Daypack for serious hunters.

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Furync

Joined
Oct 1, 2008
Messages
161
For years and years I've been looking for that perfect backpack but it just doesn't happen. I've tried small belt-type packs, small army backpacks, upland game hunting backpacks... I never get one I'm ultimately comfortable hunting with. I'm not talking about a pack for someone who goes to his tree-stand and sits all day, I need a pack that will carry all my food/gear while I walk/stalk/hunt on the 6000 acres of land we rent. BTW, deer is the game of choice.

The belt type ones seem to clog on my jacket, making a bundle around the waist. Big backpacks and other type of backpacks all have the same problem, when I shoulder my rifle, the shoulder strap gets in the way of the butt of the rifle and I have to aim uncomfortably or just plain pass on a shot.

The best I've had so far is my Cabela's upland game pack. It has 2 compartments and a big pouch to store birds. It's bright orange for the most part (something I LOVE). It's shoulder straps are more centered, giving a chance to shoulder your rifle/shotgun but it is not perfect, I still have it in my mind every time I shoulder because I have to nudge my head/rifle ever so slightly to be spot on target.


I'd like to hear what you use on your hunting trips or perhaps what I could use to make my life easier. I know there are a lot of possibilities but I don't know where to start... I'm all ears! (or eyes in this case, lol)

Thanks!
 
:thumbup: I use a Maxpedition Falcon II; I have survival items and even a small 22 cal. handgun inside. I take it with me every day(BOB), hiking and hunting. It has molle webbing for extra pouches witch I like. you can get enough in it for two days if you know how to pack. Theres also straps on the bottom of the pack for small tarp or bed roll. Check it out on Youtube.
 
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It depends on what you plan on packing. I've used my Kifaru Scout and loved it for a hunting lumbar/backpack and it held more than enough. Another option is the RIBZ "front packs"; they wear like a vest so you don't have to worry about a waistbelt, yet they still are quite comfortable and give you good capacity.

ROCK6
 
I've gone through a few backpacks for whitetail hunting, and have settled on 2 "go-to" packs...a Kifaru Spikecamp and a Badlands 2200. I've like the 2200 for its suspension, versatility and the fact that it sits close to the back.

That said, I've been considering the Badlands Upland Bird Vest for the days when I don't need much capacity.

http://www.badlandspacks.com/bird.php

Chris
 
that bird vest looks like a great woods pack. with all the pockets. also looks like it should carry very well.
 
Depending on how far you're going to be hiking in a day, something like the Maxpedition Fatboy (or the Jumbo) would probably work well for shorter distances. I got a regular Fatboy last fall due to one of your main complaints, not being able to shoulder a gun properly with a regular backpack on. I've found it very nice for my purposes. Also allows me to get into it without having to go through all the trouble of taking the whole pack off then put it back on. Just to be clear, the Fatboy is a gearslinger-type pack with one shoulder strap.
 
Depends on how much you want to carry. Like you, over the years I have tried tons of packs and vests. After 30 years of experimenting I carry a simple over the shoulder bag, what would have been called a haversack back in the day.

For longer trips, more weight, I just carry whatever my current favorite pack is. Every pack I have tried gets in the way of shouldering and/or, slinging my gun, and everyone, but my shoulder bag, has to be removed to access what is inside. So I guess I don't really have an answer, other than I have been on the same quest for the last 30 years or so. :o
Chris
 
I go simple I have been using a Camel back Stryker for years now. Its not to big but carries what I need for the day. But I only Archery hunt so I don't have an issue with the straps being in the way. From the way it sits and the grip material on the outside of the traps I don't see it being an issue shouldering a rifle though.
 
Take a look at the Blackhawk 3 day pack. I've been using it for about 6 years now. Very durable and very comfortable. I've put it through about every test it could have possibly been through and its still in excellent condition.

-Rick.
 
I have used various badlands packs and they are simply the best..

Here is Badlands UNCONDITIONAL WARRANTY:The Legendary Badlands Unconditional Warranty

We don't care what happened, or whose fault it was, we will fix it for free forever. We could care less if you bought it at a garage sale or a gear swap, as long as it says Badlands on the pack it's covered. All we ask is that you use and abuse your pack as much as possible so we can learn how to make better products.

Here is Eberlestock warranty:
We offer a Simple Lifetime Warranty on our products. If an Eberlestock product fails under normal use due to a defect in materials or workmanship, we will either repair or replace it, at our option. If we choose to replace the item, it will be with an equal or better product, but we cannot guarantee availability of an identical product.

Our gear, like anything else, will eventually wear out. So, in the world of common sense, "Lifetime" means that we guarantee our materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product, but we do not guarantee it against wearing out. We expect you to get so much use from your Eberlestock product that if you have worn it out after the end of many trails, you'll want to hang it in a place of honor, like an old pair of jeans that you just can't bring yourself to throw away. You should feel that you've gotten more than your money's worth.

We apply a "reasonable man" philosophy when determining normal use. If something tears or breaks because of defects in materials or workmanship, we'll gladly take care of it, with no questions asked. But please do not ask us to replace items that are damaged by fire, dog mauling, willful vandalism, etc. At some point we ask people to stand up and be responsible for things that happen on their side of the fence.

Items returned for warranty service must be clean. Please don't expect our staff to launder your item. Goods soiled with blood or any mysterious substances will be refused and returned to the sender.

Allow 8 weeks for your repair service.

Please include a note that explains the issue with your item. Mark areas of concern with masking tape.

Give us your contact information: your name, shipping address, phone number, and email address (if available).

Send your item to:

Eberlestock Warranty Service

2980 Main St

Boise, ID 83702

I am sure Eberlestock packs are equally great.. But Badlands has the same warranty as ESEE.. No questions asked.. I have used the Badlands warranty once and it works.. By the way it was totally my fault, and they fixed up my pack like new..
 
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If you are a hardcore hunter and there is a always the possibilty of carrying out meat during your trip I would strongly suggest you take a look at the Mystery Ranch NICE frame system and either get the Crew Cab bag or Longbow bag to go with the NICE frame. There is no other comparable pack company besides McHale Custom packs and Kifaru. I would suggest you do a little reading over at the 24hourcampfire backpacking forum. The Mystery Ranch NICE frame is fully adjustable and packs like a dream. I have the MR NICE frame and CrewCab but plan on picking up the Longbow soon. The people at Mystery Ranch are hardcore hunters that design packs that are made to hunt and pack alot of weight. Take a look at the Longbow. Its a little expensive but if you can afford it get it. There are no better packs. Once you have the NICE frame you can also add all the different bags MR offers. Read this thread --> http://forums.bowsite.com/TF/bgforums/thread.cfm?threadid=366127&messages=61&forum=36 Heres some pics of the Longbow in action. Whats nice is when you kill something all the meat can go in between the pack and frame. Its a very nice system. http://www.mysteryranch.com/s.nl/it.A/id.7862/.f
 
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Mystery Ranch is owned/operated by Dana Gleason of Dana Designs fame, they are still in Bozeman and they still build bombproof and innovative packs

They sell to the military, hot shot fire crews and ski patrol teams- folks that can put a pack through it's paces- they keep coming back

expensive- yes, bang for the buck- certainly

I use an old Dana Design lumbar pack for most of my one day big game hunts- it's been on the job for close to 20 years
 
I see a lot of good looking packs in there but they all have the same issue, for me, with the shoulder straps being in the way of shouldering a rifle. The pack is ALWAYS on my back, except when I stop for a small break. I need to be able to shoot comfortably with the pack on. I'm really liking rocketbomb's suggestion though... the Fatboy... This seems to be a kind of haversack as August West suggests...

All I need to carry is my lunch, water, some tools, a call, rope, 2-way radio, bic lighter, etc... I don't need a huge pack. I don't carry the meat out on the pack, I just radio some nearby buddies and we drag it out.

How does the Fatboy or Jumbo carry after a long day? Do they end up hurting on the 1 shoulder? Does the bag stay in place if you're moving around?

Thanks for all the suggestions!!
 
You'd have to load up a Fatboy with quite a bit of weight to make it painful. Never weighed mine, but with all my crap in it it probably weighs around 5 lbs and is quite comfortable. With a jacket on it doesn't move much. If you're in a t-shirt, there is a waist strap that works fairly well. I think some of the newer Jumbos have this as well. The Jumbo has a holder for a 1-liter water bottle, whereas with the Fatboy you'll need to get some sort of bottle you can stuff inside the main pouch. I use an 18oz widemouth Klean Kanteen in mine.

If you want to carry some lunch and plenty of water I'd recommend the Jumbo, it has a bit of extra room. Mine is packed full with my 18oz water bottle and a first aid kit.

I wear my Fatboy on 5+ mile hikes and day-long hunting trips all the time. Seems quite comfortable to me. I could see somebody loading up a Jumbo to the point of getting uncomfortable, though.
 
Here is my hunting bag, think I paid about 10 bucks for it, I know I am a cheapskate. It comfortably carrys all my gear, I have no idea what it weighs, when I get home I am going to sew loops on the bottom to attach a poncho so that will add a bit more weight. I have never actually loaded it down, I still have room to spare. I like it becuase I can grab it and my shotgun and hit the door knowing I have all my stuff. Chris

IMG_1078.jpg
 
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