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Hi guys, new hunter here wondering what setups you use for day hunts. I am currently using a smallish bumbag and a pikau. I find that when I have a polarfleede swanni and a gamebag in the pikau there is no room left and it is kind of a pain in the arse for getting things in or out of.
If people are using packs, what size and make are they using?
If people are just using bumbags, what size and make?
If people are going even lighter, what is your setup?
Ive tried various combinations of bumbags/pikaus, bumbags that fold out into day packs. They were all pretty hopeless really.
I just use one of 3 packs i have now. Either a Huntech 40L (original NZ made one with canvas inner), or a Cactus Huntaway 40 odd litre, or a Macpac Ascent 65L plus 10L.
All of these packs are top loaders which can be extended out the top and the top cover lifted up for when you come home with far more than you took out ;-)
I only use the fleece covered Huntech 40l if im bush hunting, if more open stuff ill take the Cactus or macpac as they are much better packs at carrying weight when the hunt is successful.
Been down the same route of bumbags / pikaus and have ended up using a pack, doesnt have to be full (though usually is just for some extra weight to carry for exercise).... currently using a twin needle molle me and its awesome. Can easily be used for overnighters as well.
A 35-50 L pack covers most options for day hunts. If you knock something over you’ll find 45L or larger best. If you want light weight take a look at the Exped Lightning 50 or 60 L.
I've persevered with the bum bag thing because I hate having a pack on my back. I use a molle belt and military surplus pouches. It's customisable, so have it setup exactly as I want.
Badlands monster is good but hard to get an animal out if you get one
I use my large Badlands bumbag. Very comfy and straps allow clothing to be carried outside
I dislike a day backpack for the perspiration it seems to generate, though I agree they’re best if carrying out meat
I have a huntec pack with a canvas bag inside that folds out of the way
its so damn good to get clean meat without having to carry out skin or bone
got the bumbag as well and id say the pack is quieter when walking cause it shakes around less
Also put a soft shirt over the mole me if I'm trying g to be quiet
ridgeline 5 pocket bum bag with a old strap off luggage bage across chest n shoulders to stop it dropping onto thighs...it lives inside my pikau untill I get animal then goes around waist...if needing to get at bits n pieces lots will wear it with pikau on back.my pikau is home made polarfleece and is approx twice size of pillow case,can fit half a red in it and carry back wheels over top easy enough.
if Im using my canvas daybag off the K2 Hunter pack....I put a polarfleece T shirt on the bag.
I mostly use a pikau for day hunts, only weights about 300g-400g, it’s nice and quite, not too bulky in the tight stuff, it rolls up small into the main pack, only snags up on bush lawyer and blackberry. Don’t like bumbags anymore to much weight on the hips.
In the open country I will just use my main back pack.
I like the pikau as well. I chuck a couple of straps in it for strapping jacket or clothing on outside if space needed and a rubbish bag for putting meat into in the pikau. I then have a ridgeline large pouch on my belt for snacks and anything else I want easy access to along with a drink bottle holder. Works well for me ( but rarely need to carry red deer sized game)
Just sew the Bum Bag to the Pikau and buy a Game Gear cape
Exped lightning compressed down tight with polar fleece blaze orange shirt as cover,old seat belt adapted to use on shooting shoulder then swap to proper strap once got a load of meat on board,.great for carrying deer in with canvas huntech bag to keep blood off everything.
Hmmm, interesting replies. I originally got the pikau because I liked the weight sitting lower and it seemed to snag less on branches but it wouldn't be that flash for an overnighter. The guys who use molle pouches. Dob't they rattle or catch on stuff? Does anyone use Bergens or do they sit too high, rattle too much etc.
Have molle pouches on the outside of my pack, d3pends which fastener is on them as to rattling. Do have to think about the layout of them as to catching pushing through scrub also how you carry your rifle and what it rubs on
Depending on location and time of year, I often go ultralight...
Wear only socks and a blaze blue beanie, camo paint up so the whites of my inner thighs don't spook animals. I carry a Bowie knife in my teeth and tape a PLB to the small of my back (in case of emergency)
I've tried a number of day packs from 27L to 55L but now I use my Exped Lighting they are an awesome day pack and big enough to overnight in as well.
Bivouac sell them they are very light and nice to wear.
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I bush hunt and do day trips all the time. I normally do big days so animals are boned out as not possible most of the time to carry out whole and too old for that crap now.
I use two packs at the moment.
1 For light weight i have been using a Stoneycreek Bushline pack for a few years now, its about 25L but its great.
Quiet in bush, doesnt get hooked up and can carry a number of small iteems, first aid etcin pocket and can take a boned out deer and it can handle the weight.
I would prefer 30l -33l for perfect size but the bushline is good esp boned out backwheels, back steaks and some shoulder meat, Can be maxing out on a good stag thou.
2. Got a badlands 35l when want to carry some more gearr or a good stag could be on the cards. Heaps of room to carry stuff, can handle heavy loads, its good apart from not as good in tight stuff.
Ive found 25L pack is the min and is good, 30L -35L is perfect. Dont need bigger for a day hunt, get another for overnight trips.
Attachment 152665
Bushline, great for light travel
Attachment 152666
Badlands pack, was great for this one
I go similar but have managed to cut a bit more weight off - I only wear the bottom of my socks and go completely naked except for the obligatory blue blaze bodypaintQuote:
Originally Posted by Dorkus
I have eschewed the Bowie knife in favour of a scalpel blade insert that fits to my one false tooth - I find that I am so secret squirrel that I can bite the deer on the leg as they wander past
They usually die of fright after that, in which case I bone them out with the scalpel blade then truss them up in an impromptu harness using my unitard mankini raincoat
Since using 35-40l packs for day hunts I find it hard to go back to anything else. Plenty of extra room for meat when you shoot something and a much more comfortable fit. Much nicer then scrambling through the bush with hind quarters hanging over your neck and shoulders because you can’t fit them in. My go to is a macpac weka 40l over the last couple years. It’s a bit noisy in the bush which does annoy me but hasn’t annoyed me enough to justify spending the dollars on an alternative haha.
