Best small day pack?

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ocanuck

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Currently using an IBLE assault pack... its neither comfortable, light, or well organized.

I think something approximately 12-18L will be about perfect. I have a couple of herniated discs, so as light as possible. I'd consider a lumbar aka fanny pack to keep the weight off the damage.

I have a Sitka/Mystery/Kifaru budget, but dont necessarily want to spend it...
 
I have a Camelbak Stryker daypack...... have had it since early 2000's and it still is in perfect condition.
Used it for fishing, hunting, it's seen years of rugged use.
I've seen them on ebay from time to time but not made in a decade or so now.
I will hopefully never have the need to replace it.
 
Hill people gear make some nice offerings. I have two of their small packs and a chest pack.

But again, you should decide what you want to pack and then pick a bag. The reverse may end up with a few liters too much or too little, both are annoying in their own way.
 
My Tenzing 1140 sling pack is just about perfect for me for a day pack...forces me to seriously consider what I need because their isn’t much room which translates to a nice light, well organized pack. I’ve had fanny packs but never found them particularly comfortable. The single shoulder strap of a sling pack is quite comfortable and versatile.
 
Might want to consider a little bigger pack. Going slightly larger, it's easier finding one with a frame and hip belts. Most of the smaller packs that do have hip belts don't have rigid ones that help transfer the weight.

Looking for a more hiking orientated pack gives you a few more choices also. Might want to check out Osprey. They have a couple smaller ones that offer better support.

I recently bought a Blackhawk Cyclone, as I was looking for a bit bigger pack with hip belt. Doesn't have a rigid frame, so it won't take as much weight as a framed pack comfortably. Easy to cinch down a slightly bigger pack than you need, but a lot harder to "stretch" a small one's capacity.
 
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I've been using a Kifaru Scout pack with the aluminium stays and non-padded waist belt. I carry about 15 lbs including water ,snacks, and some extra ammo. Not including binos and rifle.
I love this pack, it is so adjustable to individual body types. I hardly know it's there.
Only problem is that they don't make it anymore, so you have to find a used one. They are still immensely popular, so you have to look hard.
 
I’ve got a badlands 2200 that goes when I will be stand hunting for longer periods to accommodate all the gear I may need. However if I’m on the move still hunting, tracking or anytime I will be travelling through thick brush I’m wearing a large wool butt pack from big woods bucks. It’s big enough to carry my essentials without feeling weighed down and it’s the quietest pack I’ve ever owned.
 
I was literally thinking about this same question today. I tried on a Mystery Ranch Blitz 30 and it seemed to tick all the boxes. Fairly spendy at $350 though,
 
Diablo Dos or VT, Kuiu Venture series either the 1800 or 2300. Personally I feel going slightly on the large size for a day pack (2-2500ci) is the way to go. The added weight of the pack itself is minimal, especially if one goes with a lightweight pack and it allows for extra room if you need it, taking off layers, etc. Sort of like the saying "a big knife can do everything a small knife can but a small knife can't do everything a big knife can".
 
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