what's in your gear bag?

[Superbrad]

You seem to have a pretty good handle on the most important stuff but if I could add....

SPACE BLANKET - Get a good one , foil on one side, blaze orange on the other. Looks like a tarp NOT the little tin foil one. MEC and CT carry them.

HEADLAMP(Petzel, uses same battery as my GPS for redundancy) - Gives you hands free whether skinning game after dark or setting up and gathering fire wood for an unexpected night in the woods.

AXE - is the #1 survival tool(Fact!) but sometimes not practical for hunting. I have a Gerber Machete that straps to my Knapsack webbing.

BIC Lighter(x3) Vacuum sealed or in ziplock bags and distributed to various parts of me...Coat pocket, Pants, Knapsack. You can't have too many!

Google Earth/Location notification - Obviously you don't carry it hunting but I always use the path tracer on GE to show where I will be and an alternate location(In case my plan changes) I save it with the date I will be Hunting then make a hard copy. My Wench knows how to access the GE file and if I am not home at the agreed time she has my complete hunting area along will Lat and Long and a printed copy to pass along to RCMP/RCC/SAR.

and specifically HUNTING related - A paper copy of the Hunting Regulations, to check info if I'm not sure or to use as fire starter if required!

Last but not least - Make sure you have a pressure bandage in your FA kit, not just some gauze and wrap but a large thick pressure bandage for big wounds. Several Womens menstrual pads could also be used as an substitution.

Good luck, Happy trails!

All great ideas... but a headlamp shouldn't have to be a petzl to work... they are expensive... I have an energizer lamp that does the trick.... and I carry spare batts for it..... and I also like your axe / hatchet idea better than a machete.... JMOP

 

[John Y Cannuck]

Geeze, I don't know how the hell some of you guys even walk around.

But then, I also realize that lots of guys walk no further than to their stand.

Seriously, pair it down to essentials if you plan on walking a few miles. I frequently walk ten to fifteen miles over a days hunt, often more. Ounces count.
Water, Knife, rope Toilet paper, waterproof matches, plus lighter. Deer call if I'm sitting, whistle, compass, GPS, extra ammo, light weight rain gear, if rain threatens.
I rarely carry snacks anymore, they are just a temptation for more movement when sitting, and where I'm hunting, I could do just fine without them, even if I had to spend the night.

If your farm hunting, you may want binoculars. Folks get real pissed when you use the crosshairs to check them out, and it's bloody dangerous.

On rope, I take 15 feet of 5/16 braided nylon in my pack. Real handy if you need to drag a deer under a brush pile, or up a cliff. Not so necessary for farm hunting. In farm country, you only need enough for a short drag rope, and a bit of cord to tie off the bladder.

 

[Superbrad]

Geeze, I don't know how the hell some of you guys even walk around.

But then, I also realize that lots of guys walk no further than to their stand.

Seriously, pair it down to essentials if you plan on walking a few miles. I frequently walk ten to fifteen miles over a days hunt, often more. Ounces count.
Water, Knife, rope Toilet paper, waterproof matches, plus lighter. Deer call if I'm sitting, whistle, compass, GPS, extra ammo, light weight rain gear, if rain threatens.
I rarely carry snacks anymore, they are just a temptation for more movement when sitting, and where I'm hunting, I could do just fine without them, even if I had to spend the night.

If your farm hunting, you may want binoculars. Folks get real pissed when you use the crosshairs to check them out, and it's bloody dangerous.

On rope, I take 15 feet of 5/16 braided nylon in my pack. Real handy if you need to drag a deer under a brush pile, or up a cliff. Not so necessary for farm hunting. In farm country, you only need enough for a short drag rope, and a bit of cord to tie off the bladder.

So what is in our packs that isn't in yours?.... other than a gunsock to keep you legal, a pair of tweezers and a hatchet?.... then you are carrying binos on top of that (also a good idea).... although I must admit... I don't mind being a pack mule...

 

[GunnerySgtJackson]

All great ideas... but a headlamp shouldn't have to be a petzl to work... they are expensive... I have an energizer lamp that does the trick.... and I carry spare batts for it..... and I also like your axe / hatchet idea better than a machete.... JMOP

Op requested brand: "Please be specific- what gear do you carry, what brand and why?"
Petzl is what I use, I didn't say it had to be a petzel. One thing I have learnt wrt gear: Buy it once, buy it to last! But thats just me

 

[GunnerySgtJackson]

thanks Gunny,

especially about the hatchet, that's one thing I hadn't thought of.

I also like the idea of the hunting regs- just like the firearms regs right, can't be too careful. I have a nasty habit of filing 'flight plans' with both my wife and my neighbour, just to be safe and redundant.

MY FA kit is pretty basic: 2 shell dressings, some non-stick sterile gauze, a few rolls of coban (it's a bandage material, sticks to itself not your skin/leg hair and is waterproof), an ice pack (although for fall hunting, probably not necessary), a couple of triangular bandages (they're good for everything), crash shears, waterproof tape and a few pairs of gloves. The shell dressings live on top- one in an outside pocket usually, and one in the kit)

Good show with the multiple Flight plans! I flew SAR for some years, one particular hunter that we got to know by first name was over due three times on different occasions without anyone knowing where he was hunting. We found him all three times but only by luck. Funny enough that you say "Flight Plan" as the guy was a pilot. He always maintained he was only late not lost!
Sounds like you have the FA kit down pat. I got to see many gunshot wounds over the years, accidental and intended, hence my favourite pressure bandage but I see you have that covered.

 

[Superbrad]

Op requested brand: "Please be specific- what gear do you carry, what brand and why?"
Petzl is what I use, I didn't say it had to be a petzel. One thing I have learnt wrt gear: Buy it once, buy it to last! But thats just me

Very fair statement... I agree.... petzel does make nice lights for sure.... and they do cost more for a reason... I will give you that... bur I would feel as secure with a good flashlight... the petzel headlamp being a big plus and convenience..... Also... I want a good one and can't find what I want under 100 bucks....lol

 

[blasted_saber]

Saber- do you have a pic of the harness in use? I'm intrigued

http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Company-Deluxe-Shoulder-System/dp/B000LC2K2S

Was worth all the $5 dollars I paid for it at Epps this summer. Looks ridiculous when you unravel it, but it works. Beats the old rope tied to a stout branch for dragging. I found it easier to drag a deer by myself then two guys on the branch.

 

[roccoskeet]

Krazy glue should be in a kit for sure. It's as good as stitchs if someone gets a bad cut. I've used it on my self and others.
My wife is a nurse and for years one of the Dr. She worked with used regular Krazy glue for facial cuts especially on kids that got hit with say hockey pucks.
You dont get those vizable needle marks that way.
They now make pharmaceutical grade glue for the job.
But trust me regular Krazy glue works. I have a 3 inch long scar on the palm of my hand that was very deep to prove how well it works.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

So what is in our packs that isn't in yours?.... other than a gunsock to keep you legal, a pair of tweezers and a hatchet?.... then you are carrying binos on top of that (also a good idea).... although I must admit... I don't mind being a pack mule...

A hatchet for one is bloody heavy, and although I mentioned binoculars, I do not carry them, they are heavy too. Nor do I use a scope to examine distant objects. If I can't recognize it as game with my naked eye, I won't put a rifle on it.
I've never had a use for a hatchet in the bush, and rarely needed a saw.
I use a folding knife, as it's more compact, and carry no more water than experience has taught me I need.
I depend on my experience and education to get me through. I hunt in areas where if need be I can find or make shelter with no more than my knife, and a bit of rope.
I strongly recommend that all hunters read up on survival skills, and study their quarry. Much has been written by generations that preceded you on how to survive in the bush, many current books are excellent as well. Learn what you can eat from the wild in your area, how to boil water in a container made of birch bark, lots of interesting stuff that could save your miserable hide some day.
Some of the guys on this forum have been there. Just ask.

 

[ALLS London]

Krazy glue should be in a kit for sure. It's as good as stitchs if someone gets a bad cut. I've used it on my self and others.
My wife is a nurse and for years one of the Dr. She worked with used regular Krazy glue for facial cuts especially on kids that got hit with say hockey pucks.
You dont get those vizable needle marks that way.
They now make pharmaceutical grade glue for the job.
But trust me regular Krazy glue works. I have a 3 inch long scar on the palm of my hand that was very deep to prove how well it works.

I use steri-strips, it's a personal preference- crazy glue works REALLY well too, but it can be messy. The 'liquid bandage' stuff is basically the same thing (more like a two-part epoxy), a little less mess, but a bit bulkier.

 

[ALLS London]

A hatchet for one is bloody heavy, and although I mentioned binoculars, I do not carry them, they are heavy too. Nor do I use a scope to examine distant objects. If I can't recognize it as game with my naked eye, I won't put a rifle on it.
I've never had a use for a hatchet in the bush, and rarely needed a saw.
I use a folding knife, as it's more compact, and carry no more water than experience has taught me I need.
I depend on my experience and education to get me through. I hunt in areas where if need be I can find or make shelter with no more than my knife, and a bit of rope.
I strongly recommend that all hunters read up on survival skills, and study their quarry. Much has been written by generations that preceded you on how to survive in the bush, many current books are excellent as well. Learn what you can eat from the wild in your area, how to boil water in a container made of birch bark, lots of interesting stuff that could save your miserable hide some day.
Some of the guys on this forum have been there. Just ask.

How much water do you carry? I"m out of shape and overweight, so I'm likely to go through more water in a day than you- I would fill my platypus about 1/2way for a full day afield, about a litre. When I go for a bike ride in the summer, and I'm out for 3+ hours of constant exertion, I go through about a litre. In my eyes it stands to logic that a full day of walking, climbing, sitting and waiting would be about equivelent.

I've practiced many survival skills- fire making with standard and primitive methods, shelter making with and without cordage, and navigation by nature (in case my GPS, primary and secondary compasses fail or walk away on me)- hence why I always plan to spend a night out, in case I get 'delayed' too long to see the sun for nav.

You're right that a hatchet in Farm Country is probably unnecessary, but this is a brainstorming session

 

[ALLS London]

Good show with the multiple Flight plans! I flew SAR for some years, one particular hunter that we got to know by first name was over due three times on different occasions without anyone knowing where he was hunting. We found him all three times but only by luck. Funny enough that you say "Flight Plan" as the guy was a pilot. He always maintained he was only late not lost!
Sounds like you have the FA kit down pat. I got to see many gunshot wounds over the years, accidental and intended, hence my favourite pressure bandage but I see you have that covered.

I also worked with a SAR unit around here, and in EMS, so the 'getting home' is really less a concern to me than the tools others use for field dressing and hauling- the rope and harness, there was mention of a garbage bag for collecting bits.

Obviously 'getting home safe' is the primary objective, and as I've said, I always plan to spend a night out, which I'm sure you'll testify is safer than trying to find my way in the dark.

Thanks everyone for the ideas, let's keep going, I'm enjoying this!

 

[GunnerySgtJackson]

Geeze, I don't know how the hell some of you guys even walk around.

Lol, Who said anything about walking!

 

[GunnerySgtJackson]

Alls London,
Just another thought, I do use binos for hunting. Getting older has required it! I wear them on a shoulder harness and do not even know they are there. I find they are a great tool for moose hunting. Had someone scope me in Alberta one year and was not too happy about it to say the least. Another tool I started using this year for big game is my shooting stick. I use it as a walking stick, water depth gauge and of course a stable shooting platform.
The Ski doo picture I posted earlier is just a bit of embellishment....I was actually camping overnight and coyote hunting. When I walk/spot and hunt big game I have one medium daypack (Mountain Equipment Co-op/ blaze orange -tough pack and great zippers) It contains all my gear including my survival kit. One rule I have wrt the pack.."I don't take it off to chase game or take a walk up a side trail etc. It stays with me always" .
PS; Love this thread! Great ideas and thoughts from all. Happy Trails!

 

[roccoskeet]

I use steri-strips, it's a personal preference- crazy glue works REALLY well too, but it can be messy. The 'liquid bandage' stuff is basically the same thing (more like a two-part epoxy), a little less mess, but a bit bulkier.

Good call on the steri strips for most people but on me they will not stick. I've even tried Friars Balsam under and over them. Still no good.
For me it's still the bottle with a guy stuck to a beam by his hard hat in the picture.

Best bet try not to get cut. ......... Historically that doesn't work for me either !

 

[ALLS London]

Alls London,
Just another thought, I do use binos for hunting. Getting older has required it! I wear them on a shoulder harness and do not even know they are there. I find they are a great tool for moose hunting. Had someone scope me in Alberta one year and was not too happy about it to say the least. Another tool I started using this year for big game is my shooting stick. I use it as a walking stick, water depth gauge and of course a stable shooting platform.
The Ski doo picture I posted earlier is just a bit of embellishment....I was actually camping overnight and coyote hunting. When I walk/spot and hunt big game I have one medium daypack (Mountain Equipment Co-op/ blaze orange -tough pack and great zippers) It contains all my gear including my survival kit. One rule I have wrt the pack.."I don't take it off to chase game or take a walk up a side trail etc. It stays with me always" .
PS; Love this thread! Great ideas and thoughts from all. Happy Trails!

I don't take my pack off when I'm fishing or hiking either- that's why I have a platypus, it doesn't need to come off and on a thousand times a day. The only thing I do differently is keep my survival kit in a separate waist pack, which doesn't come off even when the backpack comes off (I had this epiphany canoeing one time, when my kit was in my backpack, which was on the floor of the canoe, while I had my lifejacket on, and I thought to myself, what happens if that pack goes overboard?).

I have a North Face daypack I'm eyeing up for using, but I'm just not sure. There's a new MEC here in London, and the temptation to go get a new pack is pretty strong. This just might be the catalyst

 

[ALLS London]

Good call on the steri strips for most people but on me they will not stick. I've even tried Friars Balsam under and over them. Still no good.
For me it's still the bottle with a guy stuck to a beam by his hard hat in the picture.

Best bet try not to get cut. ......... Historically that doesn't work for me either !

They're not perfect, especially after a few days in the field when everyone's greasy, so what I do is alcohol swab really thoroughly around the wound (yeah, I'm that kind of arsehole) to dry up the skin, apply the steri-strips, then a non-stick pad and tape directly over that to keep the skin from pulling back. It's a little excessive, but I've done it on numerous occasions and had it work really well

But yes, rule #1 is don't get hurt, then you don't need guys like me patching you up.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

I s[specifically did not mention how much water I carry, because it would be different for each individual depending on their physique, the temperature, and the exertion.

For me, I can get by on a 500ml water bottle for the morning, and another for the afternoon, if I'm walking and walking is my preference.

If I'm sitting, I probably will take only one 500ml bottle for the day, and might not get to it. I get dehydrated, but that means I urinate less, and that means less movement. The key to whitetail hunting in this province, IMO is lack of movement on stand.

I walk, usually, I'm doing that to drive deer to my party. Sometimes it's still hunting. Both have been effective for me. All require your complete attention to be successful.

 

[Superbrad]

Its neat that folks tailor their packs to their needs... That is important... A pack you feel is "a drag" is more likely to get left behind with a "what's the odds something will happen"... Good insight guys...

 

[ALLS London]

I s[specifically did not mention how much water I carry, because it would be different for each individual depending on their physique, the temperature, and the exertion.

For me, I can get by on a 500ml water bottle for the morning, and another for the afternoon, if I'm walking and walking is my preference.

If I'm sitting, I probably will take only one 500ml bottle for the day, and might not get to it. I get dehydrated, but that means I urinate less, and that means less movement. The key to whitetail hunting in this province, IMO is lack of movement on stand.

I walk, usually, I'm doing that to drive deer to my party. Sometimes it's still hunting. Both have been effective for me. All require your complete attention to be successful.

thanks- like you said, you've learned from experience, and since I have none, I prefer to draw on the experience of others while I learn