Whether you’re an experienced hunter or new to the sport, you need the right gear to ensure your safety and comfort. Check out our list of hunting essentials to find the equipment you need for your next adventure.
Start with quality hunting boots that fit well and provide plenty of insulation to fend off cold weather conditions. Add a pair of waterproof pants and a jacket. Read on Elk Calls to learn more.
Whether you’re a veteran hunter or just starting out, the right gear is crucial for your success rate. From camouflage hunting clothing to a good weapon, the gear you select can make or break your hunt.
One of the most essential pieces of hunting equipment is a good knife. Not only does it help you skin game in the field but it also comes in handy for notching your tags or creating a makeshift shelter.
The type of knife you carry depends on your specific hunting habits. If you hunt for large game, a larger, more rugged knife might be a better fit. However, if you’re mostly engaged in smaller game like squirrels and rabbits, a compact knife will suit your needs.
Blade materials can also play an important role in the quality of your hunting knife. Ideally, you want to stick with premium stainless steels that balance edge retention, corrosion resistance and toughness. CPM-S30V, S35VN and 154CM are excellent choices for hunters seeking the ultimate in blade quality, while VG-10 and VG-12 offer time-tested cutting prowess for those partial to higher carbon steels.
As you consider your options, it’s also worth considering what tasks you typically engage in while hunting. If you rely on your hunting knife for more precise cutting tasks, a drop point or trailing tip blade might be more ideal. If you’re primarily focused on skinning and field dressing, a curved blade with an efficient cutting edge might be a smart choice. In the end, you’ll also want to factor in your budget when making your selection. A good, durable hunting knife is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come.
Maps and Compasses
The hunting industry leans pretty heavily on products that promise to help hunters fill their tags quickly and easily. There’s nothing wrong with that, but there are a lot of products out there that won’t do much to actually increase a hunter’s success rate. That said, there are a few items on this list that should be part of every hunter’s gear.
Maps and compasses are two of the most important pieces of equipment for hunters to have in case they get lost or somehow lose access to their GPS. Maps show you where you are and how far it is to your destination, while compasses tell you which direction to go.
Most maps have scales printed on them to indicate distance. A compass has a magnetized needle in the base plate that aligns with magnetic north, which is different from geographic north. To use a compass, set the red end of the needle to match the maps scaled direction and rotate the bezel until the orienting lines and arrow are pointing at your location.
If you’re not sure which way to go, look for a landmark that lies along the calculated route to your destination and roughly line up your compass with it. Once you’ve lined up the landmark with your compass, it should be easy to stay on course.
A compass also has a bevel that can be turned to adjust for magnetic declination, which is the difference between the north pole’s magnetic pull and your own. This isn’t a crucial feature for most hunters, but if you plan on traveling to areas where magnetic declination is a factor, be sure to take the time to calibrate your compass before heading out into the wilderness.
Headlamp
A headlamp is a must-have in your hunting essentials kit to help you navigate terrain and perform other camp chores after the sun goes down. While there are a variety of headlamp options out there, GearJunkie Editorial Director Sean McCoy recommends a rechargeable headlamp with multiple brightness settings. This lets you customize the lighting for different scenarios and ensures your headlamp will last through several hours of use. A headlamp with a single-use battery may be more affordable up front, but you’ll have to carry extra batteries with you for backup purposes and will need to dispose of old batteries in the field.
The most important factor to consider when selecting a headlamp is brightness, measured in lumens. A higher number indicates brighter light output, which is important if you’re hiking on rugged trails at night and want to see far distances. You’ll also want to consider what other features the headlamp offers. For example, some headlamps come with a red or green setting to help you blend in with your environment without scaring wildlife.
When selecting a headlamp, look for a model that is waterproof and sweat-resistant. This will keep your neck and forehead cool and comfortable while wearing the lamp for extended periods of time. Some headlamps also feature a strobe mode that uses less power to illuminate your surroundings and makes you more visible to search-and-rescue crews in case of an emergency.
The Princeton Tec Remix is one of our top picks for the best hunting headlamp due to its customizable LEDs and rechargeable capability. It has three white lighting modes (max burn time, standard, and dim) and can run on either two AAA batteries or a Core battery ($30, sold separately). The Remix’s oversized, textured button is easy to find and operate. A quick-release mechanism allows you to swap out the battery pack without taking the headlamp off.
First-Aid Kit
A first-aid kit is one of the most important hunting essentials. You never know when you might cut yourself or run into poison ivy, and having the right supplies can make all the difference in treating injuries and keeping you alive until help arrives. Make sure your first-aid kit is easily accessible and contains items like bandages, gauze, scissors, hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, a tourniquet, and emergency blankets. Check your first-aid kit twice a year and replace expired medications. You can also include a list of the phone numbers for your regional poison control center to keep with your kit in case you need to call for assistance.
If you’re going on a long hunt, be sure to bring enough food and water for the trip. Pack shelf-stable foods that are easy to prepare and transport, such as granola bars, energy bars, beef jerky, or dried fruit. You might also want to bring a portable water filter, such as the LifeStraw, so you have backup water in case your main supply is lost or becomes undrinkable.
You should always have a fire-starting kit, as well, so you can keep warm and stay visible in the woods. Pack a Bic Mini lighter, tinder, and waterproof matches in an empty Nuun Hydration canister, as well as Leukotape (for blisters), duct tape, and electrical tape (for multiple uses).
Whether you’re a veteran or a beginner, having the right gear can make or break your hunting experience. A good checklist helps ensure you have all the necessary items before, during, and after a hunt, which can save you time, money, and frustration down the road.
Emergency Blanket
One of the most essential pieces of survival gear you can carry is an emergency blanket. This simple blanket uses mylar — the same material that NASA uses for space exploration — to capture and reflect radiated body heat. It weighs only 3 ounces and fits into its own clear plastic bag, making it easy to store in your backpack until you need it. Reviewers say that this no-frills blanket delivers great warmth and fits easily into their kits.
Unlike many other blankets on the market, this Arcturus model has one Mylar side and another made from two layers of polypropylene to create a waterproof layer. This allows the blanket to be used as a groundsheet in addition to a blanket, and it is capable of reflecting up to 90 percent of radiated body heat. The blanket is also highly reusable, and it is the most compact option on our list when folded up. It also comes with its own carry bag and has grommets at the corners to make shelter building easier.
You can also use this blanket as a tarp or as an emergency bivvy, but it is most effective when combined with other survival gear. You can line the blanket with your emergency bivvy sack or best sleeping bag to protect you from the elements, and it works as an excellent groundsheet in a lean-to shelter. You can even turn it into a rain poncho by cutting a head hole and applying duct tape. The bright orange color makes it easy to spot when you’re hiking or camping in the woods. This blanket can also be cut into strips and used as improvised rope for various outdoor activities.