I like your list. It hit me some time ago why do they make all these “day” packs with 57+++ compartments? To put all the crap they think you need and want to sell you in. Takes the joy right out of getting up and going if you have to search for all that stuff that you never use too. I don’t hate treestands, but since I gave them up to be more mobile – and by far that’s why I started hunting – to explore – more than just sit (of which I do plenty too), it’s been a joy not dragging those along also. Less is more when it comes to stuff:D

I take toilet paper, much better than flagging tape if you have to squat, and just as good for marking a blood trail. Brought home several pieces of marking tape last time in a WMA (along with a few Mylar balloons).

I have a head light, and an extra flashlight. No extra batteries, if your batteries die you won’t be able to see to change them. No reason not to have an extra with the cheap little LED flashlights.

I also have a butt cushion, as my butt didn’t come with cushioning, and doesn’t like cold and wet. I hang it from my fanny pack with one of those baby ‘beaners.

Contemplating a chair of some sort. There is never a rock or log where I want to sit. Not about to carry a rock or log with me. I have a neat little folding camp stool, but the legs are chrome, and to carry it I need a day pack.

Have made a tree hammock seat, but again, never a tree where you want it.

I got the fanny pack at the after season sale last year. Fit fine in the store, but with a little weight in it, and a little movement it slides down to my knees. Not enough fanny for the fanny pack. Not too bad if I wear it over a shoulder like a bandolier.

No cow call as there is no cow season here. But if there WAS….

And when I am marching out the door, Audrey makes dam sure I have the compass, the cell phone, and a note telling her where I’m going, & when I will be back..

Search for the 10 essentials you should be carrying in the back country. If you leave your clothes and you have to spend the night or have a long wait while somebody finds you, you’ll be wishing you had them. Even hunting small areas in the eastern part of the country bad things can happen.

I am on our county SAR team so these situations are real.

Always have the ten essential items and keep them with you.

Updated Ten Essential “Systems”

Navigation (map and compass)

Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)

Insulation (extra clothing)

Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)

First-aid supplies

Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)

Repair kit and tools

Nutrition (extra food)

Hydration (extra water)

Emergency shelter

Classic Ten Essentials

Map

Compass

Sunglasses and sunscreen

Extra clothing

Headlamp/flashlight

First-aid supplies

Firestarter

Matches

Knife

Extra food

Even though you will find a road in 3 miles if you follow a stream, here in MA….

Kinda hard to follow a stream with a broken leg. I keep remembering that old trapper in Jeremiah Johnson, that froze to death because he broke a leg.

Besides If you are running around in circles between streams, you may never find a stream.

I don’t just BELIEVE this stuff I KNOW it! Been there, done that.

Grumpy

I have the same issue with my fanny pack particularly when it’s loaded—solution–get one of those thick pair of suspenders from carhart or tractor supply–clip them on and bingo I have the same thing I used to wear on active duty. Transfers the weight to shoulders and you can even just snug the belt so your hips take some of the load.

After about twenty years of handy service one of my favorite tools snapped into pieces. I carry one of those cheap Sierra Saws in my pack or bag and use it for trimming limbs, cutting campfire wood or bones. I’ve replaced the blade a couple of times but the plastic handle got brittle and snapped at the blade. Holding just the blade, I could still get what I needed to done while setting up a stand this afternoon. Bought a replacement for less than twelve bucks.