When you’re packing for a hunt, the big stuff always gets the attention—the rifle, ammo, optics, and clothes. But it’s the smaller gear, the things you forget until you need them, that can decide whether the day goes smooth or sideways. These accessories don’t get talked about much anymore, but they can make a real difference in the field. Some keep your rifle steady, others protect it from the weather, and a few make those little moments—like reloading or climbing into a stand—a whole lot easier. If you’ve ever wished you’d packed one more thing, this list will hit home. These are the forgotten accessories that still matter more than most hunters realize.
A quality sling
A good rifle sling is one of the most overlooked tools in your kit. Too many hunters still throw on the cheapest strap they can find, only to fight it all day. A proper sling distributes the rifle’s weight across your shoulder and helps steady your aim when wrapped around your arm for a shot.
The right sling also saves your energy. When you’re climbing, crawling, or hauling gear through the brush, you’ll notice a well-padded, adjustable sling keeps your rifle from bouncing or digging into you. It might seem like a small thing, but by the end of a long day, you’ll wonder how you ever hunted without one that fits right and stays quiet.
Lens covers
Few things ruin a shot faster than fog, dust, or rain on your scope. Lens covers might seem unnecessary until you realize how much grime your rifle picks up during a hunt. A good set of flip-up or stretch-fit covers keeps your glass clear until it’s time to shoot.
They also help prevent scratches when you’re moving through thick brush or tossing your rifle into the truck. You’ll appreciate them most when you settle into your stand and flip those covers open to see a crystal-clear sight picture instead of a smudge. Hunters often forget them at home—but the ones who don’t usually end up taking cleaner shots.
A stock ammo carrier
You never think about an ammo carrier until the moment you reach for a pocket and come up empty. A stock-mounted ammo sleeve keeps a few extra rounds right where you need them—on the gun. It’s quiet, fast, and easy to grab without breaking focus.
It also adds a bit of balance to the rifle, especially when you’re carrying lighter calibers or short carbines. When you’re cold or wearing gloves, digging through a pack for spare ammo can cost you time. A good stock carrier solves that problem before it starts. It’s one of those simple add-ons that earns its place every time you hunt.
A bore snake
When moisture or debris sneaks into your barrel, accuracy takes a hit fast. A bore snake is the easiest, fastest way to clean your rifle in the field. It’s lightweight, takes up almost no space, and keeps your barrel clear when you don’t have time for a full cleaning.
One pull through the bore removes grit, powder residue, and moisture, which can prevent corrosion and keep your first shot true. Every hunter should keep one tucked into a pack or jacket pocket. It’s one of those accessories that rarely comes out—but when you need it, nothing replaces it.
Shooting sticks
Shooting sticks don’t get the respect they deserve anymore, but they’re still one of the most practical accuracy tools you can carry. A solid rest can turn a shaky 200-yard shot into a clean, confident one. Collapsible or quick-deploy sticks are light and easy to carry without slowing you down.
They shine when you’re glassing ridgelines or taking offhand shots across open country. Even a simple set can make a huge difference in consistency. When you’re breathing hard or your heart’s racing, shooting sticks can give you that extra bit of control to keep your shot steady and ethical.
A scope level
Most hunters don’t think about canting their rifle, but a slight tilt can throw your shot off more than you realize, especially at longer ranges. A small bubble level mounted on your scope helps you keep things straight without overthinking your setup.
It’s one of those accessories that’s invisible until it saves a shot. You won’t notice it during easy 100-yard shots, but when you’re aiming downhill across a ridge or shooting uphill at steep angles, that level can mean the difference between a clean hit and a miss. It’s simple insurance for accuracy.
A bolt cover or sleeve
If you’ve ever hunted in sleet or freezing rain, you already know how important it is to keep your bolt protected. A neoprene or fabric bolt sleeve keeps ice, grit, and moisture out of your action, so your rifle cycles smoothly when it matters most.
It also helps keep your gun quieter when you’re moving through brush or climbing into a stand. The cover slips on easily and can save you from a jam or stiff bolt when temperatures drop. It’s not something you think about until the weather turns ugly—but then it becomes the best few dollars you ever spent.
A small gun oil bottle
A tiny bottle of gun oil doesn’t seem like a big deal until your bolt starts sticking or your trigger feels rough. A few drops in the right place can bring a rifle back to life in the field. Cold weather, dust, or heavy use can dry out your gun faster than you’d expect.
Keeping a small bottle in your pack gives you peace of mind. It weighs next to nothing and takes seconds to use. When you’re miles from camp and your rifle starts feeling sluggish, that little bottle suddenly becomes one of your most valuable tools.
A shooting sock or sandbag
Resting your rifle on a hard surface like a rock or rail can throw off your shot. A small shooting sock or sandbag lets you create a steady rest anywhere. It molds perfectly to uneven surfaces, absorbs vibration, and helps you maintain a smooth trigger pull.
Some hunters fill them with lightweight media to save weight in their pack. Whether you’re shooting off a log, a blind window, or your backpack, a soft rest makes a world of difference. It’s a forgotten tool that turns a lucky shot into a controlled one.
A spare scope mount or wrench
Things go wrong in the field—screws loosen, mounts shift, and scopes can take a bump. Keeping a small multi-tool or the proper wrench for your scope rings can save your hunt. If your zero shifts, being able to tighten or adjust your optic on the spot can mean the difference between going home early or filling your tag.
It’s the kind of small detail seasoned hunters never overlook. Scopes and bases are precision parts, and a little movement can cost you a shot. Having the right tool tucked away takes almost no effort but can save the entire day when things start rattling loose.
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Calibers That Shouldn’t Even Be On the Shelf Anymore
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*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
