"The best gear is the gear you have with you." — Unknown
Why Ultralight Gear Matters More on Public Land
Private land hunters can leave gear at their stand.
Public land hunters carry everything in. Every time.
That difference changes what gear you buy.
Here's why weight matters — and where to cut it.
The Public Land Reality
No permanent setups
You can't leave climbing sticks on the tree. You can't stash your saddle in a lock box. Everything goes in. Everything comes out.
Long walks
The best hunting on public land is where other hunters won't go. That's usually 2-3 miles in. Sometimes more.
Multiple moves
Find deer sign. Set up. Hunt. No deer. Pull everything down. Move 400 yards. Set up again. Repeat.
The math:
20 lbs of gear × 3 miles in × 3 miles out = 120 lb-miles of work per hunt.
12 lbs of gear × 3 miles in × 3 miles out = 72 lb-miles of work per hunt.
That's a 40% reduction in energy expenditure.
Translation: You hunt longer. You move quieter. You execute better shots.
Where Weight Actually Matters
Not all weight is equal.
High-impact weight cuts:
- Climbing sticks (switching to titanium/carbon fiber saves 3-4 lbs)
- Packs (smaller pack doesn't allow you to bring as much)
- Bow hanger system (paracord system vs strap system saves 3-4oz and lots of bag space)
Low-impact weight cuts:
- Knife (switching from 8oz to 3oz saves 5oz)
- Headlamp (switching from 6oz to 2oz saves 4oz)
Not worth it:
- Cutting your tether rope shorter to save 1oz
- Removing safety equipment
Pro Tip: Cut weight from your pack first. Then your climbing system. Then accessories. Never cut safety equipment.
The Ounce-Counting Mindset
Military guys understand this instinctively.
Every ounce you carry on a long ruck either:
- Keeps you alive (safety equipment)
- Completes the mission (weapon, ammo)
- Keeps you functional (water, food)
Everything else gets left behind.
Public land hunting works the same way.
Ask yourself:
- Does this keep me safe? (Keep it)
- Does this help me kill a deer? (Keep it)
- Does this keep me functional for 8+ hours in a tree? (Question it)
- Everything else? (Leave it in the truck)
Where Most Hunters Carry Dead Weight
Oversized packs
A 3,000 cubic inch pack for a day hunt is overkill. I cannot find a purpose-built saddle hunting pack small enough as of writing this post.
Redundant gear
Two knives. Three ways to start a fire. Four calls. Pick one of each. Move on.
Comfort items
This is where you win and lose. If tradition dictates a thermos and twinkies, do what makes you happy. But if you want to go deeper, cut the weight or toughen up.
External attachments
Every piece of gear strapped to the outside of your pack catches on branches. Pack it inside or leave it behind.
The Wayward Ridge Standard
We build gear for public land hunters who count ounces.
Wayward Wire bow hanger:
- 3.7oz complete system
- Includes everything: hanger, 2 gear hooks, quick-hitch device, cordage
- Packs flat in your pocket
- No extra straps or hardware required
Most bow hanger systems weigh 6-8oz with all components.
We're half that weight.
Why it matters:
Saving 3-4oz on your bow hanger doesn't sound like much. But when you're optimizing every piece of gear, those ounces add up.
3oz here. 4oz there. 8oz somewhere else.
Suddenly you're carrying 12 lbs instead of 15 lbs.
That's the difference between walking out energized and walking out destroyed.
The Three-Tier Approach
Tier 1: Essential (Can't hunt without it)
- Saddle
- Platform
- Climbing sticks
- Lineman's belt
- Tether
- Bow hanger
- Weapon
- Release (bow hunters)
Total weight target: 10-15 lbs
Tier 2: Functional (Makes the hunt more effective)
- Pack
- Knife
- Headlamp
- Rangefinder
Additional weight: 2-3 lbs
Tier 3: Optional (Nice to have)
- Calls
- Rattling antlers
- Wind checker
- Hand saw
- Pruning Shears
- Extra 550 Cord
Additional weight: 0-4 lbs
Total system weight: 13-17 lbs depending on how much Tier 3 gear you carry.
Pro Tip: Start with Tier 1 and 2 only. Add Tier 3 if it's absolutely necessary after 2 sits.
What You Can't Cheap Out On
Safety equipment
Your lineman's belt and tether keep you alive. Buy climbing-rated gear. Don't cheap out.
Climbing sticks
Bent or broken sticks = catastrophic failure. Buy quality. Inspect before every season.
Your weapon
A reliable bow or rifle matters more than saving 8oz.
Your boots
Blisters and foot pain will end your hunt faster than heavy gear. Invest in quality footwear.
The Bottom Line
Public land hunting rewards discipline.
Discipline in scouting. Discipline in shot selection. Discipline in gear choices.
Every piece of gear you carry should earn its place in your pack.
If it doesn't keep you safe, help you kill deer, or keep you functional — leave it behind.
Stay Sharp,
— Jake