Thanks for doing these Randy. I am not a seasoned hunter and this video included things I wouldn't have thought of until I needed them. Its a little late at that point.
I just use heavy duty ziplocks as organizer pouches. They are themed, "Post Kill" and "Problem Solvers" are two sub-bags that I may not have to repack between trips. Problem solvers + the tourniquet fill on zipper pocket of my pack, so that is always there/easy to find. I have a poncho instead of a tarp. A few extra ziplocks for heart/liver. I also have one that is "gear up" which includes all the stuff I put on or in pockets when I leave the truck, e.g., headlamp, knife, ammo belt sheath, gloves, smoke in a bottle, cough lozenges, etc. I have a compression back brace and a compression ankle wrap just in case, cause no one is going to carry me out. I also keep a COMPLETE list of what is in my pack on the computer shared w/ my phone, in a checklist format, so I can check off things as I verify before a trip, or check things off to make sure I'm not leaving something behind when I head home.
I always bring ASTM level 2 cut resistant gloves… essential PPE in my opinion. They dont keep your hands dry but they provide grip and prevent hand cut injuries during field dressing. I bring enough pairs for everyone. Cheers!
A couple extra things I always keep besides what you mentioned is wet wipes, the sitka flash pullover-I live in WA, something like pepto or imodium, a compass and map, a pistol, and depending on where I hunt a small machete. It works wonders on blackberry and devils club. Especially on west side of the state.
Reminds me of packing a ruck in the Army....one little tidbit for anyone bringing MRE like meals, take the meals out of the outer packaging and any extra packaging that just gets trashed; then only pack what you'll eat...if there is something you don't like that you know you won't eat, don't pack it....and get rid of duplicate utensils.
Others have said it and I agree. A tourniquet ( or 2 ) is a must for anyone in the outdoors. We’re out there with blades and bullets and tripping on rocks. Hunters have bled out from landing on broken branches. I was issued one with my duty gear but I carry an extra, you never know. They’re light and small and can save a life. Put one in your pocket or wherever you can reach it with either hand. Keep the videos coming Randy.
I’m the same kinda guy who ends up with all the emergency gear since everyone else neglects it. One thing I would add is a tourniquet to your first aid kit. Never know when you may need it… knife mishap when quartering, misstep and have an open leg fracture, Trip and get a puncture wound… a couple ounces could save your life. Simple and safe to use. I also throw in a SAM splint to get a broken bone protected so I can get back to the truck. Again, a couple ounces.
68 year old rifle day hunter: Do to the limitations of my age, I day hunt (hiking) approximately 0 - 1.5 miles from my pickup, so I carry only the essentials; hunting license and game tag; 5 game bags; First Aid Kit; 4 quarts of water; 12 rounds of ammo; revolver with reloads; knives; toilet paper; tarp; 40' rope; lighter; cow elk call; headlamp; trekking poles; shooting stick; optics; and maybe a poncho; a couple of sandwiches in a ziplock bag. If I plan to spend the night somewhere, I'll take along my game cart packed with my ground blind and chair. I like to use well used hiking trails and roads when pulling along my game cart. No, I don't sleep in my ground blind. I bundle up inside my ground blind for the night and keep a overnight surveillance watching an area for a first light shot. If there are elk in the area, I'll get one. I also carry hand warmers for additional overnight warmth when needed. Normally, its the last couple of hours before first light that are the coldest. In my old age, I'm restricted mainly to ambush hunting. Each season I get better at it.
That was really cool Randy. I'm always curious to see what other people carry in their packs too. Had no idea you were allergic to elk hair. Now I know how much you really like guttin and gillin! Thanks for sharing.👍
I have a simple survival mirror, heavy duty garbage bag, and whistle with my first aid kit. big metal salad bowel (momma isn't missing it) ... I use it for cleaning up with and heating water. Two MREs if I spend the night. Gerber tool is used for everything also a folding Gerber saw. My phone replaced a lot of items and can pair with the Garmin inReach.
Great video, I probably have a 90% match to what you have in your bag for day hunts. The one thing you have, that I used to have, but no longer carry is the Platypus water bladder. When I am hunting deer/elk, it is usually late Oct to late November in Montana and if the temps get close to freezing, the bite tube freezes up and becomes useless for hydration. I could probably dump in some salt into the water to lower the freezing point and also get some electrolytes back into my system at the same time, but instead I have just gone back to a 1.5L Nalgene bottle that I stuff into a side pouch on my MR Cabinet backpack. I am generally moving around enough that ice never forms in the bottle. The only downside now is I do need to take off my backpack to get access to it. But much better than not being able to drink any water because your hydration nozzle is frozen! :)
Mountain money 😂😂😂. Great video Randy👍👍👍and thanks for providing the links on where to purchase these items.. I just came across your videos after hearing you on the Meat eater podcast, keep up the great work 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
Randy Newberg: Unrelated to this video, but as I recognize the background in this video, you congratulated a couple 50 year volunteers of Montana Hunter Education instructors from this exact set. Thank you for showing your support for the decades of volunteerism from many folks from this great country of ours. As the son of Paul Murphy (50 year Hunter Education instructor that you mentioned), I am proud of his example. My sister and I are both recent volunteer instructors as well because of his efforts. Your recognition of these great people shows your true heart and appreciation of our hunting heritage. Thanks!
Dan, that was one of the most warming requests that have been made of me in a long time. I wish I could have been there to thank you, Paul, and all these amazing instructors. Without all of you Hunter Education instructors, all volunteers, the future of hunting would be far less. I still remember my instructors, Paul Reese and Owen Gordon, a school teacher and a hardware store owner. If not for them, a lot fewer kids in my town would have become hunters. No thanks is enough. My best to you, your sister, and Paul.
Nice pack! I appreciate that you carry blood clot and water purification tablets. Thank you for sharing. Something my husband and I started doing years ago is pack glow sticks and plastic orange marking tape. If we have to track a deer on an evening hunt, we mark the first sign of blood with the glow stick at the wood's edge and tie tape up on a limb with each drop we find. If we lose the trail, we need only look at the line of orange as a hint. Also, we hunt thick wooded area with cut lanes. That glow stick will get us back to the trail. This season, we invested in Zippo hand warmers. There are small palm sizes ones (for the wife, me) and then there are larger ones with 6 hour or 12 hour burners. We figure it's better than constantly buying up hand warmers that are hard to find this time of year.
Marking tape. I always carry it and I often use it. Blood trails, forest pathways, carcass locations if you have to return to get a horse or truck in the dark, etc.
The Coroni almost has MN & WI locked down..... Kind of dumb when we at the shop had it way back in December but nobody said a word about it then. haha....... Thanks for keeping us occupied with the videos Randy
To complete my first aid kit, I have a CATS tourniquet with an aluminum windlass. Yeah, you can cobble something together with a stick and belt, but while you’re trying to MacGuyver a tourniquet, your buddy is bleeding out. Being able to pull out a lightweight (3 ounces) CATS, put it on above the wound and ratchet it down and have it work BEFORE the person has lost too much blood puts them in a better chance to survive getting out of the wilderness. These things are ~$30, so I have one in each car, each family member’s pack and carry one as close to my person as possible.
Having just done the annual repack of the bag...couple of extra things: 1. Compass. I don't have terrain features but pack out in the dark in a muskeg swamp you need to know which direction to go. Especially once the cell phone battery dies. And the back up... 2. Flagging tape. Mark a kill site. A trail to show which route taken. Can use it for writing a note. 3. Orange toques. Regardless of season I carry a hunter orange hat to pull out the pocket. Been scoped too many times by other hunters not to have something obvious to wave back at them. 4. Spare truck key. Last thing you want to deal with at the end of the day. 5. Duct tape. Also works well for blisters and bandaids in a pinch. Just a partial role though as it's heavy. 6. 2 lighters. Take the wheel guard off so it's easier to light with cold hands. And keep them close to the body so they don't freeze. Literal lifesavers for hypothermia. 7. Wool sweater. Stanfield wool work sweaters. Relatively cheap and that extra layer is sometimes really needed. 8. Spare gloves. Because wet hands suck. 9. Small folding saw. Great for dealing with bones and can cut wrist sized wood no problem. Great help with frozen trees. Cheap from the dollar store. 10. Tarp. Small tarp that can be used to lay stuff out on, shelter, or more often goes in the bottom of the sled before putting an animal in. Keeps things clean and allows for easy animal movement. I hunt northern Canada though so temperate and snow and much bigger concerns. +40F to -40F hunting changes things but these are constant regardless.
Randy, having worked in the trades for 17years I have some headlamp advice to offer. The average headlamp, regardless who manufactures it, has a shortcoming in the durability regarding the plastic body and mounting bracket that connects it to the head band. Several years ago, and after breaking a dozen or so different lamps, found an aluminum bodied rubber mounted lamp that operates on a single double A battery. It has been bullet proof to say the least. It rides in my tool bag every day of the year and is abused, not on purpose, but incidentally. And being a double A you don't have to have yet another different size battery in your pack. Battery life with a lithium battery is just the same as lamps with three AAA cells. Thru Nite TH20. Give it a look if you have a spare chance. Thanks and as always keep at it we appreciate what you do!
For backup, an MK8 orange smoke canister, about $40 bucks. And I’m sure we all have whistles and signal mirrors just in case. And hunter orange that Alan Kay also recommends to mark were your stranded or hurt.
Things not yet mentioned, my pack includes a Wyoming saw, Kevlar glove, cough drops, heart burn, allergy, and pain meds. Also carry a small can of hand lotion (blood can really dry the skin if not around water to properly wash). I also include small packets of powdered chicken soup, coffee, and powdered peanut butter. My first aid is self made, and among several items includes a small vial of bag balm (sorry, the farm upbringing showing here). I recently added a small container of sore muscle salve ... I'm no longer in my 20's!
Dirk Beasley friend of mine didn’t pack any. Came back to camp and was changing and we noticed his long johns were now 3/4 length. You guessed it. Cut off lower 1/4 for tp. He now packs it
I’m campaigning for super easy availability of a “tourniquet”. Direct pressure on a wound will help staunch the flow of blood in the event you stick yourself with an arrow, or slip on a downfall, fall on a sharp broken branch, (or a multitude of variations)...but you can bleed out in less the 3 minutes from arterial bleeding...long before that, shock will set in and you personally won’t be able to affect your own first aid. Have it at the ready and know how to use it....on yourself or someone else.
kalikasurf - Thanks, but I’m referring to their availability in the event of an emergency. You need to be able to grab it within 15 to 30 seconds to apply it…not to search in your first aid kit in the bottom of your pack.
Gary O rubber banded to the buttstock. ive got one on all my rifles. most of the people who will need them, unfortunately won’t bother to buy one..... so making an ideal pouch for them won’t do much good
Wow you are the only other hunter besides me that I've heard of having an allergy to deer hair. It's not fun but I also sir carry benadryl and gloves for when I'm successful. I keep the benadryl gloves and folding knife in my kill kit in ziploc bag so it's ready and also ready to throw it all back in when done so I dont leave trash or make a mess in my pack. Randy to help clean your hands or arms and knives if you get hair or blood on them try gojo single foil packed hand wipes they are great.
I also add a military battle dressing. They work great with the quick clot and can be tied to any part of the body. They are light weight and i pick them up for about a dollar each!!
I approve and greatly appreciate the carry of "quikclot" or other brand gauze, but would also include a tourniquet. My day hunt or back country med kit is mainly focused on what will get me back to the truck or alive through the night in the worst case scenario. Bandaids and motrin are all and good for comfort to keep you out for a couple more days, but consider carrying items for the truly life threatening circumstances, and the knowledge for appropriate use of those items.
I’m always checking gear. Randy has a good bag. Explains things well for situations. I like it and good stuff. I personally got two items extra if I’m going several miles from base camp regardless. Toronto Blacksmith Viking camp axe 1.4 or 1.75 lb on 18 inch, makes a good skinner also. Also a Silky curved blade ULTRA ACCEL. I believe about 11 grams and 10 inches folded. You might not ever need but if you get in a storm abs you have shelter but your going to need that fire. It’s faster processing smaller down or dead standing to stock you up for who knows. Depends on your area also. That saw might set that down game up against a tree free to go right down the hill if needed also. I also keep the military issue poncho and at least 1 ratchet strap for some hikes. Not really much else different then you Randy. Oh ya. Incase some don’t know. If you have that stupid name brand hand sanitizer that starts with a P, good fire starter along with pieces of them blue tarps and duct tape.
you probably already have this but i also carry extra batteries for the headlamps, and my dad carries a little wet stone with him. but one thing that we both carry is a Wyoming saw that has a saw blade for both meat and wood reason being is that we dont really bone out when we get a deer or when i got my first antelope last fall, but for our late cow hunt here in idaho, we are usually on horseback and we just gut them, and then with the saw, quarter the elk and then put them in the saddlebags on the horses. however in the case of this last years hunt, my younger brother got a smaller one to where we just halfed it and did it that way with the horses.
Thanks Randy, I prefer gorrilla brand tape in the 1 inch. We can make a bird nest by tearing it into strips to catch a ferro rod spark among other multi uses. Store it on bipod or tracking poles if you want it on the ready! Good stuff! I like the Grayl for water needs but Treatment pills are good. I didn't know about the two step treatment! is a good idea! I am big on 6 mil 55 gal drum liners! At least two! I can build a raised bed with those! I am 245 and they will not tear! Two tripods and two poles and sleep in comfort! It will double for other things a well of course. Cotton bandanna could save filter devices as well as being used for signaling if needed ( Orange) also first aid among other uses. Shemagh can double for all this! Just a few ideas! Thanks! Good stuff!
I got a good amount of p cord for if I gotta track down a mountain side I know here I came down. game bags,snacks headlamps, fire starter,wire,first aid, ammo, compass,knifes,pain meds portable phone charger spotting scope, knife sharpener and a small saw extra shocks pair of gloves and a few trash bags and of course the emergency blanket got my tags and my hunters Ed card too in there
Biodegradable wet wipes...great for cleaning up or wiping. Lens cleaner for optics. Ear plugs and and orange target sticker in case a rifle gets bumped hard or to remind myself I really am that bad of a shot.
Yes sir!! Pathfinders !! 6 Mil 55 gal--- Light and can use for a ;lot of things ! Doesn't require a lot of space! I can build a raised bed with two of them. Awesome
Randy is the most organized and methodical guy ever. I could have easily guessed he's a bean counter by profession. Also, I feel really good that my day pack looks so similar to his.
Great stuff....I would add Duct Tape. You can put it over any dressing you normally put over a blister and it will not come off. Your foot sweat will not take it off either. At the end of the day you will have to pull it off.
Bought a nice, expandable, roomy, zip-up, tear resistant notebook pouch for $1.00 at the local Goodwill. Using it for one stop retrieval of licenses, conservation stamps, hunter education stuff, etc. You would be surprised at the amount of relevant and potentially modifiable hunting gear there is at thrift shops. Found a Coleman AC/DC small apt. type refrigerator...$10. Camping gear, head lamps, camo clothing, boots, and much of the stuff mentioned in UA-cam hunting backpack content videos, usually are easily found in these places. Flea markets work too. Sometimes hunters give up on hunting for one reason or another, and their gear finds its way towards income-tax deductible V.O.A. Salvation Army, and Goodwill donations. Or, the hunter passes away, and the survivors may not hunt so its all donated. With the costs associated with NR licenses, out of state travel and lodging, new gear, etc., it pays to check out the traditional discount shops before paying top dollar for everything you don't have, and everything that you think you might need. Much of which sees very limited use, once the costly upfront investments are made, and the season ends. The average Joe DeerTag like me doesn't get a ton of stuff to try, or endorse for one reason or another. I get my satisfaction knowing I saved five or ten bucks, when I know I would have spent five to ten times that much on Sportsman's, Amazon, Midway, et.al. 😕
Not oddly enough, I pack most of the same stuff, have moose & black bear tags, hunting the "Rock" in late September, this year. Likewise I have a medical issue too, maintenance, maintenance, maintenance, hydration/electrolyte requirements, yep my wife worries when I'm gone for extended periods, communication is a must.
What’s in my pack? Much less and much cheaper stuff! Livin life on the edge by only using what I can afford... still have a great time outside when I’m able to get out though!
One thing I find essential you did not have that I use is one knife proof glove you can buy them for like $ 8 and I feel one of the most dangerous times hunting is the skinning and quartering and your helper should have one as well and they weight next to nothing. How many close calls have you had or your helper in the back country when your tired with a knife ? I also use heavy duty Zip lock bags for my small items because I like to visually like to see into them, my medical kit as well and there waterproof and light weight. I use to carry a multi tool in my day pack I don't any more but it's at camp. TC & Good Hunting
Great video! I load my daypack similarly, but always trying to balance bringing necessary items with managing weight. Do you have a rough idea of your total loaded weight for this type of day pack set up?
I would suggest a tourniquet like the quick clot it one of thought thing you pray you never need. I also would be interested to know why more hunters don’t carry supplies for a super shelter. They are light weight and a easy way to stay warm in cold weather. Any thoughts?
I read through most these comments and I am probably the only one who will say this but feel like either Randy has way too much stuff, or I’m highly under prepared. One thing I quit doing is using “stuff sack organizers” because they are added weight and I was needing to go through a few to find what I was looking for anyways.
Nols has a wilderness medicine book that they teach out of. the first responder course they offer is outstanding but that little book is like my bible when im in the back country. give it a look if you havnt already.
I always put my medical/firstaid stuff on my outside pockets. God forbid I ever need to use it. I surely don't want to have to searching for stop clot while i bleed buckets. Everything else you do is similar to what i do.
I have 2 molle kits on the outside of my mystery ranch pintler. 1) kill kit with knives, blades, game bags and ziplocks for organs. 2) med kit with tourniquet, quick clot, Israeli bandage and super glue. They fasten right to the rear webbing and leave the waist webbing open for my range finder, gps and other small crap I need instant access to.
FYI on that QuickClot from a combat vet. If you have to use that shit on yourself or your buddy, the surgeon at the hospital is going to have to cut it out of you. Sure, if it’s all you’ve got and someone is going to die, use it, but try at all costs to stop the bleeding with tourniquets first.
Chris, I bought a leupold carbon fiber last December at a Scheels sporting goods store. I was there just last month and did see it still for Sale around $400. If you go to Leopold’s website and are a veteran or active military you can receive a considerable discount.
@@Fresh_Tracks I understand getting a head lamp that can run on a red mode to keep your night vision intact, but can you explain the need for a green mode? Thanks.
I carry too much, 4 in the rifle, a spare mag with 4 and a fabric carrier in the pack with another 10. I have had scope problems and have burned through 6-8 rounds just figuring out what was going on, but even then I have too much.
Hey Randy, how well does that Katadyn BeFree filter work in sub-freezing temps? I have a Sawyer Squeeze that got clogged up & frozen last fall & I'm looking for a better replacement. Thanks for the informative videos & cheers from your neighboring state of North Dakota!
So I use a katadyn filter as well. I stopped using a platypus for late fall/winter hunts because the bite tube freezes from exposure. I have not had that problem with the Katadyn because I keep it in a side pocket on my backpack and that seems to provide enough "warmth" to keep it from freezing. Coldest I have used it was around -5F, and it wasn't a problem. I also carry a Nalgene bottle that is also inside my backpack and it hasn't frozen either. However if I got stuck in an overnight situation, I am sure both would freeze. But for even a long day hike in sub-freezing temps. I have not a had a problem with any water bottles KEPT INSIDE THE BACKPACK freezing over.
I see you have Yetis now. If you want to get rid of any of those Orion’s you’ve used, I know I loyal Randy Newberg viewer that would love one! I’ll even pay for shipping 🙌🏻😁
Say hey, Randy, nice dump review. What food do u carry and do u carry an ifac. Thank you so much sir. Shalom Stay Safe, Bee Well Randy Newberg People. Regards from N.Tx. Doug
Never knew you were allergic to the hair & blood as much as you love “guttin’ and gillin!” As someone else mentioned, also bring a tourniquet (CAT). Like Corey showed in one of his series, this can be a necessity.
Hi Randy I just watched at your bag dump helped me a lot. I had one question I hope you answer for me. On the 2019 Metcalf it’s hard to take the bag of the rack, so do you just loosen the straps and short of slide a quarter bag in the side or take the time to take the bag off? I have a great opportunity to purchase a close out brand new 2019 bag. I’m just asking you because you have had the bag but I haven’t found a video of where you address. I think I’ve watched them all. I hunt Elk, deer, and antelope. I just want your expert opinion on to buy 2019 or 2020. Thanks
Patrick Boyd, I don’t believe the frame has changed between the 2019-2020 model years. Both years use the Mystery Ranch Guide Light Frame design, which allows for either: 1) sliding a quarter between the pack and the frame after loosening straps, or 2) disconnecting the straps at their buckles and opening the pack all the way before adding the meat. When the pack is open all the way, it resembles a clam shell that you can fasten around the meat. Here is a breakdown from Mystery Ranch: ua-cam.com/video/kGYYbKZ73nk/v-deo.html. I use a different bag with an identical frame design. They are great. Good luck.
Always fun to see what everyone else carries.
Vacuum seal the Caribou game bags, makes them much smaller.
Thanks for doing these Randy. I am not a seasoned hunter and this video included things I wouldn't have thought of until I needed them. Its a little late at that point.
I just use heavy duty ziplocks as organizer pouches. They are themed, "Post Kill" and "Problem Solvers" are two sub-bags that I may not have to repack between trips. Problem solvers + the tourniquet fill on zipper pocket of my pack, so that is always there/easy to find. I have a poncho instead of a tarp. A few extra ziplocks for heart/liver. I also have one that is "gear up" which includes all the stuff I put on or in pockets when I leave the truck, e.g., headlamp, knife, ammo belt sheath, gloves, smoke in a bottle, cough lozenges, etc. I have a compression back brace and a compression ankle wrap just in case, cause no one is going to carry me out.
I also keep a COMPLETE list of what is in my pack on the computer shared w/ my phone, in a checklist format, so I can check off things as I verify before a trip, or check things off to make sure I'm not leaving something behind when I head home.
Now I know what to pack for my first hunt this weekend. Great video
I always bring ASTM level 2 cut resistant gloves… essential PPE in my opinion. They dont keep your hands dry but they provide grip and prevent hand cut injuries during field dressing. I bring enough pairs for everyone.
Cheers!
A couple extra things I always keep besides what you mentioned is wet wipes, the sitka flash pullover-I live in WA, something like pepto or imodium, a compass and map, a pistol, and depending on where I hunt a small machete. It works wonders on blackberry and devils club. Especially on west side of the state.
Reminds me of packing a ruck in the Army....one little tidbit for anyone bringing MRE like meals, take the meals out of the outer packaging and any extra packaging that just gets trashed; then only pack what you'll eat...if there is something you don't like that you know you won't eat, don't pack it....and get rid of duplicate utensils.
Thanks Randy
It's always good to see what other people have in there packs.
Others have said it and I agree. A tourniquet ( or 2 ) is a must for anyone in the outdoors. We’re out there with blades and bullets and tripping on rocks. Hunters have bled out from landing on broken branches. I was issued one with my duty gear but I carry an extra, you never know. They’re light and small and can save a life. Put one in your pocket or wherever you can reach it with either hand. Keep the videos coming Randy.
I need a Randy Newberg in my pack!
I’m the same kinda guy who ends up with all the emergency gear since everyone else neglects it. One thing I would add is a tourniquet to your first aid kit. Never know when you may need it… knife mishap when quartering, misstep and have an open leg fracture, Trip and get a puncture wound… a couple ounces could save your life. Simple and safe to use. I also throw in a SAM splint to get a broken bone protected so I can get back to the truck. Again, a couple ounces.
68 year old rifle day hunter: Do to the limitations of my age, I day hunt (hiking) approximately 0 - 1.5 miles from my pickup, so I carry only the essentials; hunting license and game tag; 5 game bags; First Aid Kit; 4 quarts of water; 12 rounds of ammo; revolver with reloads; knives; toilet paper; tarp; 40' rope; lighter; cow elk call; headlamp; trekking poles; shooting stick; optics; and maybe a poncho; a couple of sandwiches in a ziplock bag. If I plan to spend the night somewhere, I'll take along my game cart packed with my ground blind and chair. I like to use well used hiking trails and roads when pulling along my game cart. No, I don't sleep in my ground blind. I bundle up inside my ground blind for the night and keep a overnight surveillance watching an area for a first light shot. If there are elk in the area, I'll get one. I also carry hand warmers for additional overnight warmth when needed. Normally, its the last couple of hours before first light that are the coldest. In my old age, I'm restricted mainly to ambush hunting. Each season I get better at it.
That was really cool Randy. I'm always curious to see what other people carry in their packs too. Had no idea you were allergic to elk hair. Now I know how much you really like guttin and gillin! Thanks for sharing.👍
I carry a lot of the same stuff. I usually have a small pack of wet wipes, a small knife sharpener and chap stick.
Good stuff.
I have a simple survival mirror, heavy duty garbage bag, and whistle with my first aid kit. big metal salad bowel (momma isn't missing it) ... I use it for cleaning up with and heating water. Two MREs if I spend the night. Gerber tool is used for everything also a folding Gerber saw. My phone replaced a lot of items and can pair with the Garmin inReach.
Great video, I probably have a 90% match to what you have in your bag for day hunts. The one thing you have, that I used to have, but no longer carry is the Platypus water bladder. When I am hunting deer/elk, it is usually late Oct to late November in Montana and if the temps get close to freezing, the bite tube freezes up and becomes useless for hydration. I could probably dump in some salt into the water to lower the freezing point and also get some electrolytes back into my system at the same time, but instead I have just gone back to a 1.5L Nalgene bottle that I stuff into a side pouch on my MR Cabinet backpack. I am generally moving around enough that ice never forms in the bottle. The only downside now is I do need to take off my backpack to get access to it. But much better than not being able to drink any water because your hydration nozzle is frozen! :)
Very nice Randy, now that’s a collection of coolers!
Mountain money 😂😂😂. Great video Randy👍👍👍and thanks for providing the links on where to purchase these items..
I just came across your videos after hearing you on the Meat eater podcast, keep up the great work 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
I also have a travel package of wet wipes in case the mountain money isn't getting the job done.
Randy Newberg: Unrelated to this video, but as I recognize the background in this video, you congratulated a couple 50 year volunteers of Montana Hunter Education instructors from this exact set. Thank you for showing your support for the decades of volunteerism from many folks from this great country of ours. As the son of Paul Murphy (50 year Hunter Education instructor that you mentioned), I am proud of his example. My sister and I are both recent volunteer instructors as well because of his efforts. Your recognition of these great people shows your true heart and appreciation of our hunting heritage. Thanks!
Dan, that was one of the most warming requests that have been made of me in a long time. I wish I could have been there to thank you, Paul, and all these amazing instructors. Without all of you Hunter Education instructors, all volunteers, the future of hunting would be far less. I still remember my instructors, Paul Reese and Owen Gordon, a school teacher and a hardware store owner. If not for them, a lot fewer kids in my town would have become hunters. No thanks is enough. My best to you, your sister, and Paul.
Nice pack! I appreciate that you carry blood clot and water purification tablets. Thank you for sharing. Something my husband and I started doing years ago is pack glow sticks and plastic orange marking tape. If we have to track a deer on an evening hunt, we mark the first sign of blood with the glow stick at the wood's edge and tie tape up on a limb with each drop we find. If we lose the trail, we need only look at the line of orange as a hint. Also, we hunt thick wooded area with cut lanes. That glow stick will get us back to the trail.
This season, we invested in Zippo hand warmers. There are small palm sizes ones (for the wife, me) and then there are larger ones with 6 hour or 12 hour burners. We figure it's better than constantly buying up hand warmers that are hard to find this time of year.
Marking tape. I always carry it and I often use it. Blood trails, forest pathways, carcass locations if you have to return to get a horse or truck in the dark, etc.
The Coroni almost has MN & WI locked down..... Kind of dumb when we at the shop had it way back in December but nobody said a word about it then. haha....... Thanks for keeping us occupied with the videos Randy
I like this guy. Thanks for the video
To complete my first aid kit, I have a CATS tourniquet with an aluminum windlass.
Yeah, you can cobble something together with a stick and belt, but while you’re trying to MacGuyver a tourniquet, your buddy is bleeding out. Being able to pull out a lightweight (3 ounces) CATS, put it on above the wound and ratchet it down and have it work BEFORE the person has lost too much blood puts them in a better chance to survive getting out of the wilderness.
These things are ~$30, so I have one in each car, each family member’s pack and carry one as close to my person as possible.
Having just done the annual repack of the bag...couple of extra things:
1. Compass. I don't have terrain features but pack out in the dark in a muskeg swamp you need to know which direction to go. Especially once the cell phone battery dies. And the back up...
2. Flagging tape. Mark a kill site. A trail to show which route taken. Can use it for writing a note.
3. Orange toques. Regardless of season I carry a hunter orange hat to pull out the pocket. Been scoped too many times by other hunters not to have something obvious to wave back at them.
4. Spare truck key. Last thing you want to deal with at the end of the day.
5. Duct tape. Also works well for blisters and bandaids in a pinch. Just a partial role though as it's heavy.
6. 2 lighters. Take the wheel guard off so it's easier to light with cold hands. And keep them close to the body so they don't freeze. Literal lifesavers for hypothermia.
7. Wool sweater. Stanfield wool work sweaters. Relatively cheap and that extra layer is sometimes really needed.
8. Spare gloves. Because wet hands suck.
9. Small folding saw. Great for dealing with bones and can cut wrist sized wood no problem. Great help with frozen trees. Cheap from the dollar store.
10. Tarp. Small tarp that can be used to lay stuff out on, shelter, or more often goes in the bottom of the sled before putting an animal in. Keeps things clean and allows for easy animal movement.
I hunt northern Canada though so temperate and snow and much bigger concerns. +40F to -40F hunting changes things but these are constant regardless.
Randy, having worked in the trades for 17years I have some headlamp advice to offer. The average headlamp, regardless who manufactures it, has a shortcoming in the durability regarding the plastic body and mounting bracket that connects it to the head band. Several years ago, and after breaking a dozen or so different lamps, found an aluminum bodied rubber mounted lamp that operates on a single double A battery. It has been bullet proof to say the least. It rides in my tool bag every day of the year and is abused, not on purpose, but incidentally.
And being a double A you don't have to have yet another different size battery in your pack. Battery life with a lithium battery is just the same as lamps with three AAA cells. Thru Nite TH20. Give it a look if you have a spare chance. Thanks and as always keep at it we appreciate what you do!
Looks pretty good!
Randy great bag dump I always have sun screen the Blue Lizzard is great non scented protects you all day long also I carry a small whistle
Instead of a tarp, I carry a poncho, doubles as rain gear or as a tarp.
Same
I just need a Randy Newberg in my pack!
For backup, an MK8 orange smoke canister, about $40 bucks. And I’m sure we all have whistles and signal mirrors just in case. And hunter orange that Alan Kay also recommends to mark were your stranded or hurt.
Things not yet mentioned, my pack includes a Wyoming saw, Kevlar glove, cough drops, heart burn, allergy, and pain meds. Also carry a small can of hand lotion (blood can really dry the skin if not around water to properly wash). I also include small packets of powdered chicken soup, coffee, and powdered peanut butter. My first aid is self made, and among several items includes a small vial of bag balm (sorry, the farm upbringing showing here). I recently added a small container of sore muscle salve ... I'm no longer in my 20's!
Sounds like you need to improve your health
I’d add:
Map
Compass
Matches (in addition to lighters)
Wet wipes
Spare magazine
Extra ammunition for rezeroing
Drag harness if not packing
Trowel
Gaiters
Gloves
Gun oil & cloth
Flagging tape
Good video,! I always have an InReach in my pack, even on day hunts.
I have one with me, but I don't think of it as a bag dump item. Guess I could have added that.
that made me happy that you also carry tp with you! i have one in my pack as well a roll in my truck.
Dirk Beasley friend of mine didn’t pack any. Came back to camp and was changing and we noticed his long johns were now 3/4 length. You guessed it. Cut off lower 1/4 for tp. He now packs it
@@pahuntnut ah no!! not the long johns. oh i bet he does!
I’m campaigning for super easy availability of a “tourniquet”. Direct pressure on a wound will help staunch the flow of blood in the event you stick yourself with an arrow, or slip on a downfall, fall on a sharp broken branch, (or a multitude of variations)...but you can bleed out in less the 3 minutes from arterial bleeding...long before that, shock will set in and you personally won’t be able to affect your own first aid. Have it at the ready and know how to use it....on yourself or someone else.
Gary O they ARE easily available......quick search on amazon and you can have one by the weekend
kalikasurf - Thanks, but I’m referring to their availability in the event of an emergency. You need to be able to grab it within 15 to 30 seconds to apply it…not to search in your first aid kit in the bottom of your pack.
Gary O rubber banded to the buttstock. ive got one on all my rifles. most of the people who will need them, unfortunately won’t bother to buy one..... so making an ideal pouch for them won’t do much good
kalikasurf - 👍👍. Military is totally prepared, they each carry their own..easily accessible!
Even though I rely on OnX with my phone I still carry a small compass.
yep, randy was missing a compass
I have OnX, compass, and my Garmin. 2 is one and 1 is none
Thanks for sharing 👍
Lol that TP is not just mountain money anymore, it's acceptable at all major retailers!!!!
😂🤣
Wow you are the only other hunter besides me that I've heard of having an allergy to deer hair. It's not fun but I also sir carry benadryl and gloves for when I'm successful. I keep the benadryl gloves and folding knife in my kill kit in ziploc bag so it's ready and also ready to throw it all back in when done so I dont leave trash or make a mess in my pack. Randy to help clean your hands or arms and knives if you get hair or blood on them try gojo single foil packed hand wipes they are great.
I also add a military battle dressing. They work great with the quick clot and can be tied to any part of the body. They are light weight and i pick them up for about a dollar each!!
I approve and greatly appreciate the carry of "quikclot" or other brand gauze, but would also include a tourniquet. My day hunt or back country med kit is mainly focused on what will get me back to the truck or alive through the night in the worst case scenario. Bandaids and motrin are all and good for comfort to keep you out for a couple more days, but consider carrying items for the truly life threatening circumstances, and the knowledge for appropriate use of those items.
I just scored one of these Metcalf bags from the surplus store for $100, so thankful. Now I can put that money towards some other things I need.
Nice!
I’m always checking gear. Randy has a good bag. Explains things well for situations. I like it and good stuff. I personally got two items extra if I’m going several miles from base camp regardless. Toronto Blacksmith Viking camp axe 1.4 or 1.75 lb on 18 inch, makes a good skinner also. Also a Silky curved blade ULTRA ACCEL. I believe about 11 grams and 10 inches folded. You might not ever need but if you get in a storm abs you have shelter but your going to need that fire. It’s faster processing smaller down or dead standing to stock you up for who knows. Depends on your area also. That saw might set that down game up against a tree free to go right down the hill if needed also.
I also keep the military issue poncho and at least 1 ratchet strap for some hikes. Not really much else different then you Randy.
Oh ya. Incase some don’t know. If you have that stupid name brand hand sanitizer that starts with a P, good fire starter along with pieces of them blue tarps and duct tape.
you probably already have this but i also carry extra batteries for the headlamps, and my dad carries a little wet stone with him. but one thing that we both carry is a Wyoming saw that has a saw blade for both meat and wood reason being is that we dont really bone out when we get a deer or when i got my first antelope last fall, but for our late cow hunt here in idaho, we are usually on horseback and we just gut them, and then with the saw, quarter the elk and then put them in the saddlebags on the horses. however in the case of this last years hunt, my younger brother got a smaller one to where we just halfed it and did it that way with the horses.
magnesium shavings are super lightweight and outstanding fire starter
Thanks Randy, I prefer gorrilla brand tape in the 1 inch. We can make a bird nest by tearing it into strips to catch a ferro rod spark among other multi uses. Store it on bipod or tracking poles if you want it on the ready! Good stuff! I like the Grayl for water needs but Treatment pills are good. I didn't know about the two step treatment! is a good idea! I am big on 6 mil 55 gal drum liners! At least two! I can build a raised bed with those! I am 245 and they will not tear! Two tripods and two poles and sleep in comfort! It will double for other things a well of course. Cotton bandanna could save filter devices as well as being used for signaling if needed ( Orange) also first aid among other uses. Shemagh can double for all this! Just a few ideas! Thanks! Good stuff!
Do you have a link for the bigger organization pouch that you have socks and stuff in?
Thank you Randy.
I got a good amount of p cord for if I gotta track down a mountain side I know here I came down. game bags,snacks headlamps, fire starter,wire,first aid, ammo, compass,knifes,pain meds portable phone charger spotting scope, knife sharpener and a small saw extra shocks pair of gloves and a few trash bags and of course the emergency blanket got my tags and my hunters Ed card too in there
Biodegradable wet wipes...great for cleaning up or wiping. Lens cleaner for optics. Ear plugs and and orange target sticker in case a rifle gets bumped hard or to remind myself I really am that bad of a shot.
I carry a whistle and a large plastic bag as additions to my pack.
Yes sir!! Pathfinders !! 6 Mil 55 gal--- Light and can use for a ;lot of things ! Doesn't require a lot of space! I can build a raised bed with two of them. Awesome
Randy is the most organized and methodical guy ever. I could have easily guessed he's a bean counter by profession.
Also, I feel really good that my day pack looks so similar to his.
Great stuff....I would add Duct Tape. You can put it over any dressing you normally put over a blister and it will not come off. Your foot sweat will not take it off either. At the end of the day you will have to pull it off.
Thank you guys for the info.
Bought a nice, expandable, roomy, zip-up, tear resistant notebook pouch for $1.00 at the local Goodwill. Using it for one stop retrieval of licenses, conservation stamps, hunter education stuff, etc. You would be surprised at the amount of relevant and potentially modifiable hunting gear there is at thrift shops.
Found a Coleman AC/DC small apt. type refrigerator...$10. Camping gear, head lamps, camo clothing, boots, and much of the stuff mentioned in UA-cam hunting backpack content videos, usually are easily found in these places.
Flea markets work too. Sometimes hunters give up on hunting for one reason or another, and their gear finds its way towards income-tax deductible V.O.A. Salvation Army, and Goodwill donations. Or, the hunter passes away, and the survivors may not hunt so its all donated.
With the costs associated with NR licenses, out of state travel and lodging, new gear, etc., it pays to check out the traditional discount shops before paying top dollar for everything you don't have, and everything that you think you might need. Much of which sees very limited use, once the costly upfront investments are made, and the season ends.
The average Joe DeerTag like me doesn't get a ton of stuff to try, or endorse for one reason or another. I get my satisfaction knowing I saved five or ten bucks, when I know I would have spent five to ten times that much on Sportsman's, Amazon, Midway, et.al. 😕
Not oddly enough, I pack most of the same stuff, have moose & black bear tags, hunting the "Rock" in late September, this year.
Likewise I have a medical issue too, maintenance, maintenance, maintenance, hydration/electrolyte requirements, yep my wife worries when I'm gone for extended periods, communication is a must.
What fleece are you wearing underneath your jet stream jacket?
Thanks Randy, that was helpful.
Thanks for watching.
What’s in my pack? Much less and much cheaper stuff! Livin life on the edge by only using what I can afford... still have a great time outside when I’m able to get out though!
Randy, can you get MR to sell the Metcalf as a bag only option? It would be a great addition to my Sawtooth on the Guide light MT frame
Your stuff is cool.
A quick clot should be in the outside fast access pocket
Great list
Easy access is certainly important. I carry mine in a thigh pocket.
One thing I find essential you did not have that I use is one knife proof glove you can buy them for like $ 8 and I feel one of the most dangerous times hunting is the skinning and quartering and your helper should have one as well and they weight next to nothing. How many close calls have you had or your helper in the back country when your tired with a knife ? I also use heavy duty Zip lock bags for my small items because I like to visually like to see into them, my medical kit as well and there waterproof and light weight. I use to carry a multi tool in my day pack I don't any more but it's at camp. TC & Good Hunting
Nice 'Bou rack in the background!
What gun bearer are you using in this video? It doesn't look like any I've been researching lately.
I love how Randy looks like he wants to throw this stuff to the ground cause he knows he has to pack it again!
3-5 charges? What miracle battery is that?
What’s the weight of the loaded pack?
Great video! I load my daypack similarly, but always trying to balance bringing necessary items with managing weight. Do you have a rough idea of your total loaded weight for this type of day pack set up?
Fabulous! Thank you!
When are you going to talk about that forager raft behind you? I enjoyed the video.
I would suggest a tourniquet like the quick clot it one of thought thing you pray you never need. I also would be interested to know why more hunters don’t carry supplies for a super shelter. They are light weight and a easy way to stay warm in cold weather. Any thoughts?
I read through most these comments and I am probably the only one who will say this but feel like either Randy has way too much stuff, or I’m highly under prepared. One thing I quit doing is using “stuff sack organizers” because they are added weight and I was needing to go through a few to find what I was looking for anyways.
Nols has a wilderness medicine book that they teach out of. the first responder course they offer is outstanding but that little book is like my bible when im in the back country. give it a look if you havnt already.
Randy i see you use a MR ZOID BAG but what was the one inside your pack called. It almost looks like an extra lid.
I always put my medical/firstaid stuff on my outside pockets. God forbid I ever need to use it. I surely don't want to have to searching for stop clot while i bleed buckets. Everything else you do is similar to what i do.
I have 2 molle kits on the outside of my mystery ranch pintler. 1) kill kit with knives, blades, game bags and ziplocks for organs. 2) med kit with tourniquet, quick clot, Israeli bandage and super glue. They fasten right to the rear webbing and leave the waist webbing open for my range finder, gps and other small crap I need instant access to.
"I know some of you might think reading is crazy, but this is what a book looks like"
FYI on that QuickClot from a combat vet. If you have to use that shit on yourself or your buddy, the surgeon at the hospital is going to have to cut it out of you. Sure, if it’s all you’ve got and someone is going to die, use it, but try at all costs to stop the bleeding with tourniquets first.
Good God you have any extra coolers?
In video you referenced a carbon fiber tripod and link shows aluminum do they still make the one you carry? Thanks
Chris, I bought a leupold carbon fiber last December at a Scheels sporting goods store. I was there just last month and did see it still for Sale around $400. If you go to Leopold’s website and are a veteran or active military you can receive a considerable discount.
Michael Long Thanks
Hey Randy, what do you use to cut the head off during your hunts when you are out in the field?
Petzel handlamps are good to go. The more basic the headlamp the longer the batteries will last.
Yup. I should have noted, I always get one that can run on red and green modes.
@@Fresh_Tracks I understand getting a head lamp that can run on a red mode to keep your night vision intact, but can you explain the need for a green mode? Thanks.
What do you think of the new Montana tag system?
Not sure. Guess we will see.
What size pack is it?
Spare emergency bottle o water as soon as I touch it I’m headed out no matter what.
And extra headlamp/flashlight
Sawyer mini!
So what does that come in weight wise?
You didn't mention spare ammo, where you carry it or how many. Enquiring minds want to know!
I carry too much, 4 in the rifle, a spare mag with 4 and a fabric carrier in the pack with another 10. I have had scope problems and have burned through 6-8 rounds just figuring out what was going on, but even then I have too much.
I carry ten rounds. But, they are usually not "in my pack," so I didn't think of it as a "bag dump" item.
4 in the Gun one in my front pocket for a quick follow up and eight on my belt on my pack. I have never ran out big game hunting.
Hey Randy, how well does that Katadyn BeFree filter work in sub-freezing temps? I have a Sawyer Squeeze that got clogged up & frozen last fall & I'm looking for a better replacement. Thanks for the informative videos & cheers from your neighboring state of North Dakota!
So I use a katadyn filter as well. I stopped using a platypus for late fall/winter hunts because the bite tube freezes from exposure. I have not had that problem with the Katadyn because I keep it in a side pocket on my backpack and that seems to provide enough "warmth" to keep it from freezing. Coldest I have used it was around -5F, and it wasn't a problem. I also carry a Nalgene bottle that is also inside my backpack and it hasn't frozen either. However if I got stuck in an overnight situation, I am sure both would freeze. But for even a long day hike in sub-freezing temps. I have not a had a problem with any water bottles KEPT INSIDE THE BACKPACK freezing over.
What windproof lighters do you carry?
What is your loaded pack weight?
I see you have Yetis now. If you want to get rid of any of those Orion’s you’ve used, I know I loyal Randy Newberg viewer that would love one! I’ll even pay for shipping 🙌🏻😁
Say hey, Randy, nice dump review. What food do u carry and do u carry an ifac. Thank you so much sir. Shalom
Stay Safe, Bee Well Randy Newberg People. Regards from N.Tx. Doug
What coolers are you using these days?
Never knew you were allergic to the hair & blood as much as you love “guttin’ and gillin!” As someone else mentioned, also bring a tourniquet (CAT). Like Corey showed in one of his series, this can be a necessity.
Seconding on bringing a tourniquet. Either the CAT, or the SOFTT (my current preference).
Yeah, I need to be much more diligent in carrying my stop the bleed kit all the time
What is the total weight of your day pack ??
Randy, Have you switched from Orion coolers to Yeti Coolers?
I was thinking the same thing... They look brand new.
Hi Randy I just watched at your bag dump helped me a lot. I had one question I hope you answer for me. On the 2019 Metcalf it’s hard to take the bag of the rack, so do you just loosen the straps and short of slide a quarter bag in the side or take the time to take the bag off? I have a great opportunity to purchase a close out brand new 2019 bag. I’m just asking you because you have had the bag but I haven’t found a video of where you address. I think I’ve watched them all. I hunt Elk, deer, and antelope. I just want your expert opinion on to buy 2019 or 2020.
Thanks
Patrick Boyd, I don’t believe the frame has changed between the 2019-2020 model years. Both years use the Mystery Ranch Guide Light Frame design, which allows for either: 1) sliding a quarter between the pack and the frame after loosening straps, or 2) disconnecting the straps at their buckles and opening the pack all the way before adding the meat. When the pack is open all the way, it resembles a clam shell that you can fasten around the meat. Here is a breakdown from Mystery Ranch: ua-cam.com/video/kGYYbKZ73nk/v-deo.html. I use a different bag with an identical frame design. They are great. Good luck.
The new Metcalf is on the the guide lite mt frame and has a longer side zipper. Gohunt has a video on the new packs. Hope that helps
Andy Vale Andy thanks for the info.
Bryan Bortot thanks Bryan