By Heather Madsen

The hunting season is upon us and it's time to pull out your gear to review what items are a necessity verses dead weight when you venture into the backcountry. We took a look into our own employees' packs and created this list of lightweight favorites that have served them well on their own hunts. So if you're an ounce counter, or even if you just want your pack to be a little lighter than last year's, read on to discover your new go-to gear.

Mystery Ranch Metcalf Hunting Backpack

5 Stars

The upgraded Metcalf backpack is a versatile workhorse with enough volume for a week in the field but compressible enough for an afternoon stalk. It has ample heavyweight capacity, and the OVERLOAD feature keeps bag contents clean when packing out game. With a detachable lid, dual stretch-woven side pockets and full-length side zip access, this pack is a favorite among hunters looking for versatility and all-around utility.

Platypus Big Zip Evo Ultralight Hydration Reservoir

4 Stars

Introducing the Big Zip EVO—the latest evolution in taste-free hydration. The Big Zip EVO delivers a significantly higher flow rate than previous Platypus reservoirs and a host of new features, like a larger 5/16" drink tube, leak-proof shut-off valve, and embedded silver-ion which helps protect your clean water from mold and bacteria. Durable and handy, this reservoir is a great option for backpackers, hikers, or mountain bikers.

Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL1 Solution Dye - 1 Person Tent

Stars

This tent is lightweight, easy to pitch, and environmentally friendly. Solution-dyed fabric is highly resistant to UV fade and drastically reduces energy consumption and water use during manufacturing, a process that is better for the environment and improves the quality of the fabric. Constructed using ultralight materials with weatherproof, technical features, the Fly Creek is your go-to, easy-to-setup shelter for ultralight adventures.

Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20° - Down Fill - Regular Size Mummy Bag

Stars

Specifically designed for those who sleep on their sides, the patent pending Sidewinder Series was engineered to ensure warmth, comfort, and ease of use no matter which side you’re on. Constructed with features you expect from a traditional mummy bag with additional body mapped insulation to optimize warmth where you need it and minimize pressure points and other ‘side effects,' the Sidewinder SL is a side sleeper’s dream bag.

Klymit Static V Air Pad

4 Stars

The Klymit Static V is a lightweight camping pad using body mapping technology at an entry level price. It features the v-chamber design which limits air movement and heat loss while offering a uniquely ergonomic body map which is optimized for performance and comfort. While inflating in approximately 10-15 breaths with an easy-to-use push valve, it will save you time and energy wherever you are, and give you the best night's sleep.

Salomon Men's Speedcross 5 Waterproof Low Trail Running Shoes

Stars

These trail running shoes are designed for all day comfort with SensiFit™ that cradles the foot from the midsole to lacing system, and a OrthoLite® sockliner which is molded to match the contours of your foot. The GORE-TEX construction reduces bulk, improves comfort, and repels water, and the Contagrip® TA sole with a chevron lug design will help you dig into mud, wet ground, or soft snow so you can focus on reaching the top.

Vortex Diamondback HD Full Size Binoculars - 10x42

5 Stars

These binoculars are optimized with select glass elements to deliver exceptional resolution, cut chromatic aberration, and provide outstanding color fidelity, edge-to-edge sharpness, and light transmission. The Rubber Armor external protection makes them shockproof and provides a non-slip grip. Plus the o-ring seals prevent moisture, dust, and debris from penetrating the binocular for reliable performance in all environments.

Vortex Ranger 1800 Rangefinder with HCD

5 Stars

Easy-to-use, the Ranger bucks the trend of overly complicated electronics that are more of a hindrance in the field than they are an asset. The built-in angle compensation is popular with tree-stand hunters looking to get exact horizontal distance to a deer and long-range shooters who need to calculate complex ballistic solutions with precise data. Compact, ergonomic and lightweight, the Ranger 1800 is easy to pack or keep on hand.

Jetboil STASH Cooking System

5 Stars

Meet the Jetboil Stash, a camp stove that weighs 40% less than any other Jetboil stove on the market with its titanium construction, and saves space in your pack with the .8-liter FluxRing cup that stores your fuel can, stove, fuel stabilizer, and lighter. It's also compatible with nearly any cook pot in your kit and threw in a fuel-regulator that lets you choose how much heat you need to cook up your favorite backcountry meal.

Petzl IKO CORE 500 Lumen Rechargeable Headlamp

5 Stars

Featuring an AIRFIT® headband, an ultra-thin lamp body, and an energy source on the back, this headlamp is balanced and ultra comfortable. It comes with a rechargeable battery and is also compatible with three AAA/LR03 batteries. It is versatile and can be worn around the neck, or transformed into a lantern, using the storage pouch to diffuse light. It can also be flattened to reduce bulk, making it practical for all outdoor activities.

MSR Thru-Link Inline Water Filter

Stars

The Thru-Link inline filter is the simplest solution to clean water on the go. Just click it into your hydration reservoir and you’re ready to filter as you drink and hike. The filter is compatible with any reservoir system, and uses both hollow fiber technology and activated carbon to provide reliable, safe, and taste-free water. At camp, the Thru-Link lets you use your reservoir as a gravity system for the luxury of pump-free filtration.

Garmin inReach Explorer+ Satellite Communicator with Maps and Sensors

5 Stars

This handheld satellite communicator is designed for the outdoor enthusiast who wants to roam farther and experience more – without compromising their loved ones‘ peace of mind. The 100% global Iridium satellite coverage enables 2-way text messaging from anywhere (satellite subscription required). Plus it comes with an interactive SOS trigger to connect you to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center in case of emergency.

Uncharted Triage Kit

Stars

After over a year in development, the Triage Kit was crafted by outdoor experts and is the perfect potentially life-saving package to toss in your pack. It featherlight and features an emergency blanket, aspirin, bandages, blister gels, band-aids, wound strips, duct tape, petroleum jelly, safety pins, wire, zip-ties, and storm matches, all stored in a resealable, double-ripstop nylon military parachute pouch. Don't leave home without it.