Big Game Hunting: The Essential Gear for Success & Survival

Everything you need for a big game hunt can fit in a backpack. Here are the must haves and the just in cases.

A question I often get asked is: “What equipment should I take with me on a big game hunt?”

My first and somewhat sarcastic response generally entails something along the lines of: “Bring a good attitude, a sense of adventure and a desire to learn”. I know this is not the answer that they are looking for, but it is still a very valid response to any hunting enthusiast.

The real answer is a bit more complicated and part of the fun, in my opinion. I treat it almost like a game. The challenge is overcoming wilderness by preparing the best you can before you leave home for the outdoors. The test of this effort is the comfort, efficiency/effectiveness of your gear, and frankly, (a test I use for anything I pack), “Did I actually use this and was it worth the added weight?”

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How do you win? You guessed it, a safe and successful big game hunt. Here is the Hook & Barrel guide to getting it right.

In this guide we will cover:

Packing for the right weather and terrain
Condensing your kit
The Ideal Day Pack
Making a call on what to take

Weather and terrain: pack for the big hunt conditions

First, I always advise folks to research the climate and terrain by simply using Google. Hunting is an away game – you are in their territory and their world. Know the basics of where you're competing. The hunt will already be difficult enough.

Why place self-inflicted obstacles in front of you by being ill-prepared? Is it a mountainous terrain? Is it wet or extremely humid? What is the average high/low temperature during the time of your hunt? Is wind a common factor to be concerned about?

The answers to these questions determine the materials you should be wearing and the type of boots you should take. Also, make sure you break in your hunting boots before an expedition.

*Pro-tip: Bring extra socks – wet socks lead to discomfort and blisters.*

Travel Light

Next, is the efficiency and effectiveness of what you bring. Is there dense vegetation or is it open country? What is the general look of the destination, and what camouflage pattern is most appropriate?

Generally, when selecting the clothing to bring, I take two things into account: the pattern, and the temperature range. I try to bring a system I can layer so that in the mornings when it is cooler, I have a warmer top layer but, as the day warms up, I have a lighter layer of the same pattern underneath to stay cool. This is where comfort comes into play.

I hate being cold and at the same time, I hate being hot and sweaty while hunting – outfit in reasonable layers, and this will not be a factor.

As for the pattern, rely on your research. Simply look at Google images and the landscape that is returned when you search the destination. A simple search phrase, for example, would be: “Central Texas Landscape”.

For early to mid-season in Texas, I would choose comfortable and breathable layers. Choose your layers based on the time of your hunt. I personally recommend Sitka’s Sub-Alpine Optifade pattern. I would bring the Apex Pant, Apex Hoodie, Ascent Shirt, Core Lightweight Crew SS, and one of Sitka’s caps of your personal preference.

What should go in your daypack?

I always load up my daypack. Within it are the basics I take on every big game hunt, domestic and abroad:

Binoculars (MavenBuilt)
Canteen
Collapsible field saw (Gerber)
Headlamp (Black Diamond)
Flashlight
Trauma / Basic Med Kit (RoeTactical)
Protein bars
Emergency Blanket
Life Straw for filtering water (Life Straw)
Spork to eat with
Lighter
Small amount of rope
Insect Repellant
Permanent Marker
Multi-tool
Hex key set
Gun Oil
Skinning Knife (CRKT)
Knife sharpener
Solar charger for electronics

Some of these items hopefully will never be used, but are a good idea to have with you if you ever get injured or lost. The rest are the tools to be successful and prepared for whatever else nature throws at you before you even start to think about the shooting.

You can't take everything, or can you?

I try to be efficient with my gear. I look for items that serve dual purposes. For example, my skinning knife by CRKT. With it, I have protection, all the benefits of a knife, and the added benefit of a gut hook. Also my canteen – great to carry water with, but I chose a metal option so that I could cook with it (boil water) over a fire if ever put in that position.

Having multipurpose items will reduce weight and clutter. The other benefit of a good pack is the storage of the layers you will either strip off or replace as the day goes on.

If your hunt is abroad, your guide will have most of what you will need and is generally well-versed in the necessities of the hunt. Rely on the PH, but also be prepared yourself. H&B has made it easy for you to swot up on your European hunting traditions.

As for the bag, the Sitka Apex and the Bino Bivy are a must in my books.
Remember the old saying: “Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.” You never know how the hunt will go, so if you follow my suggestions and add a few of your own, you should be well on your way to a safe and successful hunt.