Day Pack

[BrentLaBere]

I am looking for opinions on a functional day pack. And this can be a very broad topic so I can layout it out for what I would like to use it for. I like to backpack in and spike camp out from a location and may move to a new spot depending on the situation. I have typically emptied my gear and carried my frame/bag with me. It included simple things such as snack, calls, water, game bags, tags, ect... for your typical day hunt away from spike camp. This could be up to 2-3 miles at times. I looked at it as a convenient factor of being able to load out some meat on the first go around in the event of knocking down an elk. To me it seemed to be worth it but on the down side I am carrying extra weight and it sure took its tole after 9 days. Navigating through timber was also another large downfall. There were also other times we hiked in just for the day and would have been nice not to be lugging that thing around. So in the event of moving areas and now hunting from the truck I would like to avoid using my pack/frame all day.
Tenzing TZ1250 Lumbar Pack
Badlands Monster Fanny Pack
Two packs I have been looking at to take the weight off my shoulders on those long days. Is it possible to load a front shoulder with scrap meat on one of these for the first load out....what is their limit? Anyone have experience with this? After first trip one can come back with the frame and haul out the rest....this has been my thought process and wondering the pros and cons. Thoughts?

[>>>---WW---->]

I think you are asking a little too much for either pack to handle. I used double decker fanny packs with shoulder harness for years and never did figure out how to handle a load like you mentioned here.

Here is what I would suggest. Instead of a fanny pack for your day hunts, why not just get a good day pack that has around 1900 cu of space. And instead of a front quarter, maybe think about backstraps and loins for the first load out. You can get the tenderloins inside and strap the backstraps on the outside. Then pick up your frame at the truck for the rest of the meat.

[BrentLaBere]

[quote=">>>---WW---->"]I think you are asking a little too much for either pack to handle. I used double decker fanny packs with shoulder harness for years and never did figure out how to handle a load like you mentioned here.

I think you are exactly right on that WW, and that's why I wanted to bring this up hoping for responses like this and from people with experience in other packs. 3 years and limited experience, so I haven't had the time or money to go through packs like that. Bought the first one and have used it for everything so far. Just narrowing it down so I don't pay for the mistake (literally). And I guess I should have stated that I would like to carry some meat out on the first trip just to help the process out. I am there and need to head back anyway so why not have a pack that can handle a small load of elk meat was my way of thinking.

What about others that hike in for spike camp. Do you guys use your large hunting packs or bring a small back pack along?

[cnelk]

Brent
I have stuffed my daypack full of backstraps and loose meat for the first trip out.
This past fall I even strapped on a 1/2 WT deer to my daypack so I wouldnt have to drag it.
This is the Badlands Superday - was it perfect? No. But it worked

When I have spiked camped, I load my daypack on to a frame pack and all the necessities for a day or 2.

[WapitiTalk1]

Brent, I also have a Badlands Superday and it's a pretty darn good little daypack and will carry out a decent amount of weight (just look at what cnelk has strapped to his). Is it super comfy loaded up? Not really but it serves the purpose. I've since gone to an all in one pack and don't use the Badlands at all. In fact, it's collecting dust in one of my hunting cabinents in the garage? If you want it, I'll give you a great deal. Pretty sure I have a water bladder for it also. Let me know.

[Swede]

I have not had a lot of day packs. I still have one fanny pack and a Badlands Superday pack. I am very satisfied with the Superday for my needs. It has enough pockets and room for all I need to carry in a day. I would not use it as a freighter. I have a small freighter I would use, in a pinch, for a day pack. My son got a Badlands pack one size smaller than mine. If I was not mostly tree stand hunting, I would think strongly about the one he got. I will have to try and remember the name if you are interested. I have no experience with the packs some of the sponsors of this forum sell, but I would also consider one of them.

[Indian Summer]

I never had a use for fanny packs. Everyone I know who uses one has it stuffed until the zippers are bursting. My day pack has to be built to carry a quarter. I like to get a hind out first too. For me it's the NEW model of the Badlands 2200 which actually has 2900 ci of space when you include the waist belt pockets. I'll never need another one... especially with the lifetime unconditional warranty. I LOVE that thing. Love it!

[BrentLaBere]

Thanks for the insight guys.
Cnelk, that's what I had in mind for rigging something up. Pack isn't made for it but can handle it. I am sure you can just make something work with ones para-cord in hand.
Phantom, really appreciate the offer and will consider it. I am still in the research/debating stage of if its worth it or not. So I will have to let you know, thank you. The badlands seems to get brought up quite a bit and will look into it. I think one of my local stores carry them so trying them on would be smart way of going about it. Until elk hunting I never had a need for a pack and did a little research and wallah, thought I found the cats meow of all packs ......and I don't think I have found or seen anyone else with that pack. But it works. Needs vs wants in the off season and its budgets. Ill let you guys know what direction I head in, thanks again.

[>>>---WW---->]

Here is my Superday. It does everything I need it to do. And that webbing on the belt just happens to work perfectly for my Glock.

One of the big problems with packs is, the bigger they are, the more things we try to stuff in them to fill them up.

[cnelk]

Brent
I did use my Eberlestock X1 day pack to haul an elk quarter out once.
It performed better than the Superday for that.
If you rifle hunt, the X1 has nifty built in scabbard too.