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Morbo
10-30-2012, 3:59 PM
I have a pig hunt next week and am looking for a day pack to haul my stuff (food, water, binoculars, ammo, etc., etc.).

To give you some idea of what I am thinking, I am looking closely at the 5.11 MOAB 6 (or 10, don't know how much room I need). I want just enough pack to carry what I need for a day in the field. I did try the MOAB 10 in the store and I liked how you could swing it to the front for access without taking it off. I also liked having my right shoulder free of any straps in case I need to bring the rifle up quickly (before I can take the pack off for a shot).

What works for you and why? Thanks

littlebear44
10-30-2012, 4:35 PM
I would think the single shoulder strap might get annoying after awhile especially hiking long distances. I have a single shoulder strap for my fishing day pack and wouldnt want to use it for hunting because of the terrain i cover. I have a cabelas day pack. It has a fanny pack and backpack with a harness system so the top part can come off and allow the use of just waist portion. Its not as large as some other i believe its a total of 2000" cubic inches. I carry 1 gallon of water, 8 high calorie energy bars, a few small food items, knife, small cleaning kit, 100' of 550 cord, small truama kit, small survival kit (waterproof matches, lighter, emergency blanket, hand and feet warmers, glow sticks, flint and cottonballs, and a small survival shovel), and some extra ammo. There is still room left over but not that much. I got a smoking deal on it and bought it last minute cuz i was in need of one. Ended up loving it.
http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/largeImagePopup.jsp?productId=1115316&cImage=s7_516505_610_01

DirtyDave
10-30-2012, 4:39 PM
For your Binos, get a harness. You dont want them in your pack.
http://www.cabelas.com/optics-harnesses-cabelas-pro-binocular-harness-1.shtml

Going out on shorter hikes or in good weather i just use a belt-bag like this one. Enough for some emergency gear, skinning knives, gloves, flashlight/headlight, plastic bags, game bags/pillowcases, water and snacks.
http://www.fieldline.com/Products/h2o-field-waist-pack/27

For longer hikes I use a pack like this. More room for a jacket, rope, more water, MRE's, etc.
http://www.fieldline.com/Products/ultimate-hunters-2-day-pack/8

Make sure your pack has a good waist strap. You want your hips to carry the weight, not your shoulders. I wouldnt use a single strap pack. You want the waist strap tight and the shoulder straps just tight enough to keep the pack from moving around. Your back will thank you.

tpuig
10-30-2012, 5:07 PM
Gotta agree with these guys 100%...

A small fanny pack with a first aid kit and some essentials is good for day hikes. If you're going to be out longer, a full pack is nice. There are so many types out there, it really depends on what you need, what feels good and your budget. Anything from a top of the line Badlands pack for $450 to an old Army surplus Alice pack for $25...
Cabelas and Sportsman's Guide are my two favorites for this kind of stuff, but sort of on the opposite ends of the quality scale... May not be the prettiest, but USGI suplus stuff is usually a bargain and tough.

And even though I've had survival training and am pretty good in the outdoors, I NEVER leave the camp without my little ditty bag and first aid/survival gear, whether it's in the butt pack or full pack. You can twist an ankle 200 yards from the camp and have to sleep in a ditch in the rain. A little pouch can carry all that stuff and easily fit into a pocket on most packs. Just a thought.

maidendeth13
10-30-2012, 5:11 PM
I use the Cabela's Elite Scout.

Only downside is that the main storage compartment access is somewhat impeded by the zipper design (only opens on one half.

Really like the mesh against your back and the air flowing through and also that it includes a bladder and has lots of easily accessible storage on the front.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hunting/Hunting-Bags-Packs|/pc/104791680/c/104392080/Cabelas-Elite-Scout-Pack/1230368.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fhunt ing-hunting-bags-packs%2F_%2FN-1105017%2B4294770704%2FNe-4294770704%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104791680%26WTz_ st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104791680%3Bcat104392080

kgcabs
10-30-2012, 5:40 PM
Badlands diablo

Morbo
10-30-2012, 9:04 PM
Thanks for the responses. I'm looking very closely at the Badlands packs. I like what I see and the online reviews are very good. I'll also be getting the binocular harness. Good tip.

curisu
10-30-2012, 9:18 PM
My go-tos:
Eberlestock mini-me for quick < 1/2 day adventures: http://www.eberlestock.com/H1%20Mini-Me.htm

Eberlestock Gunslinger II for longer outings with more gear: http://www.eberlestock.com/G2%20Gunslinger%20II.htm

tpuig
10-30-2012, 9:20 PM
I also have a Badlands Diablo, and it's awesome. Not cheap, but well thought out and well made. However, I haven't even used it yet. Stuck with the Alice and fanny pack so far. Old habits are hard to break, but then again I haven't had to pack anything out yet....

XVIga_Rob
10-30-2012, 11:16 PM
I 2nd the use of a harness for the binos. Keeps them right where you need them and help to stabilize when glassing.
For a day pack, I use a Camelbak Ranger XT. It has a 100 oz. hydration bladder. I can pack as little as I want but have pleny of water, or pack a little more. It has good waist & shoulder straps, and caries well.

MJB
10-31-2012, 7:28 AM
I'm a Sitka guy for the day pack and MR for the real backpacking trips. Plus I have a 2lbs breakdown meat pack that will hold over 100lbs for big game with frame, pads & straps.

Good luck on your hunt.

Spelunker
10-31-2012, 9:17 AM
this is my chukar hunting daypack. Love it.

http://shop.camelbak.com/military-tactical/packs/hydration-plus-cargo/l/d/1163_c_401_cl_1248

StraightShooter
10-31-2012, 9:35 AM
I really like the cabelas elite scout as well as the other poster above.

drutledge79
10-31-2012, 11:33 AM
$20 fanny pack:
http://www.cabelas.com/hunting-bags-packs-trekker-8482-water-bottle-fanny-pack-2.shtml

I use that if I go 90 min or less from camp/truck. I have first-aid, survival stuff, game handling and misc stuff like gloves, sunscreen, power bars, etc and it includes a 1L water bottle.

For longer outings where I don't have my full backpack but want more water and stuff I have a Kelty 30L thing w/ an integrated water bladder. I don't use that much anymore because either I'm doing a full backpack trip or I'm hunting a short distance from camp. I prefer the fanny pack. It is cheaper, smaller and doesn't interfere with shouldering the rifle. 1L of water is plenty for a 4-5 hour outing if you have been keeping yourself well hydrated ahead of time.

philsf1
10-31-2012, 11:33 AM
I have a pig hunt next week and am looking for a day pack to haul my stuff (food, water, binoculars, ammo, etc., etc.).

To give you some idea of what I am thinking, I am looking closely at the 5.11 MOAB 6 (or 10, don't know how much room I need). I want just enough pack to carry what I need for a day in the field. I did try the MOAB 10 in the store and I liked how you could swing it to the front for access without taking it off. I also liked having my right shoulder free of any straps in case I need to bring the rifle up quickly (before I can take the pack off for a shot).

What works for you and why? Thanks

Probably too late for your pig hunt next time order this http://www.geigerrig.com/hydration-packs/rig-1200-camo.html

Everything you need in a day pack you can throw in a survival blanket and a first aid kit some eats, ammo, fresh socks, etc and off you go. Best pack out there IMO.

TheExiled
10-31-2012, 11:44 AM
Ive got one of these, and like it so much, Im waiting for a sale to get another

http://www.voodootactical.net/p-42-voodoo-tactical-large-tobago-molle-assault-pack.aspx

TheExiled
10-31-2012, 11:44 AM
Doubletap

mzhunter
10-31-2012, 7:15 PM
badlands are bada**

yakchin
11-01-2012, 1:11 PM
For deer and elk I love my Nimrod pack, www.nimrodpacks.com. Made in USA. They usually have a booth at the RMEF Elk Camp, at least the ones held in Reno. Not a big company, but really nice stuff.

crob
11-01-2012, 2:06 PM
I just picked up a Tenzing TZ2220 and found it quite comfortable once I got it adjusted right. Best price I found was on Amazon

xSARSx
11-02-2012, 2:54 AM
this is what i use for my day pack when hunting or hiking. and a extra one for traveling, my carry-on why roll with a suitcase when you can pack as much as a carry on suit case in this pack?
http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Bags-Backpacks/Backpacks/RUSH-72-Backpack.html

huntandski
11-02-2012, 9:35 PM
Big 5 has 30 dollar backpacks. Just get any one that feels comfortable.

Rider1k
11-02-2012, 9:47 PM
Walmart has some nice packs lately. They have one that is totally waterproof with lots of room for an over niter or two. If you boned out might work well but its not a frame pack

Rider1k
11-02-2012, 9:50 PM
I hunt private property 30 miles from my house so I usually just pack my badlands fanny with some first aid, field dressing tools , snacks fire starter and such. Badlands makes a fine pack aswell but they are a little pricy for what ya get IMO