack will undergo a continual refinement process as you take it hunting and discover what you didn’t have but needed and what you had but know you will never use.
The key is to start with quality core items and then adjust what you have based on your specific experiences and needs. The recommendations in this guide are just a starting point for creating a kit. The best gear will fail every time if you don’t hold up your end of the bargain, so make sure you know how to effectively use it and keep yourself in good enough physical condition so as not to be a liability. If you follow these rules, you will be ready for whatever nature throws your way.
