Do you pack anything for unplanned overnight stays when day hunting?

[mcseal2]

I was curious what others carried, if anything, to stay an unplanned night out while hunting the mountains. In addition to my regular hunting gear/spare clothes I've been packing a compression sack with these items in my daypack when I hunt the mountains. The sack & kit weighs 3lbs 7oz all together.

It contains:
-an Adventure medical heatsheets emergency bivy
-GI issue poncho/tarp
-esbit stove & fuel
-snow peak mug with tea, oatmeal, and a dried rice meal
-survival kit (lighter, firesteel, wetfire cubes, 50ft paracord, frontier water filter straw, water purifying tablets, nylon -catfishing cord, blank CD for signalling)
-first aid kit (vetwrap, athletic tape, quick clot, gauze pads, neosporin, chapstick, sunscreen, immodium, aleve)
-dry heavy socks

I usually never open this sack on hunts unless I'm getting cordage out for something or have a headache, but I keep carrying it anyway. I am especially curious what others pack for shelter. I'd like to upgrade mine to something like the Kifaru paratarp, or a contrail tarptent. I've also looked at the better tarps with multiple grommets or tie loops. The poncho I've been packing only has grommets on the corners so it's tough to pitch real tight. It's cheap and weighs under 10oz, but I think I could find something better.

 

[Larry Schwartz]

I'm surprised nobody has posted on this until now.

mcseal2, you carry a kit very much like mine. I always carry a basic survival kit on my person, not in a pack, whenever I hit the woods. It fits into two quart-size freezer bags and goes in the cargo pockets of my pants. That way I know that I always have it, even if I walk away from camp when nature calls. Unexpected slips or falls can happen to anyone and leave you in a survival situation without warning. But, enough of the lecture.

For shelter:
- space blanket, but I am looking at those heatsheets as an alternative since they are more durable and take up the same space
- two big trash bags that I can use as an emergency rain jacket and rain kilt, or cut open and taped together to make a tarp, or as a sleeping bag stuffed with leaves for insulation.

For heat:
- matches in a waterproof container
- a butane lighter
- firestarters of some sort, I use the wetfire cubes too

For food/water:
- a meal replacement bar of some sort, or two
- water purification tablets, I use the quart freezer bags to store and purify the water

For signalling:
- a whistle for audible signalling
- an old CD just like you do for visual signalling

Miscellaneous:
- a basic first aid kit like you have
- a miniature compass, also others on my person
- a little multi-tool or the one on my belt
- a small light of some sort

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I carry a similar kit. Add in my sub 4 ounce Steripen. I have some old powerbars that have been in my pack for about three seasons.

I just got on the wetfire wagon. Pretty neat stuff.

 

[MT backcountry hunter]

I started carrying a "survival kit" this season as a just in case like everyone else. Pretty basic and could be improved upon for sure. I will be taking what everyone else has listed and integrate that into my system. What about a SPOT? Anyone use them?

 

[JNDEER]

I personally don't carry a "kit." I have something to make a fire, my snacks and water plus all my gear to pack out a critter. Hunting in CA from July-Oct I really don't have to worry about a harsh storm trapping me somewhere.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

What about a SPOT? Anyone use them?

I use a SPOT. I don't head into the woods without it. I carry it in a pants pocket, so if I lose my pack during a fall or something (I had an "incident" once) I still have my emergency communication.

 

[sjsmallfield]

I use a SPOT. I don't head into the woods without it. I carry it in a pants pocket, so if I lose my pack during a fall or something (I had an "incident" once) I still have my emergency communication.

What do you pay yearly for the spot?

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

$100 a year. Pretty darn reasonable.

 

[sjsmallfield]

$100 a year. Pretty darn reasonable.

I would say so. Pretty small price to pay for your safety. Thanks.

 

[CrimsonArrow]

Besides the typical stuff, I just carry an emergency blanket, cheap poncho, and mag stick and waterproof matches for fire.

 

[griz]

Just put the SPOT in my pack!For 100.00 a year gives both my wife and I a peace of mind

 

[Jerry]

Great Question! Made me open my "emergency" stash and take a look at whats been in there for years! Some of this stuff hasn't seen the light of day for 10 years. One thing that adds a little extra weight is a road flare! I have used those in a monsoon and still was able to build a fire in seconds! That is the only out of the ordinary thing that I pack.