Daypack/backpack?

[Jasper99]

Going on my first S. African safari in April. Does everyone take daypacks for their gear while hunting? This is a spot and stalk plains game hunt. What do you carry in your pack? Thanks!

 

[billc]

I use the same pack I used for my carry on bag. Just a camo backpack that I use for hunting in the states. I carried my camera,snacks,extra ammo,flashlight and knife with me.

 

[TEX84]

I did. Kept my camera, extra lens, binoculars, extra clothing layers, and bug spray.

Don't be fooled by those over-priced camo daypacks you see from Sitka and other hunting brands. Buy a daypack made for hiking in a neutral color. It will be much cheaper and actually will be a better pack. I bought a Gregory pack on clearance for about $100.

 

[billc]

yup mine is just a cheap cableas backpack think I paid like 80 bucks for. Forgot about the bino but they were in my pack to and bug spray since you will be there in april makes sense to

 

[BRICKBURN]

............. What do you carry in your pack? Thanks!

Camera and Water and a snack if you are inclined.

I just use an empty Camelback back pack.

 

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I used the same inexpensive camo backpack that I use while deer hunting; like BillC, I used it as one of my carry-ons as well. In it I carried my camera, bottled water, spare socks, flashlight and headlamp, spare batteries, spare ammo (in addition to what I had on my belt), binoculars, do-rag (for my bald head, if it got too hot), stocking cap (if it got too cold), gloves, and a small first aid kit, and some TP in case nature called.
This is what I took with me in the safari truck.....when we got out to make a stalk, I just took my camera, multitool, binos, and put them in a fanny pack that my wife got me (well, not the binos...they went around my neck).....I was a little skeptical at first, but I think that the little fanny pack was just the ticket for hauling just the right amount of "gear" for a stalk, while I had the other stuff in the truck in case I did need it. The little fanny pack was certainly a boon while climbing around the mountains for kudu, me being a flat lander and all.....................

 

[Mekaniks]

I bought an Overboard "OB" day pack several years ago and it goes with me everywhere. It's water proof so my gear stays dry in the bottom of a boat or if rains ect...and very durable. Mine is black but they have several colors and sizes for under 100.00. If your looking for new pack you might google them. I think amazon carries them.

 

[lcq]

I use the same pack I used for my carry on bag. Just a camo backpack that I use for hunting in the states. I carried my camera,snacks,extra ammo,flashlight and knife with me.

I do the same minus the knife, my leatherman is on my belt. I put a bottle of water in there as well

 

[Royal27]

I use the same pack I used for my carry on bag. Just a camo backpack that I use for hunting in the states. I carried my camera,snacks,extra ammo,flashlight and knife with me.

Pretty much this. I also threw in bug spray, ban raids, flashlight that kind of stuff. It never left the truck but I had it every day.

 

[lcq]

Pretty much this. I also threw in bug spray, ban raids, flashlight that kind of stuff. It never left the truck but I had it every day.

Same here. I keep bandaids in my wallet and the small camera in a pocket

 

[BigJohnx13]

Hi, a bit late but here's what you could take along depending on the type of hunting, area, distance and time you are out in the veld. This is a basic list what our clubmembers compiled and advice over time. In some extreme cases it happened that hunters got lost or hurt or the pickup vehicles broke down and some areas in SA get very cold in the winter. Some farms a also very big and rugged and most hunters I know like to go alone and some spent a cold evening in the veld and was pick up very well after dark. Better to be prepared in most coases.


Hunting Day pack
Small bowsaw/pruner cutter for building temp hide out
Small Camo Net
Utility rope
Cell phone /2 Way radio
Raincoat/Poncho
Space Blanket
Whistle
Binocular/Range finder
Camera
Hunting knife
Leatherman utility tool
Torch and batteries
Sun protection/block
Insect repellent
Lighter/ Matches
Insulation Tape
Bandage/ointment
Waterbottel 2L/1L
Food/food containers
Hat/Jacket
Toilet paper

 

[bassasdaindia]

camelback .

 

[TokkieM]

Forget bandaids,pack superglue,good for cuts and fixing a few other things. What ever pack you decide on, buy a large carabiner to hang the pack on the back of the hunting truck when you are on the back. Don't want it in the blood or a Eland on your binos and camera. The liquid alcohol hand cleaner also comes in handy to clean hands without water and for minor scratches and stings.
I have used a Camelback for the past 10 years.

 

[Jasper99]

Great lists guys, thanks! I'm back from my trip and will carry a Camelback
next time. It was pretty warm and one day I ran out of water while tracking a wounded eland. I had one bottle of water and that wasn't near enough. It was a loooong day and I was hurting by the time we made it back to the truck. I'll be better prepared next time

 

[ArmyGrunt]

I've been a camelback fan for years. I actually took a similar pack from Blackhawk, but had the camelback water bladder because I prefer it's bite valve. Inside were snacks, gloves, camera, superglue, notebook and a little extra ammo. I agree with the carabiner idea, but mine was just tossed on the floor of the bakkie.

 

[Red Leg]

I like to go as light as possible. I truly hate packs - probably an Army career thing I have a small, high image quality camera which rides in a pocket. I keep the big Nikon in the truck - truck is usually around for most hero shots - and the small Nikon does surprisingly well when it isn't. I usually use a cotton vest (I have an Orvis model which I love) which will easily manage up to four water bottles (usually carry no more than two). Ammo and knife are on my belt - if a full day, I'll put a pocket shell holder in the vest with an additional five or six rounds. If in tsetse or mosquito country, another pocket has bug juice and sun block. Finally, I keep a small bottle of glasses cleaner and a lens cloth for glasses, shades and optics. That is it.

 

[Divernhunter]

Hunting in Africa spot and stock I took one and had candy(mostly for the tracker and other help), camera, snack, extra hat(I used the one the PH gave me) wet washcloth in a baggie, small towel(proved very useful), 2 water bottles, pain pills, a knife I gave to the tracker, small flashlight and batteries.. In the truck was a coat, long sleeve shirt when I was not wearing them, extra ammo( I carried 10 on the buttstock, 2 in my pockets and 3 in the rifle mag).

I left it all at the truck as we made fairly short stalks due to my disabilities. The PH and tracker insisted on carrying water for all of us , an extra set of sticks to stabilize my elbow(worked great) and my knee pads for when I needed them(medical reasons).

I never needed a knife. I used the Sawyer spray on my clothes before going over(no tick problems and such). Never needed the GPS I took and TSA stole it on our return trip. The PH had bug spray so I did not have to try and get it on the plane.

In short with my stalks I took my rifle and said ammo, Zeiss binos on harness, rangefinder in pocket, small camera in pocket(larger one and lenses were) and my sorry ass for the walks.

Worked out well for myself, daughter, tracker and PH. I did tip the tracker a bit extra as he was SO good, polite and helpful the whole hunt.

There was always an ice chest with cold sodas, water and snacks on the truck for all of us.

 

[Kevin Davenport]

I've used this rucksack for several years now, and it has held up just fine on the many hunts and camping trips I've made.

 

[SPAD]

There are alot of good ideas here but there is a couple things missing. My hands and face always get dirty or dusty. I always have small freezer bags with unscented handy/baby wipes and Clorox bleach wipes. I picked up a cooling towel from Lowe's called "Mission sand polyester cooling towel" (the tube/gaiter style in tan) for my neck and back of my head when it gets a little warm.

 

[Mekaniks]

There are alot of good ideas here but there is a couple things missing. My hands and face always get dirty or dusty. I always have small freezer bags with unscented handy/baby wipes and Clorox bleach wipes. I picked up a cooling towel from Lowe's called "Mission sand polyester cooling towel" (the tube/gaiter style in tan) for my neck and back of my head when it gets a little warm.

Yes I agree baby wipes are awsome and also work for the other end when nature calls. I also carry a couple of "instant towels". They are about the size of an alkaseltzer tablet and you just soak in a little water and they are an instant wet cloth for cleaning up. Really good after cleaning/gutting game. They take up up less room and cost less than wipes.