Gearing Up: 12 Things I Carry in My Pack When Hunting Hogs and Whitetail in Texas

With hunting season fast approaching, I’ve been sorting through my gear and organizing my packs. Depending on whether I’m going for an all-day winter sit or a quick scouting mission, I switch between two different setups. Here is a breakdown of what I carry in my two primary packs for hunting in Texas.

Pack 1: The Heavy Hauler (Eberlestock X2)

The Eberlestock X2 is my go-to for winter hunting when I need to carry extra base layers or significant gear. Its "batwing" design allows it to expand and hold quite a bit of weight comfortably.

The Standout Gear:

• Hooyman Extendable Pole Saw: I used to try duct-taping a hand saw to a stick to clear shooting lanes, but this is a far better solution. It collapses small and extends to 5 feet, which is plenty for clearing limbs from the stand.

• Pruning Shears: For smaller branches, these are much quieter and easier to use than a saw.

• Trekking Pole: This might seem odd for Texas, but I started carrying one for scouting in areas like Hagerman. It’s perfect for feeling for snakes in tall grass and navigating steep creek banks.

• Leatherman Wave: I always have this in my pocket. The serrated blade is great for rope, and the wood saw is strong enough to get through a pelvic bone during field dressing.

• Benchmade Steep Country: This is a fantastic, lightweight hunting knife. It can get a little slick when wet, so keep your hands clean to maintain a good grip.

Pack 2: The Lightweight Favorite (Eberlestock Bandit)

If you follow the blog, you know the Eberlestock Bandit is my favorite pack. It’s compact, making it perfect for scouting trips or early-season hunts where you don't need a mountain of extra clothes.

The Standout Gear:

• Milkweed Wind Indicator: I keep a pouch full of milkweed to check wind direction—simple, silent, and effective.

• T-Post Step: If you hunt public land, you eventually run into a fence. This little tool makes crossing them significantly easier and safer.

• Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner: This is a bit larger than the Steep Country, and the wooden handle provides a better grip when things get messy. It’s honestly the best-feeling knife I’ve ever used.

• Work Sharp Field Sharpener: This is a relatively new addition to my pack. It has multiple grits, a strop, and even a hook sharpener. It’s the ultimate tool for field maintenance.

• Water Bladder Refill Adapter: This allows you to refill your bladder from a standard water bottle through the drink tube. It’s a mess-free way to top off your water without pulling the bladder out of the pack.

• Vortex Optics: I recently switched to the Diamondback 10x42 binoculars and the Ranger 1300. The clarity in low light is impressive, and you really can’t beat the Vortex VIP warranty.

Wrapping Up

Whether I’m packing heavy for a long day in the cold or keeping it light for a summer scout, these two setups cover everything I need for Texas hunting. Every piece of gear in these packs earned its spot through trial and error in the field.

What are y'all carrying in your packs this year? Let me know in the comments!