So what does every pack need, whether the trip is 3 days or 13? I was in NZ for the past 5 months (for school) and got in a month of backpack hunting. One important thing I didn't have in my pack was extra bootlaces. Learned that the hard way.

Few other essentials.

Compass
flashlight
Signal mirror/blaze orange
emergency firestarter
Medical Kit

What else?

-Parachute cord-works for boot laces, lashing etc.
-Dental floss-sewing, lashing, flossing teeth!
-Heavy duty nylon thread instead of the floss works well too
-a nylon tarp, not "siltarp" because although it/s light, it's flammable

Headlamp and of course, toilet paper!

After food , shelter, clothes, and safety comes baby wipes, soap and maybe something sweet.

Being a member of SAR just a suggestion, for every piece of equipment that requires batteries,GPS,flashlight,headlamp,etc extra batteries is a must. We usually carry 2-3 times the required amount, just makes you a little safer.

Muleskinner1111

Or if you do carry electronics, remember to use it! I left the bike at a certain location, thinking I'd GPS my way back to it through some thick stuff (route finding). When I was halfway back I realized I forgot to GPS where I left it. Luckily it was in a pretty strategic spot, and using another waypoint I found my way back, and exited within two hundred yards from the bike.

Also remember to store your kindling in a dry location. Just yesterday, I had to bail out a camping family that couldn't get their soaked firewood going after a night of rain. The waterproof matches quickly ran out. Firestarters work a lot better than the puny shortlived flame from a single match.

But that's all off topic, sorry.

Frans

Moleskin!

Frans

Bottle of Stones Green Ginger wine and whiskey

A long handled spoon (at least 7" OAL). If it's going to be plastic, make sure it's heavy duty.

A long handled spoon makes it a lot easier to thoroughly mix boiling water into your freeze dried meals and eat out of the pouch without "wearing" your food.

quote:

Originally posted by JohnnyCojack:
Bottle of Stones Green Ginger wine and whiskey

I've never had that before. I'll have to give it a try.

I sometimes carry a small flask of Austrian Stroh Rum '80'.

Remember! It's 80% pure alcohol (that's 160 proof) but goes down surprisingly smooth. It can really sneak up on you and kick you in the ass if you're not careful.

It makes a nice hot toddy before hitting the sack.

Heading to Arctic Red in 6 weeks for a Dall.

Along with the usuals, I will bring a fine Cuban Victory cigar!

Good hunting

A Leatherman ,Gerber Multi tool or similar piece of equipment ..Along with the 2 different knives you have on board .... A high quality folding saw is Real handy also

quote:

Originally posted by JohnnyCojack:
Bottle of Stones Green Ginger wine and whiskey

Johnny, I've done some more research into the "Whisky Mac". Do you pre-mix and carry in a flask? What kind of whiskey do you prefer to use in the "Mac"?!!!

Another recommendation..... Go-Towels.

These are sometimes referred to as "goat towels".

quote:

Originally posted by JohnnyCojack:
Bottle of Stones Green Ginger wine and whiskey

Right on brother. Reminds me of good times.

DaMan,

Im quite partial to a glenfiddich or a Chivas Regal scotch's. depends, either try to take a bottle of each.

A Flask of Peaty Single Malt Scotch, and a S&W 4" 44 Mag, with extra ammo, including some Seer shotshells, just in case you see some grouse, or other edible small game.

Where hunting them is legal, of course.

Yeah I'm with 450, maybe a bit of Glenmorangie by way of a Madiera wood finishing drum.

I agree with xgrunt on scentfree babywipes. After a day of hard hunting they make a guy feel more human and can really lift the spirits, not to mention keeping scent somewhat under control.

a back without $20,000 worth of titanium in it

Meat sacks!

For fire starter, I cut strips of an old bicycle inner tube into strips about 1/2" wide and about 3-4" long. I carry 'em in a zip lock bag with my water proof matches and a roll of flourescent flagging. To make a fire, put 3-4 strips on top of your tinder then put more tinder/small sticks on top and light the strips. These things will burn wet or dry and will get damp/wet wood burning. Try it at home first. I never go into the bush with out this little packet of strips in my packboard.
Bear in Fairbanks

Space blanket (the tuff heavy duty ones). I never go without one. Use it to cover up when it's raining, use it to sit on, use it to cover up when napping. I typically use it for a ground cover when sitting up the tent or to cover up pack or gear.I always carry cloths pins to clip it closed around me, with candles for heat if truely in survival situation.
Some times I carry two, there just so useful.

Dry Socks, and the victory cigar came in very handy

quote:

Originally posted by sheephunterab:
Headlamp and of course, toilet paper!

Plenty of leaves and grass in the woods!

trash bags

can be used for a lot of things from trash containers, to waterproof sleeping bag/clothers wrapper, to emergency pancho

quote:

Originally posted by daniel77:
trash bags

can be used for a lot of things from trash containers, to waterproof sleeping bag/clothers wrapper, to emergency pancho

Yup! Trash bags! Always good to have along.

Be sure to get the extra thick 3MIL 42 gallon "contractor" type bags.

Here's the spoon I settled on. The REI Ti Ware long handled spoon. Perfect for freeze dried/boil bag stirrer and eating utensil. Reaches the bottom of bags and pots without getting you fingers in the food. (Remember the 4-F's! of dysentery)

$10 from REI.

The Allen key that fits my action screws & the one that fits the scope clamps, no weight to tape down somewhere, & an old bullrush seed head for fire starter.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Latham:
The Allen key that fits my action screws & the one that fits the scope clamps, no weight to tape down somewhere, & an old bullrush seed head for fire starter.

Steve, what size Allen key do you need for the action and ring screws? I think I've got a better solution.

Jack, Great Ram.