Hunting Travel: The "Destination Hunt" Prep
By: Adrian Jessen
Have you traveled on an out-of-state hunting adventure yet? If not, what are you waiting for?
My husband and I are fortunate to have a couple of spots not too far from home that we can hunt, but we’ve also lost our fair share of access over the years. Leases have been revoked and even leased to someone else right out from under us. In our state, families are selling off farms for neighborhoods, and land that was once open to public access is under threat of suffering the same fate.
Due to these challenges - and, of course, the thrill of the hunt - we've taken to the highways and airways more than once to embark on destination hunting adventures. Although hunting travel can seem like quite the undertaking when it’s new, knowing a few things ahead of time can make it much simpler.
There are some factors to consider when planning out-of-state hunting trips. Of course, like anywhere, you have to know each state’s seasons, regulations, needed licenses and tags, limits, etc. You also need to do your research to know which states have over-the-counter tags and which states’ tags are awarded through a drawing. The last thing you want to do is plan a whole hunting trip around a tag you don’t even have and won’t be drawing any time soon.
Once you’ve got all that ironed out, you have to start planning the gear you’ll need. Hunting the plains of Nebraska could require something very different from what you’re used to using when hunting in your home state. You’ll benefit from having different gear and bags for a backcountry bow hunt in Colorado as compared to a morning-only turkey hunt not far from camp in Tennessee.
The good news is that Insights Gear has plenty of bag options, so that’s one less thing you have to worry about.
My husband and I recently ventured to Oregon for the incredible experience of hunting cow elk during rifle season. We decided to make this trip a bit more luxurious by staying with a friend who generously allowed us to hunt on his land while we enjoyed the comforts of a cozy cabin on the property.
Since we were primarily day-hunting and driving to various glassing spots, with only 1- to 2-mile side hikes, we didn’t need a massive 4,000-cubic-inch pack to carry our gear, food, and layers. The fully stocked house wasn’t far away.
Plus, we were able to use our friend’s truck and wench to load the elk and get them back to the skinning pole. We didn’t need a pack with a meat shelf to carry out loads of quarters and backstraps.
The Drifter V2 Lightweight Day Pack was actually perfect for that trip.
At 1,590 cubic inches and under two pounds, the Drifter V2 Lightweight Day Pack is their lightest hunting pack yet. It had just enough room for some snacks and other essentials without adding much extra weight to our shorter hikes. We were surprised by what this small but mighty pack can carry! With three zippered compartments, it allows you to efficiently organize your gear without feeling weighed down.
One standout feature is the expandable center compartment, which can surprisingly hold larger items, such as a pair of sheds or a jacket. This means you don’t have to compromise on your essentials just because you’re using a smaller pack. It’s really impressive how this pack maximizes space without sacrificing comfort.
Speaking of comfort, the breathable and padded back panel is a game-changer, especially during warm scouting trips or early-season hunts. The adjustable shoulder and chest straps provide the perfect fit, ensuring that you can walk for hours without feeling restricted. It’s designed to contour to your body, so you can carry everything you need with ease.
The Element V2 Day Pack has been a phenomenal deer stand bag.
If you’re traveling to find your monster whitetail or staying at your home property, the Element V2 Day Pack is a great option when hunting from a stand. Whether you’re hunting whitetail, wild hogs, or spring bear from a stand, this pack could meet your needs.
The Element V2 Day Pack has also proven to be a phenomenal deer stand bag for us. It’s a little larger than the Drifter, making it perfect when you know you’ll be sitting for longer stretches and want to bring a few more essentials. At around three pounds and just over 1,800 cubic inches of storage, it offers plenty of space for extra layers, snacks, calls, and all the small items that somehow seem to multiply when you’re settling in for a full day in the stand. Despite the added capacity, it still carries comfortably thanks to the padded shoulder straps and the option of a hideaway waist belt for a little more support.
One feature I really appreciate is the built-in rain fly that tucks neatly away until you need it. Anyone who has hunted long enough knows that the weather can change in a hurry, and having that protection ready to go gives you one less thing to worry about. The Element V2 is also designed for versatility. T
The front pocket system can be configured a few different ways depending on how you’re hunting. It can function as a normal storage pocket, fold out into a shelf that’s handy when you’re in a tree stand, or drop down into a small basket-style setup that keeps gear like binoculars or a rangefinder within easy reach. It’s a thoughtful design that makes a lot of sense when you’re trying to stay organized and keep your movements to a minimum in the stand.
We can’t forget about the Insights Traveler Gear Duffle Bag
Of course, when you’re traveling for a hunt, it’s not just your pack that matters. You also need a reliable way to haul all of your gear from home to your destination. That’s where the Traveler Gear Bag really shines. This duffle offers a ton of storage space, which is exactly what you want when you’re packing everything from clothing and boots to extra gear for a multi-day trip.
The material is tough and abrasion-resistant, so it’s built to handle being tossed in the back of a truck or checked through airline baggage without you worrying about your gear inside.
It’s also designed with weather in mind. The bag is water-resistant and features protective flaps over the zippers to help keep moisture out if you get caught in the rain while loading or unloading your gear.
Inside, there’s a handy mesh storage system that helps keep things organized so you’re not digging through a giant pile of gear every time you need something. I also appreciate the multiple grab points around the bag, which make it much easier to move around when it’s fully loaded. Whether you’re headed out on a hunting trip, a fishing adventure, or a weekend camping excursion, it’s the kind of bag that makes packing - and traveling with all that gear - a whole lot easier.
So, where do you stand now? Are you ready to get that first (or next) hunting trip on the calendar? There are still many factors to consider when planning that trip, but choosing the right pack should be much easier now.