Everything But the Kitchen Sink
September 10, 2011 by Lindsay Schmeltz
Filed under Bow Hunting, Clothing, Lindsay Schmeltz
As a hunter, I always like to be prepared, and this year is no different. Last week I found myself shopping for a new pack. My old pack just wasn’t sufficient for everything that I wanted to carry, and I really do like to be able to carry anything that I might possibly need. I scoured the internet in search of the perfect backpack. Unfortunately, perfect packs come with less than perfect price tags. My internet search ended and I found myself shopping at the local sporting goods stores. I ended up with a backpack from Walmart. I’m sure it won’t hold up long, but for the price, it looks to be everything that I could possibly want. It fits very well, with extra straps over the chest and hip, and has tons of pockets and pouches. I love pockets! I buy it and bring it home. I was so anxious to try it out when I came home, I searched the house for everything that I could possibly need. First thing I did was yank the hydration pack, because I hate the way they make water taste. I laid everything out on the living room floor and started putting things in their rightful places, changing things around as I went to find the most suitable pocket for each item. This is a rundown of what I ended up with.
-My heaviest coat. I really like to walk in with as little clothing as possible, so I’m not a sweaty mess by the time I get to my stand.
-Binoculars
-Rangefinder
-Camera
-Cell phone
-Extra release
-Bottle of scent eliminator
-Water bottle
-A hard box that I could put a sandwich in for all day hunts
-My video camera
-Extra socks
-Toilet paper
-Knife
-Extra shotgun shells in the odd case that I would gun hunt
-Rattling antlers
-Grunt call
-Extra gloves
-Flashlight
-Rope
I probably had other stuff as well, but that’s what I can remember. Most likely I wouldn’t take it all, but I know that if I want to it will all fit. I love the idea of smaller pockets dispersed everywhere throughout the pack, so I’m not forced to dig to the bottom of one huge pocket to get any single item. I will say that it was a bit heavy, but it was very easy to carry and kept the majority of the weight centered on my back. I had no problem drawing my bow with it on either. I can also strap my bow to the back if I need to drag out a deer. I was trying to figure out how to attach it to my climber, but I think I will have to add some type of buckle system to allow it to be pulled tight against my stand. I might figure out another way though. I feel like it was a great buy at $40 and when it needs replaced I will most likely buy a higher quality bag, but I will know exactly what I’m looking for.
