What's In My Pack - The Least You can Carry | The Setup w/ Bill Winke

I don't carry much to my stand or blind, but a few items are likely ones you might not have thought of carrying. Though my kit is super light, it contains everything I need. Why carry it if you don't need it!
Ultimate Whitetail Knife: www.yukonriver...
Best Blood Trailing Lights: www.bhphotovid...

[@mitchz.6234]

Hey Bill....Very important in my bag is a roll of TP.!!!!....can also be used to mark blood trail.

[@brandonyoung7760]

I was about to comment the same thing lol.

[@thetributary8089]

Wet wipes for me

[@DROutdoors18]

I carry both lol...too many jersey gloves met their fate over the years lol

[@chrishackworth5745]

Brother, that's as important as your bow!

[@bill-winke]

Oak leaves for me.

[@aaronward3882]

I like to carry a pruning sheers to trim trails as I go in and out of the timber.

[@bill-winke]

Good point. I do that too on some stands for the first run in.

[@scottydoesntknow254]

Baby wipes, knifes (like 2, 1 with changeable blades), deer drag rope, 550 cord, multitool, rattle bag, binos, range finder, small foldable seat, calls, flashlight, water, and snacks.

[@bill-winke]

Not a bad setup. I assume ground setup, thus the seat? Good luck.

[@scottydoesntknow254]

@@bill-winke yes sir.

[@jacobbaugus6311]

The Primos Hardwood Hunter is the most slept on call!! I've called in so many deer with that call over the past few years! I love it.

[@curte7739]

I've tried those and the old Quaker boy ridge runners They don't gum up with spit or freeze up when it's really cold

[@bill-winke]

I have tried a lot of them and that old tried and true call is the best.

[@zeppelinperry697]

Don’t forget a Bible in there Bill! Great setup! Looking forward to you reading Christmas story this year like you used to do

[@bill-winke]

Yes, good point. I plan to read the Christmas story again. That was my favorite episode of the year.

[@zeppelinperry697]

Great news! Thank you for sharing your faith!

[@robgrubb420]

the camera light for blood trailing was my favorite part. we use it lightweight backpacking for the leanto, but that flat wide even light would be soooo good for blood tracking thanks Bill!

[@bill-winke]

They work really well for that. Good luck.

[@windellpenton]

I’ll add a bottle of water to that .. along with some small limb shears . Oh and a pull up rope. Oops and a compass. Dang .. my cover scent too and I’m down south and skeeters are bad early season so I’ll always pack my thermacell. Dang and a rattle bag . 🤷🏻‍♂️.. I use a Fanny pack instead of a back pack .. shoot forgot the screw in bow holders, I keep 2-3 of those in there too . 😎

[@bill-winke]

Windell, there are some good items in there. I also will carry the shears if I haver to trim a walking path to my stand. They work really well for that, remove anything that might brush against your clothing. Good luck.

[@jonvanoss7204]

I use a waist pack, inside it is: Lighter & First Aid Kit, Knife, Small Flashlight, Paracord Rope, Facemask, Grunt Tube, Range Finder, Deer Cleaning Kit, Safety Harness Tree Straps, Screw in hooks, Water Bottle & Snacks. Probably weighs about 10 lbs total. I swap out stuff I need and don't need as the season progresses.

[@bill-winke]

That is a good setup. Good luck.

[@nicksummerfield5408]

If it doesn’t fit in my pockets I don’t need it. I carry a folding single blade knife, flashlight and a headlamp when it’s warm. Never used a backpack in the last 10 years it would be helpful when it got cold so you didn’t sweat to death walking into the stand then dress at the stand. Instead of the backpack I have a soft case that has pockets on the side that has all that other stuff in it and i check batteries prior to going in. I’m just glad your minimalist and you show you don’t have to a bunch of stuff with you

[@bill-winke]

I did that for years. I think I could get most of my stuff, except the ratchet strap(s) and the doe rope in my pockets if I had to.

[@timothyamerman6521]

Nice lightweight set-up Bill. I don't carry much more than what you described, but I am going to add the ratchet strap. I also carry a small first aid kit with a few survival items in it just in case, and a couple tools - an allen wrench set for tightening stuff on the bow and two small crescent wrenches for tightening nuts or bolts on stand seats, etc. During the rut I do take food and water with me for all day sits but that's just for comfort.

[@bill-winke]

Those are all good adds Timothy. Thanks for the input.

[@chriskourliourod1651]

I hear you about carrying just the essentials. Concerning dragging a deer out, pull the front legs up to the neck and wrap your loop around the first bends past the hooves and the neck at the same time. Those bends are the deer’s “wrists.” The drag will be that much easier.

[@bill-winke]

That is a good tip. Would make the does slide through the timber much easier. Good comment.

[@joshkeller84]

Grunt call, spare tether rope with ropeman and carabiner (for saddle or safety harness line), head lamp, 2 pairs of gutting gloves, knife, small folding saw, spare release, pull up rope. On my own farm (200 acres), I use an electric golf cart to haul out deer and my gear. If I didn't carry binoculars, everything would fit in a small sling pack. Used to carry screw in step or bow hanger, but I've since made a molle style hys style strap with a hero clip and small biners to hang binoculars, quiver, and bow. It's way quicker to set up, quieter, and less effort.

[@bill-winke]

Very cool. I will have to check out that hanger system. Thanks for the input.

[@joshkeller84]

@@bill-winke I'll send you one if you'd like to try it.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Thanks. Appreciate the experience & explanation. Happy hunting. Getting frisky here. Lotsa practice & preparation. Maddening when you get out of truck & realize you left something behind. In one of my businesses I teach my crew & remind of "Prep is Product" this definitely applies.

[@bill-winke]

Amen, nothing worse than getting all the way to your stand only to find that you left your release in the truck, or worse, at home. Good luck.

[@ericbowhunter]

Great video Bill. I always try to bring just what I need in the stand, and no more.

[@bill-winke]

I hate carrying stuff especially when I am hunting the bluffs.

[@stevegermain1222]

Good job sounds right to me

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Steve. Much appreciated. Have a great day.

[@louisgiardina8918]

I carry water ,coffee (thermos) and lunch plus what you have and some extras my pack probably weights 15-20 lbs which is a lot along with my climber which is another 20 lbs but I stay out all day dark to dark so I need everything .I bring extra flash light ,calls , gloves , drag lines I tried lightening the load but then I always need something anyway good luck to all this hunting season and stay safe.

[@bill-winke]

Good input. Maybe part of the fun for me is just seeing how little I can get by with. Might be why I love backpacking and backcountry canoeing so much. I just hate carrying stuff. I bet for 20 years I only carried what I could get in my pockets, even on all day sits.

[@louisgiardina8918]

@@bill-winke Bill I’m getting old when I was a kid I wore a red Plad jacket and carried a 30-30 in my hand lol and a hot seat some days well most days I suffered so as I got older I wanted to be comfortable. So like I previously stated now I carry to much but what the hell I love it.

[@richardbalser5674]

What about some snacks drinks bill might get a little hungry while on stand going to add a couple things to my pack thanks for the video have a good day

[@bill-winke]

I think snacks are super important if it is cold. You need the calories to stay warm. Last season I slept in the woods one night. Didn't eat either day. I froze that second day and it wasn't that cold - maybe mid-40s. No calories to burn = freezing on stand.

[@charleywalker2982]

Thanks for sharing your videos and keep them coming please.

[@bill-winke]

Will do Charley. Thanks for the comment.

[@grdelawter4266]

I also carry water. If it’s time to sit all day, I’ll bring a sandwich and two bottles of water. I’m not young anymore. The buck usually comes by when I’ve got the sandwich in my hand, but I’m not sharing! My old packs used to be so heavy. I started filming 10 years before GoPro. Does anyone remember how big and heavy those cameras were?

[@bill-winke]

Yes, I do. I remember when the TV crews carried Beta Cams. Those things literally weighed 35 pounds - just the camera. Then add in the camera arm, extra batteries, extra tapes, etc. What a goat rodeo that was.

[@JimBowSlice]

The best knife I have found for gutting deer and punching tags is a locking box cutter for 99 cents. Super sharp and disposable.

[@greiner7414]

Interesting!

[@grdelawter4266]

That’s the same thing I use!

[@seanbalch7563]

Honest question how do you clean the anus with that?

[@bill-winke]

That is funny. I have never thought of that. I am not sure I would attempt a brisket cut with the box cutters though.

[@JimBowSlice]

@@bill-winke the thing that made me start doing it was leaving a sentential knife in the woods and never found it. Box cutter doesn't matter, not that I wanna leave anything behind but a box cutter isn't even a second thought.

[@gouchmcdougal7831]

That Spott Hogg Wise guy release is great. I think I have 4 of them. I am so picky and hated to make a change in my releases. But that wise guy has been my favorite ever. Luke 9:62

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Gouch. Yes, it has an awesome trigger. I used to shoot Scott for many years and they still make good releases, but this Wise Guy has a super smooth, solid trigger pull with no creep.

[@curte7739]

I carry a pack about the size as yours. It's got some cover scent in it depending on the season maybe some sort of buck lure or attractant a Quaker boy ridge runner grunt call my pull rope for my bow and a drag rope a flashlight, a couple knives for field dressing, my spare release and that's pretty much it, if it's hot I might have a bottle of water in it maybe a couple protein bars the whole thing might weigh 10 lb if that.

[@bill-winke]

You have a good setup. Is that a loud grunt call?

[@stevedenoyer5956]

I have basically the same set up. I carry the lone wolf custom gear pack, it’s very small but just enough room for everything. I do carry a bottle of water with and a small hand towel in case I sweat going to stand. Mostly early season

[@bill-winke]

Water is probably a good idea. I have heard a person can drink human urine. Might be worth it to save a few ounces! Just kidding.

[@stevedenoyer5956]

@@bill-winke :), yeah i'd have to be out there for quite a while for that!

[@scottb6098]

Couple pens , zip ties , for filling out tags if needed , + attaching them

[@bill-winke]

Plan for success. I like that!

[@markhall1169]

Hardwoods grunter best grunt call ever made. Only grunter me and my brothers have used past 20 years

[@bill-winke]

Yes, the best I have ever used. Good luck.

[@deronbrodbeck1996]

I hope you're successful producing a series like this, apart from the typical straight to the tree and kill episodes. The doe drag rope is genius by the way. How many of us pull by the back hooves and constantly slipping out of your hand...

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Deron. I appreciate it. I think there is a place for something like this, but it may take time to really gain a following. So far it is off to a good start. Yes, dragging does used to be a hand/forearm workout for many years. Now I am too weak. I would get 20 yards and the hoof would slip free.

[@dewaynenunley569]

I just slimmed my pack down a couple of days ago, it went from about 25 lbs. to about 5 lbs. I carry my stand and sticks in on every sit, so I need my pack as light as I can get it.

[@bill-winke]

For sure. When you are hunting that way, every ounce matters. Good luck.

[@homeinthewhiteoaks]

Great video… my medical kit is pretty light but I always want a tourniquet and some blood clot and a chest seal. It may be one in a million it’s needed but, the price for not having it is steep! It may only get me 20 minutes but that’s sometimes enough to get help. (Yes broadheads scare me) lol And after being poked in the eye by a branch I learned to always have a headlamp, not a flashlight. I have a bad habit of holding a flashlight too low and not seeing what’s coming at my face!

[@bill-winke]

You are ready for anything with that setup. Hopefully you never need to use it.

[@tomnolan2186]

I'm down to sub 20 lbs with everything including a camera arm, camera, etc. Not counting my weapon. About 19 lbs. I may be able and cut another 1.5 lbs by filming with my phone in the future. I'm with you, less is more. My whole self filming set up is under 4 lbs! I also hunt all public land and need to be light and mobile.

[@bill-winke]

That is a very lightweight self filming setup. Today's small handicam style cameras are awesome. Great quality video and very light.

[@tomnolan2186]

@@bill-winke I went with the JRO Jeremy Riggin outdoors camera arm just a tad over 2 lbs. Then the small rig ch 10 fluid head 10oz. Then my camera is 17 oz.

[@markhall1169]

Keep em coming bill Goodluck this year.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Mark. Good luck to you too.

[@jake7730]

My personal one single habit that I do is strap my velcro release to my bow after everytime I hunt or shoot my bow. Its always there guaranteed. I have made a habit last recent years is that my bow release is in ONLY one of two places, it is strapped to my wrist or it is strapped to my bow. Learned from my own personal experiences hunting and misplacing my re lease.

[@bill-winke]

Good point. I know several others that do the same thing. Thanks for the input.

[@kyleschmitz406]

I like carrying milkweed pods to check thermals.

[@bill-winke]

That's a good one. I have a wind checker on my bow.

[@mitchellgenz1373]

Nice setup Bill.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Mitchell. I appreciate it.

[@ericbrown6454]

For me it's about the same stuff, although I'm going to add a rachet strap. Curious if you use any cover scents? I use fresh earth wafers. Also if the hunting is slow I'm prepared with about 12 pounds of snacks......

[@Crackhouts]

That lighter is also good if you cut a 550 paracord.

[@bill-winke]

Good point. Thanks for the input.

[@chriswood3390]

I carry in my bag a knife ( buck113) rope , compass , buck grunt , and a rangefinder.

[@bill-winke]

You are definitely a minimalist.

[@chriswood3390]

Forgot to say also and critical! T.p. it was your video about a year ago I watched you knoching out your tag with a buck 113 Alaskan guide . Had to have one. Couldn't find that Cabela's Edison but my 420hc is great. Your videos are a true treasure. Thank you sir for sharing.

[@mikefeaster8827]

Love the videos Bill!!!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Mike. Much appreciated.

[@AaronOutdoors]

Hey Bill, the Multus Deer Drag is a great tool to look into. We started using it this year! Very helpful for deer especially does! Check it out

[@angeloc9923]

Great stuff bill Thank you

[@bill-winke]

Thanks for the comment Angelo.

[@kevinfowler6065]

Only adder, five kitchen paper towels and a 1/4 roll of black electrical tape. Takes care of body functions or most blood related first aid situations carried In a quart size zip lock. I’m gonna add the extra ratchet strap.

[@bill-winke]

Kevin, Good idea on the tape. I have made butterfly band aids out of electric tape or duct tape more than once.

[@rep1989]

happy lste birthday bill hope it was a good one.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks. I appreciate it. I don't celebrate them - I tolerate them!

[@gregnicks2915]

Wiseguy release love it!

[@bill-winke]

I love the trigger on that release. Maybe the best I have ever used from that standpoint.

[@callmecamo2]

I never go without water either. Must have.

[@bill-winke]

I suppose. I have started carrying coffee in a little thermos - if I have time to make some.

[@callmecamo2]

@@bill-winke Now we're talking!

[@kurtpearson2793]

I was just thinking this morning about my pack 👍

[@russelllangworthy8855]

You certainly don’t carry a knife, do you?

[@kurtpearson2793]

@@russelllangworthy8855 if my dad caught me or my brothers without a knife in our pocket…..

[@russelllangworthy8855]

@@kurtpearson2793 But, but, but, Sturgis doesn’t carry a knife and you want to be just like him, right?

[@kurtpearson2793]

@@russelllangworthy8855 howdy-your season start? I’m only seeing the faintest of sign starting to show. Couple scrapes, zero rubs- (last week)

[@russelllangworthy8855]

@@kurtpearson2793 Season starts Saturday here…Michigan. I won’t be hunting this year. Putting my efforts into getting my daughter a buck. We’ve got a decent 8 pt on camera, maybe just barely P&Y. She’ll be happy to shoot it. I don’t expect I’ll ever shoot another 8 pt.

[@nathancline525]

Hey Bill, in a little late to the party I just found your new channel! Can you let us know the brand of camera light that was?!

[@bill-winke]

Nathan, I don't think they still make the ones I have. If I was going to buy one right now, it would probably get this one: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1638682-REG/godox_led6bi_bi_color_pocket_size_led.html

[@TNsher776]

I don't ever carry a backpack! I simply carry my weapon (bow or gun) headlight, knife.. and that's it

[@bill-winke]

I love it. Just what you can carry in your pockets - the ultimate minimalist.

[@coltensallazzo]

heavy packs are fine. thats why they have shoulder straps!

[@bill-winke]

You must be a young strong fellow. I can barely slough my body weight around the woods. Less is more for me!

[@richardmacias624]

Day Six arrows.... nice...

[@bill-winke]

They seem to be really rugged and have a good weight for whitetail hunting.

[@isLife-nn5yl]

Just curious how long your sits are. I usually carry a bottle of water or Gatorade just for a little something. It does add weight. Thanks for the input.

[@bill-winke]

Assuming I am not sitting all day,a normal sit is around 3 hours early and late in the season and 5 hours during the rut. All day sits are only during the best days of the rut. Four or five days each year. I do better if I change stands rather than staying in one all day. Good luck.

[@donwaldroopoutdoors3665]

Water and snacks ?

[@alexpinnow6509]

Bill or anyone else, where can I find those led flash blocks? That would be so much more convenient than blood trailing with a headlamp which I struggle with

[@bill-winke]

I buy mine at B&H Photo. Bhphotovideo.com. Just look under "on camera lighting" and you will see a few options in the $30 to $40 range. Get one with rechargeable battery. Good luck.

[@alexpinnow6509]

@@bill-winke thank you Bill! Have a nice week

[@charleywalker2982]

👍

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Charlie

[@KyleC0430]

👍🏽

[@bill-winke]

Thanks for the support Kyle.

[@KyleC0430]

@@bill-winke always bill!! Legend!!

[@josephtaylor7858]

I carry a lighter in everything I use for hunting

[@bill-winke]

You never know when you might need one. Surprise overnight would be a lot more comfortable with a fire!

[@josephtaylor7858]

@@bill-winke yes sir

[@marklohman965]

Extra gloves?

[@bill-winke]

Yes, that is a very smart addition, especially on wet days. Good comment.

[@mattmorse]

If you're a minimalist, I don't know what that makes me, lol. I don't carry a backpack. If it doesn't fit in a pocket, I don't take it.

[@bill-winke]

Good question. I respect that approach. Good luck.

[@stevenmarod6191]

How do you carry rattle antlers?

[@bill-winke]

I don't. I hate them. Too noisy. I know a lot of people use thick rubber bands or short bungee cords and bind them together before attaching them on the back of the pack. I use the loud grunt call or if the deer can't hear that, I snort-wheeze with my mouth. It amazes me how far deer can hear that shrill sound even on windy days.

[@seanbalch7563]

Minimalist might not be the right term Bill. Lol. What about water?

[@bill-winke]

Don't carry it. If I am staying all day I would bring a bottle, otherwise no water, no food, no books - just keep watching and eventually....

[@daviddaniel6666]

Where is the toliet paper and little debbies lol

[@bill-winke]

Toilet paper = oak leaves. Little Debbies - dang I forgot those!

[@outdoorxmedia]

Self filming ads about 10-15 pounds to my pack

[@bill-winke]

No doubt. Self-filming is so hard. I really respect people who do it well. Much harder than people think.

[@kurtpearson2793]

First

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Kurt.

[@kennethlangford5797]

Man you be hunting got no water no jerky no Vienna sausages no sour patch kids no food of any kind no deer hanger no bow hanger no bag hanger no pull-up ropes not one single ounce of scent spray no cover scent man you ain't even got no teepee no compass no first aid kit no marker no reflective trail tape,tacs dude you don't even have a snort weez. No knife sharpener no rattling antlers no keys to your stand locks not one single spare SD card come on man

[@Farmersforever1993]

He has pull up ropes set on his stand sights and doesn’t need a whole lot for whitetail hunting in general.

[@bill-winke]

Kenny, I don't need those other things but the Sour Patch Kids - I might have to add those to the list.

[@MrTumorHumor]

This is a lot lol

[@brionlamar5718]

Man, if you don't have toilet paper in your pack... I just don't know about you! Recipe for disaster right there.

[@bill-winke]

That's why God made oak leaves!

[@brionlamar5718]

@@bill-winke Indeed!

[@davidmedick5530]

TP is good to have for when Mother calls, plus it's good for leaving a trail. It degrades quickly.