Arizona Hunting Essentials: Smart, Simple Gear for Western Hunts

Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of hunters pack too much of the wrong stuff and leave the essentials back at camp. That’s fine if your hunt ends at a trailhead. But out here, in the Arizona backcountry, your pack is your lifeline.

This isn’t a checklist for every region. Gear needs shift based on terrain and season, but these are the non-negotiables that ride with me almost every time I step into the field.

The Pack Itself

A good pack is everything. It carries your survival, your optics, your shot setup, your meat, and your mistakes if you’re not careful.

My go-to: A 2,000 to 3,000 cubic inch daypack. Big enough for a serious haul-out, small enough to stay tight and mobile when covering miles or crawling through brush.

Tripod

This is not optional.

You’ll use it to glass and to shoot. Vegetation ruins otherwise perfect shot opportunities unless you can get your rifle above the brush with tripod support.

My choice: A lightweight ARCA-compatible “No Name” from Two Vets. Compact, sturdy, and fast to transition from spotter to rifle.
If your rifle and optics don’t have ARCA plates yet? Fix that today.

Optics

I carry:

10x rangefinding binos on my chest (always)
Compact spotting scope in the pack

The key is balance. Too heavy and you lose mobility. Too light and you lose detail.
Spotters help pick apart country and confirm age, antler structure, or legality. You don’t need a tank, just clarity and speed.

Rain Protection (Poncho)

Rain isn’t frequent in Arizona... but when it shows up, it matters.

A lightweight poncho is one of the smartest “insurance policies” I carry. I’ve stayed glassing while others packed out and shot animals during light rain.
Often, the best action happens right after the weather breaks.

Kill Kit

Small. Efficient. Clean.

Havalon-sharp knife or blades
Bone saw (Wyoming Saw or similar)
Blood tracking light
Latex gloves + sanitizer/wipes
Backup batteries

This lets me break down an animal quickly even in low light or solo.

Game Bags

I’ve tried a lot. Kuiu bags are my favorite: breathable, durable, bug-resistant.

Letting meat cool quickly and stay clean is mission-critical. Don’t cheap out here.

Headlamps

I carry two.

Not because I’m paranoid, because I’ve needed both more than once. One dies. One breaks. One ends up in your buddy’s pack. You’ll be glad you had a backup.

Extra Ammo / Broadheads

Not a lot, just enough.

I carry 2 to 4 extra rounds and one spare broadhead (if bowhunting).
Minimal weight. Massive value.

Water & Food

I usually carry 1 to 2 liters of water. I don’t always need it but when I do, I really do.

Food priorities:

High protein, calorie-dense
Low scent, quiet packaging

Favorites:

Hard-boiled eggs
Peanut butter + bacon sandwiches
Apples

Avoid noisy wrappers. Sound travels far in dry country.

Comfort & Protection

Lightweight hat - A brimmed cap or breathable boonie helps with sun exposure, especially on long glassing sits or midday stalks.
Toilet paper - Call it comfort or call it hygiene. It’s wrapped tight in a zip bag and lives in my pack year-round. You don’t want to be the guy improvising with yucca leaves.

Essential Tools

Compass
Reflective marking tape
Paper maps
Signal mirror
Weapon-specific tools (Allen keys, drivers)
Lighter or fire starter
Orange bandana or safety marker
Backup knife

Final Thoughts

Most people overpack what they don’t need and forget what actually matters.

My pack stays lean but lethal. Built for Western country, solo hunts, long glassing sits, and those days when you’re deep in and packing out heavy.

Build your kit with deliberate intent, and you’ll move better, think clearer, and hunt longer.

I’ll break down a few of these items in upcoming videos including my Kill Kit layout, tripod field setup, and a quiet food guide for Western hunts.

Until then... pack smart. Hunt clean.

–Joel