Asbell Haversack ????

[STICKBENDER98]

Those of you that use the haversack, does it allow you the same space as a small to medium sized backpack?  I am looking at getting one when I go to the bow show in Kalamazoo, and using it with a back quiver.  Just curious how much room it allows.  I'm pretty sure that I have way too much stuff ("crap") in my back pack than I need.    


Jason

[KAZ]

I have two of them and they are awesome.... That being said, they are approximately a 12” pouch with some dividers... I’m not in front of one so the 12” is a guess... I do not see it as a backpack replacement, but it carries a lot of the essentials well. Could absolutely be used alone for still hunting or earlier season affairs. Think wool “possibles” bag... l love them and over their wool garments they tend to stay put with friction between the wool garments...  

[V I Archer]

I think when it cones to daypacks and the like we are generally guilty of goldfish syndrome.  No matter the size of bag we will fill it with essentials or not so essentials.  I generally run a small fanny pack when out for a quick hunt.  If further out, i will run a day pack and add a tarp in case i need to spend an uncomfortable night.  

I like the idea of the haversack and would like to try it with my backquiver.

[Keefer]

This is what I carry in mine!  

>Small bottle of "Earth scent cover up spray".
>16 oz.Bottle of water.
>pair of gloves
>Sealed top water bottle filled with extra AAA. battery's,small flashlight as a back up,game tags,rubber gloves,knife/broad head sharpener,ink pen for filling out tag,tie strap to hold tags,whistle in case I get lost with compass that doesn't work correctly,map of hunting area.
>pruning shears/clippers
>knife
>head lamp
>shooting glove
>bow stringer
>grunt tube
>scent wafer's in pack
>small honing /knife sharpener in case
>small roll of that jupe string
>beef jerky sometimes
>shooting glove
>Arm Guard
>Face mask
 Last three items I put on as I head out but leave in my Asbell Haversack most times when done hunting.
 If I think of anything I missed I'll come back and add that and Yes I stuff it but it is capable of holding a few more items if I wanted to.    

[Keefer]

Sometimes I carry a few small Hostess pies as well if I'm out on a All day sit to my above list!  

[Gdpolk]

It won't have the space of a small backpack.  I don't like to bowhunt with mine.  It is however, the best shell bag I've found for shotgunning for small game.

For bowhunting and rifle hunting I've found I strongly prefer a small fanny pack like the Tenzing TZ721.  It not only keeps the bulk behind you but is more organized, quiet, doesn't flop around, can have clothing lashed to it, and can strap around a tree when on a stand.

[Sam McMichael]

It ain't designed to be a backpack. It does have enough room for essential hunting accessories; however, it will not replace a backpack, especially if you need to carry extra clothing or other bulky stuff.

In mine, I carry my gloves and face mask along with my orange vest when hunting in rifle season but no other garments. Also, I carry 3 grunt tubes, rattling bag, and several different scents. Powder for determining wind direction and 2 kinves round out the rest. That is about all it carries easily. A few other items go in my pocket.

I like the idea of the haversack's smaller capacity forcing me to not carry a lot of non-essential equipment. I hunt a small plot of land, and none of my stands are more than about 400 yards from my son's house or my truck. You guys going deeper into the boonies may well need the room offered by the pack. Nonetheless, each has its place and its importance.

[ChuckC]

Not as big, nope, but really nice.  Plenty of pockets.  I wear mine all the time now.it goes very well with a back quiver, the reason i purchased it.

[Terry Lightle]

I use 1 with abackquiver when small game hunting
Terry

[STICKBENDER98]

Thanks guys, right now I use a small backpack/fanny pack, but am looking at using a back quiver, and was hopeful that this would fit the bill as a replacement for my small pack.  It sounds as if it will fit the bill nicely.  I am planning on checking them out in Kalamazoo next month, but wanted a little input from those that have used them.

Jason

[finkm1]

I bought one at K-zoo last year. I used it turkey hunting because my decoys were on my back. I only used it a couple times this fall bowhunting. I didn't like the way it flopped around so I went to a fanny pack with shoulder straps. They are nice and well built but I found that if you carry too much stuff it is hard to find in the compartments. I will use it as a possible's bag when I finish my Kentucky rifle muzzle loader kit.

[Skates]

I have one and love it.  Its what my dad use to call a nap sack.  These are very well made and last forever cause they are wool.  They age gracefully as well.

It carries all I NEED, not what I DON'T need.  If I need more I'll carry a back pack.  

Check them out and I bet you will buy one!

[dnovo]

I have a small leather possibles bag I carry as a haversack. I carry a folding saw, pruners, sheath knife, 6 in file, headlamp, cord, wind indicators , turkey calls in it. I like being able to just slip it over my shoulder and take off hunting and knowing I have what I need. When weather gets real cold I have a Bison Gear haversack that is larger so I can carry a bit more stuff. I have the Asbell haversack but never used it a lot.

[Terry Green]

I have one.....they are really cool.

Definitely need to check them out at the zoo.

[Sam McMichael]

I also use mine with a back quiver. Here is how I lessen the floppiness of the haversack. I put it on my shoulder and shift it around more toward my back. Then, I put on my quiver which helps to keep it from sliding back by my side. It is not foolproof, but it sure helps. One other consideration is that, if it is flopping a lot, you may be moving too fast. I have that issue, too. Also, over time, I developed the habit of walking with my left elbow tucked by my side, which further steadies the haversack.

While at the zoo, how about passing along to Theresa an idea I have had regarding this problem?  Attach a short lead to the bag, that can be hooked to a belt loop to limit the amount of swing the bag can have as you move.

[ron w]

I remember the days of a knife and piece of rope on my belt and a sandwich and an apple in my shirt for a day long hunt. I should use one of the haversacks I have and get back to that logic. Carry way to much stuff even for a half day hunt.