This list covers just about everything you’ll need, including gear, clothing, overnight gear, emergency supplies and any other items that might come in handy out in the field. At Terra Pampa we furnish hunters with everything that they may need which is not of personal use, so we divided the list in two. The first list is the gear you need to prepare for any outfitted hunting trip. The second list consists of the additional items you need when hunting solo or if you intend to spend the night outdoors.
All of the clothes and gear, as far as possible, should be made in camouflage or earthy colors so as to allow hunters to blend into the landscape. All gear that can’t fit into the backpack should have a strap for hanging. Additionally, they should be adequate for the season, climate and weather we are going to hunt in.
Hunting Gear
Hunting requires a variety of gear to ensure a successful and safe experience. Here is a list of essential hunting gear:
- Maps: Having a map of the hunting area is crucial for navigation and tracking. It is important to be familiar with the terrain and potential hazards.
- Compass or GPS: A compass or GPS device is necessary for orienteering and determining direction. It is also useful for marking and tracking specific locations.
- Hunting Pack: A hunting pack is necessary to carry all necessary items such as food, water, and other hunting gear. It should be comfortable to wear and have enough capacity to carry all essential items.
- Water bottle or hydration bladder: Staying hydrated is important during hunting trips, especially in hot and dry weather. Carrying a water bottle or hydration bladder is essential to prevent dehydration.
- Blaze orange tape for route marking: Marking routes with blaze orange tape helps hunters to easily navigate and prevent getting lost. It also helps other hunters to identify the boundaries of the hunting area.
- Decoys and game calls: Decoys and game calls are useful for attracting and luring game animals. They can help hunters to get closer to the animals and increase the chances of a successful hunt.
- Scent eliminators: Scent eliminators are used to mask the human scent and prevent animals from detecting the hunter. They are available in different forms such as sprays, soaps, and detergents.
- Scent attractors: Scent attractors are used to mimic the scent of prey and lure game animals closer to the hunter. They are available in different forms such as urine, gland secretions, and food scents.
- Ground blind or portable tree stand: A ground blind or portable tree stand provides cover and concealment for the hunter. It is useful for hunting in open areas where there is no natural cover.
- Game carrier (sled/cart/or rope): A game carrier is used to transport game animals from the hunting site to the vehicle or camp. It can be in the form of a sled, cart, or rope.
- Cooler: A cooler is essential for keeping game meat fresh during transportation. It should have enough capacity to store all the meat and be easily transportable.
- Odorless insect repellent: Insect bites can be a major distraction during hunting trips. Using an odorless insect repellent can help to prevent bites and avoid detection by game animals.
- Sunscreen: Protecting skin from the sun’s harmful rays is important during long hours of outdoor activity. Using sunscreen with high SPF is necessary to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
Having these essential hunting gear items can help make your hunting experience more successful and enjoyable.
Hunting Clothing
Proper hunting clothing is essential for staying warm, dry, and comfortable during hunting trips. Here are some key items of hunting clothing:
- Hunting jacket or convertible parka: A hunting jacket or convertible parka is necessary for staying warm and dry in cold and wet conditions. It should be durable, breathable, and able to withstand rough terrain.
- Hunting pants: Hunting pants should be comfortable and durable. They should provide good insulation and protection against thorns, brush, and other obstacles.
- Hunting vest: A hunting vest is useful for carrying small gear items such as ammunition, binoculars, and hunting calls. It should be lightweight, breathable, and have enough pockets for storing essential items.
- Hunting boots: Hunting boots should be waterproof, insulated, and have good traction for walking on rough terrain. They should also provide good ankle support and be comfortable to wear for long periods.
- Performance base layer or long underwear: A performance base layer or long underwear is useful for wicking moisture away from the skin and keeping the body warm in cold weather.
- Moisture-wicking socks: Moisture-wicking socks are important for preventing blisters and keeping feet dry and warm.
- Winter watch cap or beanie: A winter watch cap or beanie is essential for keeping the head warm in cold weather.
- Hat (blaze orange, if required): Wearing a blaze orange hat is required in many hunting areas to help identify hunters to other hunters.
- Fingerless gloves or convertible mittens: Fingerless gloves or convertible mittens are useful for keeping hands warm while allowing for better dexterity when handling hunting equipment.
- Camo balaclava/face mask: A camo balaclava or face mask is useful for concealing the face and keeping it warm in cold weather.
- Belt: A sturdy belt is useful for carrying gear items such as a holster, knife, and flashlight.
- Boot gaiters: Boot gaiters are useful for keeping snow and debris out of boots and pants.
- Spare clothing: It is always a good idea to bring spare clothing in case of unexpected weather changes or accidents.
Having proper hunting clothing can help ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.
Overnight Gear
For an overnight hunting trip, having the right gear can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and safety. Here are some key items for overnight hunting gear:
- Tent: A sturdy and reliable tent is essential for sheltering from the elements during overnight hunting trips.
- Ground cloth or tent footprint: A ground cloth or tent footprint is useful for protecting the tent from rocks, roots, and other sharp objects on the ground.
- Sleeping bag: A warm and comfortable sleeping bag is necessary for a good night’s rest during overnight hunting trips.
- Foam ground pad or inflatable pad: A ground pad is useful for providing insulation and cushioning against the cold ground.
- Flashlight/headlamp/lantern: A reliable light source is essential for navigating in the dark and setting up camp.
- Camp chair/stool/seat pad: A comfortable seat is important for resting and relaxing after a long day of hunting.
- Water purifier/filter: A water purifier or filter is necessary for obtaining safe drinking water in the wilderness.
- Water jug: A water jug is useful for carrying and storing water.
- Meals and snacks: Bringing non-perishable meals and snacks is important for maintaining energy and nutrition during the trip.
- Camping stove: A camping stove is necessary for cooking meals and boiling water.
- Mess kit/utensils/cooking supplies: A mess kit and utensils are necessary for eating and cooking meals.
- Garbage bag: A garbage bag is useful for collecting and storing trash.
- Rope or nylon webbing: Rope or nylon webbing is useful for securing gear and setting up tarps.
- Biodegradable camp soap: Biodegradable camp soap is useful for cleaning dishes and washing up.
- Scrubbing sponge and Washcloth: A scrubbing sponge and washcloth are useful for cleaning up after meals and personal hygiene.
- Small shovel/trowel: A small shovel or trowel is useful for digging cat holes for human waste disposal.
- Toilet paper: Toilet paper is necessary for personal hygiene during the trip.
- Bear bag with rope or cord: A bear bag with rope or cord is necessary for storing food and preventing bears from accessing it.
- Tent/tarp patch kit: A tent or tarp patch kit is useful for repairing any damage to the shelter.
Having these essential overnight hunting gear items can help ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.
Emergency and Survival Gear
When going on a hunting trip, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies and have the right survival gear. Here are some essential items for emergency and survival gear:
- First Aid Kit: A first aid kit is essential for treating injuries and illnesses that may occur during the trip.
- Emergency blanket: An emergency blanket is useful for keeping warm and protecting against hypothermia in case of an emergency.
- Small flashlight: A small flashlight is useful for navigating in the dark or in low light conditions.
- Signal mirror: A signal mirror is useful for attracting attention in case of an emergency.
- Water purification tablets: Water purification tablets are useful for obtaining safe drinking water in case of an emergency.
- Windproof matches: Windproof matches are useful for starting fires in windy conditions.
- Firesteel/flint and steel: Firesteel or flint and steel are useful for starting fires in case of an emergency.
- Fire starting supplies: Fire starting supplies such as kindling, tinder, and fire starters are useful for starting fires in any weather condition.
- Small sewing kit: A small sewing kit is useful for repairing clothing or gear in case of damage.
- Safety pins: Safety pins are useful for securing clothing or gear in case of damage or malfunction.
- Survival knife or multi-tool: A survival knife or multi-tool is useful for a variety of tasks such as cutting, sawing, and opening cans.
- Portable saw: A portable saw is useful for cutting wood for fires or for building shelter.
- Energy bar: An energy bar is useful for providing quick energy in case of hunger or fatigue.
- Aspirin/pain reliever: Aspirin or other pain relievers are useful for treating headaches or pain.
- Cell phone: A cell phone is useful for calling for help in case of an emergency.
Having these essential emergency and survival gear items can help ensure a safe and successful hunting trip.