Gear Notes: After the Hunt
5.11 Tactical – Skyweight Utility Chest Pack
After getting turned around in a swamp, with 8 inches of snow on the ground, at night, during what was supposed to be a quick deer recovery mission I made the mental note to never head into the woods unprepared again. I usually carry a backpack hunting, but in this case, I didn’t think I was that deep in the bush and figured it would be a quick in-and-out job. I was wrong. After dragging a nice buck through some very nasty stuff, I eventually figured out I was heading in the completely wrong direction. Fortunately, I got myself right and made it out, with the buck. This experience led me to look for a pack that I could have loaded and ready to go for pre-season jaunts and tracking jobs, no matter how long or short they may be.
This is where the Skyweight Utility Chest Pack from 5.11 entered the scene. I will openly admit this is one piece of gear that I didn’t know I needed. Since receiving the pack, it has made trips to all kinds of places with me. Some remote, some crowded. What makes this pack so useful is that you hardly know it’s there. It has a padded harness system and snugs up nicely to your chest as to not get hung up on brush in the field. Even in a compact package, the Skyweight Utility has room for necessities such as a compass, phone, battery pack, knife, flashlight, spare batteries, some parachord, lighter, tinder, and of course your deer tag.
I wore the 5.11 Skyweight Utility Chest Pack while hiking sections of the North Country Trail this Fall. The Chest Pack secured everything I needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike from a compass to a sidearm.
On top of deer recovery missions or scouting opportunities, the Chest Pack also has a conceal carry compartment and ambidextrous hot pulls should the situation escalate. Over the course of the Summer and early Fall, I logged quite a few miles wearing the pack and was quite pleased how it carried. I wore it with family during an all-day trip to an amusement park where it kept my necessities secure while riding roller coasters. I used it while hiking the North Country Trail to keep survival items and a pistol on my person should an emergency occur. I also plan to use it as a kill kit this Fall during deer season. As I previously stated, I had no idea how handy it really would be until I started carrying it. I highly recommend picking one up, you’ll use it more than you realize.
The harness system on the Skyweight Chest Pack kept it snug to my body during a range of activities. It carries comfortably and weights next to nothing. The pack provides and easy way to bring all the necessities with you, wherever you go.
Hunting means putting food on the table for me. I pride myself in preparing healthy and tasty meals for friends and family to share in my harvest. Years ago I started wearing an apron while butchering and cooking to save my clothing from unwanted stains and wear. As my original apron began to wear out it was time to look for a new one. I came across the Work Apron from White Duck and decided to give it a try. I wanted to up my apron game with some more pockets and have had success with White Duck products in the past.
The Work Apron from White Duck has become a standard for me when cooking or butchering my wild game. It keeps the blood and oil off of my clothes while you take your trophy from field to plate.
The Work Apron was definitely an improvement due to the padded shoulder straps, plenty of pockets, and the nature of the 24 oz waxed industrial canvas. The apron repels blood and oil to keep my clothes free of stains. Pockets conveniently house markers for labeling packaged game, knives, sharpeners, spatulas, tongs, game bags, and anything else you may need while taking your kill from field to plate.
Whiteduck showcases the Work Apron with tools but I find the durability great for the kitchen as well. All the pockets make keeping game bags, markers, sharpeners, etc. handy at all times.
If you’ve not considered an apron, I highly suggest making the move. If you’ve already realized the benefit, then take a hard look at the Work Apron from White Duck. It’s reasonably priced and made to handle anything you can throw at it.
