What to Pack in a Hunting Backpack: Essential Gear Checklist for Every Hunting Trip

Heading into the remote, wild places of the Australian bush can be an extreme test of man and gear, especially throughout the rugged Victorian Sambar range. Whether you’re in pursuit of a mature Sambar stag through the Victorian Alps, on an extended backpack hunt, or setting up for a sustainable harvest a few k’s in from the fringe, packing the right equipment is non-negotiable. The gear you carry directly improves your safety, amplifies your comfort, and drastically increases your chances of hunting success.

Naturally, the equipment you choose will vary depending on the type and duration of your hunt. When you’re kilometres in from the nearest track, you need bespoke, reliable Australian hunting gear that simply will not fail. As Australia's first dedicated hunting brand and pioneers of lightweight gear, we know that supporting local manufacturing gives you the confidence to push harder and hunt longer. For more localised day trips or quick stalks, you might only need sturdy hunting day packs, while extended trips into backcountry wilderness demand serious load-hauling capability.

Hunting Backpack Essentials

A successful hunt starts with what you carry on your back. We design our gear from the ground up — by hunters, for hunters — so you can trust these essentials when you need them most.

1. Navigation & Communication: You cannot hunt effectively if you can't target prime areas OR more importantly, if you’re lost. Always carry a GPS, a topographic map, a dependable compass, and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
2. Hunting Equipment: Your core hunting equipment should include high-quality binoculars, a rangefinder, a razor-sharp field knife, a durable headlamp, and breathable game bags for recovering your hard-earned meat.
3. Powerbanks: Because almost all of our modern gadgets are USB rechargeable these days, packing portable power banks is an absolute must. Add spare batteries for anything a little older tech.
4. Food and Water: Hydration and fuel are critical. Pack plenty of water and high-energy snacks to keep your legs pumping up those steep ridges.
5. Safety and Survival Gear: Never compromise on safety. Your kit must include a comprehensive first aid kit, an emergency blanket, a reliable fire starter, a whistle, and a snakebite kit. Items like an E-bivvy or lightweight survival shelter are also recommended on remote hunts.
6. Clothing: Specific clothing choices will only be relevant for certain times of the year, regions, and hunt lengths. For example, mountains are unforgiving and unpredictable, so pack high-quality, waterproof outer shell layers, insulated mid-layer clothing and warm next-to-skin base layers. If you’re only heading out from dawn until dusk, consider running lightweight waist bags or a rugged change this link to daypacks or 20lt daypack 30L backpack to keep your footprint small.

How To Organise Your Hunting Backpack

Knowing how to organise your hunting backpack is just as crucial as what you put inside it. Always distribute your weight smartly by keeping your heaviest items centred and close to your spine in the lower to middle third of your pack. Store frequently used items (like your rangefinder, snacks, and map) in easily accessible lid or hip pockets or in your bino harness on your chest. Finally, during the wetter months or when rain is forecast, always use quality dry bags to protect your vital backpack hunting gear from unpredictable weather. For a balanced multi-day trip, a 45L backpack often hits the perfect sweet spot between organisation and mobility.

Common Packing Mistakes To Avoid

When starting out, it's easy to get it wrong, and even seasoned hunters can always benefit from updating and checking their kit. When you’re packing your premium hunting backpacks, be sure to avoid these common pitfalls:

• Carrying too much unnecessary gear: Grams equal kilos, and kilos are a killer.
• Forgetting spare batteries/chargers: A dead headlamp makes for a dangerous walk out in the dark.
• Not packing enough water: Dehydration ruins hunts and compromises safety.
• Leaving behind emergency supplies: Never leave your PLB or first aid kit back at camp.
• Poor weight distribution: An unbalanced load will destroy your shoulders and lower back.

The Ultimate Hunting Gear Checklist

No matter if you’re packing your primary hunting kit or just some secondary hunting hiking gear for scouting, this checklist has you covered. For quick scouting trips where the rifle stays at camp, our durable hiking daypacks are a perfect choice.

Of course, you should also be practical and make adjustments based on the terrain and climate you’re venturing into:

1. Alpine regions: prioritise lightweight warm layers like thermals, quality hiking boots with proper traction and ankle support, and trekking poles. If it’s going to be wet, consider backup clothing (even for a day hike).
2. Sub-alpine bush & scrub regions: if you’re in the bush up north or in some coastal areas, sandfly & insect protection is a must, and breathable clothing should be top of your list. For thick bush and scrub hunting, tough and durable clothing is vital. Snakeproof Gaiters are always a priority, especially in the warmer months. Don’t forget that overnight temps can be icy.
3. Outback & Northern regions: the wider plains country and hotter temps mean exposure, so consider a broad-brim hat, sun protection, and even more hydration than you’d think. You can ditch the insulating layers if you’re (very) confident the temperature isn’t going to take a nosedive.

FAQs

What should every hunting backpack contain?

Every hunting backpack must contain basic navigation tools (GPS, map, compass), a PLB, a first aid kit, water, high-energy food, a headlamp, a knife, game bags, and waterproof clothing. You never know when a day hunt might become an emergency situation, so act like a Boy Scout and ‘Be Prepared’. The rest of your pack list will depend on where you’re hunting, the weather, and how long you expect to be in the bush.

What size hunting backpack do I need?

The right size of hunting backpack depends entirely on your trip. A 20L to 30L pack is perfect for day trips, a 45L pack suits 2–3 day missions, and a 75L pack is essential for expeditions lasting 5 days or more where you need to haul heavy meat out of the bush.

How much water should I carry?

You should carry a minimum of 2 to 3 litres of water for a full day of hunting, but always bring a lightweight water filtration system so you can safely refill from reliable mountain creeks and springs. As a base rule for active stalking, aim to consume half a litre of water for every hour you’re hunting. Individual needs, hunting styles and weather will affect this, but expect the unexpected, and it’s always better to have some spare.

What food is best for a hunting trip?

The best food for a hunting trip is anything lightweight, high-calorie, and high-protein. Scroggin (aka “trail mix”), jerky, protein bars, and dehydrated meals are perfect for keeping your energy up without adding unnecessary weight to your pack.

Do I need a first aid & survival kit?

You absolutely do need a first aid and survival kit for a hunting or hiking trip. A well-stocked first aid kit — including a snakebite kit, bandages, antiseptic, and painkillers — is a non-negotiable safety requirement for any trek into the Australian bush.

How do I organise a hunting backpack?

Keep heavy items close to your spine and centred in the pack for balance, ideally located in the mid to lower third. Place frequently needed items in accessible top or hip pockets or in your bino harness, and always use dry bags to protect your essential gear and spare clothing from the elements during bad weather.