How to Pack a Hunting Pack in 60 Lbs.

Where This List Began

Chace had the opportunity to hunt caribou on a DIY bush plane trip deep into the northwestern Brooks Range of Alaska—over a hundred miles from the nearest sign of civilization. With strict weight limits of just 60 pounds per person for the eight-day expedition, every piece of gear had to be chosen with precision. With no access to communication or outside help, Chace took a highly strategic approach to packing. Despite his extensive background in backpacking and Western hunting, selecting the right gear for a safe and successful hunt in the remote Alaskan bush proved to be more challenging than expected. This checklist covers the essential gear you’ll need to make your own hunt a success—whether you're headed to Alaska or anywhere on the map.

Go Bag Essentials

Your go bag is your lifeline on the trail. Chace packed game bags and a Sea to Summit dry bag to keep meat clean and secure. A paracord, medical kit, and fire kit (including fire starters and waterproof matches) ensured he was prepared for the unexpected. His kill kit held gloves, a reliable knife, and a sharpener.

Optics and mobility were critical. He carried a spotting scope, V-Bino mount, and trekking poles to handle uneven terrain. A Peax headlamp lit the way in low light, while a V-seat (or basic cushion) provided comfort during long glassing sessions. His hands stayed protected with Hestra gloves, and hydration came from a Camelbak bladder stored in a Stone Glacier pack.

Other go-to items included a Garmin InReach for safety and communication, and the all-important license and harvest ticket.

Camp Gear

Even deep in the wilderness, rest and recharge are key. Chace brought $500 in cash for unexpected needs during travel. Sleep comfort came from a Big Agnes Rapide sleeping pad, inflatable pillow, and a Stone Glacier 15° sleeping bag. Power needs were met with a Dark Energy solar panel, charging cord, and BioLite power bank.

To stay clean and organized, he packed a hygiene kit and a titanium spoon for lightweight meals. Down time was filled with a Kindle loaded with books. Water filtration was handled by an MSR Hyperflow filter, and backcountry meals got a boost from fresh catch due to a fishing rod and reel, tackle, and DEET for bug protection.

Optics got their own space in an optics kit with binoculars, a harness, and a rangefinder. For wet terrain, fly waders and boots were essential.

Firearm Setup

Chace’s firearm kit included a rifle, a 20-round MTM ammo box, and both a soft case for field use and a hard gun case with a TSA-approved lock for air travel. He also packed a suppressor (with tax stamp), a sling for comfort, and a bipod for stability in the field.

Clothing: What You’ll Wear

What Chace wore on the trail included a cap, De Havilland pants, merino wool socks and underwear, and a First Lite Merino tee as a base layer. Layering for changing weather included a Sitka 330 hoodie, Sitka Jetstream vest, and Stone Glacier gaiters. His boots of choice were the Crispi Altitude—durable and designed for demanding terrain.

Clothing: What You’ll Carry

In the pack, he carried extra layers for shifting weather and temperatures: a Dewpoint pant and top, lightweight merino bottoms, and backups of merino underwear and socks. Insulation came from a Stone Glacier down jacket and a Sitka Blizzard GTX cap.

Additional layering pieces included a Sitka Timberline pant, Sitka Merino 120 top, Sitka Core midweight hoodie, and another First Lite Merino tee. A pair of sleeping clothes (top and bottom) to rest comfortably each night.

Use this list as a starting point and adjust based on the specifics of your hunt. If you have more questions, stop by your local SCHEELS and speak with a Hunting Expert to make sure you're fully prepared.