5.11 Tactical Backpacks

5.11 Tactical has 20% off all backpacks this month.  I love the quality of their bags, I think they are great for wheelchair users.  I also like LL Bean backpacks.  What are your thoughts on backpacks?

Camelbak BFM

Lightweight, durable 500D CORDURA

Multiple drink tube exit ports for routing drink tube over the shoulder or under the arm

4 zippers on main compartment allow for multiple access points to gear

ASIPS Radio attachment points hold communications securely with dual antenna ports

Glasses, goggles and NVG pocket with external access

Full clamshell opening makes adding the MedBak Insert quick and easy (NOTE: MedBak Sold Separately)

HYDRATION CAPACITY: 100 oz. (3L)

CARGO VOLUME: 2,929 cu.in. (48L)

TOTAL VOLUME: 3,112 cu.in. (51L)

DIMENSIONS: 21.00" x 20.00" x 14.00" (530mm x 510mm x 355mm)

WEIGHT (EMPTY RESERVOIR): 5.5 lbs. (2.5Kg)

Made in the USA

I received my Camelbak BFM 500 this week and I have to say I could not be happier with it.

This backpack is large and in charge.  It has enough room for all my hunting gear and then some.  I know I could pack this for a three day trip anywhere or as the perfect bug out bag.

It is well made, the zippers all have pull tabs and there is molle webbing everywhere to attach even more gear.  This bag is not cheap, but you do get your moneys worth.

Camelbak BFM 100 oz

Has anyone used one of these Camelbak's ?  I plan on making this my new hunting backpack.  Check back for a review and post your thoughts on wheelchair backpacks.

Wheelchair Emergency Kit

I'm in the planning stages for my Missouri Whitetail hunt and like any hunter I want to include a survival or emergency pack to carry with me into the woods.

But as a person with a disability, my survival pack will be a little different than the average Joe.

100 mph tape, it's better than duct tape and may come in handy to patch my Roho (air cushion)

Extra urinary supplies

Firestarter

Gerber multi-tool

GPS

Headlamp

Hex wrench set

Plastic zip ties


Poncho


Small first aid kit

Snacks

Space Blanket

Water bottle

What do you take in your emergency bag ?

Hunting Backpack For Wheelchair Users

Before I get into the specifics of a hunting day pack and its contents, I would like to talk about quickly and easily attaching the backpack to the wheelchair.  On my current Permobil C-500 wheelchair I have Backpack Clips installed.

On each backpack strap, I attach one heavy-duty plastic wire tie that easily clips into the carabiner.  With this system I can easily switch my hunting backpack with my regular everyday backpack. 

If need be, an individual can quickly unclip the backpack from my wheelchair and set it on my desktop so that I can direct them to retrieve an object. This is very helpful when relying on others for assistance.

I use a small camouflaged Remington day pack for all my hunting gear.  It does not have to be camouflage as I'm always hunting in a ground blind, but that's just how I roll.  Here is a picture of it.

It's important to organize your day pack and know exactly where everything is, so that you can direct your hunting partner / assistant when you need something. 

I recommend using different colored zipper pulls so that you can say for example " it's on the left side with the blue zipper pull ".  It just makes life so much easier, but that may be the OCD in me .

Here is a basic list of what I carry when crossbow hunting:

Balaclava

Black diamond headlamp

Buck 110 knife

Crossbow cocking rope

Doe bleat

Doe decoy

Drag rope

Extra wire ties

Facemask

Hunting license/tags

Laser range finder

Rubber gloves/washcloth

Sidewinder cocking crank

I hope this information helps you, everyone has their own needs and way of organizing their backpack.  These are just my suggestions, I would love to hear yours.