Fanny Pack Or Backpack

What do you keep in your hunting pack? I've got a fall elk hunt coming up and I was going through my pack the other day and I started to realize, I have way too much junk in my pack. A few years ago, I made the switch from a fanny pack to a back pack and there are pros and cons to both. The fanny pack might seem a little outdated or out of style but they do allow a lot more freedom and are usually lighter weight than a back pack. On the other hand back packs are a great tool because you can pack a lot more gear, which can also be a catch 22.

As we all know, sweating in cold weather can be very dangerous if not managed properly. Some of my buddy's have hunting packs that double as pack boards or game bags and can come in very handy once you get an animal down. In the long run, it just depends on what kind of hunting you plan on doing. Some guys can get away with a big back pack because they might do more sitting and glassing, and it's nice to have room for more layers and extra gear. I myself, tend to do a little more hiking and like to keep my pack lighter, so I don't work up too much of a sweat and then get cold when I sit down to glass or rest.

If you're looking for a change up or you like the idea of both the fanny pack and the back pack you might be in luck. There are a number of different companies that build a pack that allows you have both. The fanny pack detaches from the back pack giving you more options in the field. Find out what's important to you and make a game plan, but be sure to always carry the essentials... such as a fire starter, compass, maps, and of course it's always a good idea to keep a quick pick me up in your pack. My personal favorite, snickers candy bars. Good luck out there this fall and remember to be safe!