Travel Pack/Day Pack Recommendations

[TxLite]

Looking to retire the Jansport and pick up a day pack for travel that can also double as a coyote/deer hunting day pack for days I don't want to carry my SG Solo 3600.

I've narrowed it down (I think) to the SG Avail, Kifaru Shape Charge, and Kuiu Ranger 2200.

I like the SG for the simple fact that it can easily serve double duty on my Xcurve frame, but the lack of water bottle pouches bothers me since I'd be toting water/etc for 2 people when traveling. Also not sure how I feel about all the extra straps dangling around for travel around town etc when on vacation.

Looking for feedback from folks that have personal experience with these packs (or recommendations) for similar uses.

 

[brca005]

I've got an Avail, it's a nice daypack, it fills up real quick though. The extra straps and whatnot, really don't get in the way and you can cinch it down tight so there isn't any slop in the pack. I've also had 40lbs in it for training hikes and it was comfortable.

I did frankenstein mine to my K4 frame as I thought it would be a good option, ultimately I took it off, but it can be done.

Based on the three you've narrowed it down to (for now), I would go with the Avail personally. I say that because I have experience with the Avail, it's made in the USA, also I don't know how comfortable the Shape Charge would be with the thinner straps. However I do like the customization options the shape charge has, as well as you can add the water bottle pockets on the belt or use the ones on the sides.

 

[RADunfee]

I love my Avail but tend to carry my Kuiu Divide 1500 way more.

 

[Trail&ErrorAK]

For Day trips are you thinking about packing meat out as well or would a frame stay at the truck and you would snag it after the first run?
Just curious - I've been looking for a good option of a bag to just strap to my Frame.

 

[TxLite]

I love my Avail but tend to carry my Kuiu Divide 1500 way more.

I looked at the divide as well but wondering if the divide pouch would eat up into the internal capacity of the bag. Also read that Kuiu straps tend to rub against your neck so have some concerns there as well

For Day trips are you thinking about packing meat out as well or would a frame stay at the truck and you would snag it after the first run?
Just curious - I've been looking for a good option of a bag to just strap to my Frame.

I'd have the solo in the truck for hauling out meat if it takes more than 1 trip. It would primarily be for hauling jackets/water/snacks/tripod etc for hunting trips

 

[TxLite]

I've got an Avail, it's a nice daypack, it fills up real quick though. The extra straps and whatnot, really don't get in the way and you can cinch it down tight so there isn't any slop in the pack. I've also had 40lbs in it for training hikes and it was comfortable.

I did frankenstein mine to my K4 frame as I thought it would be a good option, ultimately I took it off, but it can be done.

Based on the three you've narrowed it down to (for now), I would go with the Avail personally. I say that because I have experience with the Avail, it's made in the USA, also I don't know how comfortable the Shape Charge would be with the thinner straps. However I do like the customization options the shape charge has, as well as you can add the water bottle pockets on the belt or use the ones on the sides.

The Kifaru is also made in the USA and Berry compliant, which is another reason I like both of these options.

I haven't tried on either (Scheels is like 3-4 hours from me) but I know my SG Solo fits me great, which is another draw to the Avail. The straps do look pretty thin on the Shape Charge, but I haven't read any complaints that i recall on Kifaru fit in general, just that they tend to be a little heavy and overbuilt.

Editing to add - I do like the ability to cinch the pack down, but with my Solo I notice that those straps end up dangling quite a bit, which would get obnoxious getting in and out of cars/planes etc for traveling. The Avail seems like it could end up being similar in that regard.

 

[sbaker0029]

I'll second the kuiu divide 1500. It's my go to for travel and day hikes.
I haven't had any issues with the straps rubbing my neck.
Depending on the shape and size of what you're stuffing into the divide, it could push into interior space but hasn't been a problem for me.

 

[TxLite]

I'll second the kuiu divide 1500. It's my go to for travel and day hikes.
I haven't had any issues with the straps rubbing my neck.
Depending on the shape and size of what you're stuffing into the divide, it could push into interior space but hasn't been a problem for me.

The immediate use aside from coyote hunts would be an upcoming trip to Hawaii, so I was planning on being able to stuff rain jackets/sunscreen/snacks etc for 2, so I was eyeballing the Divide 2000

I do like the dedicated tripod pocket on the Divide since 99% of my coyote hunting is thermal hunting at night. We tend to pack in a mile or two

 

[Wirrex]

I’ve been using an avail for a travel/daybag for many years. It fits well on airplanes, it holds a good amount. It handles weight very well. Extremely comfortable. It is minimalist in pockets (which I love because I use organizers. It’s just been a real solid bag that I haven’t felt the need to change which, now that I think about it, is a testimate to how well it works.

 

[TxLite]

I’ve been using an avail for a travel/daybag for many years. It fits well on airplanes, it holds a good amount. It handles weight very well. Extremely comfortable. It is minimalist in pockets (which I love because I use organizers. It’s just been a real solid bag that I haven’t felt the need to change which, now that I think about it, is a testimate to how well it works.

How are the side pockets for holding nalgenes? That is probably my biggest hangup. I spoke with them yesterday and they mentioned it could hold the bottom of the nalgene and then have the compression strap hold the top. That pouch just seems small

 

[Wirrex]

Btw,

I also have a solo on an xcurve frame. It really only sees action on western hunts.

 

[Wirrex]

How are the side pockets for holding nalgenes? That is probably my biggest hangup. I spoke with them yesterday and they mentioned it could hold the bottom of the nalgene and then have the compression strap hold the top. That pouch just seems small

I just tried it for the fun of it. I don’t use them that way but it seems like they are made for it. I usually keep my water inside in smart bottles but if I were a Nalgene guy they fit great as you described with the straps tight.

I just realized there is only one side that has the small pocket. I wish both sides had it.

 

[LCguy]

Seek Outside Silverton

 

[sbaker0029]

The immediate use aside from coyote hunts would be an upcoming trip to Hawaii, so I was planning on being able to stuff rain jackets/sunscreen/snacks etc for 2, so I was eyeballing the Divide 2000

I do like the dedicated tripod pocket on the Divide since 99% of my coyote hunting is thermal hunting at night. We tend to pack in a mile or two

You can definitely fit all that for two in the 1500.

I'll pack my usual day stuff, two changes of clothes, and toiletries for carry-on use.
I usually carry everything for me and my wife on day hikes. Two rain jackets, usually a fleece or hoodie, snacks, first aid kit, Nalgene and/or grayl, and usually binoculars.

The center pocket has a zipper in the bottom for tripod or close it and use it as stuff section. Very handy.

 

[brca005]

I just tried it for the fun of it. I don’t use them that way but it seems like they are made for it. I usually keep my water inside in smart bottles but if I were a Nalgene guy they fit great as you described with the straps tight.

I just realized there is only one side that has the small pocket. I wish both sides had it.

It never dawned on me the pockets on the inside could hold a Nalgene, I have used it for my kids' water bottles, but those are slimmer bottles.

I just tried it and I have pockets on both sides and both hold a Nalgene. The more I know...

 

[TxLite]

I just tried it and I have pockets on both sides and both hold a Nalgene. The more I know...

The pics online show pockets on both sides. Maybe the early versions only had 1 pocket?

 

[Fisherman5000]

Can’t go wrong with badlands or kuiu