Choosing from all the hunting daypacks on the market can sure seem intimidating. But a great big game backpack will help keep your gear organized and accessible in the field. Hunting in Wyoming with Table Mountain Outfitters means you have great lodging each night and a full overnight pack is not necessary.
Blind Hunts
The blinds are set and nor transportation is required so it’s really about your gear for the day. Catch-all kind of daypacks that have everything easily accessible is not a bad move. Many hunters also just utilize their existing daypacks. Use something with a rifle or bow sling and consider bringing an extra tote or soft cooler for your food and water needs. Otherwise, focus on staying organized and make everything accessible in a way that minimizes noise. That often means unpacking your essentials immediately after entering the blind space.
Elk and Deer Packs
An abundance of quality hunting daypacks are on the market and you won’t have to look hard to find some great options. Organizing optics, ammunition and layers in a manner that allows for easy access is the key to maximizing your pack’s potential. Luckily, many of the new models make this easy with specific pockets, clips and compartments.
Our Top Picks:
Alps Outdoorz Pursuit – This model has been around a while and is our favorite for its features and reasonable pricing. It’s light, roomy and comes with a shelf pocket, generous padding and an orange rainfly. For a simple, effective and affordable pack, the Pursuit is am excellent choice.
Mystery Ranch – They have several great daypacks with everything from ultralight and compact to roomy for cold weather hunts that require bulky layers. The Pintler is a great model that has excellent padding and support. It’s light and has an internal frame for support. If you want a daypack that can handle small and large loads, this one is versatile and ready to hunt hard.
Stone Glacier Daypacks – If you want a good combination of weight savings and thoughtful design, Stone Glacier makes several good daypacks. They also have bino systems and accessories that integrate with their packs, making for a streamlined system. The Serac 1700 weighs just 2-pounds and can easily haul your gear for a day.
Shop Around – There are many great pack manufacturers and it’s worth visiting a few stores in person to test out the options. Seek Outside, Sitka, Eberlestock and other hunting specific brands all have options. Wear a few packs in the store, play with the straps, adjustments and get a feel for the features. Ultimately, choosing something versatile that can handle small and large loads is prudent for western big game hunts.
By Zach Lazzari
