Suggestions for carrying small game?

Probably more than what you're looking for, but I use the Tenzing BV16

Screenshot_20230221_101819_Amazon-Shopping.jpg
 
Badlands makes game bags for their backpacks —or at least they used to.

I just checked and they still do, but it looks like only in medium or large. Back when I was looking for a backpack they had sizes that matched each backpack’s main compartment dimensions — I’m pretty sure there was one specifically for the Ascent.
 
jbmauser said:
Yeah I understand that there are vests but I have zero interest in one. I'm often hunting way off grid and could spend an entire day out in the bush. I need to have a backpack for food, water, clothes etc. I've never found a backpack to interfere with fast shooting but maybe I'm just so used to wearing one it's just normal to me. I think a good dry bag will be the way to go. Thanks for all the suggestions.
Click to expand...

There are vests, and there are vests...

I've used a surveyor's vest for exactly what you are describing (around here we call them cruising vests, used mostly in forestry). It's definitely better than a typical "upland vest" in terms of heavier loads and modularity. It doesn't replace any of the dozen or so backpacks that I have (and regularly use), but it's a great option for a particular niche.

If you're a backpack nut, then you know that fit and comfort matters. The right size of surveyor's vest will carry light/moderate loads better and with better accessibility.

If you really just want an insert for one of your existing backpacks, then you're right that a quality dry bag is the answer. Cheap ones don't hold up well, and the ones I've seen come with garbage seams that I wouldn't trust to be waterproof to start with.

Personally though, I prefer small game to cool quickly, so I wouldn't want to bury them in my pack.
 
Butcherbill said:
Here pics of what I use, it’s got big pockets on the outside front and back. Plus two inside, lift the front cover and lots of little pockets for spare .22 mags or misc stuff. Unzip the bottom and it expands pretty far, I’ve fit 4 hares in it possibly 5. It starts to get heavy with 4 in it, grouse is less weight obviously.

It used to be more waterproof but whatever the coating it once had has started to fall off so hares go in a plastic bag. The thing I like about a shoulder bag is it’s easy to wear along with a small daypack if I decide to bring one along with food/water or an extra layer in the spring when there’s still snow on the ground....
Click to expand...

I had one of these for many years. I regret giving it away, it was excellent. I never used it in the field though. If using it along with a backpack, for a shoulder bag for small game you could use something much simpler, smaller, and more packable (and keep it in your backpack until you need it). I like those cheap canvas World Famous shoulder bags lined with a ziploc freezer bag:

w ww.surpluspontrouge.com/fc/web-haversack.html

Or the basic totes like faustus suggested, but they have to be tough enough to drag through brush. But any shoulder bag is more tiring when either the weight or the mileage goes up.
 
alpining said:
I had one of these for many years. I regret giving it away, it was excellent. I never used it in the field though.

I like those cheap canvas World Famous shoulder bags lined with a ziploc freezer bag:.
Click to expand...

Those would work well and I have something similar but the mec one I use has more pockets to bags and whatnot so it see’s the most use, although last winter and this year I’ve been spending my time ice fishing and not snowshoeing for bunnies. Need to do something about that I think.

My mec bag would stuff into a day pack easily but when it’s empty it’s weight isn’t noticed, once full I’m usually already on the return leg and heading for the truck. My rabbit spots in the winter are more snowshoeing than shooting, unlike my summer/fall spots. Ultimately I enjoy the winter snowshoeing and it’s a bonus if I come home with any hares.
 
squidxm said:
Probably more than what you're looking for, but I use the Tenzing BV16

Screenshot_20230221_101819_Amazon-Shopping.jpg
Click to expand...

Very interesting. I have so many packs already tho. I ordered a good dry bag and am going that route for now.
I do have to laugh that these style of packs are called vests. It's a backpack. Lol.

Some great suggestions and ideas tho from everyone. Thanks!
 
Last edited:
barrett50cal said:
Badlands makes game bags for their backpacks —or at least they used to.

I just checked and they still do, but it looks like only in medium or large. Back when I was looking for a backpack they had sizes that matched each backpack’s main compartment dimensions — I’m pretty sure there was one specifically for the Ascent.
Click to expand...

Dang! Wish I would have known that when they were making them! Oh well.

Edit: just looked at these and they're not waterproof so not what I'm looking for. Nice game bags tho.
 
Last edited:
Butcherbill said:
...My mec bag would stuff into a day pack easily but when it’s empty it’s weight isn’t noticed, ....
Click to expand...

I guess it's all relative - I was thinking the exact opposite, I remember it being on the bulky and heavy side.

It's always a compromise with packable gear. The easier it is to stow away, the worse job it does when you pull it out to use it.
 
alpining said:
I guess it's all relative - I was thinking the exact opposite, I remember it being on the bulky and heavy side.

It's always a compromise with packable gear. The easier it is to stow away, the worse job it does when you pull it out to use it.
Click to expand...

Yep, as good as some pieces of gear are I’ve yet to find something that was perfect. Always a compromise somewhere.
 
Longwalker said:
A backpack is my least favourite way of carrying small game since I continue to hunt while carrying them, and a pack interferes with shooting at fast moving small game. I prefer a Filson strap vest. It can be worn over any clothing, adjustable for the jacket underneath, is durable, liquid proof and looks OK.
Click to expand...

Probably cheaper to pay a guy to walk behind you and carry your game than to buy Filson anymore.
 
jbmauser said:
Very interesting. I have so many packs already tho. I ordered a good dry bag and am going that route for now.
I do have to laugh that these style of packs are called vests. It's a backpack. Lol.

Some great suggestions and ideas tho from everyone. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Agreed. I used to just use a simple upland vest. Two pockets up front, game pouch in the back. For my style of upland hunting though, I carry more gear. I will walk the grouse trails all day. I have on occasion gone sunrise to sundown without returning to my vehicle. Between snacks, water, survival gear, sh!t tickets etc it adds up. I'll also sometimes hit some small trout lakes if I limit out early.
 
brybenn said:
I either use a coat or vest with a game pouch built into the back but when temps or colors are wrong for wearing them I carry a small camo cooler bag. Easy to wash out and blood don't stain it. The one I have will hold 12 cans of coke or 6x 710 coke bottles. Easily takes 5 squirrels or grouse. Rabbits likely would not fit a limit in it but it's cheap effective and doubles as a cooler. Also has mesh pockets for bottles and extra zippered pockets for various gear
Click to expand...

+1 that is the idea. i have a shooter vest for the warmth day with the same pouch and an orange vest with the same. i do not shoot enough of them in one time to have a bag for it. more the fun of the dog hunting than me myself and i ... lol
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom