People go to nature for many activities - for example because of hiking, walking or camping. However, you can also be finding some more specific hobby over there. It can be practice for survival, but today we will be talking about hunting.
People have been hunting since forever, it is in our genes. In the past, without it we wouldn´t survive. Perhaps even due to this fact, we are still subconsciously looking for it…But anyone who understands it at least a little bit will tell you that you need the right equipment for hunting, which of course need to be stored somewhere. And what is optimal solution ? A proper backpack !
Hunting backpacks now and then
Hunting backpacks have been around for as long as the hunting itself. Although, in the past they were rather simple bags from fur. Many years later, the offspring no longer have much in common with its predecessor. Even though we can style get some vintage style backpacks and bags.
These backpacks don´t use neither the latest technologies nor the best materials. But despite of this fact, there are still many people who like this vintage style. Such backpacks are made from cotton or cotton/polyester blend. They usually have one main compartment with a lid (cover) and leather strap closure. Backpacks of this style are not very useful today, as the demands of hunters are still bigger and bigger. So let's move to modern times for modern materials.
Nowadays hunting backpacks
So what should a hunting backpack have? Think about what do you carry with you when you go hunting. Drink, food, bait, binoculars, etc. Wouldn't it be appropriate to have it all systematically organized ?
That is why you will definitely appreciate number of pockets than just one main compartment. Don´t get us wrong, the main compartment is also important, you will use it for extra clothes, for drinks and food. However, those things for immediate use will need to be put in the side pockets to be "at hand" all the time.
The size of the backpack depends on where you are going and for how long. If it is a short trip, small (20-40 l) backpack will be good enough. For longer (multi-day) trips, you will need backpacks with larger volume (40-60 l).
Camouflaging as a foundation
Overall design (if you are happy with your pockets) is not as important as the colour itself. When hunting, you usually try to blend in with the surrounding nature and camouflage yourself as much as possible to convince the animals that you are part of the forest. That's why you can't go hunting with a bright orange backpack.
Simply, choose colors that are typical for the environment in which you will be hunting. For example in the desert some sand color, in the forest it can be brown shade and in the winter( on the snow) white color. Otherwise it will be difficult to hunt something.
Another possibility is camo backpack. Camouflage thanks to camo patterns is ideal for hunting, it resembles the colors of the forest and it doesn't look unnatural. Once again, the camo pattern should be appropriate for the specific surroundings. However, there are certain hunting associations in our country that simply won't accept camouflage pattern because of the tradition.
So what should such a backpack ideally have?
It will ideally have appropriate camouflaging. It will also have number of pockets to store all of your things just as main compartment for the rest.
What do you always carry when hunting ? A weapon, right ? There are backpacks that feature special case for weapon. Although this choice seems to be very advantageous, its great opponent is the absence of free movement. The case is usually large, can make a noise and you won't be as mobile as you'd probably like to be.
Hand in hand with size is backpack´s carrying system. It usually consists of hip belt, chest strap, shoulder straps and back system from air-permeable mesh. Just as good carrying system, you will also need good material. In this case it is nylon, either 600D or 1000D. They´re both great. However, you must always try the backpack on first to see how it fits you, otherwise you will never be satisfied.