Kifaru Nomad is the pack I use on a bikini frame. I use it as a day pack and meat hauler. Contents: First Aid kit, space blanket, compass, map, rain gear, whistle, rope/550 cord, LRF, 4 liters H2O, lunch, knife, sharpener, headlamp, appropriate spare batteries, reflective marking tape, game bags, if a lot of hiking extra socks. I'll be across the middle fork in the North Side unit for archery.
There's some transitional terrain out there meaning it goes from golden tan rolling hills to thick timber. Open pockets with lone pines and juniper trees. I wear old school Danners but have fell in love the Under Armour Wall Hanger boots. Cabelas has them.
Binos and spotting scopes can be useful. I don't use them generally. If I was rifle hunting, maybe. For water bottles I always use something that has a filtering unit. Never run out that way. There's always a little water around. Be it troughs or springs.