Thousands of hunters hit the road yearly to chase whitetails, mule deer, and other big game beyond their local hunting grounds. Whether heading to a neighboring state for new terrain, seeking trophy bucks on public ground or a private lease, or just traveling a couple of hours to find a better deer habitat, traveling for a deer hunt can be an exciting way to expand your hunting experiences.
On one of my first hunts this year, two friends and I decided to drive a few hours from home for a weekend archery hunt on public land. After meeting at one friend’s house, we loaded his SUV with all our gear. One friend and I packed our tree saddles and climbing sticks on our backpacks while the other had his climbing stand and sticks ready to go. Once we arrived, we geared up, sprayed down with scent elimination spray, and headed to our designated spots. As we crossed an open field, I looked back to see our friend with the climbing stand, hauling a cooler and a backpack that made him look like he was prepared for a week-long trek. It was a funny moment, but it got me thinking about the importance of carefully choosing essential gear for travel hunts and balancing what to pack and what to leave behind. Traveling to hunt has its challenges, especially when packing the right gear.
Creating a comprehensive gear list is one of the most important parts of planning a successful trip. When you’re close to home, forgetting something isn’t usually a huge setback. But a forgotten item can cost you time, money, or even a missed opportunity on the road. The right gear can keep you comfortable, prepared, and focused on the hunt.
Here’s a list of the top ten must-have items for any traveling deer hunter and why each is essential.
Top 10 Must-Have Gear for Traveling Deer Hunters
ScentLok Travel Bag
The ScentLok BE:1 Ozone 8K Bag & Radial Nano Combo bag is designed for durability and scent control, which is essential when travel hunting. When traveling, your gear can pick up many smells from hotels, gas stations, and other stops. The ScentLok Travel Bag keeps your gear scent-free and organized, ensuring you remain undetected in the field. When staying for more than two nights, the BE:1 Ozone Bag works great for running a cycle of ozone throughout all your gear to reactivate caron clothing and eliminate any bacteria or odors to keep your hunting clothing ready to hunt.
If you’re going on a quicker trip, the ScentLok Atom Pro Bag or the Storage Stuff Sack also works excellently to keep gear organized and prevent unwanted odors from entering your gear. As a bonus, the Storage Stuff Sack is available in several camouflage patterns, including the original Mossy Oak and Realtree patterns.
Rugged Bow or Rifle Case
On the road, your weapon can be jostled, exposed to harsh weather, or even face airline handling if flying. A solid case protects your investment and keeps your bow or rifle safe and sighted in for the hunt. A rugged case is a must even on a short trip with friends, such as my recent public land hunt, when packed with other gear that could damage your bow.
Extra Arrows or Bullets
The last thing you want is to run out of ammo or lose an arrow on a crucial shot. Bring enough for practice shots and a few backups, as local shops may only sometimes have your specific caliber or arrow type; if needed during the hunt, they would be hard to find.
Target (For Shooting Practice When You Arrive)
Changing elevations, climates, or traveling can slightly affect your weapon’s accuracy. A small target allows you to take a few shots upon arrival to ensure everything is dialed in before the hunt. A common practice I do before each hunt is shooting my bow one or two times to ensure everything is shooting correctly.
Extra Gloves and Socks
Conditions can change unexpectedly, especially in colder regions. Wet or cold hands and feet can end a hunt early. Packing extra pairs ensures you’re prepared for all conditions and remain comfortable. If you’re like me, gloves are the easiest gear to lose. For that reason alone, my backpack typically always has at least two extra pairs of gloves.
Backpack
You’ll want a pack that can carry what you need for long days in the field. Look for one that’s comfortable, has multiple compartments, and is big enough for snacks, water, and hunting tools but still lightweight enough to carry. When saddle hunting, it is expected to use a backpack to help carry your climbing sticks, saddle, and platform. In recent years, my backpack has been one of the most critical pieces of my hunting arsenal. Check out the ScentLok BE:1 Grinder Treestand Pack when needing a pack to keep gear organized and help pack all your saddle hunting gear.
Flashlight
Most hunters travel to and from their stand in the dark. A flashlight with solid battery life ensures safe navigation in unfamiliar terrain and is necessary for locating your game after a successful shot. A hand-held light for navigating your way to and from your hunting location is a good idea. As well as when tracking deer after a successful shot. Plus, there is a clip-on or strap-on headlamp for climbing into a stand or saddle hunting.
Hand Warmers
Cold hands can affect grip and reaction time. Hand warmers are small, affordable, and easily kept in pockets, so they can keep hands ready for a steady, accurate shot. When your hands or feet get cold, the rest of the hunt can be miserable.
ScentLok Power Bank
A power bank helps keep needed devices charged, especially if your phone is also a GPS or navigation tool. ScentLok’s Power Bank 20K MAH also helps run the BE:1 Heated Vest, which can keep you warm and ready to hunt in colder conditions.
Food and Water
Staying hydrated and energized keeps you alert and focused, especially on all-day hunts. Simple snacks like jerky, trail mix, and water are easy to pack and help you stay fueled during your adventure. My go-to snacks in recent years have been a protein bar, apples, and beef jerky. They are healthy and full of energy, and they don’t get smashed or ruined in your pack while hunting.
Traveling for a hunt brings excitement and challenges; with this gear list, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful experience. Each item ensures you’ll have what you need to stay comfortable, safe, and prepared for a productive hunt wherever your deer hunting adventures take you.
