Essentials for daypack

[Str8arrow]

Hi Guys new to the forum and Elk hunting. I'm making a trip out to Washington this September to chase Elk. I wanted to know what you guys recommend be in a day pack. Thanks for the help.

Terry

[RB]

There has been a couple threads on this my  on this is be prepared for fire season and/or cold rainy days. Depending on what part of September you will be hunting it could be either. Other than the obvious map, compass, GPS, water, food, fire starter I would suggest seeing if your cell phone carrier will work when you are here and get radios for your hunting partners.

You looking to hunt eastern or western Washington?

[BsB]

I usually stick to the essentials. Fluids, nutrition, first aid, map of the area and compass or GPS, a knife and stone, some matches and a spare change of lightweight clothing/socks. Clothing that is light, such as down vests or jackets and wool, that can be compressed are great. I carry about 20-30ft of rope/cord and duct tape too. Of course your tags and extra ammo also. A walkie talkie comes in handy for communication if there is no cell service. I'm sure I'm forgetting something, I usually don't notice until I'm in the field.

Edit: Oh yeah, TP. Nothing like being caught in the woods with your pants around your ankles and trying to cut your shirt sleeve off.

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[uplandhunter870]

TP or baby wipes, usually goes without saying but its often the most forgotten item. food, water, knife, tags, ammo, change of socks, extra undershirt or base layer, map compass or gps, some form of communication, spare set of batteries just in case, lighter, rope (i usually have ~50 ft. of 550 cord), binos or smaller spotter. i wear contacts so i usually have an extra pair just in case the bizarre happens

thats where i usually start and then customize based on location and the day. east side versus west will probably dictate needing a few select items over others

good luck with your hunt

[npaull]

Oh yeah, TP. Nothing like being caught in the woods with your pants around your ankles and trying to cut your shirt sleeve off

Or your socks... been there, done that.

[sakoshooter]

I have a "10 essentials" bag in my hunting pack that isn't opened untill I shoot a deer/elk etc or have to spend the night because of problems. Because of this, it's always 100% ready. I cjhange the granola bar every year.
Fisrt off: TP is not one of my 10. It is it's own essential item in it's own dbl zip loc bags. This way, it cannot be missed. It stays on top in my pack.
My 10 E Bag has a 1)space blanket, 2)Handkerchief for cleaning up after gutting, 3)2 disposable handwarmers, 4) surveyors tape for marking a trail, 5)map, 6)Compass, 7)Firestarter w/waterproof matches and lighter, 8)Granola bar, 9)Piece of string for attaching tag to ear and tying shut, 10)50' parachute cord.
My pack has two small LED flachlights plus a small LED headlight, 3 knives, water in SS bottle, lunch bag, down vest, gortex jacket shell, binos and meat bags. Plus a couple of zip loc bags for heart and liver. The vest and shell might come out for early season hunts otherwise this stuff never leaves my pack so it's always ready to hit the woods.
I also practice shooting my bow with it on a lot during late summer and early fall.

[RB]

I have a "10 essentials" bag in my hunting pack that isn't opened untill I shoot a deer/elk etc or have to spend the night because of problems. Because of this, it's always 100% ready. I cjhange the granola bar every year.
Fisrt off: TP is not one of my 10. It is it's own essential item in it's own dbl zip loc bags. This way, it cannot be missed. It stays on top in my pack.
My 10 E Bag has a 1)space blanket, 2)Handkerchief for cleaning up after gutting, 3)2 disposable handwarmers, 4) surveyors tape for marking a trail, 5)map, 6)Compass, 7)Firestarter w/waterproof matches and lighter, 8)Granola bar, 9)Piece of string for attaching tag to ear and tying shut, 10)50' parachute cord.
My pack has two small LED flachlights plus a small LED headlight, 3 knives, water in SS bottle, lunch bag, down vest, gortex jacket shell, binos and meat bags. Plus a couple of zip loc bags for heart and liver. The vest and shell might come out for early season hunts otherwise this stuff never leaves my pack so it's always ready to hit the woods.
I also practice shooting my bow with it on a lot during late summer and early fall.

[Sliverslinger]

I always have a fresh set of socks and few strips of Gorilla tape to cover any possible blisters.

[Str8arrow]

Thanks for the help guys. We will be hunting the southwestern part of the state, for the 1st 11 days of the season. All the items mentioned I normal have in my whitetail pack. Thanks again and I really appreciate the help. I know I'll have more question as it gets closer to our trip.