short 1/2 day pack for deer hunting

Gspman

Well-Known Member
Dec 2, 2014
1,283
251
63
North LA county
Ok so my wife son and i spent 1/2 the day looking for deer. we all have BIG packs for long days and multi day-week trips and we have our upland bags for short trips from the truck looking for dove pheasants rabbits quail ect....

We do not have a good 1/2 to a whole day lighter pack for a days worth of gear. the basic first aid a litre or 2 of water knives ect.....

can any one recommend a light day bag? camo... maybe a rifle or bow attachment? preferably with a light duty internal frame?
 
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I have an eberlstock j34 "just one" pack. It starts in day pack mode and opens up to be able to pack camp gear or to be able to pack meat out. It is a frame pack so even on day pack mode it is somewhat large but it is very comfortable and noce to wear all day.

Yesterday I had my bow and all my day stuff in it and it weighed almost 30lbs and I hiked a mile and a half to my hunting spot and the mile and a half back to the truck. It was no problem

Of course it is not a cheap pack but the quality is amazing and I'm glad I chose it

https://www.eberlestock.com/J34 Just One.htm
 
Take a look at the Eberlestock x2, external frame and it has capacity to haul meat. its medium size and you can accessorize it with various add on. I've used one for seven years now and it a go to pack for me. Not cheap but it'll a last a life time. When I bought mine I called them direct and Glen Eberly the founder answered the phone and took my order, Later when I needed some self induced damage repaired I called and Glen answered the phone again and performed the repairs at no charge. What more can you ask for ? Solid, solid company...
 
I have an eberlestock x1a2 and really like it. It's not a heavy duty meat hauling pack but it's a great day pack.
 
I have the eberlestock transformer with the external f1 main frame light enough to for a day big enough for 3
 
Wow, can't believe so many peeps have the eberlestock packs here. I was given one (x1 euro) for my birthday. Excellent quality. I wouldn't use it for more than a day solo but might be perfect for what your looking for gspman. Has a rifle slot on one side which carries my spotting scope and tripod for now. Most Ive carried is 3 liters of water (camelback bladder purchased separately,) necessary hunting equipment, folding chair (rei), and bow (bow bucket add-on).

Rifle season comes, my spotting scope and tripod can fit in main compartment. Yes, it fills up my pack and I've thought about what I'll do if I ever bag one. Worse case, I would have to cache supplies including tripod and spotter.

This pack would be perfect for someone who's smaller, and/or hunts with a buddy.
 
I have the Eberlestock JP9 (Blue Widow) and I am in love with it. On the larger side for a day pack but I wouldn't even consider using a smaller pack. Starts at 2200 cubic inches and goes up to 8200 cubic inches with the add-ons! 4700 CI with the equipment that comes with the pack. I have packed several deer out and it has always been comfortable. You can go as minimal as you need but still have the capacity to bring home the meat without leaving gear or meat behind. Twice this year I have put an entire deer, quartered, in the expansion chamber and cinched it down tight. The pack will hold as much as you can stuff into it.

My dad has the J34- Just one and he is equally in love with it.
 
I had the Eberlestock X2 it was a decent pack, I just couldn't get it to fit my tall body (6'5").. If you are looking into a pack that will do it all get the Kuiu Icon pro, you can easily switch bags, the 1850 is perfect for 1/2 to 1 day hikes with plenty of room to pack out meat. If you plan to do over nights just simply switch out bags. You will not be disappointed


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I have the eberlestock transformer with the external f1 main frame light enough to for a day big enough for 3

+1 on the mainframe. First time out with the mainframe and the zip on "spike camp" duffle this weekend. Super light. I used it as my main pack for packing in camp, my day pack each day, and a meat hauler (duffle removed) to haul a bear out of the back county. Perfect for every occasion.
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I use either the badlands superday, the badlands monster, or the badlands ambush depending on where/when I'm going. Honestly on a 1/2 day trip you shouldn't need much and you should be sufficient with a small waists fanny pack ( maybe a small backpack if taking the family). Check those packs out. Badlands are a little pricey but top notch quality.
 
+1 on the mainframe. First time out with the mainframe and the zip on "spike camp" duffle this weekend. Super light. I used it as my main pack for packing in camp, my day pack each day, and a meat hauler (duffle removed) to haul a bear out of the back county. Perfect for every occasion.
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I love my main frame !
 
Outdoorsmans optic hunter with a Muley fanny pack attachment. Love mine and can be under that set up for miles and not really feel the weight.
 

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