backpacks

[TIP]

I guess I am slow at trying things, especially a backpack specifically designed for hunting. My older deer hunting coats that I still use have a back pouch, as if designed to carry birds, which I used to carry some minimal extra needed deer gear. My new blaze orange bibs and coat have large pockets, but no real single large pocket or pouch to carry a few extra essentials. So last year I started using a generic camo backpack to carry the few extras, which seemed to grow because of the extra capacity of a backpack. I like that I can carry this on my back, works well when walking or riding a 4 wheeler to a stand and I can also hang the backpack right next to me for easy access. So instead of using a cheap generic, are there backpack designs out there that work much better for carrying hunting gear when hunting deer, turkey, prairie dogs, fox, etc., ? I would much prefer first hand experience on this instead of the helpful link to something that looks good, hope you understand.

Thanks in advance.

[crbutler]

I just use a simple small LL Bean day pack.

If I can't get it in there, I don't need it.

I have hunted with guides that use a full frame pack and carry enough to equip the 2nd armored for a week.

My advice is to stick with the small pack you are using unless you are backpack hunting. With a space blanket, a small brick of tinder, a lighter or waterproof matches and a cell phone that is charged, you should be covered for anything outside of the BWCA.


If you are talking about wilderness hunts, I just hire the guide with the bottomless backpack.

[farmerj]

I got a remington day pack from walmart a couple years ago. If it doesn't go in there, it doesn't go with me.

If I am hunting from the ground blind, I have a stool with a bag under it and the stuff goes in there for me to sit on instead. cuts it down from two to one thing to carry.

[msnden]

My backpack has been almost as important to me as my rifle, It really depends on where you hunt. in the north I could carry some security items, when a foot took an unexpected dip in a "bog" and got wet,or the weather took a turn for the worse it was nice to know the backpack held replacement socks, hat,etc, Hunting in remote areas requires one to be prepared.
The biggest problem with a backpack is once you use one for a period of time you become addicted, now I hunt in a more populated area & I still relay on the backpack. That being said I would look for one that was Waterproof!!, You do not want one too big, but with a few pockets, Try on a few and see what fits, Waterproof & good straps would be high priorities, be prepared to spend a few bucks, a good pack can be spendy, (but they last) again, it depends on where you hunt on how much extra you need, but I do like a pack. MOP msn

[tim]

I have one of these. Very nice if you hike out a long ways and stay out all day. Nice to be able to bring an extra layer if the weather isn't predictable. I know I didn't pay $150 for it like its listed on the site but I'm sure it was 100.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hunting/ ... t104392080

Not sure if that link will work?? If not, search Bow and Rifle Pack on the Cabelas site.


This year I used a fanny pack that had a large center pouch and some smaller pouches to the sides, as well as a water bottle. I almost liked the fanny pack better than the back pack and still had everything I needed with me. Got the fanny pack at Dunhams Sports but their website sucks so I cant send you a link.

[45Badger]

I snagged a Maxpedition Falcon about 6 years ago. Current model-

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/FAL ... 12p110.htm

Buy it used, and then run it through a few cycles of wash/dry. Like most Maxpedition stuff, it was VERY stiff and noisy. Holds everything you need and nothing you don't for deer hunting.

[Ironbear]

Can't speak to using it for hunting, but I have a Mountainsmith Lumbar pack that I been using for mountain biking and motorcycling, for years. Smaller than a daypack, bigger than a fanny pack, keeps my shoulders free, and snugs up tight to my body.

Mine isn't as fancy as the new ones, but they don't have the custom abrasion patches ground into them....

Mine appears closest to their Day Classic... but mine is a bit more classic that that...

[ASmith]

I second maxpedition! I also have the falcon 2 amd love it, its a little more then some of the other packs out there but well worth it. If your looking for something smaller they have a lot of great models on there site http://www.maxpedition.com/
I did find that lapolicegear.com had a better price and free shipping, also do a search for discount codes I got an extra 5% off from a code I found.

[Squib Joe]

On sale if still needed:

http://www.lapolicegear.com/diplomat-3- ... pack1.html