I strive for a pretty high level of gear org but it gets a little tough depending on pack and purpose. Irrespective of season or purpose (hike, camp, hunt) there are always a few things in the pack:
Oh s… bag:
This is a set it and forget it bag with the contents of a small med kit plus emergency basics: Mylar blanket, compass, micro bic, single small gear aid sheet, Needle with a few meters of thread. This is the pouch I never ever open unless disaster strikes: someone gets hurt or critical gear breaking. When I’ve had to use it I go back and rebuild it after the trip to make sure everything is intact for next time.
EL Basics: Phone with Gaia and onX area maps downloaded, Headlamp (1x spare lithium batteries), small battery bank and cord for phone (I wrap this with one band of 3 layers of duct tape for gear repair and easy first aid)
Rigging: 4 ITW nylon carabiners and 2 small petzl Ang biners. UL 1.5mm dyneema cordage 2 bundles 50’ each. 2 bundles heavy cordage 3mm solid braided dyneema at 50’. Depending on season this is for everything possible but always rigging to bags, shelter, hanging bear bags and gear field repair. This is doubled on the heavy cordage for hunt season (quarter hanging)
ULW Tarp: homemade 8x10 dyneema tarp 4oz alone or 6oz with all needed guy lines attached. This is an excellent emergency shelter but I use it as a wind break glassing, as a backcountry kitchen for shade or rain, any number of things. At 1/2 the size of a nalgene it’s an indispensable versatile piece of kit.
Shell: from ultralight in deep summer to 3L goretex in fall/winter
Med wt merino socks: always an extra pair of merino in the pack. I use these for stream crossings without shoes. Wool is way stickier than rubber on slick rock, there is a reason good wading boots have had felt soles, it works. This has the added benefit of keeping your boots dry. Irrespective of trip length I’ve got two pairs: one on my feet, one on/in the pack. I trade these throughout a trip.
Bandana: always 2 light cotton bandanas, usually one tied to the pack drying in the sun. So, so many uses, hanky, dishrag, washcloth, sun protection, wind protection, foraging basket (shrooms & greens)
Small Knife: Opinel no. 8 carbon
Hunt Specific Add:
Kill Kit: single pouch with the following: Tags, ballpoint pen, zipties x 6, 3 @ 1gallon ziplocks for offal (heart, liver, caul fat), ulw breathable game quarter bags.
Dressing/camp knife: skeletonized White River backpacker