Day Pack for Late Season Mule Deer

[Bricedelapp4]

Going on my first western hunt this November. I’ll be rifle hunting mule deer in Montana and I’m looking into getting my day pack. We will be going back to camp every evening. Being it’s my first time, I’m a little overwhelmed with all the options and sizes. The pop up 30 and 40 from mystery ranch peaked my interest. Any thoughts on if those are good day packs and which one is better? Open to other brands and styles as well! I plan on doing some western archery day hunts as well in the future, so looking for the most versatile pack that I can use for other hunts.

 

[justinspicher]

I’m a mystery ranch, but I use a mule attached to my frame for my hunts here in Colorado. Carries enough for a day hunt, but has a frame to haul meat if needed or a shed that I happen to find.

 

[rogerdoger]

I like the Pintler, put a lid on for additional storage.

Warm clothes take up a lot of room so I would consider that if hunting in November

 

[AndrewMT34]

I’d look at the Stone Glacier 3600 or the K4 3600. You can buy larger size bags if you ever need and both frames are comfortable.

 

[TaperPin]

The pack only has to haul your lunch and clothes if it has a way to haul meat outside of the main bag like the pop ups, so the bag doesn’t have to be huge. Boned out mulies aren’t all the big, so I think of the ideal deer pack as smaller than the ideal elk pack. A bigger heavy hauling pack also has a more substantial belt, which gets old hauling a light pack with an oversized belt wrapped around you all week. I think the pop up should be on your short list.

 

[RockAndSage]

Whatever pack you choose, it's a challenge to be disciplined in putting as little in it as possible. It seems to be human nature to fill a backpack full, no matter how big or small. So, hardware selection matters, but mind your software.

 

[lukegorham13]

I’d look at the Stone Glacier 3600 or the K4 3600. You can buy larger size bags if you ever need and both frames are comfortable.

I agree with the Stone Glacier 3600. It’s big enough for a multi-day backcountry trip and good size for a late season day pack when you need room for warm clothing

 

[Bricedelapp4]

I’d look at the Stone Glacier 3600 or the K4 3600. You can buy larger size bags if you ever need and both frames are comfortable.

What are your thoughts on the K4 2200? Too small for what I’m needing? I will be with a guide if that helps determining the right size bag.

 

[GT3]

The bag on the K4 can get swapped out in about 90 seconds. I have the 2200 and the 5000 and I use the 2200 for way more than you would ever think would be possible. Having said that. Get the frame you like and then and extra bag if you decide you need it.

 

[Poser]

What are your thoughts on the K4 2200? Too small for what I’m needing? I will be with a guide if that helps determining the right size bag.

For late season, I personally need more capacity than the 2200 offers. I use the 2200 for Sept day hunts, but when I start packing puffy pants, multiple layers, maybe 2 puffies if its really cold, thermos etc, I go with the 3600 -no lid. The ability to just stuff your puffy and layers in your pack without having to meticulously pack it up is super helpful as you are in and out of the sun, sitting and moving etc.

 

[AndrewMT34]

What are your thoughts on the K4 2200? Too small for what I’m needing? I will be with a guide if that helps determining the right size bag.

2200 would be pretty small for late season with jackets, etc. I'd go 3600 and just remember you don't need t fill it all the way up.

 

[rogerdoger]

Do you have any other backpacks at home (any type)? If you do get all your gear and pack the bag and see how it all packs in. Or go buy a hunting pack at a local store, bring it home pack it up and see how much space is needed or left over. Then return the bag and get the one you want.

 

[SuperDUECE22]

What are your thoughts on the K4 2200? Too small for what I’m needing? I will be with a guide if that helps determining the right size bag.

at only a $35 dollar difference there'd be no reason to go 2200 over the 3600

 

[eaglemountainman]

For your situation, where you will need extra space for extra layers, I would look at a MR Sawtooth 45. The 270° zipper makes access to any part of the pack sheer joy.
MR doesn't have the cool factor of some of the much more pricey brands always mentioned here, but if their Guidelight MT frame fits your body type, you won't find a tougher pack.