Essential Hunting Gear & Accessories for Beginners
As a hunter, the last thing you want to experience while on your trip is forgotten essentials. Or not being prepared enough, like realising your boots aren’t waterproof, your snacks running out too soon, or simply not having the right gear to handle the sudden drop in temperature.
Having the right hunting gear isn’t just about convenience and being ready for anything. Whether you’ve been hunting for years or if this is your first time, one thing stays the same, and it’s “Preparation is key.”
The question now is - what hunting gear should one bring along? In this guide, we will walk you through it all, including the clothing, power, and safety essentials to secure. So, before you head out into the wild, have this checklist ready.
Essential Hunting Gear
Before heading into the wild, it's important to pack the core gear that supports navigation, safety, and your overall success. Below are the key hunting essentials every hunter should bring along.
Firearms and Ammunition
Your choice of firearm, to a large extent, impacts your hunting game. Some hunters go for shotguns, especially in areas where rifles are restricted. Others prefer rifles because they have more range and accuracy. The key to choosing the right firearm is to check your state’s hunting regulations beforehand.
Bow and Arrows
If you prefer a quieter and more traditional hunting, get your bow and arrows ready. Just make sure your bow is properly tuned and get sharp broadhead arrows. They should be in shape before heading out because when that once-in-a-season shot appears, you want to hit without missing.
Optics (Scopes, Binoculars, and Rangefinders)
Ordinarily, you can’t make a shot without spotting your target. While binoculars help you scan landscapes, a good scope improves your aim at long distances. Rangefinders, on the other hand, come in handy when calculating distance accurately, especially when judging whether a shot is ethical or not. So, for a clear and smart shot, these tools must work together.
Hunting Knives
Knives are non-negotiables in every hunting journey, no matter the type. It could be a sturdy fixed blade, a folding knife, or a multitool. Whichever one you for, this piece of hunting gear is helpful for field dressing, cutting rope, or marking your tag.
Safety Gear (Hunter Orange and First Aid Kit)
Safety is a top priority when hunting. Get blaze orange clothing, like a vest or hat. It makes you visible to other hunters and is legally required in many areas. Also, have a first aid kit, stocked with the right supplies like bandages, tourniquets, gloves, and even chest seals. The wilderness can be unpredictable, so safety gear is not just a backup plan but is deeply essential.
Hunting Accessories and Tools
Beyond your main gear, the right accessories can improve efficiency and help you adapt to different conditions. Here are some practical tools that can support your hunting experience in the field.
Hunting Packs and Storage
Now, when you finally take down a big animal like an elk, you’ll need a sturdy backpack to carry the meat and your gear. Ensure your backpack matches your hunting environment and holds everything together, including your snacks.
Scent Control Products
Generally, wild animals have an incredible sense of smell. For example, a deer can detect your scent from hundreds of yards away. To remain undetected, wash your clothes with scent-killer detergent and spray your gear, boots, and backpacks with scent-control spray. From boots to backpacks, every bit counts.
Game Calls and Decoys
Luring targets for a hunt often means learning their language. This is where game call tools like a grunt tube or electronic predator caller come in. You can use them to lure animals into range. You can pair them with realistic decoys, especially if you want to get birds like turkeys or waterfowl.
Trail Cameras and GPS Devices
A trail camera gives you round-the-clock visibility on game activity, helping you understand movement patterns without disturbing the area. Pair it with a reliable GPS or hunting app to navigate unfamiliar terrain and avoid getting lost. These devices are essential, but they rely heavily on power, especially in remote areas where charging options are limited. That’s where a portable power station comes in handy for longer hunting trips.
When you’re deep in the woods and every ounce of gear counts, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Portable Power Station becomes your silent partner. With 256Wh of capacity and 300W (600W surge via X-Boost), it can keep trail cameras, GPS units, and headlamps charged for multiple days of scouting. Pair it with the EcoFlow 110W Portable Solar Panel during the day, and you’ll have a clean, reliable energy source to keep trail cams, GPS devices, and phones running in the wild. Weighing just 3 kg, it slips easily into your pack, while AC, solar, or car charging fills it from zero to full in under two hours. Built with LiFePO₄ cells and an IP54-rated, rugged housing, it stands up to mud, rain, and drops—so you stay focused on the hunt, not the power.
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Portable Power Station
Clothing and Protection for Hunting
Dressing properly can make or break your time outdoors. From insulation to camouflage, here are the must-have clothing items that provide both protection and performance in various hunting environments.
Camouflage Clothing
Camouflage clothing is an essential hunting gear as it helps you get close to a target without being noticed. It’s best to choose patterns that match your hunting environment, whether it’s a forest, field, or desert. Also, ensure the clothes are quiet and comfortable.
Layering for Warmth
Winter hunts can be brutal if you’re not dressed right. So, layering is your best defense. Start with thermal underwear, add an insulating layer like fleece or down, and a wind- and water-resistant outer shell. Also, get accessories like gloves, beanies, and neck gaiters to help seal in warmth.
Waterproof and Durable Gear
One can’t always predict the weather. There might be sudden downpours or, worst still, muddy trails to deal with. To handle these elements, go with jackets, pants, and boots made with durable and waterproof materials because wet, cold feet or body can ruin a hunt faster than anything else.
Hunting Shelter and Sleeping Gear
Spending the night outdoors requires more than just a tent. Staying warm, dry, and rested is essential for multi-day hunts. Below are the shelter and sleep-related items worth packing.
Tents and Shelters for Hunting Trips
Out there in the wild, your shelter is your basecamp, and you don’t want to compromise on that. For hunting gear in Australia, a lightweight trekking pole tent is a good option, and so is a roomy canvas setup. If you’re going solo, pack light and have a bivi sack or tarp shelter. But for longer hunts with a group, get wall tents. They offer space, durability, and comfort.
Sleeping Bags and Pads
As a hunter, sleeping isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. It helps you recharge at the end of the day, so you can stay strong and alert throughout your journey. For a good sleep, go for an insulated sleeping bag and a high R-value pad to block the cold rising from the ground. So, look for lightweight, compressible bags and pads that pack down easily but still provide warmth.
Cots and Chairs for Comfort
Cots and chairs are cool hunting equipment not to miss. With cots, you won’t deal with cold and uneven ground while sleeping in the wilds. Chairs on the other hand make it easy to rest at camp or sit for long hours in a blind. It’s best to go for hunting chairs with cup holders, adjustable legs, and built-in storage to keep your essentials close.
Best Hunting Boots and Footwear
Your feet carry you through rough terrain, so choosing the right boots is critical. Here are the top footwear options that offer durability, comfort, and protection for long hunting days.
Insulated Boots for Cold Weather
The last thing you want is your feet getting cold while hunting. It will slow you down. For this reason, get insulated boots. They are designed with materials like Thinsulate or soft shearling to trap heat and keep your toes warm, even when it’s snowing.
Waterproof Hunting Boots
Boots like this will save you the stress of trekking through mud, snow or marshy ground. You know why? It’s because they are built to seal out water completely, so your feet stay dry and warm all day long as you hunt.
Durable Hiking Shoes for Rugged Terrain
Hunting requires you to walk long distances over rough ground. You’ll need durable hiking shoes for this. At least, they are lighter than boots, breathable, and quick to dry. They are perfect during warm seasons, plus they offer solid grip and support so you don’t slip and fall.
Food and Hydration for Hunting Trips
Keeping your energy up in the field depends on smart food choices and reliable hydration solutions. Below are essentials that help you stay fueled and focused during your hunt.
Portable Cooking Gear
Eating well on a hunting trip keeps you alert and energized, especially in remote locations. A portable stove or grill offers safer, faster cooking compared to an open flame, particularly in harsh weather. To keep your setup running smoothly, a solar panel is a reliable way to generate power for small appliances when you're far from outlets.
One solid option is the EcoFlow 110W Portable Solar Panel. It’s lightweight, folds into a single piece for easy transport, and sets up quickly with its self-supporting design. With up to 23% conversion efficiency and an IP68 waterproof rating, it’s made to handle outdoor conditions while keeping your gear powered throughout the trip.
EcoFlow 110W Portable Solar Panel
Hunting Snacks and Energy Bars
As much as cooked meal boosts your energy while hunting, you may not always have time for it. So, pack high-protein snacks and energy bars. At least, they’re easy to eat on the move, and perfect for a quick energy boost.
Water Filtration and Hydration Systems
Staying hydrated is just as important as staying fed. So, get a water bottle or hydration bladder, plus a good filtration system. These filters let you collect water from natural sources and clean it immediately. While you’re out there in the forests, a smart hydration setup means you’ll never run out of water.
Conclusion
Honestly, we get it - preparing for a hunt can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why you should have a checklist, so you don’t get stranded out in the wild. Nothing beats preparation. Also, think about your trip, where you’re going, how long you’ll be there, and your target game. And remember, your phone and other gear that rely on electricity need to be powered at all times. Consider options like EcoFlow RIVER 2 Portable Power Station or EcoFlow 110W Portable Solar Panel for your power needs. You can easily move them around and they will serve you for as long as you’re out there.
FAQs
What gear does a hunter need?
As a hunter, you need the right gear to stay safe, comfortable, and prepared. This includes weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy boots, a hunting license, a sharp knife, and safety gear. Don’t forget things like navigation tools, game calls, and enough water and snacks for the trip.
Is there a hunting season in Australia?
Yes, there is a hunting season in Australia, but it depends on the animal and where you are. Some animals, like deer, have set seasons, while others like wild pigs or goats can be hunted all year in some places.
Are hunting guns legal in Australia?
Yes, hunting guns are legal in Australia, but there are strict rules. You need a firearms licence and sometimes a hunting permit, depending on where you live. Only certain guns like bolt-action rifles and shotguns are allowed.