Generally for me it is water (in a 2 liter plastic bottle) a knife for skinning/gutting, a box of shells, a camou face net, a camera, and some snacks. I like to leave space for whatever outer clothing I have to take off when it warms up.

I do not take a hunting pack with me in the blind, but leave it in my Ranger or truck since I have parking locations right close or at the blinds. I road feed or hand corn so the noise of the Ranger and road feeder is something the deer are used to. I do carry a camera bag, lens case, tripod and my rifle with me. By the time I get in the blind the deer are on the corn in the mornings most of the time.

all depends on what type hunting/time I plan to be out with pack (1 morning or evening hunt; 1 day hunt; mountain vs just to box stand over corn feeder, etc). Almost all ways water, binos, waterproof matches, knife, wind sniffer bottle, compass, grunt call, rattling bag, flashlight/headlight, protein bar, some type rain gear depending on location/terrain. If spot and stalk I go lighter, if to a box stand usually over compensate with stuffed pack

For blind hunting at our property I don't take a pack. Knife in my pocket, whtever gun im hunting with, if am bow hunting a side arm, binoculars around my neck and sometimes I take a camera also around my neck. Unless the wife or son are coming I usually don't take snacks or drinks.

If you are in an area where you may have to drag the deer a ways, a good item to be sure and pack is a drag strap.

Whatever I carry it's to much. Binos, rope, 2 knives, matches, snacks, sandwich, coffee, rubber gloves, deer calls, deer scent, poncho (If rain likely), water bottle, flash light, -----------
Hunt blind and walk.

Water, rattling horns, binocs, fresh little snacks and candies.

Oh yeah, beer.

All of the above and more. "Nothing succeeds like excess."

I didn't see listed above the important paperwork, otherwise known as toilet paper. And as I get older, Preparation H wipes. 'Gives ya that fresh, clean feeling.


You asked.

That's why I have come back to camp sockless so many mornings.

A very essential item unless I’m bowhunting! It’s got water and vegetables so it’s my favorite “healthy” snack!

Knives, binocs, rangefinder, rubber gloves, zip ties, thermacell, extra fuel and wafers for thermacell, drinks, snacks, sandwiches, extra shells, matches, firestarter, buck grunt, rattle bag, doe bleat, external battery for phone, few other things...

Water, phone charger, TP, flashlight, Judge, and rangefinder.

I public hunt and can walk for miles.
Must haves are; Sharp Knife, Compass for GPS backup, toilet paper and small bottle of alcohol, gloves and plastic bags, Pen and paper, Rubber bands and Safety Pins, Bic Lighter, Apples and hard boiled eggs, and some water and tea.
A good Mosquito net as well. Also on my person is the, weapon, GPS, Binoculars, and camera.

Toilet paper stays in our blinds that are mouse proof.

I have a small fanny pack that stays at the ready, small and easy to grab n go. has knife, grunt call, box of shells, range finder, small knife sharpener, bottle of water. Gun slung and binoculars around my neck, out of truck or RTV within seconds.

I should probably add a second pack for just taking to the stand with me that is much lighter than the single backpack I normally carry. I currently have way too much stuff in my pack, but it has everything I need for the weekend hunt minus clothes.
Spare mag loaded up, box of reloads, range finder, binos, bipod, TP, 2 knives, knife sharpener, 2 bottles of water, snacks, spare can of snuff, grunt call, 3 or 4 small flash lights, spare batteries, latex gloves, pair of warm gloves, para chord, zip ties, thermocell plus refills, & 2 ink pens.

ZK-315 - you're the only one that mentioned 2 ink pens thus far! I always through two new ones in the pack at the start of the season. Yet somehow, I always end up with two dry pens!!! Last year I started putting them in zip locks.

Pens
TP
Zip Lock
Knives
Bino
Glock
Rain Jacket
Remote for my timer
Copy of Hunters Safety Card
ID/Hunting License (can't stand to have anything in my pockets)
Zip Ties
Water
Extra Bow Trigger (if bow hunting)
Head Lamp
AA Batteries
Para cord

Damn! I have too much stuff in my pack.

I learned the hard way, Sparta. I had one dry up on me one year, then another year I had one break to where it was unusable. Guess the bag got sat on or something? now I keep 2 in there and make sure they work before I leave the house.

These threads always remind me of reading Teddy Roosevelt's Ranch Life and the Hunting Trail. Headed out hunting with his ranch hand he took his rifle, cartridges, heavy buffalo coat, matches, knife and a little salt. They were out for 3 weeks.

I take my Rifle, binoculars, flashlight, AM/FM radio w/earbuds and a soft drink. There is no "Pack". The rifle is carried over my shoulder with a sling. The binocs are carried around my neck with their strap. The rest of the items in my jacket pockets.
Since I often hunt with a single shot rifle (Ruger #1) I carry a couple cartridges in my shirt pocket.

The tools for skinning/butchering are left at the cabin where the gutting, skinning and quartering are done on my skinning rig.
See picture.

Teddy didn't have to worry about a hunting license, zip ties, hunters education cards, or working pens.

8 rolls of toilet paper

And cows pooping in his water supply. Probably drank deer urine it was so pure not contamimated from GMO corn.