Michael Turner
Immediate recommendation: Carry layered clothing (merino or synthetic base, insulating mid layer, waterproof/breathable outer), 2–3 liters of water or a 1–2 L bladder plus a 1 L bottle, 2,500–3,500 kcal of lightweight food, a compact medical kit with a tourniquet and hemostatic agent, a 300+ lumen headlamp with two spare battery sets, and a reliable folding or fixed blade (3–5″ drop point).
Navigation & communication: One laminated or waterproof map, a declination-adjusted compass, handheld GPS with spare batteries or a 10,000 mAh power bank, and a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon for remote areas. Add a loud whistle and a small signal mirror in an external pocket for quick access.
Tools & field maintenance: Multi-tool, lightweight folding saw or compact hatchet, paracord 15–30 m, duct tape strip and several heavy-duty zip ties, 10–20 game meat bags (washable or disposable), heavy-duty gloves, small sewing kit, and a bore snake or cleaning patches if carrying a firearm. Store weapon-specific consumables in waterproof pouches: 2–3 spare magazines or 6–12 extra arrows depending on method.
Shelter & warmth: Emergency bivy or compact 0°C sleeping bag, emergency blanket, four chemical hand warmers, sit pad with insulation, and a small tarp (2×3 m) plus cord for shelter or meat processing. In cold conditions add a 100–200 g down puffy and a spare pair of dry socks.
Medical & emergency supplies: Compact kit covering trauma (tourniquet, hemostatic gauze, chest seal), blister care, elastic bandage, adhesive dressings, pain relief, and insect bite/sting treatment. Carry water purification: two methods (tablets + microfilter) and a 500 mL collapsible bottle for treated water storage.
Organization & load placement: Use 2–3 dry sacks to separate clothing, food, and meat; keep the heaviest items close to the spine and high in the compartment, store the first-aid kit and headlamp in hip-belt or top-pocket for immediate reach, and reserve an external daisy chain or straps for a hung game bag or tripod. Weigh the fully loaded rucksack before departure and adjust to keep total weight under 25–30% of body weight for multi-hour movement.
How many clothing layers and which materials to bring for sudden weather shifts
Carry four layers: a moisture-wicking base, a breathable insulating mid, a compressible insulating puffy, and a waterproof/breathable shell.
Base layer: one long-sleeve top and one pair of bottoms for cold; add a spare top and an extra pair of socks for outings over 12 hours. Preferred materials: merino wool 150–260 g/m² for odor control and steady insulation, or polyester blends 140–220 g/m² for faster drying and lower cost. Sock weights: 150–250 g for active use, 250–350 g for extended cold.
Mid layer and insulating core: mid = fleece (grid or micro) 200–300 g/m² or a thin wool sweater; softshell (stretch woven) for wind resistance and abrasion when moving. Puffy for stops or late-day chills: down with 700–900 fill for best warmth-to-weight (typical 800-fill jacket ~200–350 g, compresses to fist-size), synthetic (Primaloft, ThermoBall equivalents) with 60–150 g insulation for similar warmth but 20–50% heavier and much better wet-weather performance. Choose synthetic if precipitation or sweat saturation risk exceeds 30% of the outing time; choose down for dry-cold trips where weight and pack volume matter most.
Shell: waterproof rating guidance – 10,000 mm hydrostatic head and 10k MVTR works for showers and high-exertion days; 20,000+ mm for prolonged rain or heavy wind exposure. Look for taped seams, a close-fitting helmet-capable hood, pit zips or full zippers for ventilation, and adjustable cuffs. Lightweight shells range 200–400 g; more durable storm shells 400–700 g.
Lower body and extremities: rain overpants in same waterproof range as the shell; insulated trousers only if stationary cold is expected. Gloves: liner (merino or synthetic) plus a waterproof insulated mitten or glove with 80–150 g synthetic fill; avoid down for primary gloves in wet environments. Head: lightweight merino/fleece hat 50–150 g and a balaclava or neck gaiter for wind. Bring gaiters if terrain is wet or snowy.
Minimum kit list for sudden shifts (upper body): 1 base top + spare, 1 mid layer, 1 compressible puffy, 1 shell, 1 hat, liner gloves + insulated waterproof gloves. For bottoms: base bottoms optional, 1 pair of waterproof overpants, 2 pairs of socks. Target total extra clothing weight: 500–900 g for single-day variable weather; 1.2–1.8 kg for multi-day cold conditions. Store the insulated jacket in a waterproof bag to preserve loft and keep it dry until needed.
Water volume and high‑calorie snacks per person per day
Carry 3–4 liters of water per person per 24 hours for low-to-moderate exertion; increase to 4–6 liters per person per day in hot conditions or during sustained high-intensity effort (plan ~0.5 L extra per hour of hard work).
Electrolytes: use 1 tablet or 1 scoop of powdered mix per liter when sweating heavily. Aim for roughly 300–700 mg sodium per liter of fluid during long, sweaty days; include chewable salt tabs or electrolyte powder sachets.
Single-day high-calorie snack kit (per person) – quantities, calories and expected weight:
3 energy bars (250–350 kcal each) → 750–1,050 kcal; weight ~180–240 g total.
150 g mixed nuts (almonds/walnuts/peanuts) → ~850–900 kcal; weight 150 g.
2 single-serve nut‑butter sachets (≈32 g / ~190 kcal each) → ~380 kcal; weight ~64 g.
50–75 g jerky (beef/turkey) → ~175–260 kcal; compact protein source, weight 50–75 g.
50 g dark chocolate or energy chews → ~250–300 kcal; quick sugar and morale lift, weight ~50 g.
100 g dried fruit or trail mix → ~300–400 kcal; fast carbs, weight 100 g.
Estimated total from the above snack kit: ~2,705–3,290 kcal; combined weight ~600–700 g. If main meals provide most calories, reduce to a lightweight option: 2 bars + 75 g nuts + 1 nut‑butter sachet → ~1,200–1,400 kcal and ~300–350 g.
Storage and distribution: use resealable vacuum or heavy-duty zip bags, single-serve wrappers and split items between pockets or compartments so loss or damage doesn’t remove the entire calorie supply. Keep nut‑butter and chocolate insulated in hot weather to avoid melting.
Quick documentation option: consider a compact rugged camera for fast-action shots: best digital camera for action shots under 300.
Navigation and communication gear: device choices, spare power and simple signaling
Bring one reliable two‑way satellite messenger or a registered PLB plus at least one short‑range radio and a dedicated handheld GPS with replaceable primary cells; reserve a 20,000 mAh USB power bank and four fresh lithium AAs as minimum spare power.
- Primary location device: choose either
- Two‑way satellite messenger (example type): two‑way text/OK-check, global Iridium network; carries location, allows status updates to contacts – requires subscription. Expect multi‑day standby (manufacturer claims ~10–14 days with conservative tracking intervals).
- PLB (personal locator beacon): transmits on 406 MHz to COSPAS‑SARSAT, no subscription, registration required; typical continuous transmit runtime 24–48 hours, battery replacement every 5–7 years. Recommended when only one guaranteed distress transmitter is desired.
- Handheld GPS: prefer models with replaceable AA support (rechargeable NiMH + spare primary lithium AAs for cold). Check GLONASS/Galileo support for faster fixes; load offline topo/waypoint files before leaving. Keep device in a reachable external pocket.
- Two‑way radios:
- FRS radios: no license, typical woodland range 0.5–2 miles; good for close team coordination.
- GMRS radios: higher power (up to 5 W commonly), line‑of‑sight range 5–10+ miles; US users require a GMRS license to transmit. Choose units with NOAA weather channels and CTCSS/DCS tones.
- Expect substantial range reduction under canopy and in valleys; plan for voice check‑ins every hour when separated.
Battery strategy and preservation
- Carry at least one ≥20,000 mAh USB‑C PD power bank (18–30 W output) for phones/messengers; weight ~350–450 g. Two 10,000 mAh banks offer redundancy at similar total mass.
- Bring 4–8 primary lithium AA cells (Energizer Ultimate Lithium or equivalent) for GPS, radios and headlamps; lithium cells perform at subzero temperatures and are lighter than alkaline.
- Store spares inside an inner garment to retain warmth; keep rechargeable banks insulated from cold – battery capacity drops with temperature.
- Set tracking intervals to 10–30 minutes on messengers/GPS for multi‑day use; reduce screen brightness, enable airplane mode when idle, and switch to battery saver or strobe‑only modes on lights.
- Solar trickle option: a 10–12 W foldable panel (approx. 300–400 g) will provide ~500–1,000 mA in bright sun – good for slow charging but unreliable under canopy or low sun angle.
Simple visual and audible signaling
- Whistle: Pealess whistle ≥120 dB (Fox 40 Classic or similar). Use the international distress signal: three sharp blasts repeated every minute until acknowledged.
- Signal mirror: 2–3 inch optical mirror with sighting hole; effective daytime signaling to aircraft and distant boats – visible several miles in clear conditions.
- Strobe/flashlight: headlamp or handheld with SOS/strobe mode, 150+ lumens for visible night beacon. Carry a small CR123/AA model plus spare cells.
- Chemical lightsticks: 2–4 units (4–12 hour duration) in high‑visibility colors; waterproof and inert, useful for marking and nighttime visibility.
- High‑visibility panel: 3×3 ft orange signal panel or bright tarp for aircraft recognition; reflective tape on outer gear enhances detectability at low angles.
- Flares and smoke devices: legal restrictions vary–carry only if trained and permitted; flares provide immediate daytime/nighttime visibility but require careful storage and handling.
Practical checks and small extras
- Test all radios/GPS/messengers before departure; confirm fresh batteries and functioning antennae.
- Waterproof spares in ziplock or small dry sack; include basic tool kit (multi‑driver for battery compartments, short USB‑C and micro‑USB cables, microSD spare card).
- Label batteries with purchase/use date; rotate stock and replace old primary cells before long trips.
- Carry a compact umbrella as alternate rain cover for electronics and to keep a device dry during quick stops – see best umbrella for concerts for compact options.
Field dressing and game transport: knives, gloves, bags and stepwise stowage order
Immediate tooling recommendation: one fixed-blade skinner 3–4 in, one boning/fillet 6–8 in, one folding caping/utility 2.5–3.5 in, a compact folding or hand bone saw, a 6–8″ ceramic/diamond rod and a sealed blade roll for transport.
Blade specs and maintenance: stainless or high-carbon full-tang blades with 20°–25° bevels hold edge for field work; strop or hone at first opportunity. Carry a 6″ diamond rod and a small leather strop (belt width 1–1.5″) plus one spare replaceable blade for a utility knife.
Gloves and contamination control: two pairs heavy leather or synthetic drag gloves and 6–10 pairs disposable nitrile (3–5 mil, 12–14″ cuff). Use one heavy pair for hauling and bone handling, change to nitrile for viscera and meat handling; seal used nitriles in a small trash pouch to avoid cross-contamination.
Bags and meat containment: breathable mesh or cotton game bags: deer-size 40×60″ (2–3 bags), elk-size 60×80″ (6–8 bags), plus 2–4 heavy-duty vacuum-style or freezer-grade bags for transport. Choose mesh for air circulation during cooling; use sealed freezer bags and frozen gel packs for vehicle or long-distance moves.
Fasteners, labels and cordage: 20 zip ties 6–8″, 50 ft butcher twine, 50 ft 550 paracord, two small locking carabiners, permanent marker and waterproof tags for date/ID. Add one roll of duct tape and a compact multi-tool with wire cutters.
Haul aids and straps: foldable game cart for loads over ~150 lb, 4–6 ft drag strap rated >2,000 lb for dragging on rough ground, and a limb sling or quarter harness for shoulder carry. When dragging, attach to the animal’s pelvis or use a hind-leg harness to reduce tearing.
Cooling guidance and ice quantities: leave body cavity open to air immediately after evisceration; for vehicle transfer, use 30–50 lb of ice or frozen gel packs for an average deer, and 80–120 lb for larger cervids if transit exceeds two hours. Aim to get core meat temperature below 40°F within six hours.
Stepwise stowage order for a day ruck or frame carry system: Step 1 – Gloves on, complete evisceration and secondary bleed; clean blade between abdominal cuts. Step 2 – Remove head/antlers if required, use caping blade for neck and face. Step 3 – Quarter using boning knife at joints; reserve saw for spine/rib cuts. Step 4 – Place each quarter in its own mesh bag, compress air out, label with tag. Step 5 – In carry system load heaviest sealed meat closest to the frame and central spine line, smaller items toward top for balance; secure with straps and carabiners. Step 6 – Stow sharp tools in blade roll against the frame, disposable gloves and wipes in an outer pocket for immediate access.
Sanitation kit checklist to keep with meat: 1 small bottle 70% isopropyl, 20 antiseptic wipes, 4 clean towels, one roll heavy-duty trash bags, one disposable boot cover or extra shoe bag to separate soiled gear from chilled meat.
Quick reference: blades (3 types), gloves (2 heavy + 6–10 nitrile), mesh bags (count by species), zip ties/twine/cord, drag strap or cart, ice per size above, blade roll and sanitation kit; load heavy meat low and central, tools and disposables accessible at the top.
Safety and medical supplies: items to control bleeding, treat fractures and prevent hypothermia
Carry this minimum medical kit: 1 commercial windlass tourniquet (CAT or SOF-T, ≥1.5″ wide), 2 hemostatic gauze packs (Z-fold 3″x4″), 1 Israeli/pressure dressing (6 cm or 10 cm), 4 sterile 6″x6″ gauze pads, 2 chest seals, 1 SAM splint (18″–36″ folded), 2 triangular bandages, 1 compact emergency bivy (Mylar or insulated bivy bag), 8–12 chemical heat packs, 6 pairs nitrile gloves, trauma shears, 1 roll 2″ medical tape, small roll duct tape, 10 m paracord, permanent marker for tourniquet time, antiseptic wipes (10), and adhesive wound closures (butterfly strips or Steri-Strips).
Hemorrhage control – sequence and specifics: 1) Expose wound; wear gloves. 2) Apply direct pressure with sterile gauze while a second responder prepares hemostatic gauze if bleeding is brisk. 3) Pack cavity tightly with hemostatic gauze and maintain firm pressure for 3–5 minutes; do not remove once placed. 4) Apply an Israeli/pressure dressing over the packed wound. 5) If direct pressure fails or arterial bleeding persists, place tourniquet 2–3 inches proximal to wound (avoid joints), tighten windlass until bleeding stops, secure and write application time on strap with marker. 6) If bleeding continues, apply a second tourniquet proximal to the first and record times for both.
Packing and dressing notes: hemostatic gauze works best against deep, narrow wounds; for diffuse surface bleeding use pressure dressing. Carry chest seals for penetrating torso wounds; apply an occlusive chest seal immediately and monitor respiration. Keep at least two chest seals per person.
Fracture care – immobilization steps: Control external bleeding first. Check distal pulse, sensation and movement before splinting and repeat after splint application. For suspected long-bone or joint fractures, immobilize the joint above and below the injury with a SAM splint or rigid improvised splint (two flat boards or rolled newspapers reinforced with tape and paracord). Pad pressure points liberally. Do not attempt to realign open fractures; cover exposed bone with sterile saline-soaked gauze, dress, then immobilize. For suspected pelvic or spinal injuries, minimize movement; secure the casualty to a rigid surface for transport when possible.
Preventing and treating hypothermia in the field: Remove wet garments and create a dry barrier between casualty and ground. Wrap head, neck and torso with an insulated bivy or Mylar blanket, then apply chemical heat packs to the chest and groin over clothing/barrier (avoid direct skin contact to prevent burns). Use passive external warming first; active external warming (heat packs) only when casualty is monitored and burns risk is mitigated. For mild hypothermia (shivering, slurred speech) encourage warm, sugary fluids if fully conscious and able to swallow. For moderate–severe hypothermia (decreased consciousness, loss of shivering), prioritize insulation, protect airway, and expedite evacuation.
Quantities and size guidance per person for a day-long outing: 1 tourniquet; 2 hemostatic gauze; 1 pressure dressing; 2 chest seals; 1 SAM splint; 2 triangular bandages; 6–8 nitrile glove pairs; 1 emergency bivy; 8–12 hand/chemical warmers; 10 sterile gauze pads; small bottle oral analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen 200 mg, 20 tabs), antihistamine (diphenhydramine 25–50 mg, 4 tabs) and an antibiotic ointment tube. Aim for total medic kit volume ~1–2 liters and weight ~1–1.5 kg depending on bivy choice.
Maintenance and training: Inspect consumables before each outing; replace hemostatic gauze and chest seals after use and check tourniquet elasticity annually. Practice tourniquet application, wound packing and SAM-splint molding under certified instruction; refresh hands-on training at least once per year.
