Need Help Deciding On A Day Pack-

[Stainless]

Hey Guys,
I am looking to purchase a dedicated hunting day pack for the long-term. Currently I've been using my hiking packs for the last 3 years and am ready to buy into my hunting future. The needs I want out of this pack in no particular order:

1. Lightweight (To strap to meat hauling pack for backcountry jaunts)
2. Able to hold Bow/Rifle
3. Have enough room for overnight trips.
4. Able to pack out the head, backstraps, tenderloins, plus gear, before switching to meat hauler.
5. Comfortable

So far I've purchased mostly Sitka Gear for my clothing and am partial to buying within that line. However, I don't want to buy into a pack that I will be wishing I didn't due to comfort/packability. So here are the 5. I am currently looking at:

1. Sitka Bivy 30

2. Sitka Alpine Rucksack

3. Mystery Ranch DragonSlayer

4. Kuiu Ultra 3000

The MR and Kuiu is at the top of my price range most likely. If anyone has any experience with the above packs or other packs they are willing to share I would be very grateful.

[300rum700]

Check out the mystery ranch big sky and snap dragon. They aren't marketed as a hunting pack but would definitely fill your needs and for a bit less money. Rampart international is where you want to look for MR in Canada.

[Sylus]

I know it is not part of your short list but I have an eberlestock X2 and I absolutely love it. Really affordable, lifetime warranty. I couldn't be happier.

[killman]

Do you have a big pack? Something for a few nights or week? I have been thinking of getting a external frame type pack with bag that can be used for the day or hauling loads. Rather than spending $400 on day pack put that money towards something larger.

[r106]

I will be posting up my badlands 2800 for sale in the next few days. Let me know if your interested

[Stainless]

Do you have a big pack? Something for a few nights or week? I have been thinking of getting a external frame type pack with bag that can be used for the day or hauling loads. Rather than spending $400 on day pack put that money towards something larger.
I have an Arcteryx Bora 80 for my big pack (carries weight great and comfy) but heavy for day trips and taking empty away from the tent. If I didnt have a big pack I would definitely think about getting an external like the Outdoorsman Pack Systems.

[Salty]

I know it is not part of your short list but I have an eberlestock X2 and I absolutely love it. Really affordable, lifetime warranty. I couldn't be happier.

What Sylus says got one last year and I'm very satisfied. I like how its convertible for various set ups including a decent little packboard, bit of a stunt maybe but there's a photo of a guy with an elk 1/4 on one on their site. A deboned deer is no problem and about what they're made for. Very comfortable and well built and designed IMO.

[Sitkaspruce]

Check out Blacks Creek packs.

http://blacks-creek.com

I have an older model called the Canadian, awesome pack, can go from a day pack to packing out elk quarters with a few adjustments. Had a zipper break one day and they covered the cost to ship down, fixed the zipper and returned the pack with a few goodies and thanks for using their pack.

Cheers

SS

[Rackmastr]

Out of that list, I'd go with the Dragonslayer hands down.

[leadpillproductions]

I want to grab one of those tensing fanny pack ones with shoulder straps for day hunts . Think they would be the cats ass for hunts

[GOLDEN TOP SNIPER]

I have a Bora 80 too .. im looking for something a little smaller , like a 40 .

[Stainless]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I went to WSS and tried the 3 sitka packs. They didnt have the X2 so I couldn't try it out. The rucksack didn't feel too bad. Still looking though,

[Salty]

Try Nechako Outdoors that's where I got my X2

[RiverRunner]

Out of that list, I'd go with the Dragonslayer hands down.
This….

The MR Futura yoke system is far more efficient and comfortable than anything else you've listed.

[Andrewh]

MR Metcalf.

I have one and love it.

http://blog.mysteryranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/IMG_8571.jpg

[noth615]

During my time in the military, I started using day packs from 5.11 tactical. The rush 24 and, 72 are great packs, had to make some modifications on my 24 to carry my rifle, but other than that its been an awesome pack. Really tough and not as expensive as others on your list !!

http://www.511tactical.com/bags-packs/backpacks.html

[2chodi]

I don't know about the pack, but that is a great photo.

[JCP]

Stone Glacier

[The Hermit]

MR Metcalf.

I have one and love it.

http://blog.mysteryranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/IMG_8571.jpg

Awesome photo! Is that you? Sheep with a bow holy smokes that would be a story and a half!