“It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”


This adage never rings more true than when you are two miles in and attempting to settle into your bowhunting stand for the day. I chatted with my bowhunting buddy and expert Kurt Baumgartner to compare notes with our packing lists and this is what we came up with. These are items to strongly consider putting in your backpack, to avoid those “Dang-it” moments.


Toilet Paper – Yes you can cut the top of your socks off, but why resort to that.

Extra Release – No your fingers won’t do, believe me.

Laser Rangefinder – No not for the Deer, range rocks and trees around you.

Compact Binoculars – Is that a squirrel, or a Monster Buck? (usually a squirrel).

Extra Compact Flashlight – Admit it, it’s a little scary out there at night!

BIC Lighter – See extra flashlight.

Allen Wrench Multi-Tool – Lefty loosey / Righty tighty.

Extra Gloves – Single hunting gloves and missing socks from the dryer must hang out together.

Hand Warmer Packets – See missing Gloves.

Arm Guard – Don’t hit your arm? You will with a jacket on.

Face Net / Camo Makeup – Or your shiny face can watch deer run away.

Bow Sling – My bows not that heavy, for the first 100 yards.

Folding Saw – Can’t hit what you can’t see.

Pruning Shear – A snip here or there could make all the difference.

Pull up Cord - $1,000 bow hitting the ground from a 20 foot fall off your shoulder is no time saver.

Bow Hanger – See above.

Compass – Because the batteries in your GPS will fail and tall trees don’t always allow a satellite signal.

Cell Phone – Yes really. Or a two-way radio if you are out of range.

GPS – You can read the instruction manual while sitting in your stand.

Band-Aids – Because arrows are simply razors on a stick.

Wind Check Powder – Did it just change? Let’s check.

Water Bottle – Add water.

Candy Bars – Unless you are Bear hunting.

Flagging Tape – Of course for blood trailing, but in case you didn’t read the GPS instructions.

Knife – No it does not need to be big enough to gut an elephant.

Gutting Gloves – Walking into the gas station to use the bathroom, while looking like a mass murderer, is not cool.

5ft. of Rope – Because you can’t drag a Doe by the ears.

Hunting License – Really Mr. Game Warden it’s in my truck. (2 miles away)


This may seem like a lot of stuff but it will all fit nicely into an average backpack or multi-pocket fanny pack. There are a few other creature comforts that make an all day sit possible, but I would have had to include an ATV on the list, and that would require another list! Keep it simple but have the essentials and you’ll be a better prepared bowhunter.