Here's the deal...I hunt on my own property and don't need a big backpack for a lot of things to carry for each hunt; a call, wind checker, extra glove, facemask, etc. I have exhausted my search and cannot find a nicely built camo, small backpack in the 12" tall x 9" wide x 4-5" deep range. Can someone direct me to locating one. I do not prefer the single sling pack but rather the dual shoulder straps. I tried the fanny pack but it slides off too easy and don't like the shoulder straps with one. Also, all of the backpacks I have tried are too tall and things get lost on the bottom.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
I have a smaller model Timber Hawk pack that is my grab and go pack for around the farm. I can't imagine a better small carry, sturdy and well designed pack. Perfect for hikes, holding misc. stuff for taking notes, marking trees, scenting scrapes, clipping on the fender hook on a tractor to carry stuff. I liked it so much I bought a larger model for hunting and find it perfect. I've had these several years and they hold up to abuse. Give 'em a look.
I use a fanny pack, even used it in Colorado both times I went out. It had plenty enough room to carry what I needed for the day's hunt.
Timber Hawk looked good and available at Wal-mart. I'll have to check them out.
Check out Kathy Kelly's daypack (KathyKellyDesign.com). Think that would fit the bill nicely. I have a couple. Very well made.
I have a small wool one made by Johnson Wool, not sure if they still make it. It's. Silent and seems to carry well. :thumbsup:
I like my Hill People Gear Tarahumara Pack. It is small.
X2 on the Johnson Wool pack. I have used mine for years and got one for my son. Don't think they have an actual camo but do have a lot of plaid patterns that would provide a break up look to blend in. It is lightweight and quiet but big enough to carry anything needed for a day in the woods.
Sounds like you need to visit Rancho Safari. The Catday mini sounds like what you are looking for.
Several options available to suit the needs of anyone. Great prices, High quality and Made in the USA TOO!
Hill People Gear Tarahumara for sure...
This was my set up in Colorado. Fanny pack with 2 water bottles, rain coat strapped underneath, ugly brown wool sweater(recommended) strapped on top, inside was granola(lunch), compass, first aid kit, fire kit, space blanket, wind powder, cow call, extra knife and other things. The PA magazine was to pass the time on an all day sit.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/ColoradoElkHunt2011078.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/ColoradoElkHunt2011078.jpg.html)
I bought a Johnson Wool pack, and it is pretty good. It performs as designed, and like all Johnson Wool products, is of excellent quality.
BUT....the backpack style wasn't perfect for my use, deer and turkey hunting. This is no reflection on Johnson Wool, but rather on the "backpack" concept itself.
For hunting as the OP describes, I want access to the things in my pack. Often, I need access while on the move. I don't want to take off my pack to get at my binoculars, for example.
Which prompted Teresa Asbell and I to sit down and begin design on a wool sling pack. It will be ambidextrous, but in my case worn on the left side, with my GFA quiver on the right. Prototypes to be in the field soon.....
I'm looking forward to seeing that sling pack, Roger!
Our Alpha Pack was designed to fill in this market gap for hunting. While it has a great target / 3D archery hip quiver function, I also will not head afield without mine.
It was designed for the minimalist bowhunter who was hunting 2-5 hours and didn't want to bother with a backpack off his person.
Check it out, it may fit your bill.
www.thepusharchery.com
I use this small utility bag (Fieldline) with a shoulder strap for half day deer hunts. I often carry two 16oz water bottles, snacks, TP, knife, flashlight, latex gloves with marking tape in small plastic bag, some reflective ties, matches, fire starter, whistle, small 1st aid kit, etc. Also may strap a jacket or vest outside. I use this setup more than my fanny pack or backpack.
Look up Ribz , it is a front pack that carries water, power bars, hat, gloves, extra tab, knives , emergency kit, camera, compass , GPS, and rangefinder plus more. I can shoot with it on. The advantage is you do not have to take it off to get your gear. Great for stands. Mine is 6 years old and heavily used. The back pack can be used with it on, and the Ribz gives some balance for steep walking. The only i cannot do is lowcrawl. Plus it acts well to warm hands simply by tucking hands between the pack and the jacket. Love it
Another thing, Ribz has external zipper pockets hor some of your gear, easy access. Although everything is easily gotten out of the pack. Also realize in Nevada we walk a lot more than i did back east and this pack is great for long hikes and for turkey sitting
Kifaru Urban Zippy, all kinds of organizational features for a day hunting pack. Can get it in camo. Get the panel sheet for the back adds needed stiffness/support.
Kuiu has the Stalker 500 only weighs 8.6oz.
Doug, I hate backpacks, and after much trial and error, this is what I have found to be the best solution:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190209/3f9e24fbe52fb5ef74e37d992fd9344d.jpg)
https://shop.opticsplanet.com/hunter-safety-system-muff-pak-hand-warmer.html?_iv_code=27N-HFW-02171-MPS&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=plusbox-beta&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkfriBRD1ARIsAASKsQKzytsBNNNSrVxHvfVYiPOBlfgT1iMaY1Y3PZGbEXsCE9c__PrtYS8aAptPEALw_wcB
It is a hand warmer muff that has 2 big zipper pockets and a couple without zippers. I put my rangefinder, flashlight and extra battery, knife, headlamp, gloves, and headnet in there, and still have room for my hands when it is cold out. I do get strange looks when I have that on to go pig hunting in the warmer months. It is the perfect solution for a guy who does not like to carry much with him to a stand!!!!
Bisch
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I'm a huge fan of the Cabelas/badlands day packs. Mine is about 1700 cu. In. It cinches down small enough to forget that its there, but you can stuff an entire deboned deer in it too. And if you bust the zippers with a bigger buck (I tried this year) badlands will replace it no questions.
Most of the time im hunting in a tree. I never need anymore gear than i can easily stow in the pockets of my safety vest. Ive found bags cumbersome and in the way. I also find they encourage me to take things I don't need. During a 4 hour hunt, i dont need to eat, drink, read, or fiddle with stuff in a pack. Its kind of freeing to just take what you need.
I have found the haversack to be far more useful than a backpack. It carries quite a bit of stuff and is easy to access.
I don't think she does camo, but if you can live wirhout it I recommend Alder Stream. Nice canvas and leather work. I had her make me two packs this past year and they are high quality bombproof packs.
http://alderstream.wcha.org
I'd reccomend a look at Jansport packs...yes like you send kids to school with.
They are well made and have a lifetime warranty that Jansport actually honors if/when needed. They survive YEARS of abuse from children on a daily basis which is far more wear and tear than I'm going to give any pack on a hunting trip. They are appropriately sized and reasonably affordable. Many of theirs come in low key/neutral colors. And they make nice carry on bags if you ever fly.
Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon.
9.5"(L) x 8"(W) x 17.5"(H(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190215/389e6ad7711611f52daa855dd342e6a4.jpg)
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Kifaru Quandry
XOP has a small pack.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190215/6593ee191303fea7511949929ef56244.jpg)
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XOP looks good. [attachment=1] [attachment=2]
XOP and KUIU, both have pluses and minuses. Price about equal. [attachment=1]
So what are the thoughts of the OP (D.Key)? Many choices here.
I did a bit or research and ordered this one today off Amazon. It is a fishing/hunting pack with a lot of versatility and for $35.99 I can't go wrong. It can be used as a sling pack or a shoulder pack, so I can decide which is better for me to carry my Trad gear. This little pack can carry a lot of gear and has a relatively small profile, which is what I was looking for. I will let you know how it works and feels. Good hunt'in.
Thank so much for the suggestions. I do appreciate this site and all of the great help.
(https://i.imgur.com/GwVmWIu.jpg)
Nice selection you will be pleased with it. I have a similar sling pack in coyote, it works great when hunting with a firearm, no shoulder strap in the way when shouldering a rifle for a shot. Also works great with the bow, nothing to interfere. It is a little bigger than my utility bag with a shoulder strap. Happy Hunting.
Quote from: Bisch on February 09, 2019, 09:43:10 AM
Doug, I hate backpacks, and after much trial and error, this is what I have found to be the best solution:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190209/3f9e24fbe52fb5ef74e37d992fd9344d.jpg)
https://shop.opticsplanet.com/hunter-safety-system-muff-pak-hand-warmer.html?_iv_code=27N-HFW-02171-MPS&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=plusbox-beta&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkfriBRD1ARIsAASKsQKzytsBNNNSrVxHvfVYiPOBlfgT1iMaY1Y3PZGbEXsCE9c__PrtYS8aAptPEALw_wcB
It is a hand warmer muff that has 2 big zipper pockets and a couple without zippers. I put my rangefinder, flashlight and extra battery, knife, headlamp, gloves, and headnet in there, and still have room for my hands when it is cold out. I do get strange looks when I have that on to go pig hunting in the warmer months. It is the perfect solution for a guy who does not like to carry much with him to a stand!!!!
Bisch
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Sounds like something I might use. For lack of need, I don't regularly carry tons of stuff on a hunt....however as a minimalist, I like to have the few things easily accessible...
Check out Kathy Kelly Design. I have been using one for several years and like it very much.
Jack
Bought sling fishing pack at Academy Sports and Outdoors. Three zip pouches, the middle one is larger. Should prove to be sufficient to carry all I care to on an extended day hike/hunt. May see about attaching my GFA quiver to the back of it. :coffee: :campfire: :bigsmyl:
I know some like the Badlands packs. I hate them. Try pulling a zipper or digging in there one handed, all the way to the bottom, when deer are near or a bow is in your hand. And the fabric is too stiff. I just replaced mine after complaining about it for years.
I use 2 packs - one for pre-hung stands and close to home stuff, the other is a bigger carry all including the treestand and pack deer out type.
After looking at all the usual hunting pack manufacturers I decided to purchase a "tactical" type from a quality manufacturer (5.11). These packs come in 3 sizes. I got the middle sized, it's called a 24. I haven't used it yet but I can see it's much better than what I had been using. purchased a couple extra MOLLE pouches for my climbing belt and water bottle.
https://www.511tactical.com/rush-12-backpack.html
Take a look at classicsportsman.com
His classic rucksack trapper is just slightly larger than u describe but super quality, quiet wool, and some nice plaid "camo" patterns.
The Alpha Pack that the Push guys offer is a great product. It is a very well built and can be used for multiple purposes. For deer hunting I carry only what I need for the hunt, an extra string, maybe a water bottle, snack, and thermacell (depending on time of year). Its great to have everything right there when you get into your stand at your side however I do take mine off when I get settled and hang it on a hook like you would a backpack. With this system I carry my binoculars around my chest with a bino bro harness so the weight of the binoculars is not in the pack. You could carry a set of binoculars in the pack but I do think it could weigh it down somewhat. I have also used mine for 3d shoots and plan to use it this spring for turkey hunting.
Check out the Eberelestock Bandit Pack. It is perfect for short day hunts. I have one. It is very light weight and comfortable. I like it because it is sort of narrow, allowing me to draw my bow without any interference.
Use a Redhead brand very small pack for carrying a few items. Bought it one day at Bass Pro Shops on one of those daily specials situations when they were selling them really cheap. Tpough little bag and works fantastic.