First Thoughts on the Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack Backpack Style made of Tricot with Realtree Edge Finish, TS3 Front Panel System, Hide
The Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack Backpack Style made of Tricot with Realtree Edge Finish, TS3 Front Panel System, Hide is a hunting-focused daypack designed to be lightweight and versatile. Its standout feature is the innovative TS3 front panel system, offering three distinct pocket configurations for different in-the-field needs. I was intrigued by its seemingly clever design and Realtree Edge finish, hoping it would be a significant upgrade to my current, bulkier pack.
For years, I’ve struggled to find a hunting pack that perfectly balances size, weight, and accessibility. My current pack is spacious, but it’s heavy and cumbersome, making it difficult to maneuver in thick brush. I needed something lighter, quieter, and with readily accessible compartments for essential gear like binoculars and a rangefinder – the Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack seemed to address these issues.
Upon receiving the pack, my initial impression was positive. The Realtree Edge camo pattern looked sharp, and the tricot material felt soft and quiet to the touch. The pack felt surprisingly light at just 3lbs.
Compared to my old Alps OutdoorZ pack and a smaller Badlands hydration pack, the Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack seemed to offer a good compromise between size and functionality. The Alps pack is simply too large for day hunts, while the Badlands pack lacks sufficient storage. I chose the Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack because of its promised versatility and specialized design for hunters.
I was cautiously optimistic. The innovative TS3 front panel system was a gamble – it could either be a game-changer or a gimmick. Only real-world testing would reveal its true value.
Real-World Testing: Putting Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack Backpack Style made of Tricot with Realtree Edge Finish, TS3 Front Panel System, Hide to the Test
First Use Experience
I put the Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack to the test during a week-long whitetail hunt in the rolling hills of southern Ohio. The conditions ranged from crisp, dry mornings to damp, drizzly afternoons. The pack was primarily used while sitting in a treestand and still hunting through dense woods.
The Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack performed well in both dry and slightly damp conditions. The tricot material repelled light moisture effectively, keeping the contents dry for short periods. Navigating through thick cover was much easier with this pack compared to my larger one, due to its lighter weight and more streamlined profile.
The TS3 system required a bit of getting used to. Initially, I fumbled with the zippers while trying to access my rangefinder quickly. After a few practice sessions, however, I became more proficient at deploying the “basket” configuration, which proved incredibly useful for keeping my binoculars readily available while in the stand.
The only initial issue I encountered was the lack of internal organization within the main compartment. Smaller items tended to get lost at the bottom of the pack.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack has held up reasonably well. There are no signs of major wear and tear. The stitching remains intact, and the zippers still function smoothly.
The Realtree Edge finish has shown some slight fading in areas that experience frequent abrasion against branches and foliage. However, this is to be expected with any camo pattern after extended use in the field. The tricot material, while quiet, is prone to snagging on thorns and briars.
Cleaning the pack is relatively simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and mud. For tougher stains, I’ve used a mild detergent and a soft brush.
The Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack has generally outperformed my expectations for a pack in this price range. While it doesn’t offer the bombproof durability of high-end hunting packs, it’s proven to be a reliable and functional option for day hunts.
Breaking Down the Features of Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack Backpack Style made of Tricot with Realtree Edge Finish, TS3 Front Panel System, Hide
Specifications
The Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack Backpack Style made of Tricot with Realtree Edge Finish, TS3 Front Panel System, Hide is constructed from a durable tricot material, providing a soft and quiet exterior. This is essential for minimizing noise while moving through the woods.
It features a Realtree Edge camo pattern. This helps the pack blend seamlessly into various hunting environments.
The pack weighs in at a mere 3 lbs. This lightweight design reduces fatigue during long days in the field.
The main selling point is the TS3 Front Panel System, offering three distinct pocket configurations: standard pocket, fold-down shelf, and drop-down basket. This system provides versatile storage and accessibility options.
The pack includes a hidden rain fly. This ensures your gear stays dry in inclement weather.
Performance & Functionality
The Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack performs its primary function – carrying essential hunting gear – effectively. The TS3 Front Panel System is a genuine asset, particularly the drop-down basket for quickly accessing binoculars or a rangefinder. The pack is comfortable to wear for extended periods.
However, the lack of internal organization is a significant weakness. Adding a few dividers or pockets within the main compartment would greatly improve its usability. While the rain fly is a nice addition, it’s somewhat flimsy and difficult to deploy quickly.
Overall, the pack meets expectations for a budget-friendly hunting daypack, with the TS3 system being the standout feature that elevates its performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for the price point. The tricot material feels comfortable against the back, and the Realtree Edge camo is well-executed. The pack is relatively lightweight, which contributes to its overall comfort.
There is a slight learning curve associated with mastering the TS3 Front Panel System. The zippers can be a bit stiff initially. The lack of internal organization detracts from the user experience.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack should last for several hunting seasons. The tricot material is susceptible to snags. Regular cleaning is recommended to maintain its appearance and functionality.
Minor repairs, such as patching small tears in the tricot, can be performed with basic sewing skills. Zippers are the most likely point of failure over time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack comes with a hidden rain fly as its primary accessory. There are no readily apparent customization options beyond potentially adding aftermarket pouches or organizers to the interior. The MOLLE webbing is absent, limiting external customization options.
The pack is compatible with standard hydration bladders. You can clip accessories to the existing straps.
Pros and Cons of Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack Backpack Style made of Tricot with Realtree Edge Finish, TS3 Front Panel System, Hide
Pros
- TS3 Front Panel System: Offers versatile storage and quick access to essential gear.
- Lightweight Design: Reduces fatigue during long hunts.
- Realtree Edge Camo: Provides effective concealment in various environments.
- Quiet Tricot Material: Minimizes noise while moving through the woods.
- Affordable Price: Offers good value for the money.
Cons
- Lack of Internal Organization: Makes it difficult to keep smaller items organized.
- Tricot Material Susceptible to Snags: Can be damaged by thorns and briars.
Who Should Buy Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack Backpack Style made of Tricot with Realtree Edge Finish, TS3 Front Panel System, Hide?
The Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack is perfect for budget-conscious hunters who prioritize a lightweight pack with quick access to essential gear. It’s also ideal for treestand hunters who appreciate the convenience of the TS3 Front Panel System, particularly the drop-down basket. Casual campers may find it suitable for short overnight trips.
This product isn’t for hunters who require bombproof durability or extensive internal organization. Those who frequently hunt in extremely harsh or abrasive environments might want to consider a more rugged pack made from heavier-duty materials. Backpackers needing to carry a significant amount of gear should also look elsewhere.
A must-have modification would be adding some aftermarket organizers or dividers to the interior of the main compartment to improve organization.
Conclusion on Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack Backpack Style made of Tricot with Realtree Edge Finish, TS3 Front Panel System, Hide
The Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack Backpack Style made of Tricot with Realtree Edge Finish, TS3 Front Panel System, Hide is a solid choice for hunters seeking a lightweight, versatile daypack at an affordable price. The innovative TS3 Front Panel System is a genuine asset, providing quick and easy access to essential gear.
While the lack of internal organization and the somewhat delicate tricot material are drawbacks, the overall value proposition is compelling. At $79.99, this pack offers a lot of features for the money.
I would personally recommend the Insight Outdoors The Element Day Pack to hunters looking for a budget-friendly option with a unique and functional design. If you’re tired of rummaging through your pack to find your binoculars or rangefinder, the TS3 system might just be the solution you’ve been looking for. Give it a try and experience the convenience for yourself!