As the temperature starts going down, hunters around the world start getting ready for their seasonal hunting trips. There’s no doubt that these outdoor trips are one of the most exciting activities that you can do during winter. However, if you’re not careful while packing your backpack, this trip could turn into an unpleasant experience. Aside from your hunting gear, there are a few items that you should always pack with you. These tools will help you have a safer and more enjoyable trip. Here are the essential tools that every pro hunter must own.
Food and Snacks
Even if you’re planning on a hunt-to-eat trip, you should always be prepared with extra food. Hunting trips can be exhausting, you will be walking for miles and might be climbing as well to reach your destination. All that effort will consume your energy, and if your body is not getting enough nutrition, your sugar levels will decrease and it will affect your hunting skills. Packing a couple of energy bars and canned food will keep your body warm and boost your energy throughout the trip. You will not feel pressured to hunt because you’re hungry, and you’ll be able to focus on hunting.
Knives
Everyone knows that knives are considered one of the most important tools to bring along for any outdoor activity. However, while hunting, you should be mindful of the types of knives you carry. There are mainly two types of knives that are important. A hunting knife and a throwing knife. Even though a throwing knife is not a very easy tool to use if you’re going after a deer, once you learn how to use it, it can be a great weapon on your next adventure. Having one of the finest throwing knives in your backpack will assist you while hunting and can be a great self-defense weapon. On the other hand, a regular hunting knife will still be necessary for skinning, first, aid, and cutting ropes.
Rain Gear
Hunting trips usually involve harsh weather conditions, especially during winter. Even if you have checked the weather forecast several times and you’re sure that it’s not going to rain, you still need to bring rain gear and boots with you. Try to find light rain gear that can easily be folded and carried. Being prepared will allow you to continue hunting even if it starts pouring, allowing you to focus on your prey without being distracted.
Navigation Tools
Smartphones already have navigation and GPS that can show your location, but how reliable are they for an outdoor activity? When you’re out there in the woods, your phone battery could die along with your power bank, or the signal can be weak, leaving you without any backup. To avoid this situation, you should pack a regular compass and a map. A compass will never fail to show you the direction and it will save you in case you get lost.
First Aid Kit
No matter how careful you are, there’s always a risk of injury or infection when you’re on an outdoor adventure. If you’re not prepared, the whole trip can be an uncomfortable and distressing experience. A first aid kit must be in your backpack at all times. It should include bandaids, tweezers, disposable sterile gloves, antibiotics and painkillers, an oral thermometer, and a breathing barrier.
Scent-Free Spray
Almost all animals can smell humans from miles away, and if they feel threatened, they will run. This makes the whole hunting experience more difficult, and you may not be able to have a successful hunt. That’s why, on every trip, you should always have a scent-free spray. Even if you wash all your clothes with scent-free detergents before the trip, you still have to carry the spray with you. The spray will prevent your scent from drifting away in the air and animals will not be able to detect your presence.
Every hunting experience is different, and there’s always a chance that something unexpected may occur. However, every pro hunter’s goal is to reduce the risk of unexpected situations as much as possible. They try to ensure that they have a safe outdoor experience or at least be prepared for anything. Whether you’re a professional or you’re going on your first hunting trip, having these tools in your backpack is essential. When you’re shopping for your hunting gear, make sure that you get high-quality tools. Low-quality gear can cause more problems than it can solve. So make sure you do your research well before purchasing any of the gear to ensure that it’s the right one for your next hunt.
