How full do you run your pack?

[steelheadmike]

I don't mind having a larger pack (currently use a K4 5000). I typically day hunt mostly and vary the amount of crap I bring. I can easily adjust the compression straps to make the bag bigger or smaller as needed. I've used a smaller bag (K3 1800) but a cold weather day hunt can fill that thing up pretty quickly. A puffy, raingear, hat, gloves, and an extra layer take up some room.

 

[lukebrowning]

I’ve never understood the argument of carrying a smaller pack instills discipline to avoid overpacking. Just don’t pack it… it’s like saying I wear a smaller belt to dinner to avoid overeating…

 

[PineBrook413]

In the past I've run 3 different sized packs and tried to run smaller pack for day hunts and larger pack if we were out over night. But I have moved to just one 5500 exo K4 these days. The weight savings going from the 5500 bag to the 3000 bag is negligible and the 5500 cinches down very compact if you only have it 1/2 full. You can also ditch the top lid if you want to shed a little weight.

For late season day hunts with puffy pants and jackets, 15x binos, first aid, rain gear etc you end up needing most of the space anyway.

 

[Northern-Nomad]

I definitely fall on the side of preferring to have a larger pack cinched down than a smaller one completely stuffed, albeit with some moderation. I certainly don’t want to take an 80L pack on a day trip but, as mentioned earlier, it can be extremely annoying to have your pack packed so meticulously you can’t repack it easily once you’ve used something from it. Additionally it’s not uncommon that I pick up a shed or something while hunting and it’s nice to have a place to put that.

 

[Launchpad14]

I definitely fall on the side of preferring to have a larger pack cinched down than a smaller one completely stuffed, albeit with some moderation. I certainly don’t want to take an 80L pack on a day trip but, as mentioned earlier, it can be extremely annoying to have your pack packed so meticulously you can’t repack it easily once you’ve used something from it. Additionally it’s not uncommon that I pick up a shed or something while hunting and it’s nice to have a place to put that.

Agree, but when the pack is larger than I need, packing discipline sometimes seems to be an issue and I end up not being smart about what I take. I'm coming to the conclusion that I need a lot less than what I think I do, and as a result my pack sizes have slowly decreased over the years.

 

[Northern-Nomad]

Agree, but when the pack is larger than I need, packing discipline sometimes seems to be an issue and I end up not being smart about what I take. I'm coming to the conclusion that I need a lot less than what I think I do, and as a result my pack sizes have slowly decreased over the years.

I would agree most people, myself included, need a lot less than they typically think they do and an easy way to get there is to have a smaller pack. That said, sometimes the “nice-to-haves” are just that; nice to have. Additionally, as you said you usually get a smaller pack with less stuff. Therefore how full your pack is would be roughly the same through the range of gear and pack size, which is similar to where I am at. I prefer to have my pack about 80% full at the start, leaving me with room to add stuff I find while hunting, maybe carry something my buddy brought, repack easily, etc. That’s operating under the assumption though that I pick out my gear and then pick a pack to match. The OP on the hand is in the opposite situation, having the pack first and trying to pick the gear second, to which I would say if it fits it ships. You might run into some issues and inconveniences but I don’t know if that’s enough to justify a new pack for one or two hunts potentially.

 

[cuerro viejo]

HAHA im not as hardcore as a lot of people on here apparently. I may put a smaller roll in there but half a roll of TP's space does not seem life changing

Sea to summit wilderness wipes.

 

[dirtshooter]

I only have a K3 3200 and a K3 4800 so I'm taking the 4800 on a 7 day hunt and it's pretty tight pretty full but it's my only option.

 

[Mike Islander]

My bag is an EXO 6400, so fullness isn't a consideration. Need and weight drive the trip. I do keep my sleeping bag loose and stuff it inside to stabilize the contents. So my bag usually looks puffy, even when light. I like how it feels all snugged up inside.

 

[Eric30]

I like to have extra space in my bag but it's really up to you. I found the biggest thing that took up space has been food, especially for a multiple day trip. But I have found vacuuming sealing each day worth of food helps to save a ton of space and clear up some room.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

Personally, I’ve come along to settle where I thought I never would. If a packs not 2500-3000 cubic inches minimum, I’m not fooling with it anymore.


Day hunting in cold weather eats up pack space. In a hurry. I often walk in a single 250 merino or 200 weight polyester. Most times if it’s steep, I’m going to wear merino. I’m going to sweat on longer walks. So, I’ve got a lot of layers to carry.


I’ve settled on the woodman and DT3 for most everything. When I’m backpacking, I always carry the DT2. There is zero harm in cinching empty bigger bags down. But, it sucks to have to really get creative to get everything in a smaller bag.


I’ve never been a lid or Sherman kind of guy. And, as I’ve transitioned to better gear over the last decade, I’ve found I’d rather buy a bigger bag and only have to deal with those compression straps and zippers versus a smaller bag I have to supplement with pockets and pouches.


I used to wander why guts would buy a 4509-5000 ci pack as an all arounder versus a multiple bag approach. Using the 22 mag, hell bender, and solo with these accessories is a PITA. So, I now clearly see why guys do it. Now I wander why anyone would buy a day pack that requires all these add ons versus one bag that does all. YMMV.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

Great timing. This is why if I only had one bag, it’s going to be a bigger bag that I can cinch down.


Headed back packing with the family next week. Thursday through Sunday. Since the grandkids are going, I’m carrying a lot of stuff. Frying pans, three stoves, breakfasts for everyone, etc….. the only thing I got left is my back packing fishing pole and toilet paper.


You can’t do that with a smaller bag. And, if this DT2 was less packed, I could cinch it tight.


Just something to consider. But, it sucks getting all this in my DT3. It’s stuffed so tight everytime I’d get in it, I’d cuss under my breath trying to get stuff stuffed back. At least for the first couple of days.