Too much stuff

[Borngeechee]

I realized today that I carry way too much stuff deer hunting for "just in case". I'm going to cut it down to a small haversack... Knife, drag, rope, small first aid kit, wipes and the rest in my pockets. My backpack was killing my shoulders on the hike back to the car.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[Doc]

But there are times when I feel that it's better to have something and not need it than to need something and not have it. For an all day stand, I tend to go overboard and carry a bit too much. I seem to have every need covered .... lol. But one thing I hate is to walk up steep hills and go way back in only to be forced to go back home and get something that I didn't think I would need, but did. One thing that comes to mind is extra clothing for warmth. Sometimes it is hard to imagine as you begin to break a sweat climbing those hills, that sitting motionless for several hours will freeze you right off your stand. So it truly is an art to "right-sizing" your pack items. You can go overboard in both extremes.

[genesee_mohican]

15 minutes ago, Doc said:

But there are times when I feel that it's better to have something and not need it than to need something and not have it. For an all day stand, I tend to go overboard and carry a bit too much. I seem to have every need covered .... lol. But one thing I hate is to walk up steep hills and go way back in only to be forced to go back home and get something that I didn't think I would need, but did. One thing that comes to mind is extra clothing for warmth. Sometimes it is hard to imagine as you begin to break a sweat climbing those hills, that sitting motionless for several hours will freeze you right off your stand. So it truly is an art to "right-sizing" your pack items. You can go overboard in both extremes.

For sure, all day sits require one to carry a lot more. I got the bath room scale out a few weeks ago to check the weight of my pack and cloths I was wearing, including boots and bow..... and that totaled 30 lbs. My pack on all day sits is about 20 lbs, but I carry 3 bottles of water, food, extra cloths and my heater body suit, along with all the other necessities. I often have an hour or more hike in, so there is no going back to get something I need or forgot. 

[growalot]

Should always have some sort of lighter/matches a length of ripe cord and a dry pair of socks and gloves...

[Will_C]

I am sure I carry too much stuff, but my hunting isn't physically demanding (no long hikes), so I take everything I might need to eat, drink, and stay warm.

Will

[wolc123]

I always seem to have more luck when I pack light, and it makes it a lot easier getting into and out of the stands and blinds.  Still-hunting is definitely better with a light pack.   

[Elmo]

You're a strong dude.  Man up!  Just kidding.  Yeah, the more experience I gained, the more I shave off of my pack.  Also helps when hunt with other people then you don't have to carry duplicates.