Biggest day pack

[Freebird134]

So who's got the biggest day pack?

chrisschwarz's post about X2 or Team elk (someone suggested a blue widow) got me thinking: my day pack is enormous. I only have 1 good pack, a Badlands Ox. I got it for backcountry elk hunting, but I'm using it this year for mule deer hunting (car camping and day trips). I know it's not the lightest option, but it carries everything I need well, feels good, and it's what I own. Am I alone?

[ElkNut1]

My Kifaru T3 loaded for all day hunts including water will tip the scales at 18#-19#. That's a very doable wt for myself & I lack nothing.

ElkNut1

[chrisschwarz]

My Kifaru T3 loaded for all day hunts including water will tip the scales at 18#-19#. That's a very doable wt for myself & I lack nothing.

ElkNut1

Elknut,

Is that with the bikini frame? How is it for packing along a bow?


So many packs and not enough hair to pull.

[ElkNut1]

Chris, yes it's with the 2013 Bikini Frame & this setup is unreal sweet!!! I cannot believe how well the wt. is distributed & no pressure at all on ones shoulders. I've secured my bow to it with the "lash kit" that I picked up at the same time, two quick horizontal straps & done! I'll post a picture of it today so you can see the bow on the pack. Thanks.

ElkNut1

[JGH]

I'm going for "smallest pack" this year, and only using a fanny pack.

If I get an elk down, I can call in cavalry (wife + horses) so "first load out" issues are not as important.

My goal this year is to not stink so much ... which means less sweating ... and even my camelback will make me sweat a lot. Water is not a huge issue where I will be, so I can pick some up here or there (using tablets). I've whittled-down my essentials to the bare minimum. So this year, my rules are: Fanny pack, stick to the shadows, and walk-don't-run. (Until I have to run!) Although I'm in better shape than ever, I don't plan on making elk hunting an athletic contest this year ... If I slow down, stick in the shade, and don't sweat, I'm hoping to see even more animals.

Last year, I used my Sitka-45 ... which is plenty big for a daypack ... it's really fine for 3 or so nights, actually. My trouble is that if there is open space in a pack, I'll fill it with something that "might" be needed, which leads to all bad things.

[ST52V]

JGH are you going to start out with any water in your pack at all. It will probably be important to fill up on Gatorade before you hit the trail in the morning. I would probably get caught up in huntig and chasing bulls and neglect my hydration level. Are you concerned about that ?

[pointysticks]

Some of those tabs take 4 hours to be effective. Be careful.

[JGH]

Yes, I will have water with me ... but this year I've kind of given up on the "bladders" and gone back to simple bottles.

Bladders are nice, but loading them is a pain in the butt. You have to take the pack off, remove stuff, fill it up, then replace it, usually getting the rest of the pack wet.

I drink a lot while hunting, and plan on refills several times throughout the day, and it's just easier to use a bottle on the hip pocket and some tablets.

No system is perfect, but this year, I decided to make a big change rather than a small one. I'm sure that next year will see more refining! But something needed to change. Since I don't "need" a do-it-all pack that can be daypack + hauler, I just decided to go very light this year, and for me, that includes having something that does not cover my back and make me sweat.

[PHELPS GAME CALLS]

I use a 7200 c.i. day pack. Kifaru DT1 over the bikini frame. Compresses down to nothing.

[pointysticks]

I use a 7200 c.i. day pack. Kifaru DT1 over the bikini frame. Compresses down to nothing.

everyone says this. "compresses down to nothing" .

but is the pack useable at this point? the T1 is huge. you compress it down, say to 2000ci. is the 2000 ci. useable? can you pull out a powerbar, or a jacket out with ease? or is it so crunched up..it is awkward. i see pics, like the ones slim posted up. the thing gets down tiny!! but i looks like a folded up duffle on a frame. it is essentially empty.

i have a D2 shipping next week. i hope to find out soon. just wondering. i am ready and willing to add a smaller pack to the system to make it a daypack if needed.

[ElkNut1]

Accessing the Kifaru pack is a piece of cake compressed or not, it just means when not loaded it's easy to pack & shoot with it on.

Chris here's 2 photos of the Kifaru Pack before it's lashed on with the "lash kit" that are horizontal straps & buckles, it takes under a minute to secure bow & ready for travel.

ElkNut1

[KMT]

My day pack is my main pack, which is a kifaru DT2. I don't see the need for multiple packs, and the DT2 compresses down fairly small when strapped down. If I bag something, I already have my "pack out" pack with me.

[chrisschwarz]

Accessing the Kifaru pack is a piece of cake compressed or not, it just means when not loaded it's easy to pack & shoot with it on.

Chris here's 2 photos of the Kifaru Pack before it's lashed on with the "lash kit" that are horizontal straps & buckles, it takes under a minute to secure bow & ready for travel.

ElkNut1

That looks like it's right up my alley.

[Moose Man]

Re kifaru bow carrying, the lash kit works great, I also have a kifaru "grab it" that I like even better. Holds/covers almost half of the bow, then I just use the lid straps to snug down the top portion of the bow. Have pack in cabin but I'll try to get a photo when I get up there.

[Indian Summer]

Just got a warranty replacement for my Badlands 2200 which now has 2900 c.i. of space. Not a Kifaru but neither is the price and I've put 'em to the test. Very pleased with all the upgrades on the new model. Like all the more expensive brands their warranty is unconditional with no time limits. That's always my number one criteria.