Hunting Rucksack

This is the simple day pack that was shown in my Long Range Shooting book. It is a basic design fashioned after the sugar or flour sacks which were converted into rucksacks by early pioneers in New Zealand. In more recent years, modernized versions of these were marketed as Pikau packs (Maori word for pack). The version I showed in the book was very good but had a few short comings.

This day pack is made here in NZ by our daughter and son in law. 

The advantages this style of day pack include:

• Primarily - It is excellent rifle shooting rest in the field. No need for a bipod. 
• Simple to use / deploy. Rapid access in and out of bag.
• No buckles etc, less likely to hang up on undergrowth.
• Triangle shaped straps keep it centered on back when in difficult terrain (no need for chest strap).
• Can be rolled up and strapped to a large / main frame pack.
• Machine washable (can easily wash out blood etc). 

Features exclusive to this model include:

• Large front pocket with heavy duty YKK zipper. Pocket is large enough for binos or binos plus ammo (depending on bino / ammo case size).
• Strap position places tear drop section (when laden) more appropriately in the small of the back.
• Weight is approximately 475 grams (less that 1 pound). Remember, you do not need a bipod so this can be factored into carry weight equations. 
• 320GSM fleece. 
• Straps and buckles are made from heavier duty materials than imported items. 

Please note that a sack style pack takes some getting used to.

Make sure your items are packed so that noting sticks into your back. Other (modern) packs generally have a plastic back panel. But this reinforcing prevents the pack from being used as a shooting rest (if rolled on its side) causing the rifle to jump (high fliers). At home, you will likely load up this pack, put it on and then think - what the hell have I just spent my money on. But that's at home. In the field, you will find that its easy to carry, you can get in and out of it in a heart beat and when you finally shoot over it, you will see how it can be rolled about and made to suit the height you need. The rifle will not bounce up, unlike a plastic backed back on its side or when using a bipod which changes the POI of the rifle depending on terrain (i.e. soft earth versus hard rock). Its primary advantage will be become apparent after shooting over it (especially in more difficult shooting situations). 

This style of pack is very light, ideal for those covering a lot of ground. It can also if need be, be transported to a base camp, rolled up tied to the outer of a larger pack (generally tucked under compression straps). After arriving at camp, it can be loaded and used as a day pack. 

Use a rubbish bag to make a waterproof liner (as we were all taught to do with all packs in the old days). To seal your items in the pack, place the liner in your pack, your items in the liner and then simply twist the top of the rubbish bag and tuck it over itself. Friction (against the body of the pack) will keep it secure.