When you’re heading out to hang or check trail cameras, an organized scouting camera pack will save you time and headaches, and it can minimize your overall human footprint. During scouting and hunting season, my pack is always with me. After all, you never know when you might stumble upon a spot that needs monitoring.

Here’s what you need to build your own trail camera pack.

Camera Types

If your budget allows, I suggest toting a few different kinds of cameras. How many and the exact brand is up to you. Currently, I have a pair of Day 6 Outdoors PlotWatcher Pros in my trail camera pack. With the archery pronghorn opener on the horizon, I use these ultra-reliable cameras to monitor the comings and goings of thirsty speed goats at stock tanks and large ponds. The wide field of view covers a vast area and monitors activity throughout the day. I also prefer this type of time-lapse camera over my whitetail food plots. In addition, I use a trio of Browning Strike Force HD Pro cameras. These compact beauties measure 4.5 x 3.25 x 2.5, perfect for those off-the-beaten-path, public-land spots. Two Stealth Cam G30 cameras complete the list. This camera has been a favorite of my mine for years, and its durability and picture clarity are second to none. It’s a workhorse and a camera I have total confidence in.

Tree Mounts

I also carry three Browning Tree Mounts. When used with a single set of climbing sticks — put a those in your trail cam pack too — you can elevate your cameras and angle them down. Not only does this prevent camera theft (perfect for public-land spots), but it also prevents game from getting camera shy.

Tree cameras have several benefits, including a lower chance of theft.

Rubber Medical Gloves

This is a must. I don’t care what time of year it is, I always try to minimize my scent.

Batteries

You can never have enough batteries. I always make sure my gallon-sized Ziploc bag has no fewer than two dozen Lithium batteries. I know they’re pricy, but lithium batteries last much longer than standard ones.

SD Cards and Pouches

I’m typically running between eight to 10 cameras, so I carry a total of 12 SD cards — none which are any less than 8G. I like having the extra storage for those cameras I leave for extended periods of time. You will need a pair of SD card pouches, one for blank cards and one for cards with pics. I use a pair of handheld camera soft cases, labeled with a magic marker, to keep cards organized.

Mosquito Repellent

Buzzing mosquitos will hinder any camera-hanging sojourn. That’s why my Thermacell is always riding shotgun in my pack’s side pocket. I also carry an extra butane and a pair of repellent mats.

Bonus Tip: Though I don’t carry it in my pack, I always spray down with a scent-eliminating agent before heading to the woods to hang cameras.