Day Pack Weight

[AzTagSoup]

So trying to dial in my day pack weight for elk hunt next month. Its looking to be warm so might ditch the Puffy combo. What am I missing? What weight do you shoot for?
Red denotes I will split weight with my hunting buddy.
So net weight 22ish.

 

[Bluehair]

What, no flashlight? Dude wipes? Pyro putty? Wyo saw? Beer?

I wanted to take excel off of all our computers for this very reason.

Just razzin you. It’s been a long time since I was excited enough about a hunt to go into that level of detail. Enjoy.

 

[Mallardsx2]

Or, you can just pack like my buddy did.....lol

 

[Soj51hopeful]

I would ditch the spotter unless you are really trophy hunting / counting inches. Put your binos on the tripod.

 

[Phantom Hunter]

Definitely need TP and wipes, flashlight. My daypack is always too heavy and more stuff gets taken out and left in camp as the hunt goes on.

 

[Mallardsx2]

^ I would ditch the tripod too. Your glassing elk not bedded deer.

 

[AzTagSoup]

Will add TP, wipes and headlamp.

 

[Bluehair]

I’m trying this on my next trip.

Would you tie a helium balloon to your backpack to make hiking easier? Influencer left deflated by "lazy man climbing" experiment

A Chinese social media influencer recently became the latest to put this unusual method to the test

www.advnture.com

 

[mevertsen]

I'm not understanding the jet boil for a day pack. Or the tripod and spotter.

Are you day hunting from the truck trailhead, or going multiple miles deep?

My day pack is survival oriented.

First add supplies, fire starter, a little stove and fuel in a tin cup, flashlight, some extra batteries for my flashlight and dog gps, extra gloves and hat, and some water.

 

[Blindnonresident]

Taking the puffy stuff out is a mistake. I wish I had mine in September. Even 55 degrees and a stiff wind can be cold. They weigh nothing and compress.
Take em!!!

 

[Deerlove]

I would dump the chair

 

[Deerlove]

For a Day hike I would never carry a jetboil

 

[link]

I'd loose the spotter, chair, jetboil and meals, power charger and some clothes. Add some fire starter and a head lamp. This list looks a lot like my two night pack list.

 

[AzTagSoup]

I'm not understanding the jet boil for a day pack. Or the tripod and spotter.

Are you day hunting from the truck trailhead, or going multiple miles deep?

My day pack is survival oriented.

First add supplies, fire starter, a little stove and fuel in a tin cup, flashlight, some extra batteries for my flashlight and dog gps, extra gloves and hat, and some water.

We plan in hiking1-1.5k in altitude 2-5 miles in. So the plan is it to get up there and glass all day. Thus the jetboil for hot meals as it could be cold. . Not planning on coming back to the truck.

 

[AzTagSoup]

I would dump the chair

I prefer leaning my back against something. I was going to go with a thermarest but just want the comfort of being able to lean back. That said at 1 pound the chair is not prohibitive. We will be on hill tops where we can glass for mile and plan on glassing a ton versus hiking.

 

[AzTagSoup]

What, no flashlight? Dude wipes? Pyro putty? Wyo saw? Beer?

I wanted to take excel off of all our computers for this very reason.

Just razzin you. It’s been a long time since I was excited enough about a hunt to go into that level of detail. Enjoy.

 

[huntandfish]

I would bring a couple of more game bags four will only do the quarters. What about backstrap’s tenderloin, neck meat.

 

[AzTagSoup]

I would bring a couple of more game bags four will only do the quarters. What about backstrap’s tenderloin, neck meat.

5 or maybe 6?

 

[LIK2HNT]

I will not comment because I know I pack too much. But if I am in 4 to 5 miles and glassing till dark, I want to be able to spend an uncomfortable night on the mountain if need be.

Given that, I am amazed at the people I run into who carry nothing but what fits into their pockets. No pack and some with no jacket. Guess they think they can call 911 if they need help.

 

[AzTagSoup]

I will not comment because I know I pack too much. But if I am in 4 to 5 miles and glassing till dark, I want to be able to spend an uncomfortable night on the mountain if need be.

Given that, I am amazed at the people I run into who carry nothing but what fits into their pockets. No pack and some with no jacket. Guess they think they can call 911 if they need help.

How much is your shelter/sleep combo weigh? I am to the point where I need to cut weight.

 

[Tikka]

Or, you can just pack like my buddy did.....lol

View attachment 160603

If that isn’t a product of Instagram I don’t know what is…

 

[Mallardsx2]

^^ Trust me when I tell you that dude doesn't have Instagram. lol

 

[JPC6000]

I pack 6 liters of water - ran out once, dehydration headache at altitude is enough for you to consider suicide. Ditch the chair, stove, spotting scope. Might consider adding a compass and I take two headlamps with extra batteries.

 

[TKMulePacker]

This just for a day trip?? Good gawd man throw your sh!t in a pack and lets go kill somethin.

 

[heartshot]

Agree with Ditch the chair, stove, spotting scope.
I would add an extra knife and sharpener in case something goes wrong with the havalon. I always take at least two knife sources and two light sources. Those are two things you do not want to go without.

I throw in a couple trash bags for when the full game bags go in the pack. Keeps blood from draining into the pack
Don’t forget your elk calls

 

[AzTagSoup]

Agree with Ditch the chair, stove, spotting scope.
I would add an extra knife and sharpener in case something goes wrong with the havalon. I always take at least two knife sources and two light sources. Those are two things you do not want to go without.

I throw in a couple trash bags for when the full game bags go in the pack. Keeps blood from draining into the pack
Don’t forget your elk calls

Yeah have 2 extra blades for Havalon but good call. Headlamp extra batteries check. Garbage bags good idea. I got a Mystery Ranch with the meat shelf but will still get dirty. Elk cow call in Bino harness.

 

[Ropinfool]

jeez, reminds me of my wife packing for an overnight trip. gun, ammo, water, knife, bino's, and some beef jerky is all you need. maybe throw in a few candy bars. oh and little bit of tolet paper.

 

[Deerlove]

I remember back in the '80s dad gave you a candy bar, Apple and a pocket knife and you were set.

 

[Deerlove]

If it's non-glassing friendly I would ditch the scope and tripod but I would use it if it was open country and I Could See For Miles I don't want to hike miles away to see Dinks.

 

[BeanMan]

5 or maybe 6?

You’ll pick up more game bags when you get the first load of meat to the truck.

 

[mevertsen]

You’ll pick up more game bags when you get the first load of meat to the truck.

I was thinking this. Pack 2 at most for the loose meat. The quarters can hang without. And don't really need them anyway. Unless it's really warm and flies are a concern.

 

[AzTagSoup]

You’ll pick up more game bags when you get the first load of meat to the truck.

See thats smart right there

 

[tominboise]

I remember back in the '80s dad gave you a candy bar, Apple and a pocket knife and you were set.

Right. Wearing your jeans and maybe a camo sweatshirt

 

[Deerlove]

Right. Wearing your jeans and maybe a camo sweatshirt

Maybe even a flannel

 

[Servehim]

I view a day pack as emergency stuff (lots included in that )water, light and cutting stuff. Agree with ditching spotter/tripod unless looking at vast clear country at a distance, Good rain protection is a must as getting wet is a dangerous thing. If you use OnX a battery pack is smart

 

[deadibob]

Agree with Ditch the chair, stove, spotting scope.
I would add an extra knife and sharpener in case something goes wrong with the havalon. I always take at least two knife sources and two light sources. Those are two things you do not want to go without.

I throw in a couple trash bags for when the full game bags go in the pack. Keeps blood from draining into the pack
Don’t forget your elk calls

I always take two knives and two lights along with extra batteries. Those are a must have

 

[Blank]

One thing I love packing now is this ultra lite tarp, 10'x10'. Size is just like a water bottle. I make wind shelter for glassing, rain fly, emergency tent, or cover meat from rain and snow overnight. Makes a great little tent, or lean too for overnight. Weighs only 2#, and costs just $60. If I'm more than 2 miles, I bring 2 more game bags and 4 plastic trash bags.

 

[Bwht4x4]

Will add TP, wipes and headlamp.

I always have two light sources with me and both take the same battery type. Also enough extra batteries to have lights on for an entire night just in case I need to keep walking through the night. The extra weight associated with a 2nd light and a few extra batteries is minimal! I have a Petzel headlamp that is rechargeable and can take AAA batteries too.

 

[huntindad4]

Or, you can just pack like my buddy did.....lol

View attachment 160603

It's not the bulk or even the probable weight of this "day" pack that hurts my back (and my eyes a little bit) to look at. It's the old school frame that is sitting way to far away from his body and the way the pack is loaded even further back. If I wore that and fell down I'd never be able to get up.

I'll say one thing for sure. That man is a lot tougher than me.

 

[Rie bread]

get an old foam pad and cut it to butt size, make a couple and give them your friends. If you truly need the puffy pants than a stove isn’t a bad idea, I like it to melt snow and make warm drinks on those mid November hunts.

 

[freedomrocks]

Light weight water filter is a must in my book, leave half the other stuff home, 2 liters is not even close

 

[AzTagSoup]

Light weight water filter is a must in my book, leave half the other stuff home, 2 liters is not even close

Yeah 3L is 50% more. How much do you pack?

 

[marley]

My day pack list for elk:

knife with 4 blades
headlamp with extra batteries
puffy coat
2L of water plus my steripen
tripod
spotter if it's open country
toilet paper
4 game bags
1 trash bag
small first aid kit
candy bars/jerky/bagel with PB & bacon
bullets (10 plus what's in my magazine and bino harness)

for deer add spotter, BTX, 1.7x doubler and reduce game bags to 2.

 

[freedomrocks]

I pack 4 quarts even on a half day pack. If a water source is around. Top em off. You never know. I few power bars can keep you going. Run out of water and you’re gunna pay. Speaking from experience

 

[DeerMadness]

Will add TP, wipes and headlamp.

Leaves for TP works...Lol

 

[BeanMan]

I pack 4 quarts even on a half day pack. If a water source is around. Top em off. You never know. I few power bars can keep you going. Run out of water and you’re gunna pay. Speaking from experience

I am hunting area’s that I know, so I know where there’s water. I bring 1 quart of water and a water filter.

 

[AZGuy]

In addition to your list I am always carrying a collapsible saw, two headlamps, a mini pocket torch and toilet paper. Also, I try not to leave the truck without 4-6 quarts of water. My pack is always about 36-40 lbs

 

[Bluehair]

A 40# daypack? Damn man, that’s a flex.

 

[D_Hoyt]

I think mine comes in closer to 12 total. I only pack two liters of water and a filter. I don't take a spotter, I use 12x56 binos on a smaller tripod sometimes. It's the ounces that kill you.

 

[AzTagSoup]

I think mine comes in closer to 12 total. I only pack two liters of water and a filter. I don't take a spotter, I use 12x56 binos on a smaller tripod sometimes. It's the ounces that kill you.

Yeah im trying to find the happy medium somewhere around 18-20

 

[Focoelkman]

My pack Is like Marley’s , minus spotter tripod & garbage bag.

Add Wyoming saw and wet wipes.

My ass still hurts from sitting in rocks waiting on elk.

Future add: butt pad!

 

[marley]

I see that several people carry a saw. What do you use a saw for?

 

[DeerAddiction4]

This thread is awesome! Lots of good ideas. I’m posting so I get notifications.

 

[Joe2Kool]

This thread is awesome! Lots of good ideas. I’m posting so I get notifications.

Same here. I think my backpack for a 1/2 day tree stand sit weighs more than 27#. Heck, I think my turkey vest weighs more than that!

But to add to the topic, I didn't see gun, ammo, gloves, hat, or toboggan on the list. Those things add up also.

 

[DeerAddiction4]

My daypack for carrying around in a SxS all day is probably 40 pounds. But I don’t actually pack it all day. Most of the time it’s just carrying 500 yds up a hill to glass.

Same here. I think my backpack for a 1/2 day tree stand sit weighs more than 27#. Heck, I think my turkey vest weighs more than that!

But to add to the topic, I didn't see gun, ammo, gloves, hat, or toboggan on the list. Those things add up also.

 

[Bluehair]

I see that several people carry a saw. What do you use a saw for?

I don’t use one anymore. I haven’t carried bone more than a couple hunnert yards in a LONG time.

I used my wyo saw around camp lots of times making hot dog sticks and such.

 

[johnnycake]

+20lbs for a day pack that doesn't include rifle and ammo is just nuts.

 

[AzTagSoup]

+20lbs for a day pack that doesn't include rifle and ammo is just nuts.

I would say depends on the weather

 

[schoolhousegrizz]

Do not take out the puffy

 

[johnnycake]

I would say depends on the weather

I have hunted a lot of states and climates, from +100°F to -40°F and I've never had a day pack over 20lbs that I can remember

 

[Longun]

my daypack weight....4 extra bullets,Wyoming Saw, pocket knife and,can of Skoal Long Cut Classic...

 

[mtmuley]

This includes the weight of the pack right? mtmuley

 

[Stormin_jackmormon]

I would dump the chair and replace it with a glassing pad. Those chairs are so loud to put together and take down and if it’s windy, it will blow right down the mountain. Take 2 headlamps/ extra batt. I had one take a dump on me last week out of the blue. Leave the spotter at the truck. Pack a lunch for each day and ditch the jetboil and meals. They’ll use most of your water to cook. Take 6 game bags

 

[dragonshed]

For me some things are never coming out of my pack. Fixed blade knife (anyone doing anything in the woods should never be without, carry a disposable if you want but don’t drop the fixed blade) 2 lighters, fire starter, 2 headlamps, space blanket that is durable enough for a rain shelter as well, gps extra batts for headlamp electrical tape rain jacket Extra socks, and baselayer shirt tin cup. Silky saw. It’s like packing a gun If you only have it on you half the time it’s a guarantee that when you need it you won’t have it. All said and done with a day’s worth of food pack is about 20-22 lbs. that amount of weight shouldn’t impact how much ground you can cover.

 

[oldmossback]

So trying to dial in my day pack weight for elk hunt next month. Its looking to be warm so might ditch the Puffy combo. What am I missing? What weight do you shoot for?
Red denotes I will split weight with my hunting buddy.
So net weight 22ish.

View attachment 160595

In my opinion and experience you do not need a jet boil, chair and spoon in a DAY pack.
Instead you do need , Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, paracord or rope/twine , phone and or gps, lighter or matches, some sort of marking/hazard tape and TP

 

[BPKHunter]

You need a lighter spotter. At that weight I’d question bringing. In hunting, vs scouting, binos on tripod finds game, spotters judge them, in my opinion.

22lbs doesn’t sound too bad until you add a 12lb rifle with ammo.

4-5 mi and 1500’ for a day hunt is gonna get heavy. You’ll need more water than you’re bringing, so add water or have filter and be sure water is avail, I’ve made that mistake.

Dump stove and MH meals as they take 12-16oz of water ea. Drink your coffee before you leave.

Chair is optional, but for 1lb, my back appreciates it for long glassing sections.

Agree that 2 lights are a must, as is emerg gear in case you have to overnight, especially in Nov.

30lb w a rifle doesn’t feel like much to me, even at 57, moderate height/wt. If you’re in great shape, much younger, etc, maybe another 5-10lb works, but if you kill a bull, you’ll want to get another 40-50lb into that pack, unless you have horses to bring back. 80lbs is about all I can handle.

Report back on how it went.

 

[AzTagSoup]

You need a lighter spotter. At that weight I’d question bringing. In hunting, vs scouting, binos on tripod finds game, spotters judge them, in my opinion.

22lbs doesn’t sound too bad until you add a 12lb rifle with ammo.

4-5 mi and 1500’ for a day hunt is gonna get heavy. You’ll need more water than you’re bringing, so add water or have filter and be sure water is avail, I’ve made that mistake.

Dump stove and MH meals as they take 12-16oz of water ea. Drink your coffee before you leave.

Chair is optional, but for 1lb, my back appreciates it for long glassing sections.

Agree that 2 lights are a must, as is emerg gear in case you have to overnight, especially in Nov.

30lb w a rifle doesn’t feel like much to me, even at 57, moderate height/wt. If you’re in great shape, much younger, etc, maybe another 5-10lb works, but if you kill a bull, you’ll want to get another 40-50lb into that pack, unless you have horses to bring back. 80lbs is about all I can handle.

Report back on how it went.

This seems spot on based on all the feedback I received. Going to up the Water to 3L.
The weather was supposed to be in the teens next week and its going to he high 50s low 30s so I think I will ditch the stove.
It it was in the 20's think I would have still brought the stove. The meals I picked take 8 oz of water each.
Im 48 so I value the chair like you do as its just so much more comfortable.
Added an extra light.
Appreciate the feedback hunt is next week I cant wait.

 

[Rie bread]

24lbs is my November hunt weight with backpack and everything inside it+ single trekking pole.
That’s with 10x binos which sometimes is swapped with a spotter so that’s + 1.5lbs.
Light tripod+ butt pad
2L of water
Stove + warm drinks+ fuel+1.5lbs of food
Puffy+ light puffy vest
3layer gortrx shell , light goretx pants
Dry gloves+ extra socks
Kill kit (include leatherman + knife)
Space blanket, little bit of chord , light first aid kit, a few chlorine tablets, light headlamp

+ 9.5lbs for rifle and ammo