What is your normal load to carry when in the woods

[geargnasher]

I carry whatever tool related to why I'm in the woods (rifle, axe, transit, binoculars, fence repair tools, etc.) plus my Swiss army knife and a Ruger .45 Colt revolver with three slugs (timed to come under the hammer in sequence) and three home-made shotshells. If I need to kill a snake, I usually have time to step back to a safe range and index the cylinder for the shot loads.

Gear

[Boz330]

BOZ 330 Which pack did you get? I see that they have three choices.

Dragoon,
The only thing that is on the label is Non-typical, besides the manufacturer's name. Here are some pics of the pack. It is divided into several compartments inside as well as outside pockets for various small items and water bottles. The back pad is pretty thick and is quite comfortable to sit on as well as wear.
There is a large vertical pocket inside and some of the guides carried a spotting scope and short tripod in it.
The only modification that I made was to put a holster on the right waist strap for the 44 so that it was easily accessible.

Bob

PS I checked the Crooked Horn site and the Master Guide is the closest pack to this one. I bought this one nearly 10 years ago so it has been upgraded and for the better from what I've seen. One of the other outfitters in the area we worked had a dealership for these and sold them just over wholesale. I believe that I gave $85 for this one and it was absolutely the best money I ever spent on working equipment, just ask my back.

[WilNsc]

Usually a rifle, a 1911, 2-3 knives. Pack with gear to gut and drag a deer. Canteen of water and some packs of crackers.

Probally the only unusual thing I carry is a full size folding chair, the type that collapse then slide into a cylinder shapped carry bag. It's an extra 8-10lbs but the comfort when sitting for 3-5 hours is worth it to me.

[DragoonDrake]

Thank you boz

[GREENCOUNTYPETE]

where we hunt we are never very far from the truck drop of the drivers then the standers take the truck to the other end , they put up a cell tower on a hill not far away so we actually get decent cell coverage as long as you don't have at&t

i carry
pistol belt with pistol and ammo

main hunting gun 12 ga slug gun
in my coat i carry
a compass
a back up compass (you can get very lost driving cedar swamps)
15 or so slugs
a zip lock bag with neatly folded paper towels in it (dual purpose to clean up after field dressing or if the bacon catches up with me at an bad time)
pair of shoulder length field dressing gloves
led head lamp

in a small pack that often stays with the truck
spare gloves and hat
2-3 pair field dressing gloves
about 25 feet of 1/4 inch line
a spare knife
a small folding saw (so much easier when breaking the pelvis)
more paper towel folded up in a gallon zip lock bag
a spare box of shells
a large bottle of water


in may pants pockets
wallet with license
cell phone fully charged each night
a sharpie
folding knife
spare flash light
bic lighter

[Jack Ryan]

One gun depending on what I'm out there for, a 44, 357, 10mm, shotgun maybe. A pocket knife and a bush knife, may be a tree stand or a caller, a compass, maybe a map, something to start a fire, a rope or a leash for the dog if I have one along. You can use the rope or leash to drag or carry what ever ya kill to.

[TCLouis]

Short version . . .

EVERY pack should have a cheap discount store 9X12 plastic drop cloth.

As a person learned when I gave him one during a Sept elk hunt in Colorado

He asked why when I gave it to him in the morning . . .

He understood in the afternoon after a thunderstorm and hail storm.

Keep extras close by in the camp.