I take as little as possible. But were I live and hunt I always have a full pack with me. I carry water,knife,food,rain/snow gear,shelter,wools socks(multi uses)and my possible bag(a dry bag with frist-aid,survival). The system I use took many years to get down to just having the basics. It sounds like alot but it's only a few pounds and worth every pound. It don't take long to get into areas that you may not be found for a long time around here. I have seen blinding heat,snow,rain,wind in same day and sometimes with in the same hour here. I have one of my packs(two sizes) with me even on the short hunts and small game. Big game I usally have to quarter them and a pack is much easier. So you guessed it I'm a pack fan,sorry for rambling so much.