Father-Son Bonding Activities: Everything You Need for a Hunting Trip

The value of father-son quality time can’t be stressed enough. Your bonding time can have a huge impact on everything from the strength of your relationship to the kind of man he’ll be in the future. There are few father-son bonding activities better than heading into the great outdoors for a hunting trip. Without the distraction of tech, it gives you much-needed bonding time so you can strengthen your relationship and build your son’s real-world skills.

But before you embark on your father-son outing, the two of you need to be stocked up with your essentials. We’ve put together your quick list of everything you’ll need, so the main thing you can focus on is your son.

The right choice of clothing can influence, and even improve your hunting experience. Camouflage clothing is a favorite of hunters thanks to its superior concealment. Though some may argue that it’s not necessary since many animals are colorblind, the power of camouflage lies in its ability to help blend into your surrounding environment. 

While they may not be able to tell the difference between shades of green, they can detect shapes that look out of place in their surroundings. That’s not to say you need to wear head-to-toe camo for your father-son bonding activity (unless that’s your thing!). You can still enjoy the benefits of camo paired with a solid color, like a camo shirt and solid dark color pants. Just don’t wear jeans - the blue stands out to game, ruining your chances of getting anything.

With all of the gear you’ll be bringing on your father-son outing, you’re going to need a sturdy bag or pack to put it all in. When choosing the proper bag, consider the size of equipment you’re packing, your load, and size of the bag. Obviously if your father-son bonding activity is limited to daytime hours, you’re not going to need as large of a bag since you probably won’t be bringing a tent or sleeping bag. Make sure the bag you get for you and for your son will fit your gear, give you quick access to your essentials, and be comfortable to carry. You don’t want your son to be struggling with his bag during your trek!

Having a reliable, solid firestarter packed and ready for your father-son outing almost goes without saying. Even if starting a fire without a firestarter is one of your son’s real-world lessons, having a back-up method is vital – even for the most experienced dads out there. You never know the situation or environment you may encounter during your father-son bonding activity. With a firestarter on hand, you’re guaranteed to have a fire for warmth, cooking food, light, emergency signaling, and to keep predators at bay.

No matter the outdoor activity you do for father-son bonding, having a first aid kit is critical. Being outdoors on a hunt comes with its own risks such as small animals and insects, trips and falls, and poisonous plant life. While you may not be expecting to have any injuries, you should still prepare for them. First aid kits help you treat minor injuries and minimize the risk of infection. They do not need to be large, but they should be stocked with a few essentials like gauze, antiseptic wipes, alcohol/sanitizing wipes, and bandages. If you use any of your first aid items, make sure you replace them before your next father-son outing.

Like firestarters, compasses are a necessary tool for hunters of any skill level. Though smartphones and electronic navigation devices are super easy to use (and convenient), unexpected events happen like batteries running out, devices breaking, or changes in weather. Military compasses work well as a non-electronic backup and as a navigation tool for those going on longer hunting expeditions that will cover more ground. Bonus: teaching your son how to navigate with a compass is another father-son bonding activity within your hunting trip!

Your list wouldn’t be complete without including the right weaponry. Even if you’ve got your multi-tool ready to go, a sharp hunting knife is an extremely useful piece of equipment that you’ll need for the father-son bonding activity. Hunting knives serve as your tool for preparing your game, cutting cord or rope, clearing light bush, or even opening up food if you’re in a bind. If you have the room in your bag, you can pack a second knife as a backup or for your son to have his own to learn to use.

No matter how old your son gets, they’re never too old for a classic father-son bonding activity like hunting. With the right gear packed and ready, your upcoming hunting trip will be one for the books.