What size pack for day pack?

[shootsacreed]

I am not worried about brand more interested in day pack size you guys prefer? Big enough to handle enough gear for a surprise possible night in the backcountry but not an extended stay.

 

[Mt Al]

Confession: I carry way too much stuff.

For a cold weather day pack that is going to carry puffy overpants, puffy jacket, glassing pad, maybe a spotter, small stove for coffee, first aid, water, etc, I like a bit over 3000cubic inches. I know smart people/smart packers could get by with way less. 3000+ cubic inches is also plenty for one or two nights if you strap a tent and sleeping bag to the outside.

My two cents.

 

[Zappaman]

I like a waist pack with good adjustable support straps and a wide cummerbund style belt. I think mine is a Primos brand, but I've used it about 6 years now (even below a larger pack) and like that it's easy to get to. But for day hunting, it's the perfect size (width of my torso) and about 8" deep. Holds knives, tags, bags, extra ammo (duck/goose hunting), gloves, hats, rain jacket, range finder, rope, (a beer or three) and about anything I need for the day in the stand or out stalking.

I also like that the top is "padded" and so it holds it's shape well and stays up without having to reach back and "pull it up" every 10 minutes when walking. Keep if full and use it as a quick rifle support for prone shots too. If I topped it off with jerky, a tarp, and a few extra things (that can be tied to the side of the pack) I guess it could do an "emergency" overnight gig... but I'd be sleeping in the jacket and boots on hard ground

 

[Peaks&Creeks]

2300 ci pack for me. I pack pretty minimal though: rain gear, snacks, headlamp, water filter, med kit, kill kit, extra batteries, TP, spotter, tripod. In late season elk or mule deer add gloves and a bit more clothing. I wouldn’t want a pack smaller than this.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[5MilesBack]

I've been using the same 1800 cu in daypack for 17 years now.

 

[CRUN]

I’ve had quite a few packs but the one I used the most for day trips was my Badlands Superday.

 

[sr80]

i prefer a large pack that packs down small, any of the SG bags over 5900 ci.

 

[Venom One]

Anything in the 1800-2200 cu inch range will generally fit day pack requirements.

Then you have to decide whether you want a framed or frame-less pack. If you're going to carry out meat on your first trip out, you'll likely want a frame pack. Then you'll say, well shoot, if I'm going to get a frame pack, maybe I should get a nice one with load lifters and a bigger bag for more versatility. And before you know it, you've talked yourself into a fancy 3600-4000 cu inch "day pack".

 

[Mt Al]

Anything in the 1800-2200 cu inch range will generally fit day pack requirements.

Then you have to decide whether you want a framed or frame-less pack. If you're going to carry out meat on your first trip out, you'll likely want a frame pack. Then you'll say, well shoot, if I'm going to get a frame pack, maybe I should get a nice one with load lifters and a bigger bag for more versatility. And before you know it, you've talked yourself into a fancy 3600-4000 cu inch "day pack".

I am guilty of exactly this!!^^^^
I would add "I only really want one pack" and "might was well add a few cu in. because might want to stay out a night or two"

 

[Venom One]

I am guilty of exactly this!!^^^^
I would add "I only really want one pack" and "might was well add a few cu in. because might want to stay out a night or two"

LOL. Happens to most of us I think.

If a person is hunting in fairly open country, I think a single bag is the way to go.

 

[Jac]

2000-2500 is what I prefer

 

[Elkangle]

3000-7000 cubic inches depending on the hunt and gear required

Alot of variables going on

 

[Elk-fanatic91]

I have been packing a 2000 cubic inch without frame. I’m Always wishing I had just a little more room, and the option to carry meat on first trip out. Just recently purchased a 2900 cubic inch with frame and meat shelf. I think this setup will fit the bill for 2-3 day trips and collapse down enough to be a comfortable day pack. Bigger is always better right?!

 

[wyodan]

I like a 3500 ci day pack.

 

[rootacres]

Ive gone as low as 1800 ci and as high as 6000 ci compressed down. The way I look at it, you can make a big pack smaller, but you cant make a small pack bigger. I ditched the 1800 ci. and the 6000 ci really wasn't necessary. I have been using a 3600 ci for the past few years and feel that's a pretty good mark for day hunts. You could probably squeeze 5 days out of it depending on the hunt. SG Solo 3600 for me. Whatever frame is most comfortable for you use it and there will be a bag that fits your needs.

 

[BCsteve]

If it's actually a day pack for the whole day I'll use my MR Longbow. If it's a morning trip, come back for lunch and head back for the afternoon, I'll usually just take my Badland Monster fannypack.

 

[180ls1]

4000 is a nice middle ground. Its big enough to get you out there for several nights or just use as a day pack but not so small that you need to use the meat shelf for your sleeping gear. I like one pack to do it all.

3200-5000 if probably where I'd try and land if I were you.

 

[Bobcat]

I Use my SG 6900 in bivy mode. It’s reasonably light, compresses nicely, and has plenty a room to pack the meat out.

 

[robtattoo]

Not really sure of the size, but after years of to-ing & fro-ing, I've settled on the MR Pop Up 28 as my ideal daypack. it's small enough not to be cumbersome in warm weather, big enough that i can fit winter layers in there & the expandable frame & load shelf make packing heavier-than-daypack loads, or a weekend's worth of gear, an absolute breeze. If I'm going really minimal, my Badlands Reactor (900cui) gets the nod. Just about big enough for a liter of water, some snacks, a few spare rounds, flashlight & a couple of other wee essentials.

 

[rideold]

For hunting I use the same Gregory pack regardless of the distance or hunt. I'm not sure of the size but it has to be in the 6,000-7,000 ci range. I just cinch it all down. If I'm just hiking I use a 3500