A Backpack Hunter’s Must-Have Equipment List

by
posted on April 23, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
backpack_hunters_f.jpg

Senior Editor Karen Mehall Phillips had the chance to train for a grueling backcountry hunt at Magpul's inaugural Backcountry Hunter's Course. More details on that can be found right here. One of the first things she learned, though, was precisely what kind of gear any backpacking hunter will want on hand at all times. Check out what she learned in the report below.

I sported Cabela’s women’s moisture-wicking XPG clothing. In warm climates, don’t overlook Duckworth’s Vapor Wool. Arcteryx’s insulated, high-performance Atom hoody is lightweight, packable warmth and ideal as both a mid-layer or stand-alone piece in warmer temps. I packed my Huntworth Ladies Stealth series gloves with high-tack palms. Needing serious ankle support, I was thankful for my Kenetrek Mountain boots.

I was in great company with my Stone Glacier Sky 5100 pack as Luke and three other students also toted one. That spoke volumes! The 5,100-cubic-inch pack with a KRuX frame converts to a 3,500 cubic-incher. A center zipper offers access to four internal pockets. Accessories include a rifle sling, spotting scope pocket and dry pack for hauling meat.

Carry at least 3 liters of water. I used a basic water pump with a nylon wrap. Pumping from fast-flowing water is best, though in an emergency you can’t overlook the elk wallow.

When the backcountry zaps you mentally and physically, a lightweight canister of O2 Unleashed with 95 percent pure oxygen beats back fatigue and altitude and saves the day.

I used my lightweight, stable Easton Kilo Carbon three-season tent with carbon fiber frame. For cold weather, four-season options weigh 2.5-plus pounds but hold heat. Temperature ratings for synthetic sleeping bags can be off, so I prefer Therm-A-Rest’s Mira women’s down with heat-capturing ThermaCapture lining. A lightweight 2.5-inch Therm-A-Rest pad offers ample width for a better rest. Tip: Pack a patch kit. You’ll glass for hours so protect your lower back with 21/2-inch-thick pad. For more tips on clothing and gear selection for a backcountry trip, see my “American Bowhunter” blogs posted in July and August 2014.

My Pelican LED light provided multi-beam functionality and a super-bright 133 lumens on high.

The new, compact Jetboil Flash Camo Backpacking Stove is a burner and cooking vessel in one. Everything stores in the 1-liter cooking cup, and the unit lights with the click of a button.

Also pack a compass, GPS, Thermacell unit, titanium drinking cup, rain gear, camp shoes and a first-aid kit. Carry a mirror, compass, whistle, glow sticks, firestarter, wet wipes and rope all in one pouch. Brownells has plenty of survival gear.

Latest

2025 NRA World Shooting Championship
2025 NRA World Shooting Championship

KelTec Named Official Stage Sponsor for 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship

The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) is proud to announce KelTec as an official sponsor of the 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship, returning to Camp Atterbury, Ind., from September 30 to October 4, 2025.

Thompson/Center Arms Celebrating 60th Anniversary

Thompson/Center Arms is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025. Since 1965, T/C Arms has built a legacy rooted in the pioneering spirit of American hunters.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors: Lucy Evans from Georgia and John Bruner from Pennsylvania.

Head to Head: 7x57mm Mauser vs. .30-06 Springfield

I’ve had more than a few requests for this Head to Head, so I figured it was high time to pit two of the early 20th century’s most popular military cartridges against one another. Let's dive into the 7x57mm Mauser vs. the .30-06 Springfield.

NRA Hunter Education FREE Online Course Now Available in Louisiana

The National Rifle Association of America’s award-winning free Hunter Education online course is now available in the State of Louisiana, the latest addition as NRA works to make the course available to hunters in all 50 states.

Moultrie Updates Line of Game Feeders

Moultrie has expanded the capacity of its line of feeders, and bettered the cameras' integration with the company's connected technology to streamline the feeding process.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.