[270man]

Baylian,

Here the things I carry: First of all, I have a good hunting pack rated at 2300 cu.in. A hunting manual written by Alaska Fish & Game recommends a minimum of 2000 cu.in. for all the gear one needs to carry. I've tried to get by with a smaller pack but never had adequate room for all my clothing that comes off around mid-morning (as well as other stuff). In Arizona, it isn't uncommon to see 50-degree temperature differences from daylight to noon. The pack must have a padded waist belt so that all the weight isn't carried on the shoulders.

Pack contents:

1 sheath knife, 1 folding knife
folding sharpener (diamond-type)
bone saw (Gerber's 2-blade saw works for me)
rubber gloves & wiping cloths for cleaning game
2-3 games bags
nylon cord & strap for hanging meat quarters
big plastic bag or sheet (to keep game meat clean)
license & permit-tags
Fluorescent surveyors tape (for marking trail, antlers, etc.)
flashlight & spare batteries (LED, 4-AA size)
Space blanket
Binocular
Laser rangefinder
GPS (with spare batteries), compass, Maps (if needed)
Matches, lighter, fire-starter
Spare ammo for rifle or handgun
lens cleaning device (Leupold Lens Pen)
Small ensolite foam pad (for sitting on cold or wet ground)
canteen (usually 1-1/2 liters minimum)
rain jacket or poncho (optional, depending on weather)
2-way radio (if I'm hunting with partners)

Food and clothing vary greatly depending on the situation; e.g., how far I expect to roam from vehicle or base came, terrain, weather, etc.

For each hunt, I review my exhaustive list and cross off the things I won't need.

Hope this helps or gives you ideas. I'm always looking at what others carry and don't hesitate to modify my list when I find better ideas.

270man