A Field Guide to Packing

What to Bring

Think of this as a teaching guide, not a checklist. Understand the why behind each piece of gear and you'll pack smarter every trip.

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How to read this page. Each hunt is broken into categories — weapon, layering, essentials, paperwork. Under every category you’ll find the “why” behind the gear so you can make confident trade-offs when you pack. If you have questions about anything listed here, just ask when you book.

— Field Guide —

Big Game

Montana big game hunting means long days in unpredictable weather. The right kit keeps you warm, legal, and ready for the shot — everything else is a bonus.

Weapon & Optics

Sight in your rifle or bow well before you arrive — first shots in camp don't count.

— Rifle or bow (and ammo/arrows)

Be familiar with your setup and confident with your zero.

— Binoculars (10x42 recommended)

You'll glass more than you hike. A solid pair pays for itself on day one.

— Rangefinder

Essential for honest shots in broken, variable terrain.

— Shooting stick or bipod

A stable rest turns a marginal opportunity into a clean shot.

— Hunting knife (bone saw for elk)

Field dressing happens where the animal falls — bring what you'll need.

Layering System

Dress in layers you can add or shed. Cotton is the enemy once you sweat.

— Merino base layers (top & bottom)

Wick moisture and keep warmth when wet.

— Insulated mid layer

Traps heat during long glassing sits.

— Waterproof shell — jacket & pants

Weather can turn fast in the foothills.

— Two pairs of gloves (warm + dextrous)

Swap to the thin pair when it's time to shoot.

— Blaze orange vest + hat (400 sq. in.)

Montana law — you must be visible at all times.

— Merino socks + broken-in, waterproof boots

Kenetrek is our go-to. Break them in at home, not in the field.

Pack & Field Essentials

If it doesn't fit in your pack, leave it at camp.

— Pack or pack frame

You'll need room for layers, food, and potentially quarters.

— Game bags

Keep meat clean on the pack out — optional but worth it.

— GPS + paper map + compass

Cell service is spotty. Always have a backup.

— Bear spray

This is bear country. Treat it like your seatbelt.

— Hand & toe warmers

A few ounces of weight for hours of comfort on a cold stand.

— Snacks and water

Protein bars beat a cold sandwich at 10°F.

Paperwork & Tip

The FWP license app doesn't work without cell signal — screenshot everything.

— Hunting license and tags (screenshots!)

Coverage is unreliable. Paper or saved images are your friend.

— Cash tip for your guide

20% of the hunt cost is customary when your guide works hard for you.

— Field Guide —

Waterfowl

Duck and goose mornings are cold, wet, and worth every minute. Blend in, stay dry, and move quietly.

Shotgun & Loads

Bring steel or bismuth — lead is illegal over water.

— Shotgun (12- or 20-gauge)

Either works for ducks and geese in Montana conditions.

— Non-toxic shot

Required on waterfowl. Match shell size to the bird.

— Modified or improved cylinder choke

A good default for decoyed birds inside 40 yards.

— Shooting stick or bipod

A stable rest turns a marginal opportunity into a clean shot.

— Hunting knife

For breasting ducks — or we'll handle it for you.

Blind-Friendly Layers

Dark or camo outer layers; nothing shiny that flashes to incoming birds.

— Merino base layers

You'll be sitting still — the cold creeps in fast.

— Insulated mid layer

Dead air between layers is what keeps you warm.

— Waterproof camo or dark jacket + bibs

Blend into the blind and stay dry when birds finish.

— Waterproof gloves + insulated hat + neck gaiter

Concealment and warmth in one kit.

Blind Essentials

A blind bag keeps the morning organized and quiet.

— Blind bag (waterproof)

Ammo, calls, snacks, phone — all in one spot.

— Hand & toe warmers

Cheap insurance against a miserable morning.

— Snacks and water

Shoots can run long when birds are working.

Paperwork & Tip

You need both state and federal stamps to hunt waterfowl in Montana.

— Federal Duck Stamp + Montana Waterfowl License

Both are required and must be with you in the field.

— Cash tip for your guide

20% of the hunt cost, $100 minimum, is customary.

— Field Guide —

Pheasant

Pheasant days are about miles walked behind dogs. Dress for briars, wind, and flushing birds at your feet.

Shotgun & Safety

Shots are fast and close. Focus on swing, not math.

— Shotgun (12- or 20-gauge)

Either is plenty for upland birds.

— Pheasant loads

Match shell size and choke to decoyed vs. wild flushing birds.

— Hearing protection

Lightweight plugs or electronic muffs. Your ears will thank you.

— Shooting glasses (clear or yellow)

Protection from branches in brushy cover.

— Hunting knife

For breasting birds — we can do it for you on request.

Upland Layers

Blaze orange is required. Pick gear that shrugs off thorns.

— Brush pants (reinforced front)

Briars and thorns are the norm, not the exception.

— Field jacket with blaze orange

Mobility for swinging the gun plus legal visibility.

— Merino base layers

Layer up for cold starts, strip down when you're walking hard.

— Blaze orange hat or cap

Swap to the thin pair when it's time to shoot.

— Blaze orange vest + hat (400 sq. in.)

Montana law requires 400 sq. in. of orange — include the head.

— Merino socks + waterproof upland boots

Ankle support matters when you're covering miles of grass.

Weather Comforts

Montana weather can swing 40°F in a day. Pack for both ends.

— Hand & toe warmers

A small luxury that makes a cold morning great.

— Extra layers in the truck

Add or drop as the day changes — don't over-commit at 7am.

Paperwork & Tip

Preserve birds don't count against your state limit — but you still need a license.

— Hunting license and tags

Required for all hunters, even on preserve ground.

— Cash tip for your guide

20% of the hunt cost, $100 minimum, is customary.

— Gear We Like —

Some of Our Favorite Brands

You don't need specific brands to have a good hunt. But if you're curious what we use ourselves, here are a few go-tos for durable, comfortable gear in Montana conditions.