Dukats Journal of Hunting

Hunting Elk in New Mexico

When I received the pack, I was pleasantly surprised to see the Max1 camouflage pattern.  I got the pack for my birthday, and didn’t know it came in Max1.  The sage style of camouflage is the best thing on the market right now, so good start.  I initially thought there weren’t enough pockets, but more on that later. 

There is a pocket on the back of the pack for frequently accessed items such as gloves, hats, headlamp, matches, rope.  The sides have slim pockets which I have used for a digital camera, snacks, and GPS.  Then right at your side on the hip belt, there are two small pockets.  I originally didn’t see great use for these but have since stored diaphragms, flashlight, wind checking powder, knife, and multi-plier here which has come in quite handy.  There is also a zippered pocket inside the pack for quick access to permits, wallet, first aid kit, cell phone type items protected from the elements.  The pack has a flap that folds over the zipper creating a well protected area inside the pack.  There is a pocket for your hydration system inside and a zipper to reach the inside of the pack from the portion of the pack that hugs your back.  As if that weren’t enough, an orange shelf folds out to allow meat to be packed out, strapped in with the bat wing design of the pack.  The main compartment of the pack I use to store rain gear, a video camera, clothing layers, game bags, and the like.    Everything you need for a day hike will fit in the pack.

I tried to get gear into the pack for a one night trip, but just couldn’t make it work.  Granted, it isn’t designed for this, but I thought I’d pass it along for those of you trying to squeeze a little more use out of it.

The bad.  The items I don’t like about the pack so far are few, but no one is perfect.  The pocket for the hydration system is too small.  I use a Camelback bladder and it won’t fit into the pocket.  It hangs out and creates issues until the bladder is over half empty.  That said, I like the elastic strap on the shoulder straps to hold the mouth tube.  It keeps you from searching for it every time you need a drink.  With a heavy load, the shoulder straps bite into your shoulders.  They could use additional cushion, especially after the third or fourth day of use.  I would also like to see a strap to hold a rangefinder, similar to a belt.  I tried the belt strap, but then can’t get it tight enough to hold a portion of the load.  Lastly it would be nice if they designed the hip belt straps with a slide over cover or some type of soft clamp.  The problem is the same with most packs, my binoculars clank against the buckle while riding around my neck.  Not a good noise when trying to sneak on a critter.