How to Pack for a Hunting Trip

Backcountry hunting is believed to be a sport best left to the most diligent people. However, it’s less acknowledged how annoying packing for such a trip may be. Inexperienced hunters worry about not bringing enough gear, whereas seasoned hunters focus on reducing weight and expanding their capacity. This back-and-forth is a warm-up to an incredible experience that is about to happen.

How to Pack a Backpack for Hunting?

There is more to a well-packed backpack than simply packing all your belongings into the largest bag possible. It strikes a balance between keeping everything you need in one place and having rapid access to it. The unsung hero of each successful hunt is a well-stocked and well-organised pack. Nobody wants to hunt unsuccessfully, get a strained back, or rifle through a jumbled mess.

1. Choose the Right Backpack for Your Needs

Although practically any backpack will do, think of your hunting style, preferred game, and how much time you plan to spend in the field when searching for a reliable hunting backpack in Australia. Even while an all-purpose backpack might be useful, it’s practical to have dedicated storage for the things you must have on hand at all times and can access fast.

Expert reviewers claim you must test all the packs before landing on the right one. The problem is that specialised backpacks aren’t cheap, and normal people have budgets. You cannot spend all your money on bags you won’t use because you need other hunting gear. To help you get the right fit, hunting brands and internet stores include useful size charts and comprehensive specifications. Consider the following factors:

  • Purpose. Turkey or big-game hunting? There’s a big difference, and so there is in hunting backpacks; while some are designed with turkey and other upland-bird hunters, others are more appropriate for big-game hunters. While there’s a pack for any hunting task, opt for a design prioritising comfort and organisation, such as a frame that can support weighty loads and back-country suitability. 
  • Functionality. Features like camo design, horseshoe-style zippers, top load, hydration packs, and extra pockets are paramount for efficiency.
  • Material. The technology has provided hunters today with waterproof and lightweight backpack materials made for durability, similar to those in hunting clothing.
  • Suspension System. Features like a lumbar pad, sternum strap, waist pad, shoulder straps, load lifters and the frame itself help distribute weight evenly, making them a part of a system that makes carrying weighty loads more comfortable. 

If you want your backpack to function at its peak, you must know how to put it on properly because all these parts are interrelated. You can have the most expensive or the best hunting backpack in Australia, but it won’t be useful if you don’t wear it properly.

2. Assess Your Needs

source: gohunt.com

Evaluating your specific hunting needs ensures you’ll have everything important while avoiding excess weight. Tailor your pack to the nature of your trip, balancing comfort and functionality.

Consider Game, Terrain, Weather, and Duration

What you hunt, where you hunt, the weather, and how long you’ll be out will heavily influence your packing list. Targeting elk in rugged, snowy conditions requires different gear than hunting upland birds in warmer climates. Instead of viewing these factors in isolation, consider how they interact.

Categorise Your Gear

Start with a list of everything you might need. Once complete, sort items into three categories:

  1. Essentials. Survival basics like food, water, a kill kit, navigation tools, and first aid.
  2. Extras. Non-critical items that add comfort, like spare socks or additional storage pouches.
  3. Unnecessary. Anything that doesn’t serve a clear purpose for your hunt or survival.

3. Employ Efficient Packing Techniques

Maximise Space

To maximise space, consider rolling your clothing instead of folding it. Rolling is more compact, allowing you to fit items snugly together. Use compression sacks for bulky gear like sleeping bags, down layers, or tents. These sacks not only reduce the volume of your items but also protect them from moisture. Seasoned hunters often rely on ultralight compression sacks for this purpose, as they keep gear manageable and organised.

Another tip is to fill empty spaces with smaller items. Tuck socks, gloves, or other soft items into gaps within your pack to maximise capacity and add cushioning for delicate gear. When possible, replace bulky packaging with more compact options, or wrap fragile items in clothing for dual-purpose protection.

Organise Your Pack

Effective organisation ensures accessibility and comfort during your hunt. Place frequently used items like rain gear, gloves, and spotting scopes in external pockets or at the top of your pack. Place heavier items close to your back and centred to maintain balance and reduce strain.

Compartmentalisation is also key—group similar items together in separate compartments or ultralight bags. This strategy allows you to quickly retrieve what you need without rummaging through your entire pack. Prioritise essentials near the zipper to save time and effort during critical moments in the field.