When you're out in the woods, be it close or far from your home, or even in another country, having the right gear to keep your safe and warm is very important. You don't want to be caught outside wearing just a tshirt and jeans, especially if you've gotten yourself lost or injured and you're waiting for rescue. Be certain your get gear that fits you, so purchase in your size or as close as possible. Also be certain you've purchased a bag that reflects your outing. If you're close to home and you're not camping, something small enough to carry water, gear, first aid kit and such should be enough. But if you're far from home and you're camping outside, you'll want a bag large enough to fit your camping gear, food, safety gear and first aid, enough fresh water, blankets, etc. [b]Some packing tips:[/b] ? Layer your extra clothes on the bottom of the pack. Carefully fold and stack, this takes up less space and makes it easier to get to when you want or need an item. This also helps provide a good base while cushioning all other items in the pack. With the majority of the weight above this gives a stable yet flexible base when you set your pack down. ? Place heavy gear items like tree pegs, extra ammo, cooking gear etc. in the next upward layer. Cushion loose items with clothing or wrap tightly in poly bags with rubber bands. ? Distribute your food items, rope, your first aid kit, etc. on the next layer. ? Place your raingear, camera, personal hygiene items and survival kit and any other trail need items on the top layer where they are quickly accessible. ? Keep water bottle, map, compass/GPS, knife and extra fire starting kit in the outside pockets of your pack along with any small snack items. ? Lash or secure your coat to the outside of the pack, as the day gets warmer. Some packs come equipped with bottom lashing straps, if these are not on your pack then consider rolling it bedroll style and carry some cord to tie it off and then lash it to the “haul handle” on top of the pack. This keeps it out of the way and easily available if the weather changes quickly. ? Don’t hang items off any of your pack webbing, the zippers or from the shoulder straps. This tends to abrade the material from bouncing around; they make noise, pull on the material and can catch on branches or underbrush. The only exception to this is wearing “bear bells” if you are traversing through bear country. ? Always try and place the heavier items in the center of the pack toward your center of gravity. For MEN, this tends to be higher in the pack and forward towards your body For WOMEN, it tends to be lower and centered on the small of the back and put items towards the center of the pack. Experiment with a full pack for the best positioning before you go outdoors by climbing up and down your steps, jog and run in place to find the best and most stable comfort position for your frame size. ? Wear your pack as low on your back as is comfortable for you to walk and maneuver. Let the “hip belt” (it is not a waist belt) secure the majority of the weight of the pack on your hips. The shoulder straps should only stabilize and balance the weight of the pack. Your hips are much stronger than your neck or shoulder muscles; so let them do the heavy work. Hunting clothing on DD: [url]http://www.dinodirect.com/hunting-clothing-shoes-accessories/currency-CAD.html[/url] Compasses: [url]http://www.dinodirect.com/other-hunting/currency-CAD.html[/url] Emergency rain poncho, multifunctional empty bottles, fanny pack, flashlights, waterproof bag for cellphone: [url]http://www.dinodirect.com/hunting-accessories/currency-CAD.html[/url] Telescopes: [url]http://www.dinodirect.com/spotting-scopes/currency-CAD.html[/url] Hunting knives: h[url]http://ttp://www.dinodirect.com/knives/currency-CAD.html[/url]