These hunting accessories never leave my pack.
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No matter the hunt, no matter the season, these hunting accessories will be in my pack all day, every day.
I organize these items in each part of my pack using the Mystery Ranch Zoid Bags, making them easy to locate.
In today’s world, with our dependence upon our phones for our GPS and mapping systems, I never go anywhere without a charging option for my phone. It also serves to recharge my lighter and my emergency communication device.
The rest of these items are mostly for safety and emergencies. Confidence that I am prepared for all outcomes gives me the clear mind needed to focus on the hunt.
Most of my hunts are in rough terrain. I’ve become a huge fan of trekking poles and a great pack that compresses down for a great daypack, while expanding to haul meat when I fill that tag.
We link out to the GoHunt shop and other options below, where — by using Promo Code: “Randy” — you can save anywhere from 5-20% on gear. When in doubt, stick “Randy” in the promo box.
Randy Newberg’s Favorite Hunting Accessories
Replaceable Blade Knife: Gerber x Randy Newberg EBS Knife
Replaceable blade knives allow me to leave knife sharpeners at home. A dull blade is simply replaced in the field.
Rechargeable Headlamp: Petzl TIKKA CORE
My rule for headlamps is “Two is one, and one is none.” Always take two headlamps in your pack. I like both Petzls and PEAX headlamps in the field.
Game Bags: Caribou Game Bags
If you don’t pack game bags, my guess is that you’re not planning on killing anything. I’ve worked with Caribou Game Bags for years and I trust them in every situation.
Medical Kit: QuikClot Clotting Gauze
Clotting gauze is one of the most important pieces of gear any human can carry. This small, lightweight addition has saved many, many lives afield. One slip of the knife can put your life at risk. Carry QuikClot at all times.
I also always pack in an Epipen and Benadryl. These two pieces can save the day if needed.
Fire Kit: Rechargeable Lighter, Butane Lighter, Firestarters
This is another batch of hunting accessories where having a backup option is non-negotiable. I carry both a butane lighter and a rechargeable lighter in the field, in addition to multiple firestarters. Thin duct tape can start a fire or save you from a blister.
All-Around Backpack: Mystery Ranch Metcalf Backpack
If you’re not hucking a pack that can carry a load of meat, you’re not hunting. My choice of hunting backpack is the Mystery Ranch Metcalf. It’s big enough for the backcountry, and you can easily use it as a daypack as well.
Trekking Poles: Peax Equipment Sissy Stix
Trekking poles allow for a full-body hiking and packing experience. Your arms support your legs, your core stays upright, and you can build four “legs” where you usually have two. They offer a huge energy and safety advantage to every hunter who puts them in their pack.
Hydration Bladder: Platypus Big Zip EVO Hydration Bladder
The only bladder that hasn’t failed me in the field bears the name Platypus. This is simply the best bladder on the market, bar none.
Butt Pad: Therm-A-Rest Z Seat
A sit pad will save your you-know-what. You can use it to sit on, but it can also act as a splint should something go wrong in the field. This is a versatile hunting accessory for anyone on the move.
Emergency communication device – Garmin InReach Mini
In this day and age, it’s imperative that you travel with a device that might save your life when service is out of reach. A Garmin or Zoleo can also provide loved ones with peace of mind, hunting partners with “elk down” coordinates, or offer coordinates to get you home safely when a phone dies.
Power Bank: Anker Power Bank
A power bank is another thing I’m always hucking. It powers everything from my phone to lighters to a headlamp and beyond. Our crew is sold on Anker, and we charge a lot of gear in the backcountry.
Packable Rain Coat: Sitka Gear Dew Point Jacket
A packable rain coat is a no-brainer nearly all year long. On almost any hike or hunt, the Dew Point is in my pack — rain or shine. You never know when mountain weather will change on you.
Multi-Tool: Gerber Centerdrive Multi-Tool
A multi-tool can serve so many purposes. From fixing llama tack to jimmy-rigging a tent to having a backup knife should you lose yours on the tip, it’s the hunting accessory that does it all.
Electrical Tape and Zip Ties
Electrical tape and zip ties offer multiple options for use in the field. Electrical tape is a go-to for tags, whereas zip ties can fix something you can’t imagine would need fixing and hold it together till you get back to the rig.
Tarp: Caribou Gear Hunter’s Tarp
Keeping meat clean, building a quick shelter, changing clothes without getting dirt on your socks — a hunter’s tarp is endlessly malleable. Caribou makes the perfect one from my perspective.
