Before you even begin to start packing, get all of the information you need about the lodge and the property where you'll be staying. Find out how people sleep, is there laundry on site, where will your gear be stored, will you need to bring coolers, are there restaurants on site, are there showers and towels provided, will you need boot-drying space, are there charging stations for your electronics, and will you have secure storage for your gear. Get all of the specifics for each lodge before you pack.
Treat the lodge inventory as part of your gear plan
The facilities at a lodge are just as important to consider when deciding what gear to bring as the type of hunting you will be doing. Ask if the lodge has bedding, towels, food, drinks, coolers, laundry facilities, places to dry boots, power to charge your electronics, and secure storage of gear. Note that a remote cabin does not necessarily have the same conveniences as a lodge with staff.
Ask for specifics in each of these areas. For example, if a lodge has laundry facilities, will guests be washing their own clothes or will there be staff to do it for them? Are there facilities for drying boots and will they be kept in a place where a second pair would be unnecessary? Will meals be provided and if so, what kind of snacks and field lunches might one bring and what type of containers would be needed to bring them in? Are there any special dietary needs that one should be prepared for?
By asking these questions you can remove bulky items from your list that you don't need to bring and find out about other items that you may need such as a laundry bag, an extra charging cable for your camera, a small towel, or a personal water bottle.
Separate field essentials from camp comfort
The most reliable hunting gear checklist can be divided into two sections. First, list out the gear you need for field time, and then list out gear that will make your time at camp more comfortable. For the gear you will need for time in the field, consider what type of clothing you will need to protect yourself from the elements. Typical clothing for a hunting trip would include a base layer, insulating layer, outer weather layer, and a change of socks, gloves, hat, and other clothing items as well. You will also need to consider the type of footwear that you will need for the terrain that you will be hunting on.
In addition to the equipment you need for hunting, packing a small list of personal items will keep you comfortable. In addition to any medications that you require, sunglasses, a small first aid kit, sun screen, insect repellent, personal hygiene items and means to keep your documents dry are recommended. Again, all items of hunting equipment must comply with the appropriate rules and with the outfitter's instructions for use. It's also wise to check with the relevant official authority for the most up to date information with respect to hunting regulations before your trip.
Decide on camp comfort objects separately from the rest of your gear. The list of objects to bring for camp comfort will necessarily include some personal preferences. However, a long stay at a somewhat primitive lodge may warrant a pillow or two, camp shoes, a book, etc. Do not, however, pack duplicates of items that the lodge already stocks for their guests in reasonable comfort.
Choose between duplicate gear and adaptable gear
A single back up for every piece of gear is not needed. Yes it is wise to carry extra socks, a few extra base layers, gloves, etc. as well as any required prescription medications. But in reality, a single layer that can be used as a mid layer under your outer shell is better than packing several different outer shells.
Does a second outer layer make sense? You may want to consider a second pair of boots, but your primary outer layer is probably already sufficient, especially if it is compact, good for the predicted weather, and you can simply hang it to dry at the lodge. One warm mid-layer can easily serve as another layer under your outer shell.
When deciding between equipment choices, consider whether the piece can perform more than one normal function. For example, one warm mid-layer that can be worn under your shell can replace many bulky insulated jacket choices. A small dry bag to protect your clothes, documents and electronics can eliminate the need for separate cases for each of these items. However, a multi-function item must not be forced into a safety function for which it was not designed.
Confirm transport, storage, and field handling
Know how your gear is going to be transported from the airport to the trailhead, between lodges, around the camp, etc. Hard-shelled cases are good for traveling in airports with lots of bags, soft bags are easier to load and unload from vehicles in remote locations.
Confirm what you can bring on the trip in your luggage and what needs to be left behind. Also, be sure to keep critical items such as your medications, extra pair of underwear, change of socks, etc. in easy reach in case of an unfortunate delay of your luggage. Organize your gear within your duffel bag in an obvious manner so that you can easily locate items such as additional socks or even a multi-tool.
The last step in packing smart, however, is storage at your lodge. You need to know if you can leave personal items in your room or if they will be put in a drying room, in a vehicle, etc. Food, scented products, wet clothing, and equipment are generally considered to be items that will be stored differently at a lodge to protect wildlife, livestock, fire, water and waste.
Let ethics and conservation shape the final list
Each piece of gear will influence the type of hunting you are going to do and therefore how you will act in the field. A jacket and sweater are not just warm in cold weather but will keep you patient in lukewarm weather for longer periods of time. Good footwear with aggressive soles will allow you to move quickly and safely in order to avoid slipping. A minor repair to gear could mean continuing to hunt responsibly when otherwise you may have packed up and left in order to travel back to your car.
Be sure to bring ALL items relating to firearms, ammunition, knives, etc. in safe condition to be transported and stored as required by your guide and the official authority responsible for the area you will be hunting in. Requires can change from time to time.
Include waste in your preparations too. Bring reusable items like water bottles, sealable bags for personal waste, and hardy containers for meals. Do not bring packaging for items you have purchased for your trip and do not leave behind broken or unused gear and supplies.
Final question to the outfitter to build your practical list: What you are they bringing? What they have but you will share? What do you have to bring daily? And finally, what never, ever leave home with? Remove each item from your list if the above answers exist for you.
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