Add a bit of bad weather and or darkness and the best sense of direction can go out the window. A compass and/or GPS is a good thing to have. I have a funny and embarrassing story...big snow storm in NY state. My buddy heads off and I do too...an hour later as I’m trudging thru the snow I hear someone whistle and it’s my buddy asking me what I was doing...shamefully I looked up and said “I’m lost!” and we both burst into laughter because it was pretty damn funny. The property wasn’t big but everything looked different in the dark and with the snow. Too funny...ended well and I’m still living it down. BTW...I’m a person that says “I have a great sense of direction.” My buddy disagrees...

A Little Debbie's oatmeal creme pie and a thermos of hot tea.

I sharpen my knife at home and it's on my belt in the field.
Bullets are in my gun, gloves on my hands, compass in my pocket, gps if I have it is in my pocket.
Rifle is in my hands or hand if I'm carrying my flash light before day light.
Pull up rope is wrapped up and tied to the treestand if I'm using one.
Phone is in left pants pocket by it's self.
Apple is in the left leg pocket.
Folding zaw and HS Strut True Talker in the Summit bag on the bar of the top half the stand.
Zippo is in the right watch pocket with a ranger band on it.

I hunt in CO and northern MN, so the pack adjusts accordingly but the staples would be:
Thermos of coffee
Camel back bladder built into pack with water
Field dressing kit (knives, sharpener, gloves)
550 cord
Lighter
Compass
Chapstick
USB battery bank
Headlamp
Snacks in ziplock back (loud original wrappers removed from whatever it may be)
Scent eliminator spray
Game call(s)
Extra socks
Hand warmer packs
Zippo hand warmer
Snot rag
Flask and celebratory stogie tucked away...

Oh, and can't forget TP! Only takes once to learn that lesson...lol

Extra socks, TP, what ever...

Says someone that doesn't do a lot of hiking or hunt all day in cold climates...

Life is full of choices.