If there’s one that hunters disagree upon, it’s the contents of our hunting packs.

A necessity for one man is frivolity for the next. Put too much stuff in your pack and it is laborious to carry all day, too little and you may find yourself in a tight spot. Where’s the balance?

Rather that attempt to go into all the various case-specific items one could or should carry in their pack, here’s a basic list of items:

• Your hunting rifle and spare ammunition are beyond debate. I carry no less than five (5) spare rounds.

• At least one sharp knife and either spare disposable blades or a compact diamond steel sharpener.

• Binoculars. Don’t use your riflescope to glass. The guy you are mistaking for a deer may return the favor.

• Game bags and zip-lock bags for transporting your meat back to the pickup are a must.

• First aid/emergency kit. You never know when it might be life or death. Make sure to include any necessary medications.

• Hatchet or saw. These will aid in quartering game animals or making firewood if you have an unexpected night out.

• Energy bars, dried fruit, jerky and trail mix.

• Water bottle.

• Hygienic paper or wipes.

• Dry pair of wool socks. Wet, cold or blistered feet are nobody’s friend.

• Fire-starting material and matches, lighter or flint and steel.

• Headlamp or flashlight and spare batteries.

• Radio handset or cellphone. A cellphone eliminates the need to bring a camera along.

• Most importantly, DO NOT forget your license and tags!

The above-mentioned list is pretty universal and basic. Other items you may consider:

• A handgun. Caliber and capacity are relative to your anticipated need. I’ve carried several, as small as a .22 and as large as a .45. It’s your call.

• Rangefinder and spare batteries.

• Folding solar panel for charging a cellphone. If you are using OnX for your map, you will need to keep your phone charged.

• Gloves, stocking cap and/or ski mask. If it’s going to be cold or windy, you’ll be glad you brought them.

• Microfiber cloth for cleaning the lenses on your scope and binoculars. It won’t scratch the glass like cotton-based materials.

• Roll of electrical tape or short length of string and zip-lock sandwich bags for affixing your tag to your game animal.

• Polarized sunglasses, because snow blindness happens.

• Ear protection. If your rifle has a muzzle brake, you’ll wish you had earplugs or muffs when your ears are still ringing for days afterwards.

• BOG-pod tripod or shooting sticks.

• Sunscreen and aloe vera gel.

Each hunter’s pack is going to be highly customized with all of the gear they need for their particular area. Contrasting climates, differences in altitude and varying game animals all play a role in what will stay and what will go.

The main thing to remember is to err on the side of traveling light. Anything you pack in, you will have to pack out. Ounces become pounds by the end of the day. Your back, legs and feet will thank you for not overdoing it.

— Dale Valade