backpacks and why ya like em daypacks, internal,external frame

[2cmorau]

The blue daypack has seen better days and looking for a replacement
Redpack ( Mountain Smith ) went to Bolivia with me and that was a hugh mistake mounts to tall for the bush was getting hung up. but enjoy using locally for exploring new off the beaten path areas ifn i plan to spend more then a day out in the woods
and then the yellow pack, fav, been with me a long time, use daily, well almost. was used mostly for hauling the dredge in to the claims, faster and kept my hands free

so like to know what you all use for a day pack, get some ideas

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Agony and Death on a Gold Rush Steamer: The Disastrous Sinking of the Side-Wheeler Yankee Blade - Grab it through Amazon!

[meMiner]

Any backpack is better than no backpack. I hate seeing fellows with their stuff in plastic shopping bags or heavy equipment being humped with rope arm straps and a tump line.

That said, there are so many considerations to what pack to take prospecting. If you are an organized fellow, lots of pockets is great to have. I typically prefer a waterproof pack without sections that is big and deep enough to handle all of my stuff. I have had one for years that was designed for canoe tripping. Internal frames on small packs make the haul more comfortable and somewhat protect the gear. I like my things to be secure (zipped up), so I don't leave a trail of valuable things along my walk or have the trees and shrubs steal them from me.

When I fly, I take a lightweight backpack that has a zipper on the bottom so it can be undone and expanded lengthwise. It is horrible for a long walk because it bumps the back of my legs. However, I use it for my metal detector and scoop when moving between spots in the Caribbean. I pack it in my duffle if I fly somewhere to prospect (it folds up small and does not add too much weight to my luggage). Actually, if I have not had a backpack, I have used a hockey bag with the carry straps over my arms.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Upgraded Night Vision Monocular Digital Infrared Monocular Telescope for 100% Darkness with 8X Zoom - Grab it through Amazon!

[SLNugget]

I like a GI Duffle Bag. I insert 5 gal buckets (2-3) in the bottom along with gloves, a short shovel, pan, 1/2 classifier, snack bars, water, and whatever else I need without overloading. I have also carried my gas vac in it to go crack vaccing. Very versatile and cheap.

My digging partner carries his Gold Buddy Dry Washer in the same duffle bag. Between the two of us we can carry enough gear for a days remote drywashing.

 

[2cmorau]

great links on packs
My yellow pack, Originally Posted. (pic here is a copy of that pack, showing it has a shelf.) has been with me for decades, and have liked the pack cuz made securing loads hauling equipment and supporting with straps a breeze, today’s packs are amazing but were not available back in the days, lookin for a pack that I can strap-on and walk while detecting, won’t shift, while kneeling is not going to be easy

 

[57chevy]

Thank You for the links Vance and BurntBear.

 

[2cmorau]

I am amused by this and tempted, water proof, hang straps on the outside. must try, with my current rackpack, why not already have the 20 gal barrel

 

[fowledup]

I saw that one too, on the website vance posted. Cool part is when you get to a river crossing you can float it across beside you rather than being tied to it. Or make a Minny me fluid bed and have the best of both worlds- a pack and a fluidbed highbanker.

 

[63bkpkr]

I started with external frame backpacks, still use them. My first pack died when bears tore it all up (the frame was turned into a freighter type frame for Europe Treks and now for
~ a 80 lb stuff sack full of tools). The second is another Kelty exterior frame, model is a Sherpa, the name should tip you off as to how much can be put into it and on to it. I've hauled in 115 lbs with it back when I was totally fit, now I'm just having fits..........................63bkpkr

 

[2cmorau]

the man, the guru and all around swell guy, will you welcome 63bkpkr

i am with ya on the fits
i had a bad week packin my HB on to the claim, took near six days to get up and runnin gremlins, murphy call it what you will

 

[Bonaro]

Hard to beat a military rucksack. They are more durable than almost anything in the recreational market and dirt cheap if you live near a military base