Hunting backpack that works for carry-on

[tim629]

i've been looking for something similar. i'm honestly considering an osprey pack but haven't pulled the trigger although i probably should and get a memorial day sale

 

[R.K.]

I took my MR Metcalf as a carryon for a backpacking trip. Delta didn’t give me any trouble with it. I’ve also taken a rod tube with me and thrown it behind the other bags in the overhead.

 

[338win]

This is how I got a 3.5 inch tss load and a multitool through TSA without knowing it was there until unloading bag at destination.

 

[GigiBobert]

My 34 year old Dana Design Bomb Pack or Big Sky. The Big Sky is easier to pack, the Bomb Pack is top-load only. I believe they were made in Bozeangelos before it was Bozeangelos. There were still real farmers and cowboys in town. See them like new on Ebay all the time. And cheap! Been all over Europe for weeks on end with both. Not tacticool though.

 

[Rhettster433]

I am looking for this type bag right now. I dont fly often and my pack would be used mainly for hiking but i cant afford multiples at the moment. The kifaru minikeg seems to be the best option for capacity while still being carry-on compliant. If getting a larger bag on flights is as easy as they make it sound then i might just do that.

Also, if you fly outside the country be sure to triple check your bag for ammo. We almost had a guy arrested in guatemala for 3 22lr rounds in his backpack while on a mission trip a few years ago. That was a sketchy day

 

[fallfreak]

Just an update. I gave up on the "true" hunting pack/carry on bag. I ended up buying the Osprey farpoint 55. I will use it on my trip in September for waterfowl in canada. Also in hopes of using it for an African hunt in a few years. Other than that it will just be a travel bag and I will use others packs for actual day hunting.

 

[jimss]

I've hunted Alaska many times over the years and carry the biggest Kifaru pack I have on Alaska Airlines and United. Just make sure that your pack meets the standards for fitting in the overhead bin. I also carry on a giant camera case with all of my optics...spotter, binos, cameras, etc. A 3rd recommendation is to gut the foam in your rifle case. Line your rifle with clothes and add larger items like tripod, fishing rods, etc. Make sure not to go over the weight limits for your check in items.

 

[Shangobango]

Got it. No ammo in the carry-on. Anybody have hands on experience with a good backpack?

I use a MR Pintler often and have used the Metcalf a couple of times. Never had an issue yet but there is a first time for everything I suppose. If I am flying it is not for a hunt so no worries on cross pollination.

 

[jimss]

A lady at the boarding check-in once asked me if I wanted to have my kifaru backpack checked in rather than carry it on. She did it for free but I was a little worried what shape it would be once I picked it up in Anchorage.

My backpack plus camera case weighed over 70 lbs which was somewhat of a bear carrying through airports. It’s nice to have a single flight rather than boarding several planes lugging around all that weight.

It saves $ but may not be worth it for some?