A small FAK like the Adventure Medical Kits Trauma Pak is ideal:
http://www.lapolicegear.com/amk-trauma-pak.htmlNone of your hunts sound like overnighters so that simplifies things. A good pack is a place to start. I sell Eberlestock packs. They're not cheap but they're VERY good. A pack like the Mini Me isn't terribly expensive but you can carry the essentials in it comfortably. Here's a link to the Eberlestock website:
http://eberlestock.com/H1%20Mini-Me.htm I have a Mini Me myself. It's a great little hunting pack. It has a pull-out bird bag that can also be used to carry deer quarters. You can add a scabbard to carry your rifle if you want. My price is $99.00.
In addition to my hunting supplies I also usually throw the following in my pack:
- Heat Sheet Emergency Survival Blanket (get the one for one or two people)
- UCO Stormproof Matches in a waterproof container and some sort of tinder
- Some high-energy food like Clif Bars
- Water (the Mini Me has a 2 liter water bladder and an insulated hose to help keep it from freezing)
- Nitrile gloves - I use them for field dressing; it keeps my hands dry and clean so when I stick them back inside my gloves my gloves don't get all nasty
I also like to stay warm and dry when I hunt.
I use glove liners inside mittens that open up to expose your fingers. That way, I have good access to my trigger when I need it, but I don't have bare skin on cold metal and I can always close the mittens up to warm up my digits if I need to. I also have a pair of $12.00 waterproof gloves from Scheels (in their fishing department) that are life-savers in snow, sleet and freezing rain.
If it's really cold, I like a lightweight balaclava with a wool stocking cap on my head. I bought a good quality balaclava from one of the sporting good stores in town and a wool Jeep Cap from Cheaper than Dirt. That combination keeps the wind off my face and the heat in my head.
A 4 in 1 parka is a good idea. Make sure at least the outer layer is of quality waterproof material. I bought a new one this year made of the waterproof "suede" material. It's a lot quieter than the old Goretex stuff.
An old fashioned pair of Carhart insulated bibs is nice when it's really cold out too. If it's not that cold, make sure your pants are made of a sturdy fabric that will not be susceptible to briars and brambles. Cabela's carries their own brand of "Upland Jeans" that are relatively inexpensive ($20-$25) but have a nice sticker-proof front on them. Search Cabela's website for Roughneck Unlined Upland Jeans.
That brings us down to boots and socks. A good pair of boots is absolutely essential to hunting, like upland game birds, that has you walking all day long. I have a couple pair that I like. One pair, believe it or not, is intended for snow mobilers and sold under the Polaris brand. I think they're called Xtreme or something like that. The other pair is a pair of Sorels that I've owned for years. However, your feet may be very different from mine and these boots might be uncomfortable for you. Look for boots that have good arch support, sturdy soles, good tread, are waterproof and are made by a reputable company. I think Cabela's and Scheels both have "no questions asked" warranties on some of their boots - although, I had to answer a lot of questions and complain a bit at Scheels the last time I needed to exchange a pair of boots there.
Socks. I use a liner that wicks away sweat under a padded wool sock. Make sure you buy your boots big enough to accommodate your socks. Boots that are too tight will smash your socks and reduce the air-space that thick socks create - which is part of how they keep your feet warm.
Oh, if it's really really cold, I wear a mid-weight base layer like Under Armour Cold Gear. That stuff is like magic but you pay for it.
