Let's See Your Hunting Day Packs

[Chromaflage]

It's time for me to invest in a new day pack for the day hunting trips. Looking for something that distributes the weight a little better between shoulders and hips to prevent back fatigue. I usually carry my lunch, a small first aid kit, 3 or 4 bottles of water, deer cleaning stuff and a number of other things. So, what do you guys use for a day pack?

[SandyRiverFisher]

Dude, you carry bottles of water???

You need a pack with a hydration bladder.

[cubsfan]

Originally Posted by Chromaflage

It's time for me to invest in a new day pack for the day hunting trips. Looking for something that distributes the weight a little better between shoulders and hips to prevent back fatigue. I usually carry my lunch, a small first aid kit, 3 or 4 bottles of water, deer cleaning stuff and a number of other things. So, what do you guys use for a day pack?

Remington camo back pack. Love it. It is waterproof and made of similar material as my Browning Hydro-Fleece coat. I keep knives, game bags, water, rope, hand warmers, stocking cap, flashlight, waterproof matches, TP, game saw, etc. in it. It is not a huge metal frame, just a medium sized daypack. Check them out. Good luck with whatever you go with. Sometimes you just have to mix it up. I have gone from vest to fanny pack so many times with my fishing gear, it's ridiculous. Kind of fun though.

CF

[cubsfan]

Originally Posted by SandyRiverFisher

Dude, you carry bottles of water???

You need a pack with a hydration bladder.

Those are nice, but you make it sound like it's strange the guy's carrying water bottles. Pretty normal, really.

[No Fences]

Badlands Super Day for shorter hunts with hydration bladder. Badlands 2200 for longer hunts with more stuff and hydration bladder. Love them both and no back fatigue.

[wungjird]

I use the Badlands Monster for Deer and the Badlands 2200 for Elk. Both have hydration pouches. The Monster carries GPS, radio, rope, lighter, lunch, water, 2 knives, extra batteries, small flashlight, camera, water proof clothing strapped to the bottom, and anything else I can jamb into it. I usually don't use half of the stuff in it but it carries it comfortably.

Derrick

[Dextreme]

I switched to a turkey hunting vest this year and I loved it. It was great having pockets to be able access the Rino GPS, calls, rangefinder, wind direction powder, etc. It was nice not to have all that crap hanging around my neck clanging together against my binocs.

[Twitchs_Tackle]

(Same pack, with the shoulder straps taken off... yes, different pattern too)


Bigger than they look and the weight is distributed around your waist, not your back/shoulders. (Oh, and you can lay your camelback bladder inside the main pouch if you have to use one of those)

[chromebright]

Originally Posted by Twitchs_Tackle

(Same pack, with the shoulder straps taken off... yes, different pattern too)


Bigger than they look and the weight is distributed around your waist, not your back/shoulders. (Oh, and you can lay your camelback bladder inside the main pouch if you have to use one of those)

This is my favorite day pack. I have tried many others while owning this one including the Badlands Hypervent and Super Day and I always end up switching back to this one. It is just so much more mobile and lightweight to carry for the day. Really takes the pressure off you shoulders and has more than enough room for anything you need in a day. The others have a bladder which I like, but I carry a large Nalgene bottle in the bottle holder amd it works great.

[TheTexan]

Eberlestock Slingshot

Great pack with lots of room and carries a bow.

[RogueFishr]

I don't have one yet, but I am going to get the Janssens Hardcore Pack.

RF

[motcha]

I am in the market for a new one as well, my old Cabelas one finallly went down. I am loking for a one w/ bladder and also can be used to haul out monster sheds this season!!

[SILVERSINK]

I get a kick out of guys that carry water bottles and cans of pop. those critters have 10 times the hearing capabilities of a human. The bladder collapses as you drink ( no sloshing). Also I'M thinking of getting a micro water filter to get water from the streams

[Elk Czy]

The Eberlerstock packs are it for me... The JP9 Blue Widow for backcountry pack inn’s and for day hunts the X2 is what I use...

http://www.eberlestock.com/hunting.htm

[Abiquadeer]

I use a eberlestock x1 for day hunts. I like it very much.

[Geoff Pace]

Nimrod packs are by far the best wieght distributed daypack there are just my

[xs2kdriver]

Badlands "Super Day"

[OR_Bo_Huntr]

1) Kelty Coyote 4750



2) Badlands Super Day

[No Fences]

Is that a mechanical broadhead Joe?

[OR_Bo_Huntr]

Rob, yup, during turkey season

[Bait O' Eggs]

It takes several things for me to like a day pack.

Keep it off the back, so I dissapate heat better
A good harness to distribute the weight to shoulders
A good padded belt to distribute the weight to the hips
I need to be able to tie stuff on the outside when the inside gets full.
It needs to be big enough for the kitchen sink

I have had a couple hydration bladders, it doesnt take long and the water taste like poo. I do like you can get rid of the air in the bladders and they are quiter but bad taste trumps the quiteness, they are also hard to fill in the creek compared to a bottle. I have tossed my bladders and use bottles. The bottles are also easier to thaw out when they freeze solid over night in spike camp.

I use a Cabelas Guides Model fanny pack.

I like the 3 straps over the top so I can strap the coat on top when it warms up. Good belt, nice harness, extra pockets on the belt to store camera/rangefiner etc...

[stlhdr1]

Call me wierd but I've used several day type packs. I now use the Badlands 4800 even on day hunts. At 6.5 pounds it only weights a few pounds heavier than the average pack.... The shoulder and waist padding is second to none and no matter where I go I never have to go back to the truck for anything if I harvest an animal...

I carry my rangefinder, knives/saw, game bags, water bottles for me, food etc...

I can use it on a day hunt or a 5 day pack in hunt. It does it all!

Keith

[OR_Bo_Huntr]

Originally Posted by stlhdr1

Call me wierd but I've used several day type packs. I now use the Badlands 4800 even on day hunts. At 6.5 pounds it only weights a few pounds heavier than the average pack.... The shoulder and waist padding is second to none and no matter where I go I never have to go back to the truck for anything if I harvest an animal...

I carry my rangefinder, knives/saw, game bags, water bottles for me, food etc...

I can use it on a day hunt or a 5 day pack in hunt. It does it all!

Keith

Thats what I do with mine...carry two extra pounds now and save your self 4 miles later

[SandyRiverFisher]

Hey Joe, your superday looks like a hypervent?

Anyhow, I always use a hydration bladder. They are quiet, convenient, and a lot less hassle than trying to fish a water bottle out of your pack.

The last time I was in the market for a pack I was dead set against a badlands. I just didnt think they looked particularly well made, and the configuration didnt seem like it would suit my needs. I went out and looked at a wide variety of makes and styles. Most of what they put out these days is too big to be called a "day pack" IMO, but I ended up getting an Ebrelstock X1. When I got it home I threw my gear in it and HATED it. It has two pockets right along the back of the pack where you can carry a rifle on one side and your hydration bladder on the other. Since I bow hunt, the rifle pocket stayed empty, so with a full hydration bladder you had to stuff game bags or other gear to the opposite side to even out the load. If you had no rifle or water in the pockets, then the rest of your load in the main compartment flopped against your back if all the straps werent really tight. It was also advertised to carry your bow, but that didnt work to well either, at least not for me. It carries a bow way too high for my liking, where it will catch every branch and briar in the woods as you walk along, whats more, the bow never feelt secure to me. I couldnt walk through the house with the pack loaded without slapping my bow against the walls when I walked through a doorway. Eberlestock says you can send them photos of yourself wearing the pack and they will help you work through these sort of problems, but I just didnt have the time or patience for that.

In any case, I just couldnt get it to work, I know some guys love them, but I didnt. I broke down and picked up a badlands superday. Ive been pleasantly surprised by it. It holds all my gear very well, your hydration bladder is centered on your back like it should be, and it carries the weight nicely around your hips. I havnt experienced any back, neck, or shoulder pain with it at all like I have with other brands. It holds my bow securely while I ride my mountain bike, and it has a flip out pocket that would enable you carry a rifle in the same manner. Plus, plenty of straps to tie on sheds, heads, maybe even a deer quarter, or whatever that you might need to pack out. I would recommend it to anyone

Also, camelback is still one of my favorite day packs. Seems like not too many people use them, but they give you a lot of bang for your buck. The superday is really too big for a typical "day" hunt. For short hunts I use my camelback striker. Ive had that one for five years and its still as good as the day I baught it and works like a charm. I dont know how everyone else packs their gear but I usually carry two knives, sharpening stone, 5 game bags, at least 2-3 liters of water, folding saw, first aid kit, a jacket (wether I need it or not), maps, compass, gps, binos, misc tools and gear for working on my bow in the field, a small "survival"kit (firestarting stuff, emergecy blanket, energency poncho, glow sticks), flashlights, extra batteries, and a half dozen more elk calls than I will ever need, and whatever food I want to bring along. I can carry all of these things in either of these two packs. The only difference is I would have to strap my jacket to the outside of the striker as opposed to in the main compartment. I havnt had the opportunity to try it yet, but the badlands would pack quite a bit of meat if it needed to for a first trip, and I think would hold plenty of gear for an overnight, or even a two night outing.

[Orion]

Sloshing water bottles? Open bottle, drink, mash bottle to eliminate air, replace cap. This works well on the disposable bottles. Not so well with Nalgene.

[ORsouthpaw]

I've used a bunch of different one from Cabelas, BPS, Camelbak, Guide Gear, Fieldline, etc. I settled on one from Crooked Horn Outfitters called the Trailblazer. It's great because the entire top portion folds down over the fanny pack and it's easy to roll up my coat and strap it down. Plenty of space for those day trips. Wide straps and it light weight, except for all the junk I pack in it! I used to use the water bladders also but I have gone back to regular water bottles. I didn't like the taste of the water coming out of the bladder after a week of use. This pack has two separate pouches for water bottles so If my water is sloshing around then I'm moving way too fast.

[Headhunter]

I like my Badlands Diablo for day hunts.

[OR_Bo_Huntr]

My bad, I just saw a post above me about a SuperDay...Its the HV

[Chromaflage]

Kinda funny how this discussion has turned toward water bottles. For what it's worth, I've never had a problem sneaking up on deer with water bottles in my pack. Yeah, they have good hearing - they'll hear your foot steps and breathing before they hear the water in a bottle.

Thanks for all the info on packs.

Roy, you've expressed my sentiments nearly to a "T"

[sliverpicker]

I have several packs, my favorite is a double compartment large fanny with shoulder straps made by Wilderness Pack Specialties down in K-Falls. I think this model was called "The Blacktail" when I bought it 10 yrs ago.



It leaves much of my back exposed so I don't sweat too bad. I carry headlamps, batteries, several game bags, knives, camera, mini tripod, food & water, etc. I have no use for a GPS, and don't carry a range finder.

BTW...I prefer water bottles. I also drink from small creeks, and have for 40+ years of wandering around in Oregon.

[King Kong]

I think that it is all personal preference. Some people like the super day pack, some people like the big pack so that they dont have to hike back to the truck to take out a quartered animal....great idea by the way!! I have the "Camelback Commander" and love it for day hunts. Go to Sportsmans and Cabelas to try on a variety of packs to determine which style you prefer. Each pack has a different type and amount of padding as you probably know. Good luck!

[a12seccrx]

Got a Fieldline, Glenwood Canyon pack for my b-day a couple weeks ago. Have never used a pack before so don't have anything to compair it to, but I thought it worked great the few times I used it this hunting season. It's a lil bit bigger, but it had such a nice feel that I didn't mind it at all! You can get em at GI Joes.

[Accumark Man]

I just returned from an Idaho elk hunt. When I shot my elk I was able to strap a front shoulder to my Badlands super day and pack it out very comfortably. I love this pack. The weapon carrier system works great for weapons or a quarter. Just wish it was more water proof.

[Johnandhis4x4]

HI all,
I just picked up my new favorite pack. I am a little biased though, as I work for Gerber. I bought a Gerber Grasp pack. It carries a lot of water, and the part I love the most is its modular. Just want the hydration pack with a large pocket for an extra sweater(or packing out a deer). there is a large main pack that attaches to the hydration pack, and a smaller one that will sit on the hydration pack or on top of the main pack. The best this is the reservoir is the best I have used. its rigid, more like a big water bottle. You can put it in the dishwasher, I haven't yet, but you can. I like it also because it distributes the weight very well.

Take this with a grain of salt however, as I do have a dog in the fight.



Gerber Grasp 150 Assualt Modular Pack System

Camping and Hiking Type: Furniture and Hammocks, Packs and Bags

We built the hydration system specifically for the soldier with external fill, more water capacity, and we made it IR compliant to protect you from detection. We designed a one-of-a-kind pack that can be configured and customized for any given task. The modular pack system includes: an Adjustable Load Deck (ALD) and two removable compartments, 150 oz. GRASP external fill reservoir, 2760 CI total cargo capacity, IR 1000D nylon Cordura fabric, webbing, trims, antennae and communication cable ports, internal radio sling, MRE pockets, MOLLE webbing, ergonomic back padding and lumbar support, padded, adjustable, removable shoulder straps, removable waist belt, 1 field repairable buckles standard on the pack provide two spares in case of breakage.

[greenbuttskunk]

Kerry,
I carry one bottle of water, and a lightweight water pump. there is usually a water source someplace and it really helps keep the weight down. I also happen to use a medical grade plasma type bag. Very strong, and flexible, plus the water does not make any noise sloshing around if I jump off logs or jog after an animal. I use a nice big camo fanny pack that had shoulder straps and a chest strap. It can expand so I can throw in a jack or other goodies. I good pack should have ample pockets so you can keep thing organized. Otherwise you will have a habit of misplacing things while in the woods.

[225nontypical]

superday by badlands i love it also has a built in pistol holster on both sides of the waste band if you care one. 4500 for the long packs 3 and more days.

[Pond]

I looked at several packs this year before settling on the Badlands 2200. I have to say their customer service is awesome as well. I was packing around one of my boys in it for fun who weights 70 lbs and noticed a thread popped which was basically comsmetic and I needed a water bladder so I called them. They stated they didn't want me to have a less than perfect pack and asked me to send it back. I told them it would be to much of a pain to package and pay for shipping. The guy told me, we don't roll that way, we will pay for it to be shipped from your house to us UPS and the new one will have a water bladder in when you get it.

The only difference in what I pack for a day hunt and mult day hunts is basically food and sleeping bag/bivy/pad. It's all contained rather neatly within the pack.

I also like the meat shelf as well. I broke down an antelope and carried the whole thing out in one pack while bow hunting. I did an average mule deer in two packs as I was close to the truck so no need to strain myself.

As far as bad tasting water.... Either dump a bottle of gatorade in or emergenc-C and it makes your water taste better with vitamins etc to boot.

Pond

[loper]

Originally Posted by ORsouthpaw

I settled on one from Crooked Horn Outfitters called the Trailblazer.

My main pack is the older Crooked Horn Nontypical; I have a Trailblazer II waiting in the wings.

[Firedog]

Badlands 2200, great pack.

[StevenB]

Even when hunting coastal Oregon elk I use the composite framed Hard Core for a day pack. Gave up on soft or internal framed packs.

[canes_venatici]

I use the Camelbak Striker XT. It has 1100 cubic inches of space and holds a 70oz hydration bladder. I love this thing. Not too big, not too small. I haven't had it out in november yet, but i'm pretty sure it will accomodate my needs.

[earlybird007]

Nimrod wilderness pack

[Hunt'nFish]

Kerry,
Here is a link to a thread Rauly started a while back....tons of good info.
Day Packs

I use about 40 differant packs for various types of hunts.
1. Nimrod system like the one listed above.
2. A heavily modified "Smart Rig" suspension fanny pack. (I have packed 1/2 an elk 6m w/ this pack)
3. An alum pack frame with & w/o bag.

Several of the better packs seem to use a Military MOLLE style frame.
(Like the Jassens "Hardcore" & Wilderness Packs "Bighorn"
So, with this in mind, I plan to add a MOLLE frame to my Nimrod and add the Hardcore meat bag & straps to it. (I may sew up the bag myself.)
I like modular packs, that have buckles so you can pop on/off what you need.
Hope this helps,
Hunt'nFish

[flipperdog]

Check out the equipment, then look at their warranties!!!!
And by all means buy what we make!!!!
By American made!!!!!
Oh, and I love Badlands!! especially their warranty

"We don't care whose fault it is, we will fix it for free forever!!!"


God Bless!

[No Fences]

Here's my 2200 in action loaded up with a rear elk 1/4 and backstrap.

[beaverheart]

I had a terrific shoulder pack that I used for years. When I bought my new bow I also picked up a Matthews hip pack which is far superior to any shoulder pack. The hip packs make it much easier to get around in brushy areas and you can transfer the weight back and forth between your shoulders and your hips depending on the situation. After several days of hunting your shoulders won't be as sore.

[kilchisfisher]

I have a Wilderness Pack Specialties Blacktail like the one posted above except I had padded shoulder straps added. Great pack, almost forget I'm wearing it, even after all day. I also had a couple of D rings added to the back of the shoulder harness so I could tie things on with the idea I could pack out half a deer with it.

A few years ago in cleaning up my gear after packing out a bull I noticed one of the straps had gotten cut almost in two right above the pack in the back. I sent it in figuring I was going to have to pay to fix it as it was clearly my fault. They fixed it no charge.

I also have a regular day pack they make but I don't recall the name of it. It's a really good pack as well.

[fin seeker]

Badlands 2200, sweet pack

[buckeyes1]

I also have the Badlands Superday backpack, this years elk season was the first time I used it. It was an awesome pack. Very easy on the shoulders and was able to carry quite abit of gear. I tore the zipper handle off on one of the zippers somehow and they sent me 6 replacement handles, they really take care of you as a customer, they are very quick and professional.

[RJS34]

Eberlestock J104

[ehunter]

I used the X-1 this year and really liked it I like the feature of the bow carrier on the pack. I go back for packboards and don't even bother carring a load out but I have the equipment to break it down with me.

Originally Posted by RJS34

Eberlestock J104

[Linejerk]

Originally Posted by Rob Kaiser

Badlands Super Day for shorter hunts with hydration bladder. Badlands 2200 for longer hunts with more stuff and hydration bladder. Love them both and no back fatigue.

Badlands are the best but i also have the new sitka pack and it is ok for short hikes

[ErnestE]

After years of fannypacks and backpacks, this year I went to a Cabela's Guide model blaze vest with tons of pockets. I'm sold on it. Just keep all my gear in it all the time. I sewed two of those buttstock-type elastic cartridge holders onto the chest to form pockets and they work very nicely for my radio and gps. All of my often-used items (gps, compass, radio, maps, rangefinder, etc.) are kept in readily accessible front zip pockets and my field dressing, first aid, survival gear, snacks are kept in a rear zippered pocket that rides where a fanny pack would. The game bag holds extra clothes or whatever. After awhile you don't even notice the weight of the whole outfit.

I wear blaze (in the black striped variety) because as a DA some years back I've been out on too many accidental death scenes where guys have been shot for game. Wear orange compadres. (it also helps find you when you're down).

[cwh]

I use a north face Exocet, which is a narrow, but tall pack for day trips. I can strap snowshoes, poles, jackets, or whatever on the outside, and it's just big enough to pack a day's worth of stuff.

I have one of the early model badlands 2200s, and hate it. Feels like a big pack, but with the capacity of a small pack. They are tough though... I've overloaded that thing and taken it places it should never have gone.