Staying organized on backcountry hunts can be a challenge, as you need to carry all your gear and supplies on your back and keep everything accessible and easy to find. Here are some tips for staying organized on your next backcountry backpack hunt.
Use small organizers like our IA Pack Sacks. Pack sacks are a great way to keep your gear organized and easy to find. You can use them to contain items in your kill kit, first aid kit, electronics, and other gear into different organizers, making it easy to find what you need when you need it.
Make a gear list: Before you pack for your trip, make a detailed gear list that includes everything you need to bring with you. A spreadsheet is a great way to do this as you can get as geeked out as you want entering gear into categories with precise item weights and everything. This will help you stay organized and ensure you don't forget anything important. Plus, you will constantly be adjusting it on an annual basis as you dial in your gear.
Pack strategically: When packing your backpack, pack heavier items closer to your back and lighter items towards the outside. This will help distribute the weight evenly and make it easier to carry. Also, try to put items in the same place each time you pack so you will know exactly where to find items like your water filtration/purification system, first aid kit, cook system. Keep frequently used items accessible. Make sure to keep items like your snacks, beanie and gloves, toilet paper, and headlamp easily accessible, so you don't have to dig through your pack to find them.
Use a backpack with multiple compartments. That’s where Initial Ascent comes in! We have backpacks designed with enough pockets for organization, but not too many where you might easily misplace gear. All of our packs have a main compartment, front pockets, and side pockets, so you can separate your gear into different areas easily. Some of our packs even have hidden inside pockets like our IA2K and IA8K packs.
Reorganize regularly in the field. As you use items and gear, you may need to repack or reorganize your backpack to keep everything accessible and easy to find. Like your momma always said, “put things back where you found them.” You’ll be glad you did!
By following these tips, you can stay organized and make the most of your hunt.