Welcome to the first installation in our new series of hunting bag dumps! What is a hunting bag or backpack dump? In a nutshell, someone lists everything in their hunting pack for a hunt and explains why it’s there. This article highlights a great YouTube video from a well-known Western hunter and conservationist, Randy Newberg.
Randy Newberg is an avid hunter who specializes in public land western hunts. His success has led to hosting two hunting shows, Fresh Tracks and On Your Own Adventures, as well as his own podcast and discussion forum, called Hunt Talk. Randy has now transitioned much of his content to YouTube and it’s an incredible source of information and entertainment. Many consider Randy to be the voice of the public land hunter in America. In addition to representing hunters in Congress and state legislatures, Randy also serves as a volunteer and is a board member for many hunting and conservation groups, including the RMEF. In this video, Randy empties his hunting pack for a typical one-day elk hunting trip during rifle season.
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Contents of Randy Newberg’s Pack on a One-Day Elk Rifle Hunt
Mystery Ranch Metcalf
The Mystery Ranch Metcalf is Randy’s go-to day pack! This full-frame pack weighs only 5.7 Ibs and holds up to 4,333 cubic inches. You can extend the bag out from the frame and slide a game bag onto the frame. Randy suggests taking a few extra buckles that fit your pack.
Slik Products Carbon Pro Tripod
One of the biggest advantages you can have on the hunt are quality optics. However, many hunters take to the mountain in search of our prey with great optics but we forget something just as equally important, a tripod to help us steady our optics of choice. Utilizing a tripod will help us see further and clearer at long distances, and it makes hours of glassing much more enjoyable also. The best optics in the world are only limited by the user and a tripod is one of the best ways to enhance your hunt. Be sure to select a strong, lightweight tripod that fits into your pack and doesn’t weigh you down.
Glassing Pad
One way to improve your comfort level while spending hours behind your spotting scope or binoculars is to bring along a glassing pad, like this one from KUIU. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and easily packable.
Jackery External Battery Pack
Let’s face it, we are lost without our cellphone. You might not have service on your next hunt but there are plenty of great applications that you’ll want to use on your hunt. Also, everyone likes to take photos during the hunt and after the shot, so pick up one of these Jackery External Battery Packs for your next adventure.
Mystery Ranch Zoid Bag
Keep the essentials organized! The Mystery Ranch Zoid Bag is perfect for storing your hunter’s education card, hunting license, field tags, pen, zip ties, electrical tape or anything else you can cram in it.
Fire Starter Trioxane Fuel Bars:
Kindling may be hard to find in the snow or rain, so carry a few of these in your pack and you’ll be able to get your campfire started! Another good option for a fire starter is the Pine Mountain ExtremeStart Wrapped Fire Starters.
Fuel-Free, Flameless Lighter
Don’t forget some water-proof matches and a flameless, fuel-free lighter like this TekFire from Ultimate Survival Technologies!
Adventure Medical Kit Sportsman’s 100:
All it takes is a nasty fall, slipped knife, or the slice of broadhead blade to put a halt to your hunt, that is if you’re not prepared for it. Plan for the worst but expect the best! Randy recommends the Adventure Medical Kit Sportsman’s 100, specifically designed to meet the needs of sportsmen. It contains enough first aid supplies to treat you and a friend for a long weekend in the backcountry. For another option check out our review of the Surviveware Backpacking First Aid Kit
Dr. Scholl’s Molefoam Padding
Dr. Scholl’s Molefoam Padding is perfect for preventing blisters. Your feet are the most important part of the hunt and if you don’t protect them, your hunt is over before it starts! Carry a pack or two of these molefoam pads at all times because it could be the difference in being in the right spot at the right time during your next hunt!
Gerber Devour – Lightweight eating utensil
The multi-tool of eating utensils. This unique eating utensil is capable of performing nine different functions! It’s a spoon, fork, serrated package opener, can opener, bottle opener, pry bar, flathead driver, and it has a flat cut/scrape edge. What’s even more impressive…the lifetime warranty!
Platypus Big Zip LP Hydration Bladder
The 3L Platypus Hydration Bladder is Randy’s favorite. There’s nothing more important on your hunt than staying hydrated and this hydration bladder is large enough to carry up to 3 liters of water and it’s built to last!
Extra Batteries: Energizer Lithium
Don’t forget to bring extra batteries, especially for your flashlights and headlamps. Energizer Lithium batteries are worth the investment!
Diaphragm Elk Call
It might take a little practice, but if you’re going on an elk hunt, you better know how to call. Just like turkey hunting, you can utilize a diaphragm call to help seal the deal on the bull of your dreams. There’s a bunch of calls on the market, but be sure to check out the Rocky Mountain Champ Diaphragm Call – Elk101 Signature Series.
Gerber Vital Big Game Folder Knife
The Gerber Vital Big Game Folder Knife assures you that you’ll always have a sharp edge and if the blade ever gets dull, simply swap out the dull one with a brand new razor-sharp blade! Just don’t forget to bring extra blades along.
Caribou Game Bags
Randy’s favorite game bags are made by Caribou Gear. They’re lightweight, durable, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. We also like the Ovis Sacks made by Black Ovis. Read our review here.
2 Petzl Tactikka Headlamps
You should always have a primary headlamp. Randy suggests having a second, so not only do you have backup batteries but the bulb, strap, etc. Randy chooses the Petzl Tactikka because it has a white-LED headlamp and a red LED light.
Gerber Multi-Tool
Don’t forget a quality multi-tool like Gerber’s Center-Drive! This multi-tool is a staple in Randy’s hunting gear bag and it’s loaded with features to help you in the field.
Aquamira Water Treatment
Water is the most essential part of your pack and this two-part water treatment product from Aquamira could save your life one day.
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
This water filter from BeFree is capable of filtering up to 1,000 liters of water, yet small enough to earn a spot in your pack!
Other notable items that Randy brings along
- Snickers, Trail Mix, Protein Bars, etc
- Small book to read if you get bored (That Wild Country by Mark Kenyon)
- “Mountain Money” (Toilet Paper)
- Plastic Grocery Bags- A link here would be dumb.
- Nitrile Gloves for Butchering a Kill
- Black Tape (electricians tape) goes over gun barrel and field tag
- Extra pair of socks– We recommend Darn Tough- Read our review
- Hunter’s Tarp – Caribou Gear
- HotHands Hand Warmers
- Allergy Medicine (If applicable)
- Quick Clot
- Emergency Space Blanket
- Cable to Clean Gun Barrel
Stay tuned for more hunting bag dumps in this new blog series. If you have someone or a specific hunt type you’d like to see a bag dump from let us know!
