What do you carry in your backpack, or do you even carry one?

[Catt57]

This doesn't just cover me for hunting, but 365 days a year.

I'm rarely far from my truck so I keep a lot in it.

Backpack (that is always in the truck):
A water-proof bag that the entire backpack will fit in, extra clothes, a beach towel ( “A towel, [The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy] says, is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have.), 3-4 Bic lighters, small candles, a sling shot, space blanket, first aid items, lip balm, soap, about 25ft of 550 cord, 2 small flashlights and extra batteries, 2-3 cheap pocket knives, multi-tool, bandana, a can of dry roast peanuts, packs of crackers, candles, electrical tape, space blanket, roll of TP, water bottle clipped to the outside, and more I can't think of right now.

Truck: (all tucked away in various nooks and crannies)
Full first aid kit, large synthetic wool blanket, another beach towel, machete, a sizeable toolbox (Enough tools for most medium car repairs, includes fuses, bulbs, and hose clamps), a full socket set, crowbar, 1 gallon of water, a fixed blade knife, more Bic lighters, flashlight, gloves and a jacket, 12x9 tarp, 50ft of rope, a 4" cast iron skillet (yes, it has many uses), a take-down single-shot 20g and assorted shells, roll of twine, roll of Gorilla Tape, large zip ties, roll of paper towels, rags, small roll of bailing wire, and extra belts and hoses for the truck, and another pocket knife or 2 that wander around the truck. (There's probably more that I can't think of right now)

Back of the truck: (in baskets)
Coolant, oil, and other fluids, a walking stick (mostly to reach items in the middle of the bed), small floor jack, chains, come-a-long, bungee cords, ratchet straps, and what-ever else I happen to forget back there.

And of course, always with me:
Firearm (or 2), 2 pocket knives, cell phone, small amount of cash (never know when you'll need gas and the machines are down), keys, wallet.

I was raised being taught that "Having it and not needing it is always better than needing it and not having it." And also to "Plan for what can happen, not just what you hope for."

 

[RidgeHunter]

I weighed mine. 12.26lbs minus my lunch and 32oz nalgene. That's with a wool sweater and winter coat in it.

 

[SnowCamo]

I used to carry a loaded pack but am taking the minimalist approach now. Weapon, ammo, extra ammo, skinning knife, binos, range finder, and a bottle of water.
I’m never more than a couple miles from my house, Ranger, or truck where the serious supplies are, so I figure I should be able to make it to one of them if I really need something.

This is pretty much exactly what I have and it all fits in my pockets.

 

[dennishoddy]

My Grandfather called it “gun wadding” and always carried it in his pack. It was the “better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it” item he carried.

TP is used for trail marking material as well as it's normal use. Biodegradable and not harmful to the environment like the plastic marking tape.
I'm not going all AOC greenie on anybody, but just pointing out the multiiple use of that wonderful product.
I always thought it funny when walking into the woods at McAlester Army Ammunition Depot early in the morning before daylight using a green head lamp. The woods are alive with the reflective thumbtacks and twist ties. If you use those, you would have a hard time figuring out which one is your trail.

 

[Snattlerake]

One thing I learned was to carry two compasses. One to verify the other. There are times that I was not trusting my compass which caused me to get more disorientated. Two compasses cannot be defective.