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How much does your DayPack weigh?
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For a hunt out west and going and coming out each day. How much including rifle are you humping around? Curious to get a sampling.


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Posts: 238 | Registered: 26 February 2013Reply With Quote
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Need more info,heading out for deer is different than heading out for elk.Sheep and goats elevates the gear required too
 
Posts: 370 | Location: northcentral mt | Registered: 25 May 2010Reply With Quote
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How much does it weigh? Too much usually. 2020

Just for a day trip it can average (depending on game sought, weather, etc, maybe 20 lbs. I have enough stuff to get one load of meat back to the truck or camp then switch to my old Kelty frame pack for the heavy hauling. I've done that for a bunch of years.


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Posts: 2787 | Location: Washington (wetside) | Registered: 08 February 2005Reply With Quote
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In my pack I have a pair of 10x50 glasses. A couple of predator calls and a small rope. As to your question I would think it depends on the size and health of the person carrying it. A younger healthy good size guy could tote more than someone older.


Keep yer powder dry and yer knife sharp.
 
Posts: 580 | Location: Texas City, TX. USA. | Registered: 25 January 2004Reply With Quote
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My question: What are you carrying weight wise for an Elk/Deer hunt out west in Mountains on day hunts? Not packing in for three or four days a day. Specifically yourself. Not walking from your truck to a stand.
quote:
Originally posted by RAR60:
For a hunt out west and going and coming out each day. How much including rifle are you humping around? Curious to get a sampling.


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Posts: 238 | Registered: 26 February 2013Reply With Quote
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Roughly 20lbs. The basics: Rifle, 10 extra rounds ammo, gps or phone, kill kit (flagging tape, knife, saw, game bags, paracord (50'), 3gallon ziplock for heart/liver/tongue), extra socks, first aid/emergency kit, snacks/lunch, water (1-2 liters), license/tags. And any warm or rain clothes I might need for the day.

My pack weighs 5 lbs unloaded, and the above, with rifle, puts it around 15-20lbs depending on how much water I carry and what extra clothing I want.

Binocs are in a front carry harness along with my small camera. If you add a spotting scope and tripod, you'll be 25-30 lbs.

Jeremy
 
Posts: 1480 | Location: Indiana | Registered: 28 January 2011Reply With Quote
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For day hunts from the truck here in southern NM for deer, elk, sheep, here's a basic rundown - 4.5 pound pack, 6 pounds of water, probably 5-7 pounds of clothing/gear/snacks (stuff like a jacket, thermals, first aid kit, kill kit, emergency shelter, etc.), and 8 pounds of rifle/ammo puts me between 20 and 25 pound range depending on the terrain and weather I'm preparing for. That does not count the bino, camera, rangefinder, GPS, and other random small items in the Snuggle Buddy, aka chest rig.


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Posts: 3291 | Location: Southern NM USA | Registered: 01 October 2002Reply With Quote
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Obviously it’s an impossible question. To answer because of the variables: game targeted, time of year, expected weather conditions, weapon (firearm or archery). Not to hijack the thread but the question that I have is how much does your “day pack” weight empty?
 
Posts: 862 | Location: Michigan | Registered: 17 March 2003Reply With Quote
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Doublegun,

That's a great question. Many of the over hyped hunting packs today weigh far too much. I bought an Eberlystock(sp) once and didn't like the layout or the fact that it weighed almost 10 lbs empty. This is ridiculous. So if I put 20 lbs into it I have to lug around 30 in total. But folks seem to think a "tough" pack needs to weigh a lot. Too me its just buying into the advertising and nothing more.

Between hunting, fishing and hiking in the mountains year round I put a fair amount of time into wearing a pack. But I still look for the lightest pack I can find for the job. The one in the picture is a Cabelas Fast Tracker that I've had for 15 years or so. I think it weighs maybe 3-4 pounds empty and has a 3000 cu in capacity which is more than I need for a day hunt but it leaves me room for colder weather gear. Its cool on my back because of the mesh, has lots of pockets to put stuff in and has held up well. The only thing I don't like about it is that compression straps are only on one side for some unknown reason. But it works. This is just one example of what's out there.


URL=https://s238.photobucket.com/user/Longbowz/media/image_6.jpeg.html] [/URL]

If I am backpacking or hauling heavy stuff like meat I go with my very old Kelty Super Tioga. Almost 40 years of use hasn't killed it yet. It weighs less than half what many packs its size are today. Dick Kelty guaranteed his frame welds for life. If you could break one he would fix or replace it for free.

Bottom line is hunting specific gear is a relatively new segment so over designed packs are what some of these manufacturers are offering because they have convinced buyers that they need it. Instead hunters should look at the backpacking world for how little gear can weigh and still be durable.


Roger
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Posts: 2787 | Location: Washington (wetside) | Registered: 08 February 2005Reply With Quote
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Courgz;

Exactly. I have a Badlands Super Day and I hate it. It’s heavy and stiff. I wish I needed a pack to haul meat off a mountain but I hunt deer in the Midwest and I’m never more than a mile from my car or cabin. I pack a “kill kit”, water, snack, small first aid kit, binos, and a mid-layer (so I don’t overheat walking in. I would like a top loader with a lid. Everything is either a glorified book bag or an over engineered Super Day.
 
Posts: 862 | Location: Michigan | Registered: 17 March 2003Reply With Quote
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As mentioned, my Exo Mountain Gear K2 2000 weighs in at about 4.5 pounds empty. It's set up as a daypack for most of my hunts from the truck. For multi-day adventures, I swap the bag out for the 3500 ci version. I may be miles from the truck when I kill something, so I'm prepared to break it down and pack it out. Even if I am relatively close, the terrain here is so rocky and covered with spiny vegetation that one typically doesn't want to (or simply can't) drag an animal any distance.


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Posts: 3291 | Location: Southern NM USA | Registered: 01 October 2002Reply With Quote
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A lot depends on where I am hunting with in the Midwest. I get by with 10 pounds including 8 pound rifle.

Out in Montana I up it to around 15 when I within a few miles of the truck.

Back packing wilderness trips are a whole different story.
 
Posts: 19314 | Location: wis | Registered: 21 April 2001Reply With Quote
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I have a well used Badlands Superday Pack that I've carried most everywhere since about 2000. For what it is and what it cost, it's served me well. I think it weighs about 3lbs 10oz empty. Loaded with rain gear, puffy jacket, sox, hat,tarp,first aid kit, kill kit, flashlight, lighters, fire starter, phone, gps, compass,water, food, I'm at 14-23lbs with the variable being how much water and food.

I carry my binoculars and rangefinder in a chest harness. the whole package weighs 2lbs 11oz

My primary rifle weighs a little over 7 1/4 lbs loaded.

All in, I'm at 24-33lbs on the average day.

I received a Seek Outside Unaweep 4800 this past christmas and have been carrying it since then everywhere as a travel bag and on training hikes. It weighs 3lbs 10 oz and has triple the room that the Superday does. I'll be using it in the field for the first time next week.
Since it's a real pack with an internal aluminum frame and good quality suspension, the 34lb bag of dog food that I've been putting in it for training hikes feels like 14 in the Superday.

On the plus side, more room for the same weight, I can pack meat out with it and it's made from waterproof xpac fabric. It's also tall enough and rigid to make a suitable shooting rest while sitting or kneeling.

Down side, xpac fabric makes a lot of noise when it scrapes against brush. It's one big roll top bag with a side zipper, open top side pockets, lid with small internal zip pocket and rear compression bag with a side zip. None of that is particularly well suited for stands or blinds so I'll be keeping my Superday for Eastern hunts.


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Posts: 1213 | Location: E Central MO | Registered: 13 January 2014Reply With Quote
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Great thread. I'm packing for an upcoming moose hunt now. Haven't weighed it yet, but here's what's on the tarp for the daypack:

Sitka Mountain 2700 pack
Set of Sitka Cloudburst jacket/pants
Sitka Kelvin lite hoody
Spare set of socks
Two Ingrams knives/sharpener
Victorinox multitool
3 pairs surgical gloves
Small poly tarp (4'x6' surgical drape, actually.... dont tell my work!)
25' paracord
Small roll of ~10ft duct tape
Garmin inreach
Two headlamps
IFAK
10 rounds ammo in a leather carrier
2 nalgenes
Ziplock with a handful of cliff bars and some gatorade g2 powder
Small survival kit
Small point and shoot camera
 
Posts: 1417 | Location: Shelton, CT | Registered: 22 February 2010Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Brandon.Gleason:
Great thread. I'm packing for an upcoming moose hunt now. Haven't weighed it yet, but here's what's on the tarp for the daypack:

Sitka Mountain 2700 pack
Set of Sitka Cloudburst jacket/pants
Sitka Kelvin lite hoody
Spare set of socks
Two Ingrams knives/sharpener
Victorinox multitool
3 pairs surgical gloves
Small poly tarp (4'x6' surgical drape, actually.... dont tell my work!)
25' paracord
Small roll of ~10ft duct tape
Garmin inreach
Two headlamps
IFAK
10 rounds ammo in a leather carrier
2 nalgenes
Ziplock with a handful of cliff bars and some gatorade g2 powder
Small survival kit
Small point and shoot camera


What no toilet paper? jumping


Roger
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Posts: 2787 | Location: Washington (wetside) | Registered: 08 February 2005Reply With Quote
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Ha! I'm sure that falls in with the survival kit.....
 
Posts: 1417 | Location: Shelton, CT | Registered: 22 February 2010Reply With Quote
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20 to 30 pounds depending on weather. Plus rifle and or handgun.

I use a Mystery Ranch Big Horn for everything. I've used Dana Design (prior incarnation of Mystery Ranch) packs for 30+ years.

Heavy? Yea, 7 pounds, BUT supper comfortable, hardly notice the pack at all, extremely adjustable. Heavier built pack may be beneficial as I always have to pack out meat.

As to total carry weight, well if a 64 year old cancer survivor can hump 30+ pounds up Montana's mountains and across the Breaks, well, you don't need a lighter pack you probably need to loose the weight in "other places".
 
Posts: 763 | Location: Montana | Registered: 28 November 2004Reply With Quote
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Water, water. Heavy rifle. Total 15 rounds ammo. Old Alice pack with fire, tools, knives, stuff. Vest with gear as well. Stepped on the scale at home and weighed plus 40. Elk in Colorado. I sort things out and in every year. The things that are heavy, I just refuse to walk off without. When I was younger I carried half that. Much younger gun, knife matches. Time and experiences have added all the rest. When my big son is with me, I put most of the water on him. I also put The celebratory beers in there a couple of times without him knowing. He now searches his pack...


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Posts: 2135 | Location: Where God breathes life into the Amber Waves of Grain and owns the cattle on a thousand hills. | Registered: 20 August 2002Reply With Quote
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I been watching this thread for something I could pick up on.

some of you carry more than I do for a week.
minus food.

my day pack is more a waist pouch affair.
water, snacks if I got the money to buy some, some gloves, small flash light, a neckerchief and a rope.
TP is always in the coat pocket.

I'm maybe 2 or 3 miles from the truck at most and generally know if there is water in the area and where it's located.

many times I hunt with what's in my coat pockets and sometimes [quite often] it's just what the rifle carries.
 
Posts: 4962 | Location: soda springs,id | Registered: 02 April 2008Reply With Quote
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Yesterday I put 50 miles on my atv scouting. Went up a trail I'd never been on, and will never go on again! Didn't see another person all day, I was out of cell range most of the time. I was off hiking several times, probably 4+ miles. I carried 20 pounds of stuff in my pack plus combination gun (birds and bears are open) and some other "goodies" on the atv. Why? Well, I was alone. Yes, someone knew "where I was going", ah that was an area of nearly 20 square miles. When I first got into guiding my boss to me not to worry about bears, a broken ankle would more likely kill me. If you are out in remote areas, especially on foot, AND ALONE keep in mind: YOU are your own FIRST RESPONDER.
 
Posts: 763 | Location: Montana | Registered: 28 November 2004Reply With Quote
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Paul,

Very true about being prepared for different scenarios. Plus sometimes it's just easier to spend the night (especially if you have an animal down late) than risk going back in the dark. I've found though some folks just can't handle a night alone out in the woods. But it beats floundering around in the dark when the way back isn't easy even in daylight.

Out of curiosity what is the combination gun you speak of?


Roger
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Posts: 2787 | Location: Washington (wetside) | Registered: 08 February 2005Reply With Quote
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My combi is an Antonio Zoli 12ga over 7x57R. I usually use an insert to convert it to a 28ga since mountain grouse don't require a lot of killing, and the shells weigh less. I do carry a couple of 12ga Breneke slugs for followup in bear etc.

Yeah there are some areas close to town that would be pure death to hike at night. Even the roads to the areas are high on the pucker factor at night.

I think there is also a point on where you going. I was hunting and fishing on a friends ranch the other day and I had a small shoulder bag with lunch, water, minimum fly fishing gear, and a sweater, total weight under 5 pounds. Later I went to sit in a tree stand a couple hundred yards from my truck and I just took what I usually carry in my pockets. My full pack sat in my truck, in case a doe walked under my stand and I had to field dress it etc. I'd just walk back to the truck.

If I'm hunting elk in the middle of nowhere Thanksgiving week I carry a bit more in case I have to spend the night in sub-freezing temps.

I really don't think there is one solid answer to "how much does your pack weigh or what do you carry".
 
Posts: 763 | Location: Montana | Registered: 28 November 2004Reply With Quote
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I use a JagHund Stafun pack. It weighs 1.5 pounds and the main compartment is 1 cubic foot of volume.
 
Posts: 10608 | Location: Somewhere above Tennessee and below Kentucky  | Registered: 31 July 2016Reply With Quote
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Mine weighs 18 lbs. It includes the following.

Flashlight

beanie cap

orange duct tape

two drag straps

two knives

magnesium firestarter

cable saw

multi-tool

water/windproof matches

gunwipes/cable gun cleaner

A emergency heat reflective tarp (space blanket on steroids).

Two heavy duty contractor clean up bags to act as a waterproof grounder cover.

64 ounces of water.

Rain gear

4 power bars and instant coffee

Alcohol stove

First aid kit.

25 ft of paracord.

Spare Socks.

trailmarkers

The above is equipped so that I can comfortably survive a night in the woods including enough calories for dinner and breakfast to walk back to camp in the morning.


Mike



What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
 
Posts: 10043 | Location: Loving retirement in Boise, ID | Registered: 16 December 2003Reply With Quote
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Rope ,knife ,matches ,small saw ,drink, extra clothing besides gun, binos and a must have...walking sticks as that’s the most important safety equipment out west bar none
All that easy 25 lbs


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When I'm ready to go, pack a bag of gunpowder up my ass and strike a fire to my pecker, until I squeal like a boar.
Yours truly , Milan The Boarkiller - World according to Milan
PS I have big boar on my floor...but it ain't dead, just scared to move...

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Posts: 13376 | Location: In mountains behind my house hunting or drinking beer in Blacksmith Brewery in Stevensville MT or holed up in Lochsa | Registered: 27 December 2012Reply With Quote
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quote:
Bottom line is hunting specific gear is a relatively new segment so over designed packs are what some of these manufacturers are offering because they have convinced buyers that they need it. Instead hunters should look at the backpacking world for how little gear can weigh and still be durable.


Cougar:

That is a great point.

I have a Sitka pack that I have used for years. I cannot think of the
model but it does have the frame. Although its been great, I would look
at something lighter for my next purchase. For a day pack, I would likely
go smaller on the pack.

Some of the stuff I pack:

GPS, shooting sticks, water, jacket, gloves, rope, knife, and some snacks.

As I am hunting later this year, I will be adding to the list..
 
Posts: 2638 | Location: Utah | Registered: 23 February 2011Reply With Quote
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My day pack is about 8 pounds with a drag rig, space blanket, rain jacket, and small tools.
Then add binoculars, water, snacks, and ammunition. Rifle varies, usually Winchester M70.
I am usually not too far from the truck, wearing sweatshirt and down vest.


TomP

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Posts: 14332 | Location: Moreno Valley CA USA | Registered: 20 November 2000Reply With Quote
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As above probably too much I'm always culling stuff from the pack ....
Biggest problem with day packs are the shoulder straps usually too thick/padded and the strap inhibits the mounting of the gun if your still hunting
 
Posts: 1607 | Location: Vermont | Registered: 27 March 2006Reply With Quote
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Stone Glacier with X-Curve with Avail 2200 w/my gear 17lbs. I went to this because it can save me a trip because of meat shelf when I need. I do think I'll do some deep soul searching this year and see if I can pare down some weight. I believe the frame and pack weigh around 5lbs.


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Posts: 238 | Registered: 26 February 2013Reply With Quote
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The older I get, the heavier it gets.
 
Posts: 413 | Location: Ridgecrest,Ca | Registered: 02 March 2007Reply With Quote
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quote:
The older I get, the heavier it gets.

rotflmo rotflmo
True that one!
 
Posts: 18517 | Registered: 04 April 2005Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by HAY-MAN:
The older I get, the heavier it gets.


I did a sissy's hike this morning, 3/4 mile with 20 pounds in an ancient TripPak. No strains, just a little tired.
Another couple of weeks of that and I might be ok for a mild trip.


TomP

Our country, right or wrong. When right, to be kept right, when wrong to be put right.

Carl Schurz (1829 - 1906)
 
Posts: 14332 | Location: Moreno Valley CA USA | Registered: 20 November 2000Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by HAY-MAN:
The older I get, the heavier it gets.


Yeah and gravity pulls harder too! Roll Eyes


Roger
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*we band of 45-70ers*
 
Posts: 2787 | Location: Washington (wetside) | Registered: 08 February 2005Reply With Quote
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