help needed finding a good day pack.

[13bonatter69]

OK guys and gals, I don't get the time to research that I used to, so I'm not up on all the latest and greatest gear. I am in need of the smallest and lightest pack that is capable of hauling the daily essentials of Razor 85 mm spotter, Tripod for that spotter, and food and water for the day. It would be really nice if I could attach my bow to it somehow, but not a total deal breaker if it doesn't. Im a small guy at only 5'6" so Im not looking for a huge pack, just something really comfortable to wear all day while glassing around and hunting the badlands of North Dakota. Ive noticed the Badland packs have several nice models of day packs that won't break the bank? What are the general thoughts on those??? Thanks

 

[WV Mountaineer]

I'm betting they'll work. But, if it were me, I'd buy a used or new EXO, kifaru, SG, or Seek outside framed pack with one of their day bags and have a system that'll work great for you in that situation but, be capable of doing anything else you wanted and, can do. God Bless

 

[chops24]

I western hunt with an AMR on a 24" duplex with guide lid and grab it. I sometimes will leave the AMR at camp and just use the guide lid and grab it, or will just use the AMR in daypack mode. Great setup that can handle anything. I'm your size as well.

I went through a few different setups before this and wouldn't change a thing. I've considered using my quandary for day stuff but the duplex with different pocket/bag combos is so much more versatile and is not that much heavier or inconvenient.

I've previously used badlands superday and 2200 but could never go back.


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[mfolch]

Stone Glacier Avail with or without a Crux frame, or Crux and Approach should do the trick. Both are super light, and the Crux/Approach (which is insanely light--but also has a frame, which some people find excessive on day hunts) has the benefit of also being able to handle a 100lbs pack out.

 

[outdoor_matt]

If you were willing to spend the money I would go with the stone glacier avail 2200. I personally don't own one but man they look sweet.


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[ZDR]

OK guys and gals, I don't get the time to research that I used to, so I'm not up on all the latest and greatest gear. I am in need of the smallest and lightest pack that is capable of hauling the daily essentials of Razor 85 mm spotter, Tripod for that spotter, and food and water for the day. It would be really nice if I could attach my bow to it somehow, but not a total deal breaker if it doesn't. Im a small guy at only 5'6" so Im not looking for a huge pack, just something really comfortable to wear all day while glassing around and hunting the badlands of North Dakota. Ive noticed the Badland packs have several nice models of day packs that won't break the bank? What are the general thoughts on those??? Thanks

The Kifaru 14er has all of the performance attributes you are looking for and is very versatile.

z

 

[NDGuy]

I'm the same height and live in the same state. I loved the Mystery Ranch Pintler but decided on the Metcalf for more versatility. If you only need a daypack, Pintler would be a good choice and not as expensive as Exo, Kifaru etc.

 

[doncarpenter]

Mystery Ranch scapgoat either 25 or 35 would do everything you need. I owned the 35(before it was the 35) and it was my favorite internal frame daypack to date. At your size you could get plenty of shoulder lift from the traverse suspension. I would still have the pack if I didnt make my own short duplex frame.

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[awaldro7]

I just went through this search myself and ordered a pack on friday. I ended up going with the mystery ranch scapegoat 25. I did not need meat hauling capabilities in this pack or I would have went with something more substantial. I just needed a small and robust pack to carry my daily essentials.

 

[archer wapiti]

I just went through this search myself and ordered a pack on friday. I ended up going with the mystery ranch scapegoat 25. I did not need meat hauling capabilities in this pack or I would have went with something more substantial. I just needed a small and robust pack to carry my daily essentials.

I did the same. It's working out pretty well. There's two internal pockets that look made for a scope and tripod (don't have one to try in mine).

Although the big freighter packs will compress down, if I'm not backpacking, I don't like to use them for that because they're just huge. Good luck finding your sandwich among all the folds of a compressed AMR or similar. And the roller coaster track the zipper slide must travel over those folds to get the thing open is also a pain. Of course I'm being a bit dramatic, but I'd rather have a smaller pack if I'm just out for a day.

 

[WYWestCoast]

I did a ton of research on packs and found that I i liked the looks of the Exo 2000 (actually bigger than 2000 CI) and the Kifaru 22 mag. Since I was going with a 2 bag approach, I landed on Exo as I preferred their larger bags. I should have them in hand any day now but am happy with my decision. For a more dedicated bag, I might have chosen the 22 mag for the addition of the more substantial side pockets but I think I'll really like the Exo 2000 (especially since I'll have a lid from the bigger bag that I can attach to it).

 

[pjohnson8168]

I recently aquired an HPG Umlindi, I picked up a recon belt for it as well and for a pure daypack and no need for meat hauling I am flat out tickled. The unique shoulder harness took some playing around to get the ride and weight right but once I found it I have zero complaints with around 35lbs in it. The compression straps are excellent and I have no doubt you could attach your bow. I am somewhat vertically challenged at 5'7" as well and find this is a good size for me when meat hauling isnt necessary. I only have about 15 miles with it hiking so far and if I am being picky all I could say is that it is lacking in back ventilation, other than that Its great.

 

[DE0827]

I have the Badlands Superday, and used it for several years. It's a great daypack that comes with a built in bow/rifle carrier system and is very well built. However, it does not work well for carrying meat, so I have since changed to a set up that will work for a daypack and also has the ability to be a meat hauler as well. I just did a customized set up for the Army surplus Molle II pack frame and harness.