L.L.Bean Trail Model Hunting Pack

I love this pack! I use it for day hiking and snowshoeing, and I carry lots of stuff in my day pack (first aid, emergency gear, dog supplies, extra clothes), and often attach snowshoes to the exterior. It is not fancy, and does not have all the bells and whistles (i.e. specialty pockets, laptop sleeves), but I have found it to be extremely comfortable, and certainly meets my need for a highly visibility pack.

First, a disclosure...I am not a hunter. But I am certainly glad I peruse the hunting specialty LL Bean catalog, as it is how I found this pack. My prior day pack just did not fit right. I was constantly adjusting it, and could not seem to get it just right. I was also finding that I needed a bit more room, to accommodate the variety of stuff I carry, depending upon the season and activity.

And, I wanted a highly visible pack. I often hike during hunting season, and in the winter, use trails that are shared by BC skiers, snowmachines, and others. In low-light, or snowy conditions, I want to be seen; this pack certainly provides that, as it is hi-viz hunter orange, so it makes me very visible, from front (nice wide shoulder straps) and back.

The pack is made of poly-warp knit bonded to a 150-denier polyester backer for a lightweight, rugged and highly water-resistant fabric. It is very soft, and is very quiet in the woods, which I assume is a benefit for hunters, but I also appreciate it.

I do try to store the pack out of the sunlight, since I have seen what such exposure can do, in terms of fading of hunter orange fabrics. The material is water-resistant; I have used it in snow and light rain...my interior contents have never gotten wet (though they are always packed in their own waterproof bags).

I have found the pack very comfortable; the sternum straps are adjustable, which I really like. The shoulder straps are easily adjustable, and nice and wide. The waist belt is very nice, too...easily adjustable,and holds the pack in place well. The back support/suspension system means I can carry a heavy pack, without feeling stress or discomfort. I have used the pack in temperatures from below zero to 80 degrees, and over t-shirts and winter outerwear. It has been consistently comfortable.

The capacity of the pack is listed at 1710 cu. in.; I usually have plenty of room for my gear, plus extra space. the side pocket are roomy, and the zippers are sturdy. There is a top pocket, which holds quite a bit of gear, and is easily accessible. The main compartment is large, secured by drawstrings and cord-locks, so I keep my gear in separate dry sack/storage bags, since there are no interior dividers. I can strap my snowshoes on the exterior accessory loops. There are sleeves behind the long side pockets, where I can place my tripod, or unused trekking poles.

The pack is 2 lb. 5 oz. unloaded, and its size is 24"H x 10"W x 6"D.  There are two mesh water bottle holders on the side, and the mesh has remained intact after many,many uses, with varying sizes of water bottles. The base of the pack is a reinforced material. The zippers and buckles have been very solid, without any problems.

I anticipate that this pack will hold up very well over many years of year-round hiking. I find the price to be very reasonable, and the pack is covered by LL Bean's lifetime satisfaction guarantee. I can definitely recommend this pack, to hunters and non-hunters alike!