Which is the best daypack?

[Mossyoak]

i am looking for a day pack for both archery and rifle. I am thinking in the 1900 to 2300 cubic inches. The packs I have looked at are mystery ranch dragon slayer...eberlestock x1....arcteryx khard 30...and some of the Kifaru packs. If anyone has thoughts to share on these or other packs, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

[xXLojackXx]

I would give a serious look at the new Kuiu Icon Pro 1850. Perfect day pack size and also has the load sling option to place up to 2500 cu/in of carrying capacity between the bag and frame, in the event you get an animal and want to take the first quarter out.

[RockChuck]

I have the X1 and it is comfortable and large enough for a overnighter or packing out the first load, backstraps and such.

[Stein]

It depends on if you want to pack meat out in your daypack.  If not, it doesn't matter - find something on clearance somewhere.  If you do intend to pack a 1/4 out, go with a full sized pack.

[jdb]

I picked up an x2 and love it

[turkeyfeather]

I absolutely love my Badlands SuperDay.

[Larry S.]

As in all things human, one man's trash is another man's treasure. In the long run, it will come down to what you hunt, how you hunt, where you hunt, what you like, and what feels best for how you're built.

In 36 years of hunting, I've gone through more than a few packs - including military surplus packs from WWII and Viet Nam. I've used several of the brands mentioned in other posts but have, finally (thank the Good Lord), found two that work best for me.

One of my problems has always been fit and comfort. I'm 5'8" and weigh about 180. Short body and stocky. I hunt in Eastern Washington and prefer open land (see picture at left) to cover. Ridges and draws rather than tight spaces and trees. I prefer hiking, glassing, and stalking to finding a "sweet spot" and waiting (I don't have the patience). So the choice in packs for me has always been light weight, tough, organizable, hydration fitted, strong warranty, adjustability, comfort while carrying, and room (1800 - 2200 cu in.). If I need to pack it out, I carry a plastic drag sled and stay within radio range of my partners. We've never had a problem even with a 300 pound black bear.

The two packs I finally settled on are the Badlands Monster Fanny if I'm only going out for morning and afternoon hunts and the Tenzing 2220 if it's going to be an all day affair (spotting scope, small tripod, food, 2 liter bladder, sled, and everything else needed).

Both work best for ME, my body shape, and the way I hunt even though I know there are many great brands and types that others swear by...because they've found what works best for them. And that, in every piece of gear you will ever use, is the bottom line. It has to work for you because you are the one who has to use it. Stick with products that carry long and simply stated warranties, see if you can borrow different types of packs from friends to try them out, and ALWAYS remember the old saying that "you can either buy nice or buy twice" and you won't go far wrong.

There are a lot of great choices and brands out there. You'll find the one that works best for you. Just don't be afraid to change if you're not satisfied with what you have.

Larry S.

[HawkCreek]

I like the Hill People Gear Tarahumara for my daypack. It's smaller at 700ci but I'm not packing a spotting scope or tripod either, it can be expanded another 800ci with a stuff sack made to attach via compression straps if needed. It carries everything I need for a day of hunting as well as some emergency kit for spending an unplanned night out.

As Larry S. said it fits me and does what I need it to do. Might not work for the next person though.

[Mossyoak]

Thanks for all of the information, I really appreciate it. After reading the other pack threads I decided to look at the Arcteryx ruck sack that they built for USMC. It is a lot bigger than I really wanted but the price was really hard to beat. I am keeping my fingers crossed for an un-issued one! I will post the condition it comes in.

[lamrith]

Did you go with the IBLE or the Assault pack or find a combo pack with both?

[Mossyoak]

This pack is just the ILBE pack....I think you can attach the assault pack to it though.

[BenC567]

I would stray from the IBLE and reassess the ICON 1850. I think someone is selling a used 1850 on the Kuiu forum right now...

[xXLojackXx]

I would stray from the IBLE and reassess the ICON 1850. I think someone is selling a used 1850 on the Kuiu forum right now...

I have the Icon Pro 1850 and 7200 on order. I'll post up a good review when they show up.

[bowguy]

I have the badlands monster fanny pack. Works great entry of storage for all gear and food and has bladder pouch. I like the fanny packs with shoulder straps to get the weight off the hips but it allows air movement for cooling when hunting on a hot day.