What do you look for in a day pack?

[Alexander Traditional]

I have a Filson backpack and a small field bag. I use the field bag like a haversack,and it carries all I usually need. I hardly ever use the backpack because I hunt close to the truck,but both of these bags are extremely rugged.

[NittanyRider]

My needs may not match yours, but I've been looking pretty hard at the Eberlestock X2.  I have not seen it in person, but based on pics, reviews, etc, it looks like a high quality and super functional day pack.  I don't need it to pack meat, but I do want to be able to pack my LW climber, clothes and other stuff, and for this, I don't know if there are any better options out there.  Retail price is $189, but I've seen it for as low as $149 @ ammazon.

Good luck!

[awbowman]

Just my opinion, but X2s would be good only if you want a pack that will also take out some meat.  

I had one and I found it heavy for just a daypack in the deer woods.  I has an internal pack frame that drives the weight to about 4 1/2#s if I remember right and only a little over 1800 cubic inches. Well made though.  I sold mine after my elk hunt.  Like I said, great pack but maybe not the best for a daypack unless you are in the mountains.

[Whip]

I'd have to agree with Fred on the X2.  It is a fantastic mountain pack where you hope to use it to bring a first load of meat out.  But I use a different pack in the whitetail woods.

I actually just ordered a new pack to replace my trusty X2 and have that one listed in the classifieds if anyone is looking for a good western hunting pack.

[LB_hntr]

For day hunts and my normal all the time hunting pack I now swear by mountain bike backs like camelback and others. They are super light, tough as nails, have hydration but in and are narrow so I don't snag trees. Been using this style pack for last 10 years and love them.
For pack-in hunts I use a frame pack and a good quality back packing pack and my mtn bike pack. They nest into each other and offer me options to carry camp in, set a spike camp if I want, or hunt within a few miles of camp.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

I used one like Joe skips 1st pic.for many years until I bought my own similar to it.  I gave that one back to Ron W.

It was perfect and you could time more gear to it if needed.

[TaterHill Archer]

Look at frost river packs.

[Mr. fingers]

Check out timberhawk packs.
I was torn between tenzing and badlands. I stumbled upon timberhawk I got the buck scrape to wear with my arrowmaster they have a lot of models to choose from. Quality seems top notch and a lifetime warranty.  And the prices were better than the tenzing.
Most of timberhawks have a cool binocs feature that attaches the binocs to the straps of the pack then you can just un clip them and the strap has a female and male end that clip together so you can wear you binocs around your neck while you hang you pack in the tree. Or hang them on a hook.  They are quiet and well thought out  packs with lots of feature.
Take a look.   :p  
Tim

[ozy clint]

i'll say that i love my kifaru spike camp. i modified it a little and put 26" stays in it, it's nice and light and teamed with a grab-it i can haul out a 50 pound load in comfort when the need arises. not bad for a day pack.

[Longbow58]

Badlands Reactor works well for me . Even when I connect it to my climber. Hunt mainly mourning and evening hunts until the end of our season then will switch to my bigger pack for all day.

[killinstuff]

I believe I have the perfect pack but it's not made anymore like most good things. It's from Cabelas, is lite but the bag is big enough to pack out a boned out hog. Two big pockets right in front to hold what you need now, the hip belt is large and works when you have a load, chest strap too. Almost looks like a bird hunting pack if that makes sense.  And it was only $50 or $60 bucks at the time!

It will be a sad day when I wear this one out.

[tippit]

For local day hunts I use either...

1) Bison Gear Gopher fanny but as a shoulder sling pack.

     

2) Badlands Roll Top fanny which I attach to my tree with the top open...I don't think the model is made any more though.

[tracker12]

It depends if I am hunting whitetails or out west on an elk hunt.  Locally fro whitetails I use a Mountain Smith fanny pack.  I can carry all I need without balk.  Out west I use a Badlands Super Day pack.

[dragonheart]

I did not like the pack I got in.  So looking at other options.

[bowhunter@54]

I use The CamelBak 60309 MOTHERLODE ACUs Hydration Backpack simply put can handle it. It can haul a whopping 2100Cu.In (35 litres) volume and 100 ounces (3 litres) water with internal pockets for smaller items and a large cargo hold.  And I also use The CamelBak LINCHPIN Hydration Backpacks - 102oz/3.1 L in Army Coyote is a narrow profiled pack for greater easy and range of movement.  as well as with the independent Futura harness (by Mystery Ranch) and you are ready for comfort with any load. hey they are both great packs and love the fact the ease of drinking I have no problem mounting my quiver on the side of either bag !many colors and patterns  to choose from       .        

[ronp]

I just got an Eberlestock MiniMe from Whip and it looks pretty decent.  I like a smaller pack for day hunts.  If it's too big I always end up bringing extra stuff I don't use.  So I typically carry a small haversack and put other accessories in my Arrowmaster quiver pocket.  I wanted to try another backpack, so the MiniMe I got from Whip should work well.

[Cootling]

I have Badlands Diablos for warm weather and light use.  The fabric gets stiff in cold, and they aren't super durable, but they are comfortable and I like the design.

For larger loads short of backpacking (heavy clothes, meat, short overnights) I have  Eberlestock Gunslingers.  I like the large main bag.  The other pockets are practical, and it's easy to strap stuff on the outside.  They are great tree-stand packs because the gun compartment is perfect for tree steps, safety harnesses, pruning poles, and other junk I like to get at  or stow away without opening the pack.  I've carried half a large mule deer buck in one, with good results.  Incidentally, one of my extras is listed in the classifieds.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

What do i look for in a day pack?.... Well that depends... If i want coffee... i look for my water, and pack stove first... then some coffee.

Now if i got an animal down... i may look for a knife and stone.

If i'm hungry, i may look for the tupperware container with my jerk and trail mix in it....

Typically i don't have to look for anything too long if i put everything back where it belongs...