Whether you’re a beginner deer hunter or in pursuit of an elk in the West, this gear list will outline must-have items for your hunt
Lorenzo is using the GOHUNT Approach Hoodie on a backpack elk hunt.
Stone Glacier Altimeter Insulated Mitt on backcountry elk hunt.
Using GOHUNT Maps in the field on a hunt.
Trail Kreitzer packing out a mule deer with a Mystery Ranch Metcalf 55 backpack.
GOHUNT Pack Out Game Bags holding meat at camp.
Brady Miller glassing for elk with Swarovski BTX spotting scope.
Glassing for late-season elk in the GOHUNT Pumpkin Patch Vest.
Success on a hunt requires more than just having reliable gear — and the right gear can significantly enhance both your success and comfort in the field. Essential items like durable boots, high-quality optics, and versatile clothing are crucial for hunters to understand and prepare before heading out on a hunt. Let’s explore the must-have hunting gear that will ensure you're well-prepared for your adventure. Whether you’re a beginner deer hunter or in pursuit of an elk in the West, this gear list will outline must-have items for your hunt.
Whether you’re sitting in a deer blind or covering mountain miles in search of deer and elk, clothing is essential for ensuring you are comfortable and safe on the hunt. Below, we explore the considerations when putting together a layering system that works for your hunt.
Also known as “next-to-skin” layers, baselayers are critical for different purposes throughout the year. In early season or during active hunting conditions, baselayers can serve as your only garment during parts of the day, so it is important to ensure you have the correct weight and moisture-wicking properties. Additionally, pick a color or camouflage that will work in your hunting environment. Baselayers will generally come in two types of materials: merino wool or synthetic. A merino wool baselayer is ideal for hunting in cold weather due to its superior insulation and moisture-wicking properties, keeping you warm and dry. In contrast, a synthetic baselayer is better suited for high-intensity hunting activities in varying temperatures, as it dries quickly and is highly breathable. For extended trips in wet conditions, merino wool offers natural odor resistance while synthetics excel in durability and quick drying times.
You will find a variety of fills, fabrics and styles that serve as a mid-layer, and chances are good that you already have something in your closet that works just fine. The point of a mid-layer is to layer over top of your baselayer for additional insulation. The mid-layer can be shed when hiking or during the daytime as temperatures rise. It’s important to understand the hunting style and minimum possible temperatures as you plan this layer for your hunt. We recommend synthetic-fill jackets, grid fleece or soft shell layers as a mid-layer. These generally offer the right mix of breathability, insulation and the ability to fit over a baselayer and underneath a rain or insulation layer. Synthetic jacket materials are woven with a looser weave than down jackets, meaning they allow more moisture and heat to escape while you’re hiking.
Depending on the hunt and environment, some may divide the mid-layer into a separate “active” layer and an “insulation” layer.
An insulation layer may or may not be required for your hunt, depending on time of year. The mountains can be substantially colder than the lower elevation temperature at nearby towns, so we recommend you err on the side of caution when planning insulation. During cold hunts, static insulation is critical to ensuring you can retain body heat when you’re not moving. Many hunters opt for a high-fill goose down jacket because of the warmth-to-weight ratio. These jackets often pack down smaller than a Nalgene bottle, and can weigh less than a pound, making them a no-brainer to bring if you think it may be cold on the hunt.
Keep an eye on the forecast before your hunt, and don’t shy away from throwing a rain jacket and pants in your pack as a precaution. Rain gear can come in insulated or uninsulated options, but if you’re prepared with the layers above you may only need an outer shell for rain protection. Even if temperatures are warm, a light rain can not only drench your clothing, but also the vegetation around you (and therefore your pants, boots and socks). We see rain gear as a “must-have” so you don’t compromise your layering system and, therefore, your body’s ability to thermoregulate.
Pack a ball cap style hat to protect your face and eyes from sun during the day. Pack a beanie for cold mornings and evenings and as a way to stay warm when you stop throughout the day.
Gloves are recommended on any hunt to protect your hands and keep them warm while glassing, setting up camp, or during cold days.
An often-forgotten garment, boot gaiters are a protective layer that run over your pants, from your knees to the top of your boots. Gaiters keep snow, rain and debris out of your boots and keep water from seeping into your boots.
Footwear can make or break a hunt, and we recommend buying hunting boots well in advance of your hunt to break them in and understand how your foot responds to hiking in them. Boots come in varying levels of stiffness and hunters need to choose a stiffness based on preference and the terrain you’ll be hunting. Flatter hunts or hunts with less physical activity can opt for a less stiff, more malleable boot. For long hunts or hunts in steep and rocky terrain, hunters should opt for a stiffer boot that offers more support of your foot. Read more about the GOHUNT stiffness scale here.
Whether you’re at the altar or at full draw — you don’t want to get cold feet. Jokes aside, this is an area that’s important to get right ahead of time. Boots can range from uninsulated all the way to 1600+ grams of insulation — and more isn’t always better. Having too much insulation during an early season or even an active midseason (October) hunt can have an adverse effect of overheating and causing your feet to sweat and blister.
If you’re sitting in a deer stand or planning on being still for long periods of time in cold weather, consider a 1600 gram insulation boot like the LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro.
Hunting boots can be finished in either leather or synthetic materials — both of which have pros and cons. Leather will generally be a more durable and long-lasting boot and can also give a more guaranteed waterproofing due to having fewer seams. Synthetic boots are typically lighter and more breathable, and can either be waterproof or not waterproof. Look for boots with a Gore-Tex (or similar) membrane that is both waterproof and breathable.
Don’t overlook the benefit of a high-quality hunting sock. Like boots, socks come in a variety of materials and weights. Lots of western hunters opt for a merino sock like the Darn Tough 2011 Boot Midweight Hunting Sock that offers a blend of moisture-wicking properties and cushion to prevent blisters.
Digital mapping has been one of the biggest technological advances in hunting in the past 10 years. Smartphones now use a phone’s built-in GPS to provide location, imagery and navigational tools anywhere in the world (even without cell service). The GOHUNT App is a hunting-specific app that provides satellite and topographic imagery, color-coded land ownership maps, waypoints, and a variety of other invaluable tools for hunters.
Hunting packs are essential for carrying gear, supplies, and game meat, providing both organization and support while carrying heavy loads. Many hunting packs feature a robust frame that can separate from the bag, allowing for additional storage and the ability to carry meat securely and keep it tight to your body. This modular design enhances versatility, enabling hunters to adjust the pack according to their needs during the hunt.
Here are some items to keep in your pack at all times:
A sturdy, reusable game bag set helps keep meat clean and dry at the surface, and allows everything to stay organized for the pack out.
A knife and sharpener are important to keep in your pack at all times. Knives are used when breaking down game in the field, but also in a variety of other situations.
Depending on the duration of your hunt, needs can vary. Day hunters can get away with water and a sack lunch while multi-day hunters need to consider water purification and a food list that will last multiple days.
It’s better to have a headlamp and not need it, rather than need one and not have it. Nowadays, hunters can choose between a traditional battery-powered headlamp and a rechargeable headlamp. The main “pro” of a battery-powered headlamp is that if the headlamp dies, a backup set of batteries can be popped in and you’re back on the trail. However, rechargeable batteries have come a long way and offer strong runtimes and brighter lighting. If using a rechargeable headlamp, we recommend having a backup power bank and charging cord.
Every hunting pack should have a reliable fire starter in it in case of emergency. Bic lighters stored in a Ziplock bag are fine for most situations; however, in variable mountain conditions, consider something like Pyro Putty and an arc lighter to ensure you can start a fire when it’s wet outside.
This goes without saying — make sure your rifle, bow, muzzleloader or shotgun is with you if you plan on filling your tag. Before you go, consider how many arrows or bullets you need to pack as well as any cleaning or care supplies that will be helpful while afield.
Most hunters should opt to carry binoculars while in the field. Even inexpensive binoculars can give hunters a huge advantage for spotting game or identifying the quality of game you’re seeing. Binoculars can range from less than $100 to over $3,000. If you do not have a pair of hunting binoculars, we recommend starting with something like a 10x42 (10 = magnification power, 42 = diameter of objective lens in millimeters) binocular. Learn more about everything there is to know about binoculars here. As you increase in price, binoculars can have more magnification or a higher quality glass, which are clearer and perform better at dawn and dusk when animals are most likely to move. Additionally, some high-end binoculars also have a built-in rangefinder.
Rangefinders are not required for every hunting application, but are very useful to gauge the distance of an animal and execute a proper shot. Bowhunters can rely on rangefinders to set the right pin and compensate for angle either from a treestand or if hunting in uneven terrain. A hunter using a rifle will see substantial bullet drop past 300 yards and you will see tremendous accuracy gains if you’re able to accurately range an animal.
A spotting scope is also not required, but can be useful for spotting and analyzing game across canyons or at a distance. When choosing a spotting scope, consider size and weight if you’ll be carrying it during mountain hunts. Spotting scopes can come with angled or straight eyepieces. Read more about the considerations here. Spotting scopes are paired with a tripod in order to make them stable.
Tripods can serve a variety of purposes, but are most commonly used to stabilize spotting scopes and binoculars or to provide a solid rest while shooting. Tripods come in a variety of sizes. You need to consider whether you prefer to stand or sit while using a tripod. The height and stability of a tripod factor into the weight, so you need to consider what weight tripod you’re willing to carry away from the truck.
If you have questions about the glassing, optic setups, tripod, or further explanations, please feel free to Cody Nelson at optics@gohunt.com or give him a call at 702-847-8747.
These are some other items that should be considered when putting your gear list together for a hunt. Your hunting style, terrain and duration of the hunt should determine whether these items make it into your pack or not.
If you’ll be hunting in an area that has minimal or no cell service, a satellite communication device can be a great option to share your location or to check in with a loved one. On multiple occasions, I have used a satellite device to recruit help packing an animal out — and I am glad to have it. I personally use the Zoleo Satellite Communicator, which uses bluetooth to pair to your phone and send messages through the Zoleo App.
Don’t knock trekking poles until you try them. Trekking poles help distribute weight more evenly, reducing strain on the legs and back, especially when carrying heavy packs. Additionally, they can improve overall endurance by providing additional support during long hikes and steep ascents, making it easier to navigate challenging landscapes. The GOHUNT Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are a great lightweight and sturdy option.
Over the last decade, binocular harnesses have become a staple for most western hunters. These chest packs keep binoculars tight to your chest and available whenever you need them. They also typically have additional pockets to store calls and wind checkers, and can be accessorized to hold pistols, bear spray, rangefinders and other items.
Don’t overlook regulations in your state as many require 400 square inches of blaze orange as a safety protocol. Ditch the gas station vest and grab a GOHUNT Pumpkin Patch Vest that has insulated pockets, a tree stand yoke and adjustable cinch straps. Or you can elect for the GOHUNT Vest Western for a trimmed down version.
This is not meant to be an exhaustive packing list, but meant to outline the considerations when you’re planning your next hunt. For more in-depth gear lists or to see what some of the GOHUNT staff is packing on our adventures, visit our gear lists page. As tempting as it can be to pack for every situation, we encourage you to think critically about where you’ll be hunting and what weather you’re expecting and continue to refine your gear list as you spend more time afield.
