Looking for a daypack....advice wanted.

[Broomd]

Looking for quality, super light day pack big enough for two-three days in a pinch. I'm looking for a budget pack, don't have any desire to spend Kifaru type $.
I want something with a decent hip belt. Long torso....38" waist.

I have several packs. love Osprey's offerings for my big packs..70-85 liters, etc.
Looking to round out the smaller pack need now.
Opinions, ideas and experience appreciated...

 

[Mosby]

If you want camo I would look at some Badland packs. They make some nice day packs. I would also look at some of the more traditional backpack companies like Granite Gear or Deuter. I have a Deuter pack that is very comfortable. The problem with some of the non hunting packs is using them in cold weather. I have had some freeze up and become so noisy that I didn't want to touch them when I was on stand but in warm weather they work fine. The better ones are good up to about 35-40 lbs of gear.

 

[Cant hit em]

I had an Easton Full bore , i believe was a 3500 . Camofire has deals on them and honestly this was a comfortable , versatile pack for the money

 

[kodiakfly]

Day pack? I have a couple Arc'Teryx Boras that I really like, and you can find them fairly cheap on ebay. Excellent bags.

I also had a Sitka Alpine Ruck that I bought for a deer hunt in HI because I didn't want to drag (or need) a Barney's or Kifaru there. I was pleasantly surprised at it's carryability and design. It did have a couple of features that I thought were superfluous, but they could be removed or ignored pretty easily. Very light, but still a decent belt an a "frame" sheet with two metal stays in it.

 

[GFY Outfitters]

Hill People Gear
https://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/3/Default.aspx

 

[duchntr]

Have you looked at the osprey manta line?

 

[Marshmstr]

I agree, Osprey are my favorite, but a camo pack...I do like my badlands.

 

[mfolch]

Any consideration given to a g1 spike camp or express? Not super light, but it has a great hip belt, weight capacity, and is expandable.

 

[sodaksooner]

No need for camo, If you like ospreys, just look at one of the smaller offerings.

 

[Broomd]

Thanks for all of the advice, I've started at the top and am going through all options.

I really like osprey packs, they've never failed hauling anything off of the mountain. I really don't care about camo....

 

[tracker12]

Following this thread as I am also interested in a new day pack. I currently have a Badlands Superday that is ok but does not carry a potter very well. Plus it is a heavy pack to start with. I'm wondering if the Kuiu 1850 is a good option.

 

[Matt W.]

Are you planning to pack meat with the pack, or just use it as a daypack? If packing a meat, something with a load shelf is ideal (At least IMHO). I'd keep an eye out for a used Exo 3500 or one of the smaller Stone Glacier packs. Both compress down well, both are solid companies, and the frames can haul more than you want to. Its a bit more $$, but in the end I think it is more versatile and functional than a backpacking type pack.

 

[sneaky]

I would definitely hit up Campsaver.com because they are always blowing out packs at good prices, be sure to check their outlet page, and their Shed page. You'll see the tabs at the top. Forgot to mention, they are doing their 20% off sale through the 24th.

 

[sneaky]

http://www.campsaver.com/used/camp-hike/backpacks
http://www.campsaver.com/outlet/kestrel-28-pack

 

[jquarnberg]

MR's new scapegoat is under $300... http://www.mysteryranch.com/scapegoat-pack

Kuiu ultra 3000 around the same price.

 

[TFP]

MR's new scapegoat is under $300... http://www.mysteryranch.com/scapegoat-pack

Kuiu ultra 3000 around the same price.

Call me crazy, but I'm not particularly excited about gear formerly made in the US being made in the Philippines, especially when the prices don't seem to reflect it.

 

[Drifli]

TFP, I and every HotShot Crew Captain I know uses MR packs. I have no connection with them other than about a couple Hundred 24 hour shifts wearing one on the fire lines in the last couple Wild fire season's.

Take your favorite hunting pack and call the suplier and ask where the buckles come from, how about the fabric, shoot everything even the darn thread usually comes from overseas.

 

[Matt W.]

Not trying to pick an argument, but thought you might find the below interesting. I could not find the same on Kifaru's page because they revamped their website, but I believe they make similar statements as the below. Someone please correct me if I am wrong. Nothing against MR, they make great gear and Dana is a legend, just wanted to put some data out there.

http://www.stoneglacier.com/design/
Stone Glacier backpacks are proudly made in the USA. Not only are the products manufactured in the USA, but all USA produced fabrics and hardware were used where available

https://exomountaingear.com/about/
Making the packs here in Boise and using the highest quality materials available (like our Titanium frame) requires us to sell direct. In the end the hunter gets a USA made, high quality pack for much less than if it went through normal retail channels.

 

[kipper09]

I've had lots of daypacks and by far my favorite is a mystery ranch dragon slayer. Just saw one in the classifieds for $250. If you watch you can still find a really nice used one. They have organization which I like, are bombproof, and can haul a decent load if absolutely necessary. I love the trizip on those packs. And I'm pretty sure they were made in Bozeman

 

[aion2come]

I have an older model badlands 2800 I'd sell. It includes a custom made 1200 cubic inch add on bag that clips in between the batwings, bringing the pack to 4000 cu. in. if you want. Great daypack for elk or whitetails, yet expandable to 3 days easily. PM me if interested.