News
November 02, 2025
OUTDOORS COLUMN: What is in the pack anyway?
Every year I say I’m going to carry less out into the woods with me when deer season starts.
## OUTDOORS COLUMN: The Eternal Struggle of the Hunter's Pack
Every hunter knows the feeling. That pre-dawn chill biting at your fingers as you heft your backpack, feeling the familiar weight settle onto your shoulders. It's a weight that promises a day of potential success, but also whispers of the inevitable aches to come. And every year, as deer season approaches, the same internal monologue begins: "This year, I'm packing lighter."
It's a noble goal, born from the memory of dragging yourself back to the truck after a long day in the stand, muscles screaming in protest. The promise of shedding unnecessary weight is a siren song, tempting us with visions of nimble movements and a more comfortable hunt.
But the reality, as many seasoned hunters can attest, rarely lives up to the ideal. The "essentials" seem to multiply like rabbits in the off-season. Suddenly, that compact pack is overflowing with items deemed absolutely crucial for a successful and, more importantly, comfortable hunt.
What exactly constitutes these "essentials"? Well, it varies from hunter to hunter, of course. But there are some common culprits contributing to the over-packed dilemma. First and foremost, there's the safety gear. A well-stocked first-aid kit is non-negotiable, capable of handling everything from minor scrapes to more serious injuries. Add to that a reliable flashlight or headlamp, extra batteries, and a signaling device, and the weight starts to creep up.
Then comes the hunting gear itself. Binoculars, a rangefinder, calls, scent attractants, knives, and ammunition – each item small on its own, but collectively adding significant bulk. And let's not forget the creature comforts. A thermos of hot coffee or soup can be a lifesaver on a frigid morning. Snacks are essential for maintaining energy levels throughout the day. A comfortable seat cushion can make hours in a treestand bearable.
The problem, of course, is that it's easy to fall into the "just in case" trap. "Just in case it rains, I'll bring an extra jacket." "Just in case I get turned around, I'll bring a map and compass." "Just in case..." The list goes on and on.
So, as another deer season dawns, the question remains: what *is* in the pack anyway? And more importantly, what can be left behind
Every hunter knows the feeling. That pre-dawn chill biting at your fingers as you heft your backpack, feeling the familiar weight settle onto your shoulders. It's a weight that promises a day of potential success, but also whispers of the inevitable aches to come. And every year, as deer season approaches, the same internal monologue begins: "This year, I'm packing lighter."
It's a noble goal, born from the memory of dragging yourself back to the truck after a long day in the stand, muscles screaming in protest. The promise of shedding unnecessary weight is a siren song, tempting us with visions of nimble movements and a more comfortable hunt.
But the reality, as many seasoned hunters can attest, rarely lives up to the ideal. The "essentials" seem to multiply like rabbits in the off-season. Suddenly, that compact pack is overflowing with items deemed absolutely crucial for a successful and, more importantly, comfortable hunt.
What exactly constitutes these "essentials"? Well, it varies from hunter to hunter, of course. But there are some common culprits contributing to the over-packed dilemma. First and foremost, there's the safety gear. A well-stocked first-aid kit is non-negotiable, capable of handling everything from minor scrapes to more serious injuries. Add to that a reliable flashlight or headlamp, extra batteries, and a signaling device, and the weight starts to creep up.
Then comes the hunting gear itself. Binoculars, a rangefinder, calls, scent attractants, knives, and ammunition – each item small on its own, but collectively adding significant bulk. And let's not forget the creature comforts. A thermos of hot coffee or soup can be a lifesaver on a frigid morning. Snacks are essential for maintaining energy levels throughout the day. A comfortable seat cushion can make hours in a treestand bearable.
The problem, of course, is that it's easy to fall into the "just in case" trap. "Just in case it rains, I'll bring an extra jacket." "Just in case I get turned around, I'll bring a map and compass." "Just in case..." The list goes on and on.
So, as another deer season dawns, the question remains: what *is* in the pack anyway? And more importantly, what can be left behind
Category:
Sports