Good pack/backpack for carry-one and hunt daypack

[YancyW]

When I am traveling and don't want to look like a hunter, I use this sometimes: https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/farpoint-travel-pack-55-FARPNT55_326.html

It is a couple inches too big for a carryon, but I've never had any issues and it smaller than many bags people carry on. If you don't full it to the gills, it fits fine and won't cause you or anyone else issues. You can also take it apart and use on as you carry on and then the smaller piece as the personal item.

 

[Dewald]

Camelbak HAWG 100 oz

 

[Tundra Tiger]

I am a sucker for a more traditional look. What I am using now, and it's my favorite of all the ones I've used in recent years, is the Continental Rucksack from L.L. Bean. I've been using it for about 4 years and got it on sale for 70 bucks. I use it as my pack for hunting, and have used it for moose, caribou, bear, and in Africa. It's also my pack for regular travel. For example, living in a remote community, on my many trips to Anchorage for medical visits or what have you, it's what I use... no need for a suitcase. I find it to be very comfortable, it's been incredibly durable, and I love how it looks.

 

[Art Lambart II]

I use a C-Ruck by Red Oxx, it carries all of my safari clothes, tolitries, personal items, paperwork, laptop, and binos. Don't trust the airlines more than you have to carry on everything you can. My C-Ruck has been to Afirica twice, England once, Spain seven times and several dozen hunting trips here in the US, always as a carry-on and it still look brand new. Personally I used a safari vest to carry my EDC hunting items when I was in the field. I did bring a cheap backpack for the items I wanted to have in the truck and not carry in the field.

My only complaint about the C-Ruck is the price, they currently sell for $355. That seems like a lot but they are American made in Montana and they have a Life time No Bull Warrenty. As hunters we pay big bucks for our firearms so why not spend a little more to buy back pack you can use for a lifetime.

 

[YancyW]

I use a C-Ruck by Red Oxx, it carries all of my safari clothes, tolitries, personal items, paperwork, laptop, and binos. Don't trust the airlines more than you have to carry on everything you can. My C-Ruck has been to Afirica twice, England once, Spain seven times and several dozen hunting trips here in the US, always as a carry-on and it still look brand new. Personally I used a safari vest to carry my EDC hunting items when I was in the field. I did bring a cheap backpack for the items I wanted to have in the truck and not carry in the field.

My only complaint about the C-Ruck is the price, they currently sell for $355. That seems like a lot but they are American made in Montana and they have a Life time No Bull Warrenty. As hunters we pay big bucks for our firearms so why not spend a little more to buy back pack you can use for a lifetime.

Red Oxx is really good stuff. They charge for it, but it is as solid as any duffle built.

 

[slam8031]

I have three primary bags for the purposes you mentioned.
Most expensive—c ruck from RedOxx—fantastic bag that’s gone to Peru, RSA, and Namibia. Holds most things I need without checking a bag.
favorite—the black Swiss computer bag mentioned earlier—paid less than 50$ usd at Sam’s club. Many compartments, safe storage for laptop, etc—doesn’t look like I’m going hunting. It’s made it to RSA, duck hunting in the swamps, etc
Cheapest—tacticalgear.com has a cheap line called Condor—military grade/style bags on the cheap. This is my everyday hunting bag for deer hunting in SC.

 

[Nomadx2]

I have the 5.11 24L for domestic travel. Have the 5.11 37L for international, plenty of room for a couple of days travel each way when we went to Tanzania. Both are extremely well built and durable, plenty of pockets, and with the Mole straps you can add additional holders.

 

[MarkB]

Wow some have expensive day packs. I am with @sierraone, I use the fieldline timber hawk. Reasonably priced, has held up for many years, quiet, hip and chest straps when extra weight is carried, big enough for use as a day pack.

At home it stays packed as my hunting bug out bag, on safari does all I need it too. As for camo, I am proud to be a hunter, my other luggage is a gun case so don't worry what others think. As carry on its in overhead, under seat and in sight.

MB

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[xbr897]

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.

Thanks. Looking at their site, it seems the medium is 26x17x12 whereas the carry on bag sizers limit to 22x14x9. I'd worry with it being so much larger that it may get flagged by gate agents even if it would fit in overhead.

 

[Scott CWO]

Thanks. Looking at their site, it seems the medium is 26x17x12 whereas the carry on bag sizers limit to 22x14x9. I'd worry with it being so much larger that it may get flagged by gate agents even if it would fit in overhead.

I’ve never been asked or flagged for measurements and those are the dimensions only if stuffed full and not soft.

 

[Philip Glass]

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.

The 5.11 packs are hard to beat for versatility. Ive used one for many years now and really like it and all the pockets it has. If you are going to use your carry on for a day pack on your hunt you need to be very careful repacking for home. You will wind up with ammo in your pack and detained at a foreign airport if not very careful. I tell all my hunters when repacking to unpack it completely, check all pockets, open all zippers, and shake the pack hard. Then have your hunting buddy do the same. If you follow this suggestion you may make it out ok.
I use the little 5.11 sling pack for my day pack. It is very small and light yet it will carry all I need for the day. This way I never use my carryon for my day pack.
Regards,
Philip

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

I follow Phillips advice. I use a separate pack for my day pack. Never use my carry on as a day pack. Last year I saw a hunter detained at security check In Tambo airport. He had 2 live 375 HH in is carry on when went thru security. 45 minutes and $500 later he showed up at gate!

 

[mdwest]

He had 2 live 375 HH in is carry on when went thru security. 45 minutes and $500 later he showed up at gate!

This is why I "shoot" all of the ammo I bring with me to South Africa... I have never brought a single round back to the US

 

[Nomadx2]

The 5.11 packs are hard to beat for versatility. Ive used one for many years now and really like it and all the pockets it has. If you are going to use your carry on for a day pack on your hunt you need to be very careful repacking for home. You will wind up with ammo in your pack and detained at a foreign airport if not very careful. I tell all my hunters when repacking to unpack it completely, check all pockets, open all zippers, and shake the pack hard. Then have your hunting buddy do the same. If you follow this suggestion you may make it out ok.
I use the little 5.11 sling pack for my day pack. It is very small and light yet it will carry all I need for the day. This way I never use my carryon for my day pack.
Regards,
Philip

This is good advice. Once had a shell drop into my back and was buried at the bottom. The TSA folks at the airport found it and I was pulled aside. They were cool about it, and understood it was a mistake on my part, but they delayed me for about 20-30 minutes and did a complete check om me. Fortunately no body cavity search

Empty the bag complete and search all those nooks and crannies ...

 

[Tundra Tiger]

I would add I am with others on here. I have zero issue with whether or not how I look says "hunter". Heck, I frequently wear stuff that might be offensive anyway (I have "Let's Go Brandon apparel, for example, and am not shy about where I wear them). I have had camo packs many, many times in the past that were carry on. Like someone else said, traveling with a rifle case... folks figure it out.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

This is why I "shoot" all of the ammo I bring with me to South Africa... I have never brought a single round back to the US

Know what you mean! That’s why I am only taking 10 rounds for each rifle this year.

 

[Nomadx2]

I would add I am with others on here. I have zero issue with whether or not how I look says "hunter". Heck, I frequently wear stuff that might be offensive anyway (I have "Let's Go Brandon apparel, for example, and am not shy about where I wear them). I have had camo packs many, many times in the past that were carry on. Like someone else said, traveling with a rifle case... folks figure it out.

If others have a right to express themselves in how they dress, speak, and act ... so do I.

 

[Woodcarver]

Thanks. Looking at their site, it seems the medium is 26x17x12 whereas the carry on bag sizers limit to 22x14x9. I'd worry with it being so much larger that it may get flagged by gate agents even if it would fit in overhead.

I have not flown with mine, yet, but have seen more than a few backpacks/bags that were way over the listed size for a carryon. Worst case would be they make you gate check it, but at least you know it is on the airplane.

 

[7MAG]

I’ve used Kifaru, kuiu and badlands. Bandlands ripped, kuiu is the lightest and my go to. Kifaru is good if you want to spend a lot of money and need something reliable for extended days in the backcountry. Have not tried stone glacier yet but there’s a few guides in AK running them. They seem to hold up and are just as talked about as kuiu

 

[Tom Leoni]

A while ago I scored this pack made by Courteney for Westley Richards (ebay buy). I know it’s a bit dude-ish, but I’ve made peace with being a dude when I hunt Africa.