Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Waterproof day pack under $250

I need a small light weight water proof day pack for deer hunting. I want quality zippers or at least a great warranty since zippers always seem the weak point for me.

I don't carry a ton of gear, This is just for day hunts but I want to also carry a small survival kit in case of an accident or getting lost in more remote areas. It has to be completely water proof,but I prefer it not be a roll up rubber back pack.

Usually I search the web and read reviews for a month for a purchase like this,so please forgive my laziness this time and suggest some packs. I would like to pay less than $150 but no more than $250 if at all possible.

Good luck in finding one. A canoeing dry bag with shoulder straps might work. I've given up on the idea of a waterproof pack. Too many openings and zippers for our rain forest. As you know, a functional substitute is to stuff anything that needs to stay dry inside a plastic bag inside the pack. When I want extra insurance a plastic sack inside a stuff sack works well, with the outer nylon protecting the plastic bag from puncture.

A friend has used one of these for years, pretty much bomb proof and 100% waterproof! I use one of their hip/camera bags, it's never leaked a drop.




http://www.sagebrushdrygoods.com/product/49-dry-daypack.html?lang=en

I have a Kelty. It's more water resistant than proof but it has a rain cover built into the bottom that can be pulled over it in about 15 sec.

The new generation of Crux AK-37 and 47 are waterproof. Very well regarded for their purpose (mountaineering), would make a great daypack if it fits your frame. Also within your price range.

I have two HMG packs that I love. The porter can handle +-50 lbs, the windrider can do 35ish with aplomb. They are all inherently waterproof; you may have to re-tape seams from time to time. Not built for brush beating abuse, but crazy light for what they can haul.

I use the Osprey Kestrel 38. Relatively light (3lbs) but can carry alot of weight if needed. I strap my 21lb Summit climber to the back of it for archery and have no problems packing in a couple miles in comfort. Plenty of internal room when I need to stuff in some extra warm gear. Has a built in pouch for a water bladder that makes it easy to stay hydrated on long hunts.

http://www.ospreypacks.com/us/en/product/kestrel-38-KESTREL38.html

Oh, and it has a built in rain fly if it really starts to rain (more than a drizzle)

If you're into nostalgia, you could line this one with a pack liner and be good to go.
https://www.frostriver.com/shop/day-packs/seven-bridges-daypack/

Water proof almost always means not-quiet.

Better to find the pack you want that fits you well and is quiet, then use Ziplocs and dry bags as appropriate.

Of all the claimed to be waterproof zips on the market today,
of the ones i've used that which I trust the most , are from TIZIP.

http://www.tizip.com/produkt.php?lang=en&pos=1

just dont expect to find a great selection of packs that incorporate that quality of WP zip.

"Better to find the pack you want that fits you well and is quiet, then use Ziplocs and dry bags as appropriate."

What he said. A reinforced hefty bag inside whatever pack is as cheap and effective as anything.

In nearly 42 years of backpacking, I've never seen a "waterproof" backpack.

Yep. Many sizes of dry bags to choose from.

Proper WP packs are certainly out there and from my experience work as designed.

Drysacks or portage packs maybe.

No, Im talking about packs with the TIZIP I mentioned earlier.

Ok... I have those on a pack. It's still not waterproof. Definitely help. A pack has to be welded" together, not sewn, to have a chance at being waterproof. Arcteryx tried a few years ago and did fairly well.

Nephew gave me an Orvis Gale Force that's designed for fishermen and it keeps out water very well.....so well that I use it for hunting also.

Yours was sewn well thats bad luck, I saw the sense in purchasing only welded construction packs with the TIZIP
and so far they are all proven to be effectively waterproof.

Find a suspension you like and use it as a dry bag hauler with some sort of quick access panel.

Actually, that wasn't at all what he said.

Brad has been a wealth of knowledge on backpacking for many years. You, haven't been much of anything at all save a troll since you joined. It won't be hard for folks to figure out who to listen to and who to ignore.

I used one of these on a twelve day brown bear hunt where rain was near continuous. Zero issues with all internals bone dry.

http://www.nrs.com/product/55411.03/watershed-big-creek-day-pack

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the suggestions and let you guys know I've been looking at them all.

Merry Christmas!

http://www.klymit.com/splash-25.html

This one has ten reviews and five star average:

https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/waterproof-daypack


That said, I personally use zip-loc bags and a rain cover for my favorite backpack or day pack and that works fine.

Unless I'm transporting by water, I rarely use a "waterproof" pack, and even then, I usually use a waterproof duffel to transport, then switch to a best fitting, best purpose pack with a cover.

I'd always suggest a paradox/seek outside pack. But that's outside of your budget. One option is this:

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/6439...;attrValue_0=Olive&productId=1077114

Used with a drybag(s) it could be used as a daypack or a backpack. It's pretty comfortable and can carry a load.

Even after I bought my Paradox pack I kept this LLBean frame

Yes.