Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game Day pack for deer

I'm in the market for a 13-1500 cu inch day pack for use when deer hunting. I have an ancient Badlands Monster Fanny (~ 10-1100 cu in), Eberlestock X2 (1800 cu in), and a Badlands SuperDay (2200 cu in). The Badlands is what I've been using for a whitetail day pack but is is jammed full with all my necessary junk plus food and water. 14-1500 cu in or so is absolutely perfect.

I spent several hours at Bass Pro yesterday and tried on BP, Tenzing, and Badlands packs. Really like the Tenzing packs.

Here's my issue: I'm 5'8" and have a 33" inseam which means I have a really short torso ~ 15" from C7 to Illac Crest. I'm actually looking at women's packs but can't quite go the pink trim. My other issue with women's pack is that I have a 43" chest which means most women's packs are a little narrow in the shoulder department.

Any idears?

I'm 5'11" and have a 29" inseam. I'll trade you inseams...

I am built a lot like you and have found the Sitka Flash 20 is very comfortable but it does not do well to pack anything out with. I generally cary 25 lbs +/- in it.

The Mystery Ranch Bighorn with small yoke/belt also fits me well and can handle much more weight.

They are both bigger than you are looking at.

What don't you like about the X2?

I've got an old Bianchi Pack that has 1500 ci. I don't know if they are still made, but it was my hunting pack until I decided I needed more capacity for extra clothing, etc., and went to a Kifaru Spike Camp.
Other than that, I'd head to a back packing shop, like REI, and see what fits in that size. I just gave away a small Badlands Pack. I've found that few companies that make packs, or clothing, for hunters can compete with those that make such things for mountaineers.
Trying to get by with a small hunting pack is tricky to do. I have been caught a out w/o proper clothing a few times. Hypothermia can kill uopu a few hours if you can't deal with it. E

Nothing wrong with X2 for that purpose. I use it alot when I'm hunting high and far. I'm trying to shave weight plus it has more capa ity than I need for my planned hunt this year - Adirondacks. I'm backpacking in and will also take a small light daypack so I don't have to use a 5000 cu in backpack. I put all my deer day hunt stuff in both the x2 and super day and there is alot of extra room and weight.

I'm calling Badlands on Monday to discuss their Stalker pack. 1400 cu in. I'm not crazy about the little skinny waist belt but my stuff only weighs 10.5 lbs with food and water.

Anyone have/use a Badlands Stalker?

bwinters, I am also 5'8" and have 32" inseam. I go nowhere without a pack and it usually has way too much gear but that's what I do. Anyway, after using what seems to be a huge variety of packs I settled on the Crooked Horn master guide pack for most of my day/shorter hunts. It took me almost ten years of hard use but I have about worn mine out (but I have a backup that I bought here).

For anything extended I run an Eberlestock J1. Until you get into camping/hunting or something technical, I can't think of a better all around pack.

Crooked horn on left coming out heavy



Eberlestock out where it belongs

Bison Gear Lost River

Made in Montana

Warrented forever

Mine is 10 years old this fall.....5 states and 2 continents with plenty of blood stains and still going strong

Hey David,

I've seen Crooked Horn before but have never had one in my hand. I'll give them a ring tomorrow.

Thanks.

Tedthorn - those are nice looking packs. I really like a fanny type pack because you don't run into the short torso thing unless the yoke is designed 'tight' and results in a weird angle by your neck.

$275 is a bit stiff but if it was exactly the right pack, I'd by it.

Another call tomorrow.

Thanks.

There's a lot to like in the Crooked horn. Padded spotter pocket, roomy cargo area, padded shoulder straps and belt. I would add a HPG water bottle carrier to the belt for easier access but other than that I've found no downside. If you'd like to try one out first I'd ship you my spare-see what you think of it and send it back. I won't need it til fall.

side view



front

It's not a fanny pack

Its a lower 2/3 pack

Comes with a first load meat hauling system that will hold an entire elk hind quarter

Like I said

Made for you....in Montana USA....NOT CHINA....one at a time

Forever warranty

Mine is a custom with no waist belt with internal pockets and longer lash staps

I am going to check out some Bison Gear stuff relatively soon, I think.

As if I need another pack, but...

Thanks, tedthorn!

I don't have any experience with Nimrod packs, but I use one of their bino harnesses that is well-made. Their packs are pricey but made in the U.S. The pack harness comes in three separate sizes (M, L, XL), and the separate harness appears to be more than capable of supporting the 1300 cu.in. lumbar-style pack. Here is a link:

Nimrod Day Pack

Hill People Gear supposedly makes some good gear, but I haven't tried it. Here is a link to one of their U.S. made packs:

HPG Tarahumara Pack

Hey David - that is a very generous offer - thank you much. I may take you up on that in a week or two. I talked to a bunch of pack people yesterday and have 3 on the way to the house to review.

I'm likely to have a Badlands Super day and an Eberlestock X2 for sale in the near future. I really like both of them but my needs have changed in the last 5 years. I do alot more remote hunting and roaming. As such weight is a premium as is a lifetime warranty. I'm a bit hard on gear.....

Hey Ted

I checked out the Lost River and liked the idea alot. I called them yesterday and got their VM. I'll try again today. Thanks.

CC - thanks for the links. I'll check them out today as well.

SLM, this reminds me I need to order the small yoke/belt as well. E-mailed MR last Fall and they said call but of course I forgot.



BW, I also used a BL 2200 for a few years and then bought a MR bighorn about 6 years ago. Major upgrade but pack fit is obviously subjective. The MR doesn't fit me perfectly(6' 200lbs) but close enough for the few times a year I actually find the time to use it.

I'm far from a pack expert but you can adjust the pack for length and also choose between different belts. It might work for you and make a great pack for day hikes and or hauling out a boned out deer.

I'm curious as to why you went with no waist belt?

Kifaru Spike Camp.

This

Osprey makes some decent looking little packs.

A little more cu in than 1500, but the Badlands Ultraday is my idea of perfection for a deer hunting day pack. It is 1800 cu in (about the same as your X2) but very light at 3lbs 3oz and compact. Good pockets, etc. The compression straps on it work great for holding extra clothes while you walk in (or bobcats while you walk out). Hypervent helps keep you cooler walking in. I have a short torso and it works well for me. Been using one for 4 or 5 years now and even though I've got more expensive packs I can't find one I like better.

Have one headed to me as of yesterday. I'll check it out. I didn't know it had an internal frame - my SuperDay does not and really sucks at carrying things out. It the SD worked better at carrying out head/hide/horns, I'd keep it.

Keep trying as they are a very very small company

I only use a waist belt on a pack frame.....I have to use for one with a true day pack

My mistake, you threw me off when you said it would haul a whole elk quarter.

The internal frame is really nice for what it is. Adds stiffness, but it's not a "load it up" frame. I've carried bobcats and coyotes out strapped on with the compression straps. It should handle horns and hide but it's not a true hauler...just a day pack.

That is what I understood from Badlands as well. For bigger game (elk, bears), my MO is basically shoot something, quarter it, hang in trees, take out an easy load on the way to my packframe.

For remote deer, I'm working it out. I've shot a few deer lately 1+ miles from any road and know I don't want to drag any more deer on bare ground that far......

I don't really want to carry my Eberlestock or packframe on my backpack into my camp site. Likewise, I really don't want to use my 4000 cu in backpack as a daypack. I've looked a lashing my backpack to my packframe and carry it in that way but it seems really clunky when I tried it. That still leaves me short for a daypack.

So, I'm thinking a lighter daypack, strapped to my backpack and capable of bringing out head/hide or head/backstraps, make a run to the truck for a packframe/Eberlestock. Could be a long walk but I'm considering all options at this point. Or hire a Sherpa.

At the end of the day, I need a pack ~ 13-1500 cu in anyway for my normal day hunting duties.

I use a BL 2200 as my deer / elk hunting pack.

My cuz sewed me up some quarter bags slightly larger than a pillow case which work great for deer quarters. I quarter my deer ... 4 bags. I peel the rib meat, heat, liver, and backstraps off into a 5th bag. Leave the spine, pelvis, and rib cage behind. Those 5 bags fit into a single elk quarter bag, lash it with sash cord into a "meat roll", and lash that to the BL pack using the meat shelf. Works.

It's bigger than I'd normally use for a day pack if I'm not expecting to carry meat. When I'm just out bumming around I use a Badlands Pursuit. Lack of a waist band means it doesn't interfere with my holstered revolver which I carry strong-side.

Tom

Why not go to a Paradox Evo. The frame with no extensions is short enough to permit free movement, and the frame articulates well enough to be comfortable. By adding the frame extensions in the field with a critter down, it can haul a lot of weight. This pack seems to serve both purposes well without needing to carry two packs in with you for remote hunting.

I have this pack. It works great.

It will....and has!!!

The pack comes with a system that is simply awsome for a first load out

Look at the Wilderness Pack Specialty's Muley. I quit using the Super Day after I got it. I also have the Compact frame which it clips right on, if I'm far enough back in and may need to pack meat etc. Or buy the Lite Frame Combo pack

baltz - That looks interesting. I wish the website had better pics of the pack, pockets, front, side, etc. I'll give them a ring today.

Thank you.

That's how I used to think. But there are plenty of packs that have short frames and cinch down enough with compression straps so that they're not too bulky or too tall to use as a day pack. Kifaru Longhunter is one. The good thing about using your backpack as a day pack is you're never lacking for space and there is no trip back to camp to get the big pack. Plus, you don't have the extra piece of gear to pack in.

I'm in a similar position. Have you looked at the Sitka Ascent 12? It's a new model that was just released this year. For my needs, it looks about perfect, and I'll be picking on up within a few days

I did have a look at them. The size and price is right. My only concern is a lack of compartments. I called and left them a message a couple days ago. I'll follow up today.

How are you guys keeping your deboned meat and quarters from seeping blood through cloth meat bags all over your pack? I've been putting my meat bags into plastic trash bags, but then the meat can't cool down effectively.

I just wash the pack afterward.

I've been using simply a pack frame with meat lashed to the frame. I've had to wash my pants a couple of times. Most times, I shoot something, quarter it, hang in trees, retrieve a pack. By the time I get back it mostly drained and/or dry/frozen.

Cabela's Elite Scout?

Pictures are still lacking from the new site This is the new model that came out. The frame is very light compact and I would have bought it. Lite Frame Combo
( 0 )
$299.00 each
Weight: 4.4 lb
Width: 15 in
Length: 7 in
Height: 19 in

Colors

+
–
HYPERLITE FRAME PACK

At 2,600 cubic inches, the Hyperlite Frame Pack is the lightest, most comfortable daypack frame system made.
The perimeter Xenoy composite frame system, coupled with our fully adjustable suspension and harness system, make for a comfortable day afield, even with loads in excess of 60 pounds. The easy-to-adjust torso length suspension fits anyone from 5'- 5" to 6'–4" with waistline capabilities from 30" - 48".
Our unique suspension design creates more ventilation area on your back than any other pack on the market. The 15-ounce composite frame keeps weight to a minimum while providing the rigidity necessary for heavier loads.
Battle tested in Afghanistan by helicopter assault mountain troops; the Hyperlite has proven to be nearly indestructible.

The bag features 9 pockets including a hydration pouch, built-in bow and rifle carrier, and zippered waist pockets to keep all your small items handy for easy access.
The new Gatekeeper Latch System makes attaching gear to you pack quick, easy and secure. Our system is designed to carry any 2" belt capable holster for your GPS, knife, rangefinder or handgun.

• 4.4 lb total pack weight
• 2,600-cubic-inch pack system
• Lightweight 15-ounce perimeter Xenoy composite frame
• Built-in Handi-pak bag system
• 9 pockets for easy gear storage
• Unbreakable nylon buckles
• 18" zippered side pockets for larger gear
• Gatekeeper Latch System for easy access to holstered gear
• Easily-adjustable suspension system
• Fully adjustable wait belt from 30" – 48"
• Integrated rifle and bow carrier

Find Your Limits by adding the removable Pelican Pack to gain an additional 1400 cubic inches of storage for extra days of clothing, gear or food.

I called them last week. They said the pack was not suited for short torsos.

I talked to them yesterday. Deciding how many packs to have sent my way - have 3 at the moment......

I'll likely see what the ones enroute offer before I do round 2. I should write a review.

I'm built on the long torso, short legs, frame, 5'11" with a 30" inseam. I tried both the Elite Scout and pack that it replaced, the Elite, and felt that they were too short for my torso. That said, the people at Cabela's would know better than me.

L.L. Bean makes a short torso pack that might work for you, the Continental S, but I think that it is only about 1,200 cu. in. We have a couple of the larger Continental packs that we use for one or two day trips.

I've looked at the first 3 packs, all Badlands and haven't found "the pack" yet. I liked the Ultra day but is listed at 1800 cu in - not even close. Plus with the plastic stays holding it off your back it seems to push into the small of your back. I haven't ruled it out but could use a few extra cu in. I really liked the Stealth but hate the material. It's some type of nylon and is really loud when brushed up against brush. Too bad because it carries well, holds all my junk, and just feels good. Make that pack with a different material and it would sell 40 bazziliion units. I also tried the Stalker - it isn't a serious hunting pack unless you are looking for a really lightweight pack and your not going to carry much weight. The waste belt is kind of a belt but not really.

I ordered a Cabelas Elite Scout Saturday. They are on sale plus with my Cabelas points, it will be cheap.

Anyone ever try Horn Hunter packs? I'm looking at the G2/and Main Beam.

Would like to have a look at the Horn Hunter's.
Thanks.

To think out of the box a little Look at this http://www.wildernesspacks.com/inde...=103&name=chukar-vest&Itemid=220 I looked at an early version of this, Looks like they have figured it out now.

Not sure if it is still being made, but I like my Camelbak Trizip. It's a copy of a Mystery Ranch. I really wanted a Kifaru, but couldn't justify the expense for just a deer hunting day pack. I couldn't be happier. It carries very well. I am sure you could scrounge one up on the Internet somewhere.

Well, the nice thing about the Cabela's is that if you don't like it, they will take it back and cheerfully refund your money, few questions asked. Living within five mile of both a Cabela's and a Scheel's and within twenty miles of a BPS is a lot of temptation, but makes seeing/touching/trying many products that they sell easy and convenient.

I used to live just north of Pittsburgh. Back in the day, I had a Cabelas, Sportsman Warehouse, BPS, Gander Mtn all within an hour. I got spoiled........

I'm still chewing on packs. Here is what I have:

Badlands: Stealth, Stalker, Ultra Day, Super Day, Monster Fanny
Horn Hunter: Main Beam, G2
Cabelas: Elite Scout
Eberlestock: X2

I'm also receiving a Crooked Horn Master Guide II to look at from a 'Fire member.

I'll do a bit more poking, prodding, stuffing, trying them on and walking around a bit. Its been really informative to have all these packs sitting in one spot to play with. You definitely see what you like, don't like, fits, and doesn't fit. I mentioned I have a short torso, all of these packs are workable for guys like me. I'll do a write-up on what I find - its been fun! Although my wife may have commented several times at the boxes that have arrived. Wait till she sees the Cabelas statement.............

Here is part 1 of my pack review.

The ‘stuff’ inside each pack:


Note: I forgot to put my GPS in the stuff pic.

Broken down into various groups:

Food



You may wonder what the 2 sandwich bags with pillow cases are – faux sandwichs. I’ve been doing this for a week and didn’t think turkey and ham would hold up that long. You may also ponder that sandwiches aren’t that flat. In my packs they end up that way <G>

Navigation
Garmin Oregon 600t, Suunto MC 2G, Suunto MCA, Maps



Safety


Black Diamond Icon, Gerber leatherman, 25 ft cord, Gerber Gator, A lot in that little bag: 12 Bandaids, Chap stick, Extra boot lace, moleskin, 3 safety pins, Advil/Ibuprofen, Kotex pad, Immodium AD, Rolaids, Electrolyte tabs, Sunscreen, matches -water/wind proof, 2 Butane lighters, Firestarters, Survival blanket, Water purifier tablets, Whistle

Other
Game bags (pillow cases with cord in middle), camera, 10 shells



Misc
Toilet paper, Small New Testament, puffer bottle, extra batteries, 2 way radio, sunscreen, watch w/ compass, license. I'll likely drop the watch.



First about my dimensions. I’m 5 ft 8” tall and weigh 165 lbs in my skivvies. I have a 32-33 inch inseam and a 16” torso measured from C7 to Illac Crest. I have relatively long legs and short torso. My chest is 42” across nipples on skin, waist is 33.5”, hips 38”. I have an athletic build and a squatters butt from 20+ years of squats. I’m close to the ‘average guy’ – a little shorter but pretty close.

I’ll offer my comments on these packs and show a few pictures. I’m going to be brutally honest and quite frankly picking nits. All of the packs are very good, I’m looking for the perfect pack.

Here is what I’m looking for:
1. It has to fit and carry 10-15 lbs comfortably
2. It has to be quiet
3. It has to carry all my ‘necessary’ junk shown in the pictures
4. It has to be tough/durable. I’m a bit hard on things so a good warranty/service counts.
5. Waterproof is not a necessity but close to it.

Part 2 will be about the packs.

BTW: I'm curious what all of you carry in your day packs when you're doing alot of hiking, stalking, still hunting. Tree stand isn't quite as critical nor is hunting relatively close to the road. I carry alot less junk when I'm hunting less than a mile from the road. I don't carry all the survival stuff or game bags when I'm TS hunting either.

Part 2: First up the bigger packs.



From Right to Left:
Eberlestock X2, Badlands Super Day, Horn Hunter Main Beam (not the XL version), Horn Hunter G2, Cabelas Elite Scout

Eberlestock X2





I bought this pack last year. It fits well, carries well, holds all my junk, and is fairly quiet in the woods. I like the layout, design, pockets and fit/feel of the pack. The only thing I wish was different is I wish it sat a bit lower on my back. I run into 2 issues with a short torso – packs sitting too high, or not able to adjust down enough. If I could get a Badlands 2200 or 2800 to adjust to a 16” torso, I wouldn’t be doing this……… All in all a very good pack.

Badlands Super Day







I’ve owned this pack for 5-6-7 years or so. It has been a staple in my arsenal since I bought it. It is the most comfortable pack I own. I’ve worn this packs for a gazillion miles. I’ve never hauled any meat or heavy loads but it carries 10-15 lbs as well as any pack I’ve ever seen. My issues: IMHO it is too big for a day pack plus it doesn’t have enough pockets/compartments. I’ve discovered through this process that I like a lot of pockets/compartments. This is a very good pack and is a good all around pack if your not carrying meat or need a lot of pockets.

Horn Hunter Main Beam








This pack is not the XL version, it is the ‘regular’ version. I’ve heard of Horn Hunter packs before but never had one in my hand. This pack is pretty impressive. It is well thought out and is fairly technical from the standpoint of all the ‘things’ incorporated into the pack. It holds all my junk with a lot of room to spare, carries well and has a fairly low profile. It has an internal frame to help the pack hold its shape and support weight when packing meat out. It has a lot of pocket/compartments, some of which are a bit extraneous like the tiny ones on the waste belt. They’d be good for carrying 4-5 business cards should the need arise. Some of the cooler features about this pack – it has a hidden fl orange meat shelf tucked under the pack in an elastic pocket. I wondered what the 2 small buckles on the side of the pack were for and figured out the meat shelf has 4 buckles that snap into 4 matching buckles on the side of the pack. The meat shlf works in conjunction with the 2 ‘wings’ on the sides. You simply put whatever you want to carry on the meat shelf, snap 6 buckles in place, cinch it down, and head out. A really good idea. The pack also has a bunch of gear loops to lash things on. Its not listed as waterproof and I’ll follow up with them next week. If I was to change 2 things, I’d ditch the 2 side/belt pockets and make the shoulder straps a bit thinner – they are the thickest shoulder straps I’ve ever seen on a pack. Overall I really, really like this pack. It is also bow/gun compatible and has 2 buckles to strap down your weapon. This pack is listed as 2800 cu in and I doubt its much more than 2200 or so. I’m OK with that because I don’t carry a lot of extraneous junk and like a smaller pack. I have a Crooked Horn Master Guide coming and am looking forward to comparing the two.

Horn Hunter G2









This isn’t really a ‘bigger’ pack as its listed at 1800 cu in but feels more like 15-1600. Again it holds all my junk comfortably so no big deal. I really like this pack as well. It is well thought out, fits/carries well, is quiet, and sit low on my back. It to has a lot of pockets. This pack is exactly what I had in mind for a deer hunting day pack. The only thing I would change – I’d lose the side/belt pockets. I found that when I put my GPS or radio in them, they wore on my hips. I simply didn’t put anything big/bulky/hard in them and it worked great. This pack is also capable of carrying a rifle/bow. I’ve never tried that with any pack but will likely try it this year on those dark hikes in/out. Having both hands free would be a bonus.

Cabelas Elite Scout











I had high hopes for this pack. It didn’t disappoint. This pack holds all my junk, carries well, and probably made of the quietest material of all the packs. It doesn’t have as many pockets at the G2 but has a sufficient number. This pack also comes with a wire internal frame that helps the pack hold its shape as it is fairly supple. The frame also lifts the pack off your back so should provide some airflow around the pack. It came with a new fancy smancy water bladder that is supposedly not going to make the water taste like a fart after an all night drunk. I hate water bladders and usually immediately peel them out and throw them away. I may try this one. It seems fairly high tech. We’ll see. This pack comes with a goofy little belt pocket that likely could hold a couple shells or something similar. A good feature is that its removable. I’m betting a large sum it will disappear shortly. The other belt pocket is much more useful and will stay. Both are out of the way and aren’t designed into the belt so won’t press on your hips if something is in them. A small fl orange patch is found inside the biggest exterior compartment that folds over the pack providing some fl orange for safety. I’m new to that feature and don’t know what to think other than my packs always cover my fl orange on my back. I’ll likely give it a whirl. The only thing I’d change about this pack is the way the ‘lower unit’ snaps to the upper part of the pack. You basically have to unsnap the lower unit to access the upper zippered compartment. I’d arrange the snap or zipper so that unsnapping wouldn’t be necessary.

I'll do the rest next week. They will be the Badlands Stealth, Stalker, Ultra Day, Crooked Horn Master Guide.

If anybody want more pics, answer any questions, or anything else, let me know and I'll do my best to get the answers.

I've been using a Badlands Super pack for the last 4 seasons. Love it and I'm 5'8". No torso issues and it's incredibly comfortable around the waist.

Heck of a review on the packs Bill, thanks for the effort. Great post.

Thanks. I was wondering if anyone was reading this.

I'll finish the remaining packs and add a few things to the above.

FWIW, Cabela's has the Executive Hunter pack on sale for $70. I bought two of them for my Son and I to use as BSA day packs and think that they would make good "leave in the truck" kit packs or packs to tote gear from your vehicle to your stand. They don't have a waist belt, so I wouldn't want to carry anything heavy or for any distance.

Plus 1 on what BnC Buck mentioned above... Camelbak has some great packs in their military line. I have their BMF model and am very happy with it. A friend has the Motherlode, which is basically a BMF without side pockets and is very happy with it.

I like this one !

http://www.schaeferkegs.com/keg_backpacks.php

I've been thinking about the Outdoorsmans Muley.


Currently have a Camelback Striker that I removed the padded straps and replaced with 2" Nylon. I like the thinner straps for shouldering my rifle, the thick padded ones are a bit much.