Let’s Dive into Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack
The Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack isn’t just a bag; it’s a meticulously designed system for serious waterfowl hunters. Manufactured by Avery Outdoors, this backpack aims to solve the age-old problem of hauling decoys, gear, and guns comfortably and efficiently to and from the duck blind. This pack promises to keep decoys organized, protect their flocking, and free up hands for navigating challenging terrain.
My journey to finding the Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack began with frustration. I was tired of awkwardly lugging multiple bags, tangling decoy lines, and risking damage to my valuable flocked decoys during long treks to my favorite hunting spots. I needed a solution that could carry everything securely and comfortably, without compromising the integrity of my gear.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the ruggedness of the materials and the thoughtful layout of the compartments. The 600-denier polyester fabric felt incredibly durable, promising resistance against the elements and rough handling. The 4mm quick-drain mesh bottom was another reassuring sign of quality, suggesting that this bag was designed with real-world hunting conditions in mind.
I considered the Cabela’s Northern Flight Decoy Bag and the Rig’Em Right Refuge Runner Backpack, but the Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack stood out due to its dedicated gunstock pocket and the unique stackable six-slot bags. The gun carrying system was a feature that the others lacked, and it would be vital for keeping my hands free for balance. I felt excited at the prospect of having everything organized and readily accessible.
Real-World Testing: Putting Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack was on a late-season duck hunt in the flooded timber of the Mississippi flyway. The conditions were cold, wet, and muddy – exactly the kind of environment where inferior gear quickly reveals its weaknesses. Navigating through dense brush and submerged logs required both hands free and a pack that wouldn’t shift or become cumbersome.
The Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack truly shined. The padded back support, shoulder straps, and hip belt distributed the weight evenly, allowing me to move comfortably and confidently through the challenging terrain. The gunstock pocket held my shotgun securely, freeing up my hands for balance and obstacle avoidance.
I did have a small issue with the gunstock pocket sliding down off my shoulder at first, but that was corrected by shortening the strap. After a little adjusting, it felt natural and secure to carry my gun this way.
Extended Use & Reliability
After an entire season of use, the Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack has proven to be an invaluable asset. The 600-denier polyester fabric shows no signs of wear, despite being subjected to mud, thorns, and rough handling. The quick-drain mesh bottom has effectively prevented water from accumulating inside the decoy compartments.
Cleaning is a breeze; I simply hose it down and let it air dry. Compared to my previous experiences with bulky, unstructured decoy bags, this backpack has significantly improved my hunting efficiency and overall enjoyment. It definitely outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack
Specifications
The Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack boasts a robust set of specifications designed for the serious waterfowl hunter:
- Two Stacked Six-Slot Bags: These compartments provide individual slots for up to 12 standard-sized decoys, preventing them from rubbing together and damaging their flocking. This is crucial for maintaining the lifelike appearance of fully flocked decoys.
- Two Side Pockets for Spinning-Wing Decoys: These pockets offer dedicated storage for motorized decoys, keeping them separate from other gear and preventing tangling. Easy access to these pockets allows for quick deployment and retrieval of spinning-wing decoys in the field.
- Gunstock Pocket and Vertical Barrel Strap: This feature allows for hands-free transportation of a shotgun, freeing up the hunter’s hands for navigation and safety. The vertical barrel strap is critical for securing the firearm and preventing it from shifting during movement.
- Rugged 600-Denier Polyester Fabric: This heavy-duty material provides excellent resistance to tears, abrasions, and the elements, ensuring long-lasting durability in harsh hunting conditions. The Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack is made to handle the rigors of waterfowl hunting.
- 4mm Quick-Drain Mesh Bottom: This feature allows water to drain quickly and easily from the decoy compartments, preventing moisture buildup and minimizing the risk of mold or mildew. The 4mm mesh size is ideal for allowing water to escape while preventing smaller items from falling out.
- Padded Back Support, Shoulder Strap, and Hip Belt: These features enhance comfort and reduce fatigue during long treks to and from the hunting location. The padded back support is especially important for distributing the weight of the decoys and gear evenly across the hunter’s back.
- Full Top Cover with Heavy-Duty Buckles: This cover protects the contents of the backpack from rain, snow, and debris, while the heavy-duty buckles ensure a secure closure. Heavy-duty buckles are essential for preventing accidental openings and ensuring the cover stays in place during movement.
- Manufacturer: Avery Outdoors
- Color: BTML
- Pack Loading: Front
Performance & Functionality
The Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack excels in its primary function: transporting decoys and gear comfortably and efficiently. The individual decoy slots prevent damage to flocking, and the gunstock pocket allows for hands-free carrying of a shotgun. The bag is designed to make getting your gear to the spot as easy as possible.
The only area that could use slight improvement is the size of the side pockets; they could be slightly larger to accommodate larger spinning-wing decoys. Overall, it exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with durable materials and reinforced stitching throughout. The weight is manageable, even when fully loaded, thanks to the padded support system. The pack is designed to be comfortable for long treks.
There’s a slight learning curve in terms of efficiently packing and organizing gear, but the layout is intuitive and well-thought-out. With a little practice, it becomes second nature.
Durability & Maintenance
With its rugged construction and durable materials, the Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack is built to last for many seasons. As previously mentioned, cleaning is simple and straightforward, requiring only a hose and air drying. Occasional spot cleaning with mild soap and water may be necessary to remove stubborn stains or mud.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack doesn’t come with a plethora of accessories, but its design is inherently compatible with various aftermarket additions. Carabiners can be attached to the external loops for securing extra gear. The MOLLE webbing allows for the attachment of smaller pouches and accessories.
Pros and Cons of Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack
Pros
- Dedicated decoy slots protect flocking, extending the lifespan of expensive decoys. This is a game-changer for serious waterfowl hunters who invest in high-quality decoys.
- Hands-free gun carrying system enhances safety and convenience. It frees up hands for navigating difficult terrain and maintaining balance.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance in harsh hunting conditions. The 600-denier polyester fabric and reinforced stitching are built to withstand abuse.
- Comfortable padded support system reduces fatigue during long treks. This is crucial for hunters who access remote or difficult-to-reach hunting locations.
- Efficient organization of gear improves hunting efficiency and overall experience. Everything is readily accessible and easy to find.
Cons
- Side pockets could be slightly larger to accommodate larger spinning-wing decoys. This may require users to find alternative storage solutions for oversized decoys.
- The BTML color isn’t very versatile.
Who Should Buy Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack?
The Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack is perfect for serious waterfowl hunters who prioritize organization, convenience, and protection of their gear. It’s an ideal choice for those who frequently hunt in remote locations or challenging terrain and need a comfortable and efficient way to transport their decoys and shotgun. This pack is designed for the hard core hunter.
Hunters who primarily use standard, non-flocked decoys, and who hunt in easily accessible locations may not fully appreciate the benefits of this backpack. If you’re hunting in a manicured pit blind 10 feet from the truck, this is overkill. The must-have modification is a higher shoulder pad for taller people so the gunstock doesn’t slide down.
Conclusion on Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack
The Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack is a well-designed and expertly crafted piece of gear that delivers on its promise of making waterfowl hunting more enjoyable and efficient. The price of $128.57 is justified by the quality of materials, thoughtful design, and the tangible benefits it provides in the field. The pack is a great value.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Avery Outdoors Decoy Back Pack to any serious waterfowl hunter looking to upgrade their gear transportation system. It’s an investment that will pay dividends in terms of convenience, organization, and protection of valuable equipment. Get yours today and experience the difference!