Good pack/backpack for carry-one and hunt daypack

[xbr897]

Any recommendations for a good backpack that is large enough to handle trip clothing essentials as a carry-on bag as well as being a good day pack when hunting? Preferably one with a non-camo style to it, just plain green or dark tan/brown. I was loaned a pack by a buddy for a Safari this summer but it has a very rigid frame in it that I'm just not a fan of, and it gives it less cargo capacity.

 

[Scott CWO]

I like the Badlands 2200. Lifetime repair warranty. I think they have solid colors as well as camo. I can get my optics, shave kit and a change of clothes in it easily and it will fit in an overhead bin on an airliner.

 

[GuttormG]

I am using a 5.11Tactical Rush 24 for my carry-on, it also gets used as for daytrips in the fields.

 

[Woodcarver]

I like the Badlands 2200. Lifetime repair warranty. I think they have solid colors as well as camo. I can get my optics, shave kit and a change of clothes in it easily and it will fit in an overhead bin on an airliner.

+1 on the Badlands 2200. Internal frame, narrow (between the shoulders), great shoulder straps and waist belt. Carried more than a few deer and elk quarters out with it and one bighorn full body cape & head.

 

[USMA84DAB]

Eberlestock Halftrack!

 

[Jfet]

This could be one of those very hotly debated topics with multiple pages. I have used both of the following as carry on and day packs in Africa.

K4 2200 Pack System

A smart and streamlined daypack for carrying essential gear; a capable and comfortable load-hauler with the included K4 Frame‚ the K4 2200 Pack System is the ultimate hunting day pack. Made in the USA.

exomtngear.com

Venture 1800 | Ash

The ideal day pack for scouting and short duration hunts. Features an internal frame to provide structure and comfort while hauling gear and optics.

www.kuiu.com

I am currently using the kuiu bag because the suspension system works with all their bags. I think the EXO-MTN does too. There are a great deal of really good bags out there.

 

[PARA45]

I have the Badland 2200 and the 5.11 Rush 72 back pack. For traveling I normally carry the 5.11, seems like it's better laid out for traveling. I also throw in my check in bag a small 5.11 Rush 12 back pack for when I'm in country hunting. In there I throw in my camera, extra ammo, sunblock, rain gear, etc. It's small enough to carry and doesn't get in the way. Maybe is an overkill to carry two packs, but in my opinion the 2200 and 72 are too big to take out in the field. But, if you have to, you can fit the kitchen sink in the Badland 2200, very roomy

 

[woods0824]

Mystery Ranch Metcalf or Sawtooth are my choice for backcountry hunts and will fit in overhead bin. They come in solid colors and allow me to pack all my hunting clothes and gear in my carry-on.
If this is for Africa only, I'd probably go with something smaller like the Badlands 2200 suggested above, or the Badlands Superday pack.

 

[roverandbrew]

Hunting in Colorado I always use my Fjallraven Kaipak 38 as my day pack. I would pack water, emergency meal, Gore-Tex bivy sack, signal kit, poncho liner, treking poles, and other odds and ends. Zero issues. I have used is as a carry on also. They use to come in green but looks like only grey now. Im sure you can find new old stock in green. I attached two other "earth tone" models.

Abisko Hike 35

Lightweight and flexible backpack for low weight trekking and cabin-to-cabin trips. Top-loading design with an extra opening at the side, front pocket and an expandable side pocket. Produced without PFCs, made for a lifetime of use.

www.fjallraven.com

Singi 28

Versatile and hardwearing backpack in durable G-1000. Perfect for hiking, hunting and fishing. Produced without PFCs, made for a lifetime of use.

www.fjallraven.com

Kaipak 38

Simple, robust trekking backpack in G-1000 HeavyDuty. Supportive carrying system with fixed back length and robust hipbelt. Produced without PFCs, made for a lifetime of use.

www.fjallraven.com

 

[mdwest]

For a larger sized "day" pack (capable of holding a couple of days of clothes and essential hunting gear) I use a North Face Solaris 35 in Olive Drab... North Face doesnt make the pack anymore.. but you can still find them new / unused on ebay, poshmark, etc for very reasonable prices.. I think they originally retailed for just under $200... I saw them last year when I was considering replacing mine for anywhere between $80-$120 for "new"...

I've been carrying mine since 2004... It has literally been hauled all over Iraq, Afghanistan, multiple countries in Africa, multiple countries in Central and South America.. made a few Europe trips with me.. its freaking bomb proof... and also doesnt scream "hunter!" or even "american" when traveling abroad.. I look like any other north american or european traveler/adventurer..

For a smaller sized day pack (hunting essentials only.. spare t-shirt, socks, and shorts are about all you can fit in there with basic hunting gear like binos, spare ammo, range finder, knife, water bottle, snacks, etc..).. I use a Tenzing T1200... unfortunately Tenzing has discontinued this pack as well.. but they have other packs in the 1150-1250 cu inch range..

The Tenzing, like the North Face pack has been exceptional.. its made multiple trips to Africa, Argentina, Peru, etc.. and is my primary hunting pack for pretty much everything in the US as well.. super tough.. very comfortable to wear even when under a full load.. compartmentalized enough that its easy to keep things organized, but large enough compartments that you can actually fit meaningful stuff in the pockets (I hate over compartmented packs)..

 

[JimP]

I have a older Badlands Pursuit pack. While it is small it will hold quite a bit and plan to use it again on my June trip. It only comes in the camo patter but I have zero problems with that.

 

[AZDAVE]

I have been using a carhart pack for years.

 

[BourbonTrail]

I have a Sandpiper of California - 3 Day Pass in Coyote Brown. I use it for work (traveling Equipment/Production Engineer), and it works great. I plan to take it with me to RSA later this year.

Three Day Pass - Coyote Brown

Mid-sized pack to keep your gear where you can find it. Easy access to books, clothing and accessories in the generous main compartment. Organize pens, pencils, business cards, etc. in the Organizer Panel. Compact enough to use virtually anywhere, but with the capacity for a few days of clothing...

sandpiperca.com

 

[YancyW]

I am a big fan of https://kifaru.net/store/

They build some very good stuff and the customer service is simply the best. I have called with a question about options to attach some different items and the guy called me back while on a hunt.

 

[sierraone]

Many of you have listed some serious packs IMO, with a few costing serious money. I own and use the below listed pack because I use it only for hunting. It stays loaded with hunting field items year round unless I am going on a flight then I have to remove skinning knives and such. My son and I each own one for the same purpose. Mine has been to Africa twice and Alaska twice...and to our local lease several times for each for the past six years. It is made from "Quiet Cloth". And you'll still have money left over to buy a little of that expensive ammo we all shoot!

https://www.amazon.com/Fieldline-Timberhawk-Basin-Daypack-Realtree/dp/B07S8Z88NB/

 

[C.W. Richter]

Check out EMS or Sierra, etc. for NOS High Sierra or eq backpacks. I have the HS 70L (largest carry on-very manageable. someone liked my 1st one so much at a toxic waste site, they lifted it from the back of my truck! lol Liked it so much I replaced it, and purchased the much larger 2000L soft luggage w/ handle/wheels for checked baggage in addition to gun case. Never an issue in many travel hunts and the last one was replaced in 2017 (after 10 yrs of service). These were $300 items, but reduced to just over $100 as they were NOS. In my younger days, I had the displeasure of cheaper stuff having handles/buckles/seams broken in travel, rendering them 1-use (or less) disposable items often requiring field repair w/ duct tape and gorilla glue! Avoid that at all cost.

 

[Nyati]

For travel, I use a Victorinox laptop backpack, which is black, and says "business traveler" and not "hunter".

It carries binoculars, two cameras, e-book, medicines and a change of clothes. Laptop compartment is very useful for travel documents.

I don´t carry much while hunting, for that I use a small cheap nylon backpack you can buy in any sporting store, and that goes in my luggage.

 

[C.W. Richter]

For travel, I use a Victorinox laptop backpack, which is black, and says "business traveler" and not "hunter".

It carries binoculars, two cameras, e-book, medicines and a change of clothes. Laptop compartment is very useful for travel documents.

I don´t carry much while hunting, for that I use a small cheap nylon backpack you can buy in any sporting store, and that goes in my luggage.

I thought it, but failed to mention-anything military color or camo is just inviting trouble from others not so fond of hunting, or even inspectors, etc. out there. Stealth is good. Black works. 'Have a Victorinox (Swiss?) laptop case purchased at some international airport-it's been the BEST-waterproof, 2 side pouches for files, elec gadgets. Highly recommended stuff!

 

[wesheltonj]

For a just a carry-on:

Fairview or Farpoint

https://www.osprey.com/us/en/search/?q=wheeled%20carryon&features=Wheeled%20Travel%20Pack&type=Carry-On%20Bags

 

[PARA45]

@sierraone, I'm glad you posted that, thanks! For the life of me I couldn't remember the name of this pack. This is the pack I use here in the East for deer hunting, and it's a great little pack.