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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Pat B. on January 14, 2010, 10:37:00 AM
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I've been looking for a good day pack for several years.. I'm talking about something I can take some small essentials in, camera, small tripod, rain gear, lights, compass, thermacell, etc... Don't want it too big and bulky as it goes up in the tree with me. Generally I only hunt in the afternoons for a few hours but sure like having my gear with me.. What have you guys been using? WHIP ?????
Thanks
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Hard to beat Bison Gear. Will cost you more than many, but the workmanship is exceptional and it is well designed. Mine is made out of wool, though they may now have some that are synthetic material.
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Just checked their website. I have the First Trip Explorer model day pack (since 2002). Perfect for all day in a treestand or stalking.
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Badlands Whitetail is a great pack
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I'm not sure if Angelo has it pictured yet, but ask him about the Elk Hunter day pack from Bison Gear. I don't leave home without it.
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If you are looking for a pack primarily for whitetail hunting and want the option to carry bigger items on occasion the Badlands Superday is a really nice option. Lots of room, well designed, and great warranty.
If you just want to carry the items you mentioned take a look at this one. I love the flip up "basket" as a place to throw your stuff you want handy while you're in the stand. Grunt call, binos, book, etc. It gives you a place to toss something quick when that buck sneaks in behind you!
This is the Badlands Treehugger pack. A standard fanny style pack with the cool mesh bucket that flips up. I don't have these listed on my website, but do have in stock and can always get anything you need from Badlands.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Packs/treehugger_01_th.jpg)
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Pat, which ever pack you decide on, I would get one with a hydration system. I carried bottles of water for years and was always annoyed with either the sloshing sound or waveing around the big white bottles like you see in the previous post picture. I find that I drink more water with a pack that has a hydration system because it's easier to access and quieter. Water's still one of the cheapest things around to keep refreshed and alert.
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Take a look at the Timberhawk Rut Buster pack.
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I LOVE the Badlands "Super-day" Best pack I ever used.
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I like my Badlands Diablo.
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love my badlands whitetail looking to try the diablo also this year
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I purchased a Bison gear pack over 10 years ago. I have used it in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, ND and it still is like new. Very quiet material so I don't need to take it off to get close to animals.
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Might try the x2 by eberleystock. Its a small pack. very comfortable. can hold plenty. I have not hunted a tree stand but I would think this would be fine for that.
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I use a "Mountainsmith Lumbar" pack...it has proven to be extremely comfortable, and it's design lends itself perfectly for bowhunting...two side pouches for water bottles, and the over-the-shoulder strap combined with the belt-strap holds it solid/secure to your body, making it quieter, less cumbersome...also, if you need to get into it in the field, just unsnap the belt catch and the shoulder strap keeps it on you while you just spin it to the front for quick & easy access...I forget it's on my back...they have a couple different capacities, and several different colors...around $70...
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I love my bison gear outfitter pack with shoulder harness. Has room for all my stuff. Very quite and very durable.
Gilbert
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I prefere to carry a big fanny pack like the Monster Pack from Badland.It is as roomy as regular daypacks and it is much easyer to draw your bow with that on.
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I use a good leather possibles bag (like the muzzleloading guys use, but without the foofaraw decorations). Had a local Amish saddlemaker sew me one up this spring using the one my Mom made 20 years ago as a pattern (finally retiring that one!). Wish I had a dollar for every mile I've carried that old bag. The original was made of leather from a bison Dad killed, and this one is from a nice, medium, cow leather. The cow leather is better - less stretchy.
I carry a half dozen screw in steps, a knife, flashlight, pruning saw, my haul up and tie in ropes in the main bag, and an extra bowstring, hunting license, tags and a pen in a small front pocket and I'm good to go.
When I need to carry a backpack along to sit a treestand for 3 or 4 hours then its time to carry less junk! Really this bag is about all I use anywhere for a daypack.
R
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Not knocking any of the others, as I am sure that they are nice, but I prefer the elite scout pack from cabelas. It is not as large as some day packs, yet much more comfortable than a fanny pack and holds more.
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Here's mine, an actual "daypack"; it carries EVERYTHING I need for a day in the field - no more. Tough as nails and very quiet. It has brass "Sam Browne buttons" which allows quick access and secure closure.
(http://brothersofthebow.com/vista1web.jpg)
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'Nuther vote for Bison Gear! :thumbsup:
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Afternoon hunts?
I've got two basic daypacks.
An Eberlestock X-2 I got from Whip which will handle extra clothes, food, water, your tripod, more food, camera and haul out some meat.
A Kifaru Tailgunner I (with omnibelt) for more predictable weather (less clothes) and when I just need the basics.
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Blacks Creek B. C. 1.5
I like it for the adjustable length back, has better air flo between the pack and you than many other more expensive "daypacks" and doesn't cost a months truck payment to buy. Its at least worth the trying one on.
Joshua, who actually thinks we're getting a little spoiled with all the features these packs have.
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I really like my Bison Gear pack. I wore out allot of packs over the years. My Bison Gear pack Looks as good today as it did 6yrs ago when I got it. It was made with wool from king of the Mountain.
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Another vote for Bison Gear, I have 2 lost river packs, and a first trip outfitter. They suit my needs.
I used a Badlands 2200 for years, they are also a very good pack. Great for cold weather hunting, you can put alot of wool clothing in the pack.
Jim
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Nimrod in the Pinnacle model
www.nimrodpacks.com (http://www.nimrodpacks.com)
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Check out Colemans military surplus on line they have all kinds of packs (all Military) and I like the Alice Pack Thats what I prefer I used them in the Marines and they are great. :thumbsup:
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Bison Gear! I own two of their packs,The First Trip Explorer and The Lost River. Both packs are excellent and are literally built for the archer. From the pockets located on the waste belt to the shoulder straps being designed so that the bowhunter can shoot with his pack on, Bison Gear is durable and the craftsmanship is second to none. Both of my packs are wool and are whisper quiet, which is huge to the stalking bowhunter. I would like to see their elk hunter pack at some point. Fine hunting pack, second to none, T
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Use the Badlands Diablo for deer- it can take all my warm stuff when I hike in and is stout enough to take a boned out deer if need be. Use the Badlands OX for elk - Matt
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(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp200/benmaher3006/PICT0144.jpg)
bison gear !!!
well made , quiet hunting gear for bowhunters !!!
ben
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Another vote for Badlands Super day pack!
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Thanks... I'm going to look at each one of the packs you guys reccomended and try to make a choice... I've been carrying packs from local chain stores, they leave a bit to be desired.
RR, I like to take a camera and tripod, I plan on killing something !!! I like your minimalist idea but just seem to wind up with a bit more junk that I like to have with me..
A few years ago I got turned around in some woods that I've been in all my life. It was well after dark and there was no moon and a complete cloud cover.. My little flashlight petered out and of all things, I didn't have a compass with me.. I was in a block of woods that was about a 1/2 mile square with two track roads on four sides. I knew exactly where I was but just couldn't seem to walk in a straight line to find a darn road.... And it was getting cold and I didn't have proper clothing.. I was just about resigned to spending the night, my wife would have been crazy with worry.. About then I stepped out onto one of the two track roads.. I also decided that I would carry a few extras in a little backpack so that sort of thing wouldn't happen again... It's one thing when you're in the mountains and do an overniter or two but when you're in your back yard it's just ridiculous.. I was laughing at myself but just a bit pissed about the situation too!
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Pat
I figure its bad luck to carry a camera deer hunting - guarantee's you wont kill one! ;)
I plan on killing something too (well, at least once in a while) but my wife would kill me if I did a blood trail without her so job #1 is going back to get the boss to blood track.
Remember too, the compass goes in your pocket! The only time you'll need one is when you forgot your pack in the truck.
R
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I got turned around in Texas last year while trailing a wounded javi. Left my pack back where I had been sitting, and of course in my pack was my compass and GPS. The block I was in was A LOT BIGGER than 1/2 mile square. I think I ended up walking just about the entire thing diagonally before I came out on a road.
My compass and GPS are now carried in the pocket of my Arrowmaster quiver. That is ALWAYS with me when I'm hunting.
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I'm with Ryan. After years of backpacks I finally switched to a shoulder bag with cloth straps. That goes over one shoulder and a wool bottle holder over the other. Each one snaps to my belt so they do not move around.
This arrangement is much more quiet for stalking than a backpack with synthetic straps and sits on the back.
If I want something out of either bag I simply unsnap it, swing it around to the front, and get what I need.
The compass goes on the opposite wrist as my watch before I leave the house.
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I'll Bison that!!
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I have been trying a Cat Quiver II, enough room for what you need and arrows. I find If I take a pack of some sort I carry way to much stuff that I hardly ever use. The Cat II is just enough for lunch,rope,GPS, and rain gear or a extra wool shirt. I got the model with the belt that has a spot for a water bottle!
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I like my Badlands..
I don't know what model it is, but small enough to pack the things you need and stay out of the way...
Strong enough to take a load out (or a whole deer if your stupid enough to cary one)
(http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n32/papsblueribbon1/gaugeatwallow.jpg)
(http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n32/papsblueribbon1/offwego.jpg)
(http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n32/papsblueribbon1/UtahArchery017.jpg)
Todd
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I use both the Badlands "super day" and the "hydro pack". Both perfect for day use and still out of the way when you want to move quickly.
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I did the, man it got real dark all the sudden thing this season. My light got turned on, with out any help from me in my pack. The battery was dead when I found it. I was in a new spot and had the bright idea to go deep. The only thing that saved my a-- was I new where the train tracks were and a train led me out. I like the looks of the Bisongear outfitter pack with shoulder straps.
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I just bought a Jim Horn Western By Blacks Creek. Lots of nice features, but as it turns out the pack does not fit taller users well (loaded it at home) unless you buy a "big mans" shoulder harness for 33.00 extra. So it becomes a 200.00 pack because you can't buy them with the longer harness. You buy the small strapped pack and THEN get the other set of straps.
Taking it back for a refund and getting an Eberlestock x2.
Joshua
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Bison Gear as well...
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I very much like my CamelBak Striker that I have used for a few years now. It is just the right size for me and has a good hydration system. Being narrower than some, I find it to ride very comfortably on my back.
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Horn Hunter, perfect size for me,very comfortable
and enough room for a day trip.
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I have the Cat Quiver VI and just took off the quiver part, and have been really impressed with this fanny type pack with shoulder straps.
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Just got a horn hunter very nice
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I have them all and my Bison Gear Lost River is the go to pack unless I'm hunting in real hot weather. Mine is wool and wool/heat don't mix for me. Angelo does make them out of other materials as well.
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The one I use is a Cat Day V by Rancho Safari.It is a large day pack with plenty of pockets and the back panel opens up to give you full access to the main compartment.It is constructed of fleece in Advatage Timber pattern and the workmanship and design is excellent.
I'm guessing that this is app. 2000 cu.in.,so it may be bigger than many people need but for hunting in the mountains where it is cold in mornings and evenings,it is just the ticket for me.I can throw a warm coat and vest in it plus anything else I need and there are compression straps for when it isn't full.They also have smaller day packs.I like the fact that the shoulder straps are also covered in fleece.These are deadly silent packs.
I also have one of their larger fannys with shoulder straps that I use when I don't need as much capacity.The Rancho Safari packs are extremely well designed and workmanship is top notch.
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Everybody's got a favorite and I mean that literally. Every BODY likes a different pack. You need to try on a few before you find one that fits you and your needs properly. After just such a search (buy, try, sell or give away, buy, try, sell....) I have settled on 2 Badlands packs-- the Hyperhydro for short hunts and the Diablo for longer hunts. I do believe I could Bivy with the Diablo if the need arose. Both fit my frame, have a pocket arrangement which feels intuitive for me and they are bombproof. There are a lot of great quality packs out there--if you can, try before you buy or at least do some focused thinking about what you like and need in a pack.
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I need to name also the King of the Mountain Day Pack,very very silent and really roomy.Everything come easyly on your hands.
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I really like my Badland Monster Fanny pack. I wear it with the shoulder straps and it works great for staying low and out of the way.
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I bought a First Trip Explorer from Bison Gear in wool this past fall to use for mainly hunting whitetails and it is great. Plenty of room for all my gear and then some. One of the features that I really liked was the game bag in the top section. I used it for hauling clothes on really cold days so I would not get too hot walking to the stand. They make great packs!
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King of the Mountain fanny pack. Wool, yet lighter weight itself than many others, 3 pockets that are smaller for calls, etc, a big pocket for survival stuff and clothing, lashing straps for coat or clothing, take down longbow, side quiver, put the gps on the belt as well as a knife, and a survival tarp in place of the back pad which zips in and out and you can butcher meat, make a rain shelter, etc out of it and there is a space blanket material on the reverse side. All this and I mountain bike with all this on. I can't imagine I would find a pack that is as light in mass wt that is as versatile and doesn't creep too far upon my back. it has shoulder straps to lighten back stress. I have used for hunts from elk to whitetails and love it.
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When you pack shop, it is really eye-opening to just pick up the empty pack and feel how heavy they can be BEFORE you fill them up! There are a lot of high quality packs out there
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I really like my Eberlestock X2 with my tippit knife sheath laced in...Doc
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Knives/BackPackKnifeSheath001.jpg)
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Wow Doc, You have enough room in that to pack out a hog for me :goldtooth: :biglaugh:
Love the knife sheath!
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Bought a Badlands SuperDay Pack this year and love it. Once the waist stap breaks in, it fold up nice and tight against the tree when hanging and has tons of pockets too.
Pick up one used and save some $$$'S.