Day packs. What's everyone using?

tikka250 · #1 10-01-2019, 11:59 AM

It seems lately that my bowhunting ventures are taking me further and further afield and it's come to the point where stuffing a granola bar in my pocket is no longer good enough.
I have used old backpacks before but this time I'd like to get a half decent one that will last and be useful for long hikes into the middle of nowhere. I know you can get pretty pricey with these things but if I can I'd like to keep it sub $300 if at all possible.
I noticed the Sitka Apex pack is not to terribly priced but is it any good?

jpohlic · #2 10-01-2019, 12:27 PM

I really like my Tenzing TZ1200 but I don't think you can get this size anymore. They do have a 1500 though.

Ruger.308 · #3 10-01-2019, 12:41 PM

I started using a Badlands Dash pack for full day hunts. Very comfortable and i love the extra straps to hold down the bow or a chair. They go on sale every few months too, amazing warranty, camel pack can be built in.

I switched to the pack after hunting with a cargo vest and i enjoy the freedom of taking the pack off while sitting versus just wearing the vest all the time.

7mmremmag · #4 10-01-2019, 01:52 PM

Im running the Kuiu Venture 2300.
I have only used it for a week of elk hunting so far but its been really good.
No complaints

Hogie135 · #5 10-01-2019, 02:25 PM

I've been running my Tenzing 2200 now for 8 years. Still going strong.

35 whelen · #6 10-01-2019, 02:26 PM

Badlands 2200

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JWCalgary · #7 10-01-2019, 03:24 PM

I've been using a 511 tactical bag. Fills all the needs but pack outs ate usually by sled or drag....Short runs

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obsessed1 · #8 10-01-2019, 03:40 PM

I have started using bags with overload/ meat shelf capabilities. My main bag is a outdoor alps hybrid. Big enough for packing out an Elk quarter. If needed but only about 40l bag. I also have a full curl horn hunter. Full system. Both packs can be found under 300 in canada

Fwee6 · #9 10-01-2019, 04:33 PM

Sitka Toolbox.

While meant for the stand hunter, I also find it ultra-comfortable while poking about in the trees/hills.

Tikka300 · #10 10-01-2019, 07:09 PM

I have had the eberlestock X1A1 for quite a few years. Very durable and capable of carrying rifle, bow or both on the pack itself. I bow hunt in grizz country and pack a short rifle for when I want something close by while working on an animal. The only downside is the pack is a touch heavy but I can look past that for how durable it has been.

Jessemc · #11 10-01-2019, 08:23 PM

Would you be looking for a meat hauling option or just a internal framed sturdy pack?

tikka250 · #12 10-01-2019, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessemc

Would you be looking for a meat hauling option or just a internal framed sturdy pack?

Just a small daypack framed or not. I dont spend nights out in the bush but I go far enough now that I want to be able to carry some water as well as a few emergency supplies.

obsessed1 · #13 10-01-2019, 10:06 PM

Molle vest is another option. I sometimes use a load vest designed for military. I like the molle vest with hydration pouch on the back. The pouch is the perfect size for a 2L water bladder. The molle allows you to add on whatever pouches/ bags you want and they can be placed anywhere on the vest for your most comfortable carry. Lots of options with battle vests/ belts to cover just about any carry need.

Broken-Arrow · #14 10-01-2019, 10:15 PM

Badlands 2200
x2

Vacation · #15 10-01-2019, 10:30 PM

I have the badlands 2200. I like it. There are smaller packs but I find this one works well holds the gear I need, and still have some room to pack meat out.

Coiloil37 · #16 10-02-2019, 05:11 AM

If I’m packing light I run a mystery ranch dragon slayer. Over the years in that size I’ve had the mystery ranch bighorn, kifaru spike camp and kifaru late season. All of them were great packs and you couldn’t choose a bad one. Previous to that I ran a eberlestock x1 and a badlands 2200, I wouldn’t recommend either of those packs as they’re bloody uncomfortable compared to the others I mentioned.

Pathfinder76 · #17 10-02-2019, 06:36 AM

The Stone Glacier Avail 2200.

Pathfinder76 · #18 10-02-2019, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck

The Stone Glacier Avail 2200.

waterhaulerhunter · #19 10-02-2019, 09:48 AM

More than your budget but I went with the Exo mountain gear 2000 and am very happy with it. Perfect amount of space as a day pack but the ability to haul more with the load shelf between the bag and frame. Spend once, cry once or however that saying goes lol.

Smoky buck · #20 10-02-2019, 09:50 AM

Another badlands 2200 here

bezzola · #21 10-02-2019, 10:12 AM

Badlands superday pack

KyleSS · #22 10-02-2019, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck

The Stone Glacier Avail 2200.

Another Stone Glacier Avail 2200 user here

koothunter · #23 10-02-2019, 11:39 AM

Mystery Ranch Pop up 28.

harv3589 · #24 10-02-2019, 02:39 PM

Kifaru frame and Woodsman bag

raw outdoors · #25 10-02-2019, 03:22 PM

Acteryex leaf
Mystery ranch metcalf
Depending on the day

mattthegorby · #26 10-02-2019, 06:25 PM

I used an Eberlestock Mainframe with Batwing Pouches last year and I love the thing - will use this year for daytrips and going shooting. With the pouches alone it is fine as a day pack that can accommodate meat. I am a customization dork and it has molle webbing all over the place. Also works well if you want to bring in camp supplies in a drybag and drop them off, then have a tight daypack to hunt with. Only thing is that the load lifters on the old version suck (too low) and I had to modify it. They have released a new longer version - get that one if buying new. Frame and pouches will come to about $325. I got mine used and bought pouches new for about $200 all in.

I also have a Kuiu pack that I am using for multiday trips where lightweight is essential for me... But I love the convenience of the frame on the Mainframe to strap my rifle to and I like the rectangular shape of the two Batwing pouches to keep everything accessible and organized.

mattthegorby · #27 10-02-2019, 06:36 PM

I just saw that the Sitka Apex has no frame or meat carrying capacity. If that is not an issue I would not pay the premium for a hunting brand and just go to MEC, or Atmosphere if you hate MEC, and buy an Arcteryx, Black Diamond, or Osprey pack. You can choose from a ton of different models and try them out.

novatradesmen · #28 10-02-2019, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koothunter

Mystery Ranch Pop up 28.

Do have this bag? How is it for packing out?Thinking of getting one but still on the fence

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alpineguy · #29 10-02-2019, 08:05 PM

I use an Eberlestock Gunslinger II everyday when I'm sheep hunting because I like to have enough clothes and food to overnight on the mountain if I have to.
Elk hunting i switch between the Gunslinger II and a decent sized fanny pack with shoulder straps. Depends how far from the tent I plan on going as to which option.
I really enjoy the built in scabbard of the Eberlestock!!

Dubious · #30 10-02-2019, 08:05 PM

If your getting a pack for hauling meat don’t skimp out on size nothing is worse then having a nice fancy expensive pack and not being able to haul an elk or a moose 1/4 on it. I use mystery ranch Marshall I can make it nice and compact for day trips but it’s still large enough to support my multi day back pack hunts. I went through many smaller frames and non frames packs before I went with a larger framed pack and after 4 seasons I no longer feel the need to be always upgrading. I would stay away from badlands of all the packs I used they had the most disappointing zippers that would blow out at the worst possible times.