When it comes to choosing a hunting package for your next adventure, the options can quickly become overwhelming. What material should your bag be made of? What size bag is best for your hunt? Which manufacturer offers the best bag? These questions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to buying a package. Here, we won’t focus on which brands reign supreme, but on the key features you need to consider to ensure an enjoyable hunt in the field.
Comfort
If you’re climbing a mountainside and the only thing on your mind is pain from a strap digging into your shoulder, you’re guaranteed to have a miserable hunt. Padded shoulder straps wide enough to help distribute weight are key to ensuring less ibuprofen and more wildlife. Adjustable waist and chest straps are important when it comes to weight distribution. Having the ability to load more weight in one area than another, as well as being able to change that distribution, helps combat muscle fatigue in a concentrated area. Check to see if the particular bag you’re looking at has kidney pads, especially if you plan on doing a bit of hiking; these will not only provide comfort, but will also help distribute the weight correctly, directing more of it towards the legs instead of the legs. your back. If you choose a package that uses an external rack, be sure to pay close attention to its size. For example, choosing one that is too large will limit how much you can tilt your head back. Size also influences weight distribution, which has a huge impact on comfort levels.
Material
You will undoubtedly see a variety of materials used in the construction of a pack. When choosing a pack specifically for hunting, you’ll also be choosing from a variety of patterns. There is no right or wrong pattern, just choose the one that best suits the terrain you plan to hunt on. Options for “quiet” fabrics will also be among the options, as well as those that are water-resistant and “odor-blocking.” If you’ve ever been hunting before, you know it’s not always 75 degrees and sunny, so while the fabric itself may not be 100% waterproof, keep an eye out for packages that include a rain cover. .these are invaluable if you can find them. yourself in a downpour as it will keep both your pack and its contents dry.
Size and weight
The size of your pack will largely be determined by how long you anticipate being in the woods. Available in sizes to equip a hunter anywhere from one-day hunts to multi-day hunts, be sure to choose a bag that’s large enough to hold your gear, but isn’t too large to the point of carrying an excess of weight. If you choose a pack that attaches to an external frame, be sure to choose the frame size that best fits you and your torso length. Going with a frame that is too small or too big will make your load unbalanced and painful. Ounces are pounds and pounds equal pain. If you are hunting large game and anticipate having to carry meat in the event of a successful hunt, you will need to plan for this as well and also consider packages that incorporate game racks. If you find you’ve narrowed your options down to two or three options, let weight be the deciding factor.
Bags and Racks
When you’re in your blind or standing stance and need to access a piece of gear quickly, you want to be able to do it with ease. A variety of pockets and pouches can keep you organized, just make sure your pack doesn’t have too many, or you risk not being able to find what you need when you need it most. Think about when you wash the pants you wear to the shooting range…you know, the kind with pockets within pockets…only to find yourself with a crisp, clean $20 bill and some 9mm rounds at the end of the cycle. Equipment that you may find you search for frequently, such as a headlamp, a knife, or even your cell phone, should be accessible without having to completely remove your backpack while on the go. Pay attention to the closure methods of your pockets, i.e. do they zip, velcro or snap? Velcro tends to cause a lot more noise than a snap or zipper. I prefer zippered pockets for peace of mind as I don’t have to worry about items falling out and getting lost. Having a pocket or clip for a water bottle is another plus, or you could opt for a pack that has the ability to incorporate a water bladder for easy hydration. A valuable feature of my personal hunting backpack that I unfold when I hike to my deer lodge each season is the gun pouch, which folds out of a concealed pocket, allowing me to strap my rifle securely to my back when shooting. I navigate rough terrain, freeing my hands. . Lastly, as mentioned, consider a game rack; If you hit the perfect shot and find yourself needing to take on a new game, being able to strap it easily to your pack is invaluable at the end of a long hunt.
When it comes to various features to consider in a hunting pack, the list is endless. As long as you consider the above short list of important options, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your next hunt. Also, don’t be afraid to search for more than one bag. While a bag can be used for most large game hunts such as whitetail, moose, and bear, you most likely won’t need the same type of bag for hunting predators, waterfowl, and small game. In the end, choosing a team is a learning process, and that process is half the fun.