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After years of hunting I’ve learned a thing or two about what deserves a spot in my hunting pack. I’ve also learned that you don’t need to carry half the sporting goods store into the woods to have a successful hunt. Of course, every hunt is different. What I pack for a morning in a Georgia deer stand looks a little different from what I take into the mountains. But there are a handful of things I find myself reaching for season after season. Some are practical necessities and others just make those early mornings and long sits a little more enjoyable. Either way, these are five things I think every girl should have in her hunting pack.
1. A Good Pair of Binoculars
A good pair of binoculars is one piece of hunting gear I never leave home without. Whether I’m scanning a distant hillside or watching movement along the edge of a field, quality optics can make all the difference. And while I’m a firm believer in investing in good glass, I also know you don’t have to spend a fortune to find something dependable.
These are two options I recommend depending on your budget.
Worth the Splurge: Maven B.3 Binoculars
Price: $575
If you’re ready to invest a little more in your hunting optics, the Maven B.3 binoculars are worth considering. They’re a premium option for hunters who want quality glass without carrying around unnecessarily bulky equipment.
For women who spend plenty of time in the field and are ready to upgrade their binoculars, these are a great option to consider.
Shop Maven B.3 Binoculars– HERE
Budget-Friendly Pick: Vortex Crossfire Binoculars
Not everyone needs to spend several hundred dollars on binoculars, especially when they’re just getting started. That’s where the Vortex Crossfires come in. They’re a dependable, great glass, budget-friendly option but still performing. Whether you’re a newer hunter or simply looking for something practical that gets the job done, the Crossfires are a solid choice.
Shop Vortex Crossfire Binoculars– HERE
2. A YETI Rambler
Shop YETI Rambler – HERE
Some girls won’t leave the house without their favorite purse. I won’t leave for a morning hunt without my coffee. There’s just something about sitting in a deer stand before daylight, watching the woods wake up, and enjoying a hot cup of coffee. A good insulated tumbler makes that experience even better.
My YETI Rambler is one of those things that gets used well beyond hunting season. Whether it’s keeping coffee hot on a chilly morning or water cold during an afternoon hunt, it’s a piece of gear that earns its keep. Just make sure you choose a size that fits comfortably in your pack, and a lid that won’t leak all over your other gear. I like the commuter cap and the chug cap.
3. A Reliable Headlamp
Shop Headlamps→ HERE
If you’ve ever tried walking out of the woods after dark while juggling a flashlight, your hunting gear, and everything else you brought along, you already know why a headlamp belongs on this list. I prefer having my hands free, especially when I’m navigating uneven terrain, climbing into a stand, or getting ready for an early morning hunt. Look for a headlamp with adjustable brightness, a comfortable strap, and a red-light setting. It’s also worth checking the battery life before heading out. I love COAST products. They constantly perform and have long battery life, because let be honest we all forget to charge them! You can’t go wrong with any of their headlamps, I own several. This is one of those small pieces of equipment that’s easy to overlook until you really need it.
4. Your Favorite Hunting Snacks
Shop My Favorite Hunting Snacks– HERE
Let’s talk about one of the most important parts of any hunting pack: snacks. I’m only halfway joking. There’s nothing worse than settling into a stand for a long morning and realizing you didn’t bring anything to eat. When you’re trying to stay patient and still, a growling stomach certainly doesn’t help. I like packing things that are easy to eat, don’t require much preparation, and won’t make a ton of noise when I’m opening them. Jerky is my number one pick, any thing protein is a win though. Jerky, protein bars, nuts, and other simple snacks are great options.
Bonus points if you remember to unwrap the loudest packaging before you get settled into your stand. I like to pack a soft drawstring bag and dump my unwrapped snacks into it to reduce noise in the stand/blind.
5. A Portable Phone Charger
Shop Portable Chargers – HERE
Between checking maps, taking pictures, and keeping in touch with family, my phone gets plenty of use during hunting season. If you’re using an app like onX Hunt to navigate, mark waypoints, or review your route, keeping your phone charged becomes even more important. A compact portable charger doesn’t take up much room, but it can save you a lot of frustration when your battery starts getting low.
A Few More Things Worth Packing
Of course, these five favorites aren’t the only things that belong in a hunting pack. Depending on where and what you’re hunting, you’ll also want essentials like a dependable hunting knife, a first aid kit, appropriate emergency supplies, and extra layers. Every hunter eventually develops her own system, and that’s part of the fun. The more time you spend in the field, the more you figure out what works for you. At the end of the day, the best hunting pack isn’t necessarily the one with the most expensive gear. It’s the one filled with things you’ll actually use.
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