The number of surf casters and light tackle enthusiasts casting soft plastics for striped bass is increasing each season. Whether the application is a weedless bait on light tackle in the early season or rigged on a jig head for a summer night in the surf we see more use of soft plastics now than ever. Along with the advances in soft baits themselves have come innovations in rigging soft plastics for striped bass.

Wide Variety of Shapes and Sizes

The popularity and innovation stem in large part from the versatility of soft plastics. There are a wide variety of profiles with soft, pliable bodies that produce a life-like action. Some argue that the supple materials also give soft plastics a better mouth-feel than hard lures. The benefit being that the gamefish would be less likely to let go immediately after striking. Also, many manufacturers impregnate their soft plastics with scents of bunker and sand eel when creating baits to target striped bass and other northeast gamefish. In the simplest terms there are three designs used in saltwater:

• Jerk Baits with inline tails of various shapes. When fishing jerk baits the rod tip creates the action, and it is more subtle.

• Paddle Tails with a wide flat tail oriented horizontally to the body of the bait. Paddle tails are a much more active bait, and the design of the bait creates the action.

• Grub Tails or pigtails also have a lot of action and are used in smaller soft plastics and to enhance a bucktail jig. Very popular in freshwater.

Beyond this point, there are a dizzying amount of options and would require a series of articles to scratch the surface.

Pre- Rigged Soft Plastic Options

Anglers can purchase some soft plastics pre-rigged on a jig head; examples include the Savage Gear Sandeel and the Ron Z Original Soft Baits.

Also, some baits like the Hogy Slow Tailand the Tsunami Swim Shads that have the weight molded into the bait. If you are just getting into soft plastics one of these options might be the place to start. These baits are optimized for action and casting efficiency and eliminate the trial and error of matching hooks and heads with different baits.

Rigging Options for Soft Plastics

Centering Pin Springs are a simple way of attaching the hook to the head of a soft plastic bait. Rigged right these can be tossed in skinny water and are effectively weedless.

The Owner Beast Hooks are popular for this application as are the center pin hooks developed for Albie Snax. Worm Hooks also create a weedless presentation through simple rigging, and the length helps stiffen the body of the lure which allows for better casts. So anglers will make a few turns with tying thread behind the hook eye to create a surface to apply Zap A Gap Thin just before they permanently seat the hook in the bait. The Mustad Big Bite Soft Plastic Hook is a popular choice for this application. Here’s our selection of swimbait hooks.

Additionally, there is an assortment of jig heads on which to secure your bait, you may prefer one or another based on hook strength, size, the preferred method of attachment or color. MagicTail Kill Shotshave been among our more popular due to its heavy 8/0 hook and with a ridged collar designed to provide a secure attachment. The Jeck’s Bullet Bucktail has built a strong following in short order in part because the rear of the jig head is flat allowing a flush fit with the bait. This improves durability, and the flush fit positively impacts castability. With any jig head, it’s a good idea to super glue the area used to secure the soft plastic to the jig. Here’s our selection of jig heads.

Soft Plastic Rigging Tips

Let’s address a common challenge when rigging soft plastics for any gamefish regardless of the hook and method selected. That is “Where to enter the bait to ensure it swims properly?” Ideally, you do not want to pull the plastic off the hook/ jighead repeatedly in an attempt to get it right, but an improperly rigged soft plastic will twist on the retrieve creating an unnatural action in the water and sending the twists up your line causing “wicked tangles” in your braid in the future. The first step is to lay the hook or jighead on top of the plastic, to see where the hook and ultimately the bend would exit the body with the bait snug to the head while maintaining a straight but not overly stretched bait. Mark that point either with your forefinger and thumb or some anglers nick that location using the hook point to maintain orientation.

Rigging Weightless Soft Plastics

When rigging a weightless hook, you want to start and stay in the center of the bait until you reach the target location and then exit the bait through the center as well. Staying on the center line is all the more critical with unweighted hooks.

Rigging Jig Heads

When using a jig head hold the bait with your thumb and forefinger start in the center and thread the body onto the jighead, pushing the hook through the marked point and continuing to slide the bait forward until it contacts the jig head. If you have a flush connection a little Zap A Gap at the juncture will enhance durability.

A Word of Caution When Rigging Jig Heads

Many jigheads have some type of retention ridges or hooks to secure the soft plastic. Some excellent examples are the Z-Man TT Headlockz HD, Hogy Barbarian Jig Hook and Mustad Elite Bullet Jig Head; but with some materials or on smaller, thinner profile baits these retention methods can split and ruin the bait. So be mindful of using a strong hook with a bulky retention method with smaller and harder plastics as they may split. Probably the perfect time for a jig head with a bare hook utilizing the thread and super glue method described above or one of the jig heads from Owner mentioned above. At the end of the day when rigging soft plastics, “practice makes perfect.” Now more than ever, you can rig a soft plastic bait easily and for just about any surf or light tackle situations.

It’s time to start planning (or dreaming about) your next trip to Africa.

It’s very common for hunters to dream of incredible big game hunting destinations, which often means visions of Africa. The Dark Continent is known for having some outstanding big game hunting and best places to hunt in Africa truly provide opportunities for hunters that are unmatched anywhere else in the world.

These countries have a wide variety and abundant populations of game to go along with some very unique terrain.

Here’s a rundown of the top five countries worth exploring scheduling a trip to. Keep reading to learn our choices for the best countries for hunting in Africa.

Mozambique

Though a relative newcomer to the safari game due to a long, devastating civil war that finally ended in 1992, Mozambique’s wild game populations have made a fantastic recovery, which is why it should now be considered one of the best countries for hunting in Africa.

The government is investing a great deal of time and money to repair infrastructure damaged by the war and their efforts are really starting to bear fruit.

Located on the southeastern coast of the continent, Mozambique offers excellent hunting for many species of big game on the massive, unfenced government concessions that make up most of the hunting areas in the country.

Mozambique is quickly becoming a premier destination for Cape Buffalo hunting. With an estimated population of over 50,000, Mozambique has the second largest population of Cape Buffalo in Africa. As a result, serious hunters should consider booking a Mozambique hunting safari to take advantage of the opportunities for Cape Buffalo hunting in the country.

In addition to buffalo hunting, three other members of the Big Five may be hunted in Mozambique: elephants, leopards and lions. However, elephant trophies taken in Mozambique cannot be imported into the United States.

Hunters traveling to Mozambique can also take advantage of some crocodile and hippo hunting that is among the best offered anywhere in Africa.

Though buffalo are probably the most popular big game animal in Mozambique right now, there are some good opportunities for plains game hunting there as well. Species available include sable, nyala, eland, kudu, bushbuck, reedbuck, waterbuck, warthog, duiker (Blue, Red, and Bush), grysbok, oribi, steenbok, and suni (among many others).

Of the countries on this list, Mozambique is probably the least developed. As a result, some of the hunting concessions may only be reached by air charter. This adds complexity and expense to hunts in the country. Additionally, travel to Mozambique from the United States can be complicated, as there are no direct flights between the countries. Travelers typically must stop in Europe or South Africa first.

The way things stand now, I do not recommend Mozambique as a destination for a first trip to Africa. However, veteran hunters should be able to appreciate the outstanding hunting opportunities in Mozambique, especially for dangerous game.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has long been a favored destination for hunters from all over the world and offers some of the best hunting for dangerous game in all of Africa (and at a reasonable price to boot).

In addition to buffalo, elephant, leopard, and lion, there is also fantastic hippopotamus and crocodile hunting in Zimbabwe. You can add to that the hunting opportunities for plains game such as eland, zebra, kudu, impala, tsessebe, roan, waterbuck, wildebeest, sable, bushbuck, warthog, and duiker. In fact, when hunting in a well-managed safari area, such as the renowned Bubye Valley Conservancy, hunters may encounter incredibly large and diverse populations of both dangerous and plains game in the same area, which is something few other places in Africa can match.

Unfortunately, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service recently banned the import of elephant trophies taken in Zimbabwe. It is unknown how long the ban will remain in place, but no elephants hunted after April 2014 may be legally imported into the United States and it does not appear that this policy will change anytime soon. While it’s still legal to hunt elephants in Zimbabwe, keep in mind that American hunters may not bring their elephant trophies home.

Though the infrastructure of Zimbabwe tends to be better developed than that of Mozambique, the transportation network still lags behind that of other countries. Some of the more remote concessions may only be reached by air. There are no direct flights to Zimbabwe from the United States and most flights stop in the United Kingdom or South Africa first. The other potential downside to hunting in Zimbabwe is the unstable political situation there.

Though there is good plains game hunting in Zimbabwe, the country is best known for dangerous game hunting. With that in mind, I recommend Zimbabwe as a destination for seasoned hunters primarily pursuing game like buffalo.

Tanzania

Ever since Theodore Roosevelt hunted there during his famous 1909 safari, hunters all over the world have dreamed of a safari in Tanzania. Hunters often conjure visions of vast herds of plains game moving across the plains of Tanzania, and for good reason. Tanzania has a wildlife population that no other country in Africa can match, both in variety and in sheer numbers, which is why it is considered one of the best countries for hunting in Africa.

Among many others (Tanzania has over 50 species of animals that may be hunted), hunters may pursue zebra, wildebeest, eland, impala, warthog, Greater and Lesser Kudu, hartebeest, topi, bushpig, Roosevelt Sable, Fringe-Eared Oryx, roan, waterbuck, and multiple species of gazelle (most commonly Grant’s and Thompson’s).

In addition to plains game hunting, Tanzania has incredible dangerous game hunting, especially for buffalo. Tanzania is home to nearly a quarter of a million buffalo, the largest population of any country in Africa. Understandably, Tanzania produces some of the biggest buffalo in Africa and the current No. 3 and No. 6 buffalo in the SCI record book were hunted in Tanzania.

The country also offers excellent hunting for elephant (though Tanzania is also subject to the same USFWS elephant import ban as Zimbabwe), lion, leopard, hippopotamus and crocodile.

The biggest downside to hunting in Tanzania is the price tag: on average, Tanzania is the most expensive country in Africa to hunt. However, you really do get what you pay for with the opportunity to hunt a stunning variety of animals with plenty of chances to shoot a nice trophy.

For those that can afford it, Tanzania is a great place for a trip to Africa for either plains or dangerous game. For those on more of a budget, it may be better to hunt somewhere else first.

Namibia

Located on the west coast of Africa between Angola and South Africa, Namibia was one of the best kept secrets in African hunting for a long time. However, hunters have recently discovered that Namibia has some of the best (and most reasonably priced) plains game hunts anywhere on the continent.

Since the Kalahari Desert occupies much of southern and eastern Namibia, the country is home to some of the largest populations of Kalahari Gemsbok and Springbok in the world. In addition to gemsbok and springbok, Namibia also offers good hunting for kudu, eland, wildebeest, zebra, blesbok, warthog, sable, roan, hartebeest, steenbok, duiker, and klipspringer. Namibia is also among the few countries where cheetah may be hunted, and the only place where hunters may pursue the Damarra Dik Dik and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra.

Though leopard may be hunted in most of the country, lion, elephant, and buffalo are only present in the extreme northern portion of the country. Most of the hunting for these three species is conducted in the Caprivi Strip, a narrow corridor stretching out from northeastern Namibia. Since the Caprivi Strip is so small, only a handful of these species are hunted there each year.

On the upside, Namibia is one of only two countries (South Africa being the other) where elephant may be hunted and their trophy imported into the United States. Additionally, Namibia is the only country in the world where Black Rhinoceros may be hunted, though the tags are rare, expensive, and controversial (as Corey Knowlton found out). Namibia is therefore the only country where a hunter may conduct a “Classic Big Five” safari (Black Rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo, lion, and leopard).

Namibia also has a very well developed infrastructure. Unless hunting in the Caprivi Strip, virtually all of the hunting concessions in the country may be accessed via road after flying into the capital of Windhoek. As a result, travel around the country is relatively simple and it is not too difficult to hunt at multiple concessions in widely separated parts of the country on one trip.

Though Namibia is not terribly difficult to travel to, travelers from the United States must unfortunately stop in Europe or South Africa first. Fortunately, most of the hunting outfitters in Namibia are very reasonably priced and can provide hunting for a wide variety of species. The Namibian government also recognizes the tangible benefits of sustainable hunting on both an economic and a conservation level. For this reason, the Namibian government is firmly entrenched to fight off attacks by anti-hunters on the practice, thus likely securing the Namibia on the list of the best countries for hunting in Africa for many years to come.

With all of this in mind, I recommend Namibia as a great destination for hunters on their first trip to Africa, especially for hunting plains game.

South Africa

Long known as being one of the crown jewels of African hunting, South Africa boasts some of the most diverse populations of wildlife on the entire continent and is unquestionably one of the best countries for hunting in Africa.

From deserts to swamps to forests to mountains, South Africa has virtually every type of terrain in existence, along with the wildlife that inhabits those ecosystems. Greater Kudu, Cape Eland, nyala, waterbuck, sable, roan, Lichtenstein Hartebeest, Red Hartebeest, Black Wildebeest, Blue Wildebeest, blesbok, impala, springbok, bushbuck, warthog, bushpig, Mountain Reedbuck, klipspringer, Cape Grysbok, duiker, and oribi are among the many species of plains game that may be hunted in South Africa.

In addition to plains game hunting, hunters can pursue most species of dangerous game, such as hippopotamus, crocodile, lion, and leopard in South Africa. There is also incredible hunting for Cape Buffalo in the northeastern portion of the country. Not only does the area have a very large population of buffalo, but the trophy quality of the bulls there is outstanding. Currently, five of the top 10 buffalo in the SCI record book were hunted in South Africa.

Additionally, though not known for exceptional trophy quality, elephant may also be hunted in South Africa and imported into the United States. Finally, by substituting White Rhinoceros (which may be hunted and/or darted in South Africa) for Black Rhino, a hunter can also complete a Big Five hunting safari in South Africa.

South Africa has potentially the best developed infrastructure on the entire continent. After flying into Cape Town or Johannesburg, a hunter can access virtually the entire country via road, or by a regional airline to smaller airports in all corners of the country. South Africa is also one of the few countries on the continent accessible via direct flight from the United States.

Since South Africa is such a well known hunting destination and because the country is so easy to access, the average price of a hunt there is on the high side, though not nearly as high as Tanzania. Even with this in mind, a South African hunting safari is still quite a bargain and is an ideal way to experience Africa for the first time, especially for someone interested in hunting a number of very diverse animals.

What do you think of our choices for the best countries for hunting in Africa? Did we miss any?

Like what you see here? You can read more great hunting articles by John McAdams on his hunting blog. Follow him on Facebook The Big Game Hunting Blog, on Twitter @TheBigGameHunt, and on Instagram The_Big_Game_Hunter.

NEXT: THIS IS THE MOST INCREDIBLE CAPE BUFFALO HUNTING VIDEO YOU’LL EVER SEE

There are not many cartridges that can literally take down every big game animal in North America. The .338 Lapua Magnum is one of those rare rounds. While it was originally designed for military snipers and law enforcement, dedicated hunters have proven the .338 Lapua’s effectiveness on everything from whitetails and mule deer up to elk and even the large, lumbering bison. It’s all thanks to the nearly 4,000 pounds of energy delivered by 250-grain and larger bullets. As a long range hunting tool, it’s nearly unmated in terms of trajectory. It’s quite capable of extremely flat shooting at distances of 200 to 400 yards, allowing hunters to bag animals that previously would have walked away unharmed. Hearing all that, you might be surprised to hear the .338 Lapua has mostly a niche following these days. There are some very good reasons for that which we’ll dive more into later. The .338 Lapua may not be the round for everyone. But for many people it’s going to hit that perfect sweet spot. The right combination of speed, power, and long-distance ability that quite frankly leaves a lot of other hunting rifle cartridges in the dust in terms of performance. However, if you’re looking for a hard-hitting cartridge that can quite literally do it all in terms of big game here in North America, keep reading to learn more about this fascinating round.

.338 Lapua The Round

When compared to many other popular hunting rounds on the market today, the .338 Lapua is still something of a baby, as it was only developed in 1989. It does use a rather old cartridge, the .416 Rigby, as a parent case. The Lapua was born out of sniper rifle research in the early 1980s by companies like Research Armament Industries. Long story short, development started when the .416 Rigby was necked down for an 8.6mm (0.338-inch) bullet. Shortly after that, Finnish ammo manufacturer Lapua teamed up with SAKO and British gunmaker Accuracy International to perfect what we know today as the .338 Lapua Magnum. Most notably, Lapua greatly increased the case strength to handle the enormous pressure inside. The first Lapua rounds were designed with bullets that were full metal jacket. This was originally designed for military sniper rifles, after all.

Today, ammo options are still somewhat limited, especially for hunters. However, the ballistics speak for themselves. Hornady manufactures a factory round in their ELD-X Precision Hunter line that has a 2,800-fps muzzle velocity. That’s with a 270-grain bullet! It’s pumping out about 4,699-foot pounds of muzzle energy. Hornady says this round has zero drop at 200 yards from a 24-inch test barrel. At that distance, it’s still doing 2,562-fps and can deliver 3,935-foot pounds of energy. Hornady also offers a 285-grain bullet for competition in their Match Grade line which is doing 2,745-fps at the muzzle and is dishing out about 4,768-foot pounds of energy.

Lapua makes several types of factory ammo today with similar ballistics. The 231-grain Naturalis is a good example of a quality hunting round. Lapua says it has zero drop at 100 yards and is travelling about 3,018-fps at the muzzle and is hitting with about 4,681-foot pounds of energy. We could go on and on, but it should be obvious now that this round has some serious speed and stopping power for hunting.

Disadvantages of the .338 Lapua Magnum

If this is your first time reading about the .338 Lapua, you are probably thinking there’s got to be a catch with this round, and you’d be right. There are several. For one, there’s tremendous recoil, as you might expect when using such large casings and bullets. Because of the power and recoil, many firearms manufacturers need to make the guns heavier to compensate. If you’re looking for a precision rifle package, you can expect it to weigh anywhere from 11 to 12 pounds. That’s fine for long range shooting at the range, but almost unusable in the field for hunting. You will find a few die-hards who will tote guns like that into the deer woods, but personally, I’d never try it. Manufacturers have managed to do some amazing things with the designs of .338 Lapua rifles in recent years, but you’re going to be hard pressed to find one under eight pounds.

The second drawback is the cost, both for the rifles themselves and the ammunition. If you’re looking for something under $1,000, the .338 Lapua may not be for you. The lower end rifles seem to start around the $1,200 range and they only go up in price from there. Some higher end .338s sell for $5,000 or more.

And then there’s the factory ammo. That Hornady Match Grade we mentioned earlier? We found it online going for about $120 a box, or nearly $6 a round. Even Federal Premium’s American Eagle line of jacketed soft points goes for nearly $70 for a box of only twenty rounds. If you’re not into handloading when you start shooting .338 Lapua, odds are you’ll get into it quickly, if only to keep from burning a hole through your wallet.

There are other disadvantages, such as a lack of ranges reaching out to 1,000 yards and more, which is what this rifle likes, but most people get more hung up on the rifle and ammo costs. We cannot blame them. It’s one of the main reasons the .338 Lapua remains something of a niche. If you haven’t been scared away yet, let’s look at some of the hunting rifle options on the market today in this awesome round.

Savage Arms 110 Long Range Hunter

If you are planning on seriously going into the backcountry of North America hunting with the .338, the 110 is a great gun to consider. At 8.8 pounds, Savage Arms has done an excellent job of cutting the weight down to where it’s manageable for hiking up and down hills and mountains in pursuit of game. It probably still won’t be comfortable, but the trade-off is that you’ll be able to reach out further than other hunters. It has a 26-inch carbon steel barrel with a 1:9 twist rate and a muzzle brake to help tame the recoil a bit. This rifle also does ergonomics well due to the signature Savage AccuFit system to adjust things like length of pull and comb height. These small creature comforts go a long way towards comfort on a rifle that has a 49.5-inch overall length. This centerfire bolt action can usually be found for about $1,300 new from most major retailers.

Christensen Arms Traverse

High end rifle manufacturer Christensen Arms has been doing some exciting things, specifically trying to build better stocks for bolt action rifles in recent years. As a result, they’ve really reduced the weight factor on this selection. The Traverse may be the lightest .338 Lapua on the market at 7.7 pounds. Much of that is thanks to the carbon fiber Monte Carlo stock. We like this one for anyone planning a remote hunt 10 to 20 miles from the nearest road where you need firepower without being weighed down too much. It’s also well suited for the elements thanks to a 27-inch, 416R stainless steel barrel wrapped in Aerograde carbon fiber. It also features a removable muzzle brake to help with the recoil. Another thing we like about the Traverse is that M16-style extractor with a slightly larger ejection port. It helps this rifle cycle smoother than some of the other offerings on the market. It’s not cheap; you’re looking at about $2,500 for a Traverse, but you can head into the field confident you’ve got one of the best long range rifles out there right now.

Weatherby Mark V Accumark

For the hunter looking for a .338 Lapua Magnum rifle that’s as accurate as it is functional in the field, it’s hard to go wrong with a Weatherby Mark V. They gave this rifle a 28-inch barrel with a 1:9.3 rate of twist. They also fluted the barrel, which helps cut the weight of this rifle down to 8.3 pounds. The barrel, receiver, bolt, knob, and safety have also been given a black Cerakote finish. That’s going to make it perfect for the rain and snow common at high altitudes. We like this one for anyone seeking accuracy for two reasons. One, Weatherby rifles guarantee a sub-MOA group at 100 yards using factory ammo. And two, it’s got an extremely short 54-degree bolt throw that makes for a faster and cleaner follow-up shot when inches count. Not that you’re likely to need another shot with a round like this, but it’s a little extra peace of mind when pursuing more dangerous game animals. It can be found for about $1,800 from most major retailers.

Christensen Arms Mesa Long Range

If you are fine with a little extra weight, the Mesa is a great option for a slightly lower $1,600 price tag than the Traverse we mentioned earlier. We like this one for anyone hunting more flat lands where you’re going to have more chances at distances out to 400 yards or more. The barrel length of the Mesa is 27 inches and you’re looking at a 1:9.3 rate of twist. This free-floating barrel should handle the rain and snow well because it’s made from 416R stainless steel. The muzzle is also threaded, and it comes standard with a muzzle brake. Christensen Arms backs this rifle with a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee, too. The stock has spacers to adjust both the length of pull and the comb, so there’s some nice customizing of the ergonomics. This rifle comes in at 10 pounds. That’s heavy, but not to the point where it’s completely unwieldy in the field. But, you’ll still want to eat your Wheaties in the morning before hiking any mountains with it.

Savage Arms 110 Precision

We know precision rifles are not often used for hunting, but this is one where you can make it work. We’d recommend it more for long distance hunting from an elevated position than an intense spot and stalk through the brush and up the hills. The 11-pound weight is just light enough to make it doable if you’re determined enough. Savage fluted the barrel of the 110 Precision and skeletonized as much of the stock as possible to make this one of the lighter .338 Lapua Mag precision rifles on the market. This rifle has a 24-inch carbon steel barrel with a 1:9.3 rate of twist and is threaded with a BA muzzle brake installed to help with the recoil. Another reason we like this one is simply because they include their crisp and adjustable AccuTrigger system that allows each shooter to adjust between a 1.5 and 4-pound trigger pull based on his or her preferences. At $1,500, it’s also rather affordable for a precision rifle.

For more outdoor content from Travis Smola, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Instagram For original videos, check out his Geocaching and Outdoors with Travis YouTube channels.

READ MORE: 338 WINCHESTER MAGNUM: THE POWERFUL BIG GAME ROUND AND 5 RIFLES CHAMBERED FOR IT

Whether you’re looking to speak to colleagues, friends, family, or that witty Turkish tour guide you lost touch with, calling Turkey isn’t quite as simple as calling your fellow inhabitants of the US. But don’t worry — it’s not too complicated when you know the right steps.

And lucky for you, we’ve put together an article with everything you need to know for an international call to Turkey. This includes an easy reference for calling Turkey from the US, a list of area codes you might find handy, a trick for factoring in time differences, and a breakdown of the costs. Plus, everyone’s favorite part: how you can lower your calling expenses.

How to call Turkey from the US in 4 easy steps

Here’s how to call Turkey from the USA in four simple steps:

1. Key in the exit code (+ or 011)

Almost every country globally has an exit code (also known as an international access code) for international calling. For calling from a landline number, enter 011 as the exit code. Dialing this international code ensures your call routes to the appropriate network outside of the United States.

If you’re on a cellphone or using OpenPhone, dialing the plus symbol (+) instead of the US exit code works too — no need to key in a three-digit number.

2. Dial the Turkey country code (90)

Dialing the country code of Turkey tells your mobile phone carrier or landline carrier that you want to reach Turkey. Again, this helps with routing your call across. Enter the code 90 without any pound symbols or asterisks, and then move to the next step.

Note: After keying in the Turkey country code, the number you’re dialing should appear as +90 or 01190.

3. Add in the area code

Like the US, Turkey uses area codes to differentiate between regions and provinces. All of them are three digits, so they’re easy to memorize and key in. Below is a table showing Turkey area codes and the location they represent.

LocationArea CodeLocationArea Code Adana322Kastamonu366 Adiyaman416Kilis348 Afyon272Kocaeli262 Ankara312Konya332 Antalya242Malatya422 Balikesir266Manisa236 Batman488Mardin482 Burdur248Mus436 Bursa224Mugla252 Corum364Nevsehir384 Cankiri376Nigde388 Denizli258Ordu452 Duzce380Osmaniye328 Edirne284Rize464 Elazig424Sankarya264 Erzurum442Samsun362 Gaziantep342Sanliurfa414 Giresun454Siirt484 Hakkari438Sivas346 Hatay326Sirnak486 Igdir476Tekirdag282 Isparta246Tokat356 Istanbul (Europe)212Trabzon462 Istanbul (Asia)216Tunceli428 Izmir232Usak276 Kahramanmaras344Van432 Karabuk370Yalova226 Karaman338Yozgat354 Kars474Zoguldak372

4. Dial the remaining digits of the phone number

You’ve almost made it! The last step for calling Turkey is to enter the local number supplied by your contact. This number is seven digits long and should be punched after the 3-digit area code.

For example, if you’re calling someone in Izmir, Turkey, whose 7-digit mobile number is 4413955, the full number you need to dial would look like this: +902324413955.

How to factor in the time difference when calling Turkey from the US

Due to varying time zones in the United States, it can be a hassle to calculate your recipient’s local time to ensure you’re calling at an appropriate hour. The good news is that all areas in Turkey observe the same time zone: Turkey Time (TRT). Depending on where you live in the US, here are the time differences you can expect.

• Eastern Standard Time (EST): Calling from the east coast? Turkey is 7 hours ahead of you (think 7 PM to your noon).
• Central Standard Time (CST): With an 8-hour difference, nobody will want your input on a project after office hours.
• Mountain Standard Time (MST): Your noon lunchtime hour is the equivalent of 9 PM in Turkey.
• Pacific Standard Time (PST): Most people in Turkey are preparing for a good night’s sleep during your 12 o’clock lunch break (10 PM).
• Alaska Standard Time (AKST): Here’s where things start getting tricky: 12 PM in AKST is 11 PM TRT – 11 hours behind Turkey.
• Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST): Turkey is a solid 13 hours ahead of Hawaii, making 12 PM Monday in Hawaii their 1 AM Tuesday.

Keep in mind Turkey doesn’t observe Daylight savings time (DST). To get a real-time snapshot of what time it is across the United States and Turkey, a tool like Savvy Time is very useful.

How much does it cost to call Turkey from the US?

Pricing is another issue you’ll have to address before placing a call to the Republic of Turkey. Depending on the length of your call, expect your provider to charge you anywhere between a few cents to a couple of dollars per minute.

Every phone provider has different rates according to the phone type, format, and country in question. If you don’t make international calls regularly, dialing Turkey should not cost you more than a few dollars per month. But if you’re always on the phone with your Turkish employee or colleague, beware: you might be incurring hundreds of dollars in monthly phone expenses.

If you want to know what it costs to call internationally on your current cell phone plan, we recommend getting in touch with your provider ASAP. But if you’re looking to slash your phone bill in general, you’re better off learning about OpenPhone.

How to lower your calling costs to Turkey

Calling Turkey from the United States doesn’t have to be expensive. With VoIP phones — which enable you to place and receive calls over the internet — your calling costs are significantly minimized. With OpenPhone, you can call your Turkish clients or team members for as low as 11 cents per minute.

A virtual phone can also be far superior to standard phones to improve your business communication. For instance, you access the following features with any OpenPhone plan:

• Free unlimited calling, SMS, and MMS in Canada and the US
• Shared phone numbers, which allow your team members to assist each other in fielding calls and texts
• Call recording, so you can review phone calls to customers and train team members
• Auto replies and snippets to help you streamline recurring tasks
• Integrations with apps like HubSpot, Gong, email, Slack, and Zapier to streamline your workflow
• Free phone number porting when you switch to VoIP
• Detailed analytics and insights into your calls and messages

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Until recently conventional wisdom held that using a 20-gauge shotgun for deer hunting was a bad idea. The 20 gauge was something ladies and kids used only for its reduced recoil, and the Foster-style slug was the only option. The 20-gauge Foster slug has a ballistic coefficient of around .060, which is about as low as a conical lead projectile can get. Even though it leaves the shotgun with more than 1,600 ft.-lbs. of energy, by the time the slug passes the 100-yard mark it is down to about 625 ft.-lbs. And it drops like a brick—not exactly the performance of deer-hunting legends.

Things have changed, though, and it could be argued that there are some very good reasons to use a 20-gauge slug gun for deer hunting. I put that theory to the test at Graystone Castle in Texas with my friend Joe Coogan and the rest of the “Benelli On Assignment” television crew. When I had a good, 100-yard broadside shot at a buck with tall, almost straight-up antlers, I eased the Benelli M2 shotgun into position. I sent a 5/8-ounce piece of technology through its ribs. If you saw the show, you might remember that you can actually see the slug flying though the air and hitting the deer. It is pretty dramatic footage.

The Federal 20-gauge shotshell was loaded with the Barnes Tipped Expander slug. Federal lists the muzzle velocity at an impressive 1,900 fps from a 30-inch test barrel. From my Benelli’s shorter, 24-inch barrel, it comes surprisingly close with 1,809 fps at the muzzle. That means the slug hit that buck with 1,337 ft.-lbs. of energy, which is more than some 20-gauge Foster slugs have at the muzzle, and it’s about double the energy the Foster carries at 100 yards The buck simply toppled over.

Although the old Foster slugs often struggled for “minute of backstop” accuracy past 50 yards, when I was sighting in, this Benelli M2, which had a rifled barrel, was shooting groups with the Federal ammunition that had some of the rifle guys looking twice. In fact, this setup has the accuracy and external ballistic performance to make it a 200-yard deer gun. Sighted 2 inches high at 100 yards, it strikes 9 inches low at 200 yards and still has 1,000 ft.-lbs. of energy. That kind of performance was unheard of from a 20-gauge slug just a few short years ago. It has all trickled down from the big dog, the 12 gauge, and has completely changed the rules about shooting 20-gauge slug guns for deer.

Many of the newest slugs use polymer tips for higher ballistic coefficients. They are streamlined, lighter in weight, have a higher velocity than the 20-gauge slugs of old and, as a result, mean that the “Twenty-Bore” is no longer a deer hunting compromise. Today’s 20-gauge slug is an efficient and powerful deer hunting tool. Let’s take a look at a few of the recent innovations in 20-gauge slug ammunition from the big-name companies.

I tested the four slugs for terminal performance in both water and Perma-Gel at close range. The slugs impacted with nearly their full muzzle velocity. Both of those testing mediums are a little tougher than the standard ballistic gelatin, yet somewhat softer than big game with its bones and other variables. Expanded diameter was measured twice, 90 degrees to each other, and then averaged.

For many years the .380 ACP wasn’t a hugely popular cartridge for concealed carry or home defense, but times are a-changing.

Looking to buy your first .380?

Have one and need to know what to feed it? Let’s take a look at some of my favorite ammunition choices and break down the important facts of ammo selection.

The problem with this is that with so many types of .380 ACP ammo on the market, how do you know which is the best defensive ammunition for you?

We’ve got you covered!

Here’s the current in-stock options:

THE QUICK LIST

Why Should You Trust Us

Travis Pike is an NRA-certified instructor and concealed carry trainer. Drawing on his experience as a Marine infantryman, he uses his knowledge to test and review guns, gear, and ammo for Pew Pew Tactical.

With countless hours behind pistols of all sizes, he knows what ammo works best and which ones are best for concealed carry, plinking, and training.

How to Choose Defensive Ammo

Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing .380 defensive ammunition.

Penetration

Penetration refers to the ability of a projectile to travel through the body, determined by its composition, weight, velocity, and projectile type.

A lead projectile will often bend, break and deform before penetrating deep enough to cause serious harm. The same goes for a round that is too light and too slow.

Ideally, you want a round that can penetrate 12- to 18-inches of 10% ballistic gel.

Expansion

The expansion of projectiles is critical for blood loss and even pain compliance.

The larger a round can expand, the more damage it will do.

When researching expansion for a certain load, know that bigger is always better, but expansion comes second to penetration.

If possible, find how the round expands through ballistic gel after being shot through denim. Denim can cause some rounds to fail at proper expansion.

Reliability

Reliability refers to the round’s ability to expand and penetrate…reliably.

During research, if you see tests where only three out of five rounds penetrate at least 12-inches or fail to expand…that brand might be so reliable.

The reliability factor also applies to the round’s ability to consistently ignite and fire.

Most defensive ammo is high quality, and you’re unlikely to find an established company producing ammo that doesn’t go boom. But stuff happens.

Projectile Type

One of the biggest factors that determine how a round will penetrate and expand is the type of projectile.

The classic bonded jacketed hollow point ammunition has long been a solid performer in both penetration and expansion.

Stay away from FMJ rounds since they do penetrate, but often penetrate way too much. I also advise staying away from gimmick projectiles that look cool but function poorly.

Weight Retention

A projectile’s ability to retain weight after expansion and penetration is a good measure of the round’s ability to deal damage to a vital part of the body.

The more weight retention, the better.

Bullets are measured in grains, so when researching ammunition, look at what the projectile weighs before and after the test.

Barrel Length, Velocity, and Weight

Most .380 ACP handguns are what we call pocket pistols — very small with short barrels. Commonly, these pocket pistols will have a barrel under 3 inches.

This affects the velocity of a projectile, as does the projectile’s weight.

When searching for the best .380 defensive ammo, you need to find a compromise between barrel length, projectile weight, and the round’s velocity. For a pocket pistol, a 90-grain projectile seems to be the heaviest round that penetrates deep enough to strike something critical. These rounds also meet a high enough velocity to expand.

Lighter 77-grain and even 50-grain rounds are fast but often fail to penetrate.

Heavier 102-grain rounds are better suited for handguns with barrels longer than 3.5-inches like the Beretta Cheetah and CZ 83.

Best .380 Ammo for Self Defense

While I won’t name one brand to rule them all, I can make some suggestions based on my personal research into an effective round for my Sig Sauer P238.

For reference, this weapon sports a 2.7-inch barrel.

1. Hornady American Gunner Ammunition 90 Grain .380 ACP

The Hornady American Gunner .380 ACP features the XTP projectile and penetrates very well.

This projectile is really the key to this ammunition’s success.

It offers controlled expansion to allow the round to expand gradually as it travels through the body. This ammo isn’t too expensive and is pretty common.

What’s your take on Hornady’s defensive .380 round? Rate it below!

2. Remington 88 Grain HTP

I’m not going to lie…the biggest reason I was attracted to the HTP loads was the price.

These High Terminal Performance loads come in boxes of 50 and are priced pretty competitively.

The round is a solid performer that penetrates and even expands to an impressive degree.

3. Sig Sauer 90 Grain .380 V-Crown JHP

Testing done by Chris Baker at Lucky Gunner has shown this round to be incredibly effective in both penetration and expansion.

The round has no issue reaching that 12-inch mark and also expands up to half an inch in size.

Sig’s V-Crown ammunition is well-built and surprisingly affordable.

4. Liberty Defense 50 Grain

If you are recoil sensitive, then the Liberty Defense 50-grain rounds are a good choice.

So, if you struggle with the recoil from a traditional round, these bad boys are better than nothing.

Best .380 Ammo for Target Practice & Plinking

5. Prvi Partizan 94 Grain FMJ

Prvi Partizan makes a huge range of ammo, and much of it is odd calibers or calibers that just aren’t in production anymore.

That is how I first started using them with their .303 Brit ammo. Since then, I’ve come to know and respect many of their calibers, and they have become one of my go-to picks for range ammo.

6. Fiocchi 95 Grain FMJ

I’ve never had a problem with Fiocchi; every round has gone bang as it should. However, it’s some of the dirtiest ammo I’ve used.

After 200 rounds of their 9mm, my slide starts to stick. After 300, I need to clean it if I want to keep things running smoothly.

It is still one of the main brands I use for range ammo.

7. PMC Bronze 90 Grain FMJ

If you are looking for reliable ammo that runs relatively clean, PMC Bronze is a great option.

In the current market, PMC ammo has been fairly available while remaining competitively priced.

This is great for those who are looking to plink with solid ammo at a solid price.

8. Sellier & Bellot

Another favorite of the PPT team for range use is Sellier & Bellot.

It’s not built for self-defense purposes, obviously, since it’s FMJ…

But it works well when you want to get some training done at the range.

The Goal of Defensive Ammo

Defensive ammunition is purpose-built. As a civilian concealed carrier or home defender, your goal in any defensive situation is to end the threat.

So, your ammunition should match that goal.

Bullets stop threats in a number of ways.

The first and most unreliable is fear. It relies on criminals thinking, “he has a gun, and he can shoot me.” It doesn’t matter what kind of bullet it is since the very thought of the bullet is enough to end the threat.

Next, we have pain compliance. Pain is subjective to the person being shot. Pain tolerance, the location of the gunshot wound, and the presence of drugs and alcohol in the body all factor into this compliance.

Blood loss can also be an effective means to stop an attacker, depending on where the bullet is placed and the size of the projectile.

Now, when I say the projectile size, I don’t mean the size of the actual bullet before it’s fired. The difference between a .380 ACP and .40 S&W is literally a millimeter in projectile size.

In this case, the projectile size that matters is the size of the round after it expands in the body. Blood loss can take several seconds to several minutes, so it’s not the quickest means to end a threat.

Lastly, trauma to the central nervous system will typically result in the death of an attacker, as well as near-instant incapacitation. This kind of trauma requires a shot to or near the spine, brain, and/or brain stem.

Remember that just because this is the most effective means of stopping an attacker does not mean it is always appropriate or legal to use this level of force.

Make sure you know your state’s laws regarding self-defense.

The round you choose must be able to accomplish these tasks to incapacitate an attacker. A .380 ACP is a lower-powered round, so ammunition selection is even more critical.

Legends and Myths

There are a lot of myths and legends regarding pistol ammunition.

People who believe these myths will often use them to discourage the use of .380 ACP and even 9mm.

To help you sort through the mess, let’s go over the biggest two myths.

Stopping or Knockdown Power

The stopping power myth is so widespread that it has seeped into gun culture. I cringe when I hear someone bring up stopping power because there’s simply no such thing.

The ability of a round to stop an opponent hinges on the shooter’s ability to strike a vital portion of the body and for the round to penetrate deep enough to hit something to incapacitate.

Shot placement and penetration are the keys to stopping an attacker.

A miss with a .45 is still a miss. The heart, lungs, and brain do not know the difference between a .45 and a .380.

Hydrostatic Shock

Hydrostatic shock is a thing, but it’s not something that really occurs with handguns. To achieve hydrostatic shock damage, a projectile has to move at over 2,000 feet per second.

Very few handguns can achieve this speed, and .380 ACP rounds certainly can’t.

Final Thoughts

The .380 round is one some choose for self-defense or just for some fun on the range. Regardless of what you use it for, the right ammo will only help you reach your goals.

We’ve listed out some of our favorite .380 ammo brands to get you started and hopefully set you down the right path.

What’s your favorite .380 ammo brand? Tell us in the comments below. Don’t have one yet? Check out our article on the Best .380 Pistols: Pocket Rockets for some recommendations.

Quick Answer: These are the Best EDC Backpacks of 2022

• #1 – Overall Best EDC Backpack: Aer Travel Pack 2 Small
• #2 – Best EDC Laptop Pack: Tortuga Laptop Backpack
• #3 – Best EDC Pack Runner Up – Nomatic Travel Bag 30L
• #4 – Best EDC Sling Bag: Aer Day Sling 2
• #5 – Best EDC Camera Bag: Wandrd PRVKE Series Camera Bag
• #6 – Best EDC Backpack for Travel: Aer Travel Pack 3
• #7 – Best EDC Duffel for the Gym: Kodiak 25l Duffel
• #8 – Best Leather EDC Backpack –Lakeland Fenton Leather Rucksack
• #9 – Best EDC Day Hiking Pack: Osprey Daylite Plus Pack
• #10 – Best EDC Pack for Organized Travel: Tropicfeel Shell
• #11 – Best EDC Pack for Hipsters: The Roll Top Stubble & Co

Best EDC (Every Day Carry) Backpacks

Researching all the backpacks available on the market can become tedious. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you and compiled our picks for the top everyday carry backpacks. From gym duffels to travel bags, we’ve got something for everyone on this list! And, if you look after your backpack properly, these guys will last you a good few years.

#1 – Overall Best EDC Backpack: Aer Travel Pack 2 Small

Compact, but spacious enough to fit a ton of gear, the Aer Travel Pack is the Goldilocks equivalent of everyday carry backpacks; not too big, not too small, just right. A little over 3 pounds, it’s still relatively lightweight, but also more durable than ultralight packs.

Inside there’s a padded compartment for a 15-inch laptop, as well as a shoe compartment that can fit up to men’s size 12. Both the main and front zippers are lockable for added protection while travelling.

On top, there’s a quick access pocket for small essential items and within the front compartment, there are additional organization pockets. These keep your pens, sunglasses, electronics, and other gear neat and easy to reach. There’s also a key chain so your keys never get lost at the bottom.

The Aer Travel Pack is small enough to be a carry-on item while flying, and the back panel of the pack acts as a pass-through for luggage handles. If you want more support, you can purchase a hip belt which comes separately.

Although the Aer Travel Pack may be on the expensive end, the combination of 1680D nylon, Duraflex plastic, and YKK zippers are built to last, while also making the pack comfortable and sturdy while carrying.

Is this the best EDC bag ever? Our team think so! They had a lot of love for this bag, but some of the stand-out features for them were the locking zips on the main section as well as the laptop pocket. They also loved the clamshell opening style of the large compartment which meant they could fit packing cubes inside and access their gear easily.

Be sure to check out our detailed Travel Pack 2 review here.

#2 – Best EDC Backpack Runner Up: Nomatic Travel Bag 30L

The Broke Backpacker team have been big fans of Nomatic gear for years. In fact from a style, functionality, and price point of view, nobody quite does it like Nomatic.

The 30 litre Nomatic Travel Bag is great for people who don’t want to own multiple backpacks; this bag can be your everyday bag AND your travel day pack all in one.

Especially if you find yourself carrying around a laptop, some clothing layers, chargers, a camera, etc – you’ll find 30 litres to be a pretty damn good size.

There will be times when you don’t end up filling up the bag to capacity each time you go out, but I prefer to have a bit more space on occasion than not enough. Do note that a 30-litre backpack is on the larger side of your typical daily grind everyday carry backpack.

Our team really loved the organisational features on this backpack, it was especially useful for digital nomads carrying around heaps of different cables, hard drives, laptops, tablets and other shiz! The different carrying configurations were also ideal for our team when they were getting on and off public transport.

Unfortunately, at this time Nomatic can’t ship to Europe, so if you are outside of the USA, go with the Aer Travel Pack 2 small instead.

#3 – Best EDC Sling Bag: Aer Day Sling 2

If you don’t need an entire backpack but still want a convenient bag for storing your phone, camera, passport, or other small essential items, then a sling bag is a perfect choice. The Aer Day Sling is also a more budget-friendly EDC pack option.

There are three pockets: a front pouch, one main compartment, and a hidden back pocket great for keeping your passport or cash safe. The main pocket can fit a 7.9-inch tablet and it has multiple organizational pouches for storing sunglasses, pens, or other small items.

The one aspect of the Aer Day Sling that could use improvement is the shoulder strap. Although it’s adjustable, there’s not much padding, which can make it a bit uncomfortable after wearing it for a long time.

Like the Aer Travel Pack, the Day Sling is made out of 1680D nylon, Duraflex plastic, and has YKK zippers on all the pockets. It’s also a good lightweight EDC pack, weighing less than a pound when empty.

Our team rated this as their favourite small EDC backpack. They loved how compact it was for all their essential items like their passport, wallet, phone, compact camera and battery pack. They felt it also offered an awesome level of organisational features for such a small pack.

PSSTTT – If you want something light, but still bigger than a sling then you might be interested in these Packable Backpacks.

#4 – Best EDC Camera Bag: Wandrd PRVKE Series Camera Bag

There’s nothing worse than having your camera gear damaged as a result of inadequate protection in your backpack or bag. The PRVKE takes all your photography needs and concerns into account and delivers an excellent everyday carry backpack.

Two sizes are available. One is 21 litres, which can be expanded to 26 litres by extending the roll top, the other is a larger 31 litres, which is expandable to 36.

Both are made of waterproof tarpaulin and YKK weather-resistant zippers. So although the specialist camera backpack wouldn’t survive being submerged, it will still hold up to heavy rain or some splashing. The water-resistant exterior is pretty tough too making this a super durable EDC backpack.

Inside are removable camera cubes so you can use the PRVKE as a normal pack on days you don’t need to bring your equipment. There’s also a dedicated laptop compartment, a tech pocket, a hidden pocket in the back, and a water bottle pocket for storing other essentials.

It’s a super functional backpack for photographers, providing a side opening directly to the camera cube for easy access to your gear on the move. You can also buy extra external carry straps to attach things like a tripod and there’s a water bottle pocket on the other side.

You can either carry the PRVKE as a backpack or a tote bag thanks to the handles on top. It also comes with a removable waist strap which helps for carrying heavier loads.

The photographers on the team were blown away by this bag and the side opening feature was a game changer. They loved that it made accessing their camera super easy and fast yet they could also keep other items separate in the upper roll top section. They also loved the material which felt durable and great at keeping the weather out.

Read the full review here.

#5 – Best EDC Laptop Pack: Tortuga Outbreaker Laptop Backpack

Although many of the best EDC packs have a spot to store a laptop, the Tortuga Outbreaker goes the extra mile and provides a bombproof laptop compartment.

Not only is this everyday backpack super comfortable, but also very stylish and well-designed to keep your laptop safe while on the go. It’s a top pack for digital nomads who need to carry a fair bit of gear.

It’s a cracking laptop backpack with extras. The outer material is VX21 waterproof sailcloth and the laptop compartment is protected with ariaprene foam. Each pocket has YKK lockable zippers to add further protection, especially while travelling.

With a 27 litre capacity, and the ability to open all the way like a suitcase, the Outbreaker can easily fit extra clothing, textbooks, your lunch, or even a pair of shoes. It’s still small enough to fit as a carry-on bag underneath an aeroplane seat, making it a great option for travellers.

Inside are mesh pockets for keeping your chargers and other essential items organised and easy to reach. In addition to the padded shoulder straps, there’s a removable sternum strap, plus top and side handles so you can carry the pack like a briefcase or tote bag.

With the padded laptop sleeve and water-resistant exterior, this is a great everyday carry backpack for that needed protection for their tech and a decent amount of room for accessories. However, some might feel it’s a little bulky for an everyday backpack for work.

Our team felt this was the best EDC laptop backpack on the market, especially for those on our team who just love keeping their gear organised. They loved the different pockets, mesh separators and zippered compartments that meant everything a digital nomad has to carry on the daily can be kept organised and accessible.

Read the full-length Tortuga Outbreaker review here.

#6 – Best Leather EDC Backpack – Lakeland Fenton Leather Rucksack

Yum, look at that lovely leather goodness! I really love a good leather backpack. The classic look leather rucksack Lakeland leather mixes high-quality waxy leather with a stylish, and even slightly retro design aesthetic. It’s a cool and fashionable backpack made for urban living whether you are headed to the gym, the coffee shop or commuting for the daily grind.

Great for going to work, The Fenton Backpack can comfortably accommodate an A4 pad and a 13″ laptop inside its dedicated laptop compartment.

The style-conscious on our team really loved the look of this bag. They felt it offered a good amount of storage for those wanting to carry enough for the day without being too bulky. They also loved the classic leather material and felt it was durable, weather resistance and would wear in nicely over the years.

#7 – Best EDC Backpack for Travel: Aer Travel Pack 2

For longer trips, you’ll want something that’s large enough to hold all your gear and belongings. The Aer Travel Pack 2 is a larger version of our number one pick for the best EDC backpack, but it’s still small enough to work as a carry-on item.

It might be a bit bulky as a commuter everyday carry backpack, but it’s great for one bag travel. It’s versatile enough to use as a carry on for a weekend break and double as an everyday backpack for exploring during the day. (Disclaimer: It’s not going to be compliant with the strict Ryanair carry-on policy, unfortunately!)

The lay-flat clamshell design of the main compartment makes it super simple to pack and keep everything organised. There’s also an easy access pocket that can fit a 15.6-inch laptop, and a shoe compartment large enough for a men’s size 13. The compression straps also keep everything tight and compact.

Thanks to the ergonomic and padded shoulder straps, your back won’t get sore even after you’ve been out walking around all day. It’s also possible to carry the Aer Travel Pack as a tote or bag thanks to the padded top and side handles.

Although the Aer Travel Pack isn’t totally waterproof, it is highly weather-resistant thanks to the 160D Cordura nylon exterior and smooth YKK zippers. Both the main and front pockets have lockable zippers for added security.

Like the smaller version of the travel pack the team felt the larger bag offered all the features they loved but in a package perfect for longer trips. They felt the bag had an air of real hard-wearing quality with fat zips and thick material. Again, the lockable laptop compartment was a feature that gave them a real sense of confidence when out and about.

#8 – Best EDC Backpack for the Gym: Aer Fit Pack 2

Ever wish your gym bag could carry more than a pair of shoes and your towel? Well, the Aer Fit Pack is the solution to your needs! This stylish bag is the perfect everyday backpack to carry your training gear but also has all the features needed to make it functional in other everyday uses.

Say goodbye to the single pocket standard gym bag you’ve been using. The Aer Fit Pack has numerous pockets, including the front-loading main pocket, a ventilated compartment for shoes up to men’s size 13, a small top pocket for valuables, and a padded laptop pocket.

With space for all your belongings, you can hit the gym then head straight to work or class without needing to swap bags or pick up any of your other possessions.

Like other Aer products, the Fit Pack is well-made and durable with a weather-resistant nylon exterior, YKK zippers, and Duraflex plastic for structure and stability.

As you can tell, Aer is popular among our team. They loved this bag due to its compact size which also managed to pack in a whole heap of features. The separate shoe section and front area where clothing can be kept are perfect for keeping things separate like sweaty gym gear.

#9 – Best EDC Duffel for the Gym: Kodiak 25l Duffel

Not only does this duffel work well for the gym, but it can also function as a travel bag or extra-large briefcase, thanks to the large carrying capacity and multiple compartments.

The Kodiak Duffel 25L has many of the same features as the Fit Pack 2 but it is simply far more elegant, stylish and yes, manly! Inside the main compartment, you can easily fit a basketball, water bottles, and other gear, plus there’s a separate ventilated pocket for shoes to help with organisation and minimize odour.

Unlike your typical gym bag, the Kodiak Duffel can also be used for work or school, thanks to the padded laptop compartment and other gear pockets for storing additional electronics, books, and travel items.

Due to its sleekness, the duffel also won’t look out of place if you bring it with you to the office or into a coffee shop.

The team loved this duffel and felt it offered a great alternative to traditional backpacks, especially for those wanting something a little more professional looking. The stylish exterior felt both sturdy, durable and hard-wearing whilst looking sleek and sophisticated at the same time.

#10 – Best Budget EDC Pack: REI Co-op Ruckpack 28

Osprey has made a name for themselves with their high-quality camping and travel gear, and the Ruckpack meets these same expectations. Not only is it functional and durable, but the Ruckpack is also made from recycled ripstop nylon if you’re interested in purchasing more sustainable products.

There’s a laptop sleeve that can also hold a hydration pack. It features both side and top main compartments, compression straps, and a small zippered top pocket for valuables. The zippered compartments are also lockable for secure travelling.

There’s a sternum strap and a very small hip belt, which is, unfortunately, lacking in padding. Other than that, the Ruckpack measures up to being a great EDC backpack without such a high price tag attached.

The team were pretty impressed by this pack for the price. They felt the volume was a good compromise between carrying enough gear without encouraging over-packing. Other features they loved were the locking zippers and laptop sleeve that can double as a hydration reservoir for great versatility.

#11 – Best EDC Day Hiking Pack: Osprey Daylite Plus Pack

This lightweight backpack does the trick for single day hiking adventures. It’s on the smaller end of EDC backpacks but is still big enough to bring the essentials without becoming too heavy while out on the trail. The compression straps also keep things as compact as possible.

Although it’s too small to fit most laptops, there’s a compartment that can fit a tablet or other similarly-sized device. You can also purchase a hydration reservoir to fit in the back pocket, or there are two side mesh pockets that are convenient for carrying water bottles.

The shoulder straps have enough padding to be comfortable for a long hike, although the hip belt is only simple webbing material. It’s also the perfect size as a personal item on an aeroplane and will fit stowed underneath your seat, but be aware that it doesn’t have lockable zippers.

It’s a bit too small for multi-day travels, but for a budget-friendly and lightweight EDC backpack for day hikes, the Daylite pack fits the bill.

The hikers on the team loved the comfort levels of this pack for wearing for long periods of time. Other features they were taken by were the front stash pocket for things like waterproof jackets. They also loved how well made the pack felt too.

Wanna know more? Check out our more detailed review for the lowdown.

#12 – Best EDC Pack for University Students: Tortuga Laptop Backpack

Both functional and stylish, the Tortuga laptop bag is the perfect backpack for your university studies, work, or travel. There’s a bombproof laptop compartment, plus another compartment for storing a tablet, both of which have padded foam for protection.

There’s plenty of space for all your textbooks, lunch or snacks while on the go, or other electronic equipment. Unfortunately, the Setout doesn’t have a hip belt, but there is a removable sternum strap to help balance the weight.

If you’re using the pack for travel, there’s a suitcase pass-through handle and the zippers on the main compartments are lockable. The clamshell design of the main compartment makes it easy to organize and use for packing clothing for an overnight or longer trip.

Although the pack isn’t waterproof, it is highly water-resistant thanks to the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating on the outside. The padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry, and there are also side and top handles to carry the Setout like a tote bag.

The team felt this pack was a solid backpack for those carrying laptops, notepads and other square items that would otherwise be awkward in rounder packs. The lockable zips again were a winner for keeping that expensive laptop safe while on the move.

#13 – Best EDC Pack For Commuters: Gulu Made Inspire Backpack

Gulu Made are a socially conscious ethical start-up based in Uganda whose credentials are amazing. The team who work at Gulu Made all trained to sew in the aftermath of Joseph Kony’s horrible civil war. They now leverage their skill to make beautiful bags and to build a future for themselves and their families.

The pack itself has certainly impressed me. It zips down into 3 main storage compartments so you can organise your files, gym kit and lunch as you see fit and there is a dedicated laptop sleeve. There is no front pocket, but the pack does have 2 water bottle slide-in pockets at the sides. Best of all, the bag is lined with beautiful colourful traditional African fabric.

This pack is great for commuters, day trips and is roomy enough for short stay vacations. It could also be used for easy day hikes but does not have a hip/waist support belt so is perhaps less suitable for strenuous mountain treks.

Gulu Made are going to be a huge player in the vegan/ethical backpack space for years to come.

The team felt for a backpack this bag looked professional enough for taking into the office or on business trips, especially for those wanting to avoid briefcases. They felt the pack had a simple and lowkey vibe whilst also packing in a heap of organisational features across the 3 main pockets.

Looking for a commuter pack that’s a bit more professional, then check out one of the business backpacks on offer instead.

#14 Best Organized EDC Backpack – Tropicfeel Shell

The Shell by Tropicfeel is a little to medium backpack with a big concept. Firstly, it is a 3 in 1 extendable backpack that begins life as a 22-litre pack, rolls up to 30 litres and then with the addition of a detachable pouch goes all the way to 40 litres.

As well as being a 3-in-1 backpack (which you can easily adapt to use as a day pack, overnight pack and carry-on pack), the Shell also has another awesome feature – a little, mini drop in pull out travel roll up wardrobe!

It’s a great bag for those who like to travel neat and also for business people who kind of need to stay presentable and organised. It’s made from fully sustainable materials making the Shell an all-round hit with us at The Broke Backpacker.

The team love the innovation packed into these backpacks and easily it made organising all their gear. The built-in wardrobe system in practice worked perfectly for any length of trip. The expandable capacity of the backpack also adds to its versatility, another plus point for our team.

#15 Best Hipster EDC Backpack – Stubble & Co The Roll Top

If you’re looking for something that is both stylish, functional and also super robust, the Roll Top is the perfect choice for an everyday carry bag. The internal main compartment offers a massive amount of space with a selection of pockets and organisers to keep smaller items easy to access.

On the outside, the thick tarp-style material is durable enough for everyday use and will keep the weather out with ease. There’s also a super practical front pocket for easy access to things like travel cards or journals.

If you’re carting around a laptop on the daily then the dedicated laptop compartment on the back panel of the bag is ideal. It means you can keep your most expensive bit of kit away from all your other gear and also keeps it much safer whilst on the move.

On top of that, if you’re a style-conscious kinda person then the hipster style of this roll top will suit you for your EDC. What we love here is that the look of this bag fits in wherever you want to take it, from the cafes of Canguu to the daily commute or bumming around Thailand, it works!

Want more options? Check out our rundown of the best Stubble & Co. bags.

Best of the Rest

If you haven’t quite found the right EDC backpack on this list, don’t give up yet! Here are a few more options for EDC packs that might have the exact feature or specifications you’re looking for in the perfect all-around pack.

Tortuga Weekender Backpack 30L

This 30-litre bag is on the larger end for EDC backpacks, making it perfect as a weekend pack while travelling or a large school bag if you’ve got heaps of gear. There’s also a dedicated laptop sleeve, and it’s big enough to fit pretty much any laptop. There is a padded front pouch that can fit up to an 8-inch tablet, plus compartments for chargers and other small electronic devices.

Since it fits easily in the overhead compartments of aeroplanes, it’s a good ‘carry-on’ bag for travel. The YKK zippers on the main compartment are also lockable for added security.

To free up extra space inside the pack, you can put your water bottle in one of the mesh pockets on the side. It’s a good idea to use the webbing loops to secure the bottle as well since sometimes bottles can slip out if you bend over.

Some members of our team prefer to keep things as light and as small as possible, for them this bag was a bit large. However, those that have a lot of gear were still suitably impressed by the organisational features packed inside this bag and just the sheer amount of stuff they could comfortably carry.

Wandrd Duo Daypack

Another great EDC pack for photographers, the Duo Daypack is a bit smaller than our top pick for a camera backpack, but it still fits a decent amount of gear.

The pop-up camera cube provides a secure spot for your camera, but it can easily be flattened if you aren’t bringing your photography gear along.

The padded laptop sleeve and padded electronic compartments keep all your devices safe while on the go. Thanks to the waterproof tarpaulin material and weather-resistant YKK zippers, the Duo Daypack will also hold up against rain showers or accidental spills.

To access your gear, the Duo has cool side-entry zippers on both sides of the main compartment. There’s also a hidden pocket in the back for keeping a passport or spare cash safe and out of sight.

The team were split when it came to the unique opening style of this bag. Those wanting to keep things simple felt it was a little unnecessary, but for the photographers on the team, they felt it was revolutionary! For them, it was like having a studio on their back where they could keep all their gear accessible and organised.

Aer Go Pack

One of Aer’s more budget-friendly EDC backpacks, the Go Pack doesn’t have all the features of the Travel Pack, but it’s also more lightweight and easily rolls up for convenient storage. There’s still a padded compartment for a laptop up to 13 inches and a quick access pocket on top.

The 300D Cordura ripstop fabric is durable, but not weather-resistant, so you’ll want to be careful if you’re caught out in a rainstorm. It also lacks lockable zippers like other Aer packs, which some travellers prefer for security.

The minimalist yet sleek design means that the Go Pack will suit a variety of settings, whether you’re on an aeroplane or catching up with friends at a cafe. It would be nice to have at least one or two gear loops on the outside, however, especially since some water bottles can slip out of the side pockets if you bend over.

For the team members looking for a pack that covers all their basic needs without being bulky or unwieldy, this bag hit the spot. For such a compact backpack the addition of a laptop sleeve, internal zippered section and front pocket was impressive. The ability to roll it down or throw it inside a bigger bag was a massive plus point too.

Osprey Talon 22 Pack

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Osprey Talon is a great EDC backpack that offers both support and organisation. Out of all the packs on this list, the Talon probably has the best hip belt with excellent padding and pockets on each side, although it’s not removable.

Designed for hiking, biking, climbing, and other outdoor sports, the Talon 22 has a helmet attachment, loops for ice tools, and trekking pole attachment points.

You can also purchase a separate hydration reservoir to fit in the back sleeve for convenient water access while on the trail. However, there’s not a designated laptop pocket, although some laptops will still fit inside the main pocket.

If you have an outdoorsy lifestyle and need an EDC backpack for your adventures, then the Osprey Talon is a good fit. This pack is a classic for hiking and our team has been big fans for years. They feel it’s a great size for day hikes without ending up too heavy. The shoulder straps and hip belt also make it one of the comfiest on our list too.

Fjallraven Raven 20L Pack

This casual backpack is good for all-around use whether you’re attending university, commuting, or travelling. The Heavy Duty Eco fabric is strong and durable, but not water-resistant, so be careful if you’re caught in a shower.

Within the main compartment, there’s a padded laptop pocket for a 15-inch model as well as a zippered security pocket for valuables. In the front pouch, there are additional mesh pockets for organization.

The padded shoulder straps offer good comfort, although the back has less ventilation than some of the other EDC packs we’ve listed. There is a top haul handle, but the pack lacks a sternum strap or hip belt.

Since it’s a bit cheaper, the Raven 20L is a great budget EDC backpack. However, if you plan on carrying heavy loads, or go hiking with your backpack, you’ll probably want something with better support and ventilation.

If you’re looking for a small EDC pack then our team rate this Fjallraven highly. When it comes to style, this bag might just be the winner! But there’s more to love than that, they also feel it offers great durability and will put up with daily abuse easily.

How to Choose the Best EDC Pack

As you can see from our list, there’s a fair amount of variety in great EDC packs depending on how you plan to use it. Below, we’ll go into more detail about how to decide which EDC pack is the best fit for your needs.

Features

From minimalist daypacks to luxury travel bags, there’s a wide variety in how many features an every day carry pack has.

Laptop sleeves, lockable zippers, water bottle pockets, and secret pouches for passport and cash are all examples of common EDC pack features.

Other things, like gear loops, spots for a hydration reservoir, and camera compartments are more specialized features designed specifically for hiking and photography.

Although having an EDC back with tons of features can be nice, usually these bags are bigger and more expensive. If all you really need is a simple, lightweight day bag, then don’t worry so much about finding a bag with all the bells and whistles.

Weight

Determining what the “right” weight for an EDC pack is can be a bit tricky and is a matter of finding a balance of size, material, and comfort.

Most EDC packs are on the lighter end since they’re intended as something to carry around on a daily basis. Larger and heavier packs are usually designed for a specific purpose, like carrying delicate camera equipment or as carry-on luggage while travelling.

If you’re planning on using this pack for hiking or travelling and will be wearing it for the majority of the day, you don’t want something that’s going to be too heavy. Go with the minimum of what you need, and keep an eye out for good hip belts and padded shoulder straps.

If you’re planning on using your EDC pack more for going to the gym or commuting, then counting the ounces isn’t as much of an issue. You can focus more on whether the pack will fit all your possessions, knowing that the time spent carrying it will be more limited.

Size

Between your pockets not being big enough and a suitcase being way too large, there’s a lot of variation in how big or small an EDC pack can be. For some people, something like the Aer Day Sling is enough, while a photographer will want something larger for all their equipment.

Sure, with a bigger pack you’ll have room for your laptop, a change of clothes, lunch, or even a spare pair of shoes, but not everyone needs all that space.

When picking an EDC pack, it can be helpful to make a list of all the things you want it to hold (laptop, water bottle, camera, phone, books, etc.).

Be mindful of size so you don’t end up with something that’s too bulky or cumbersome. Remember, this is a day pack; longer trips are where a suitcase or camping backpack comes in handy.

Best Use

A bike commuter and a travel photographer most likely won’t pick the same type of EDC pack. One person’s “everyday” use can look very different from another’s, so you’ll want to think about what style or specific features would serve you best.

If you know for sure you’ll be carrying a laptop on a regular basis, then having a padded laptop compartment is important. Frequent fliers are going to want a bag that fits with airline carry-on specifications, and often prefer features like lockable zippers or luggage pass-through on the back.

The good news is that most of the best EDC packs can function in a variety of settings. For example, the Aer Gym Duffel also has a compartment for a laptop or the Wandrd PRVKE bag has a removable camera cube for when you don’t have your photo gear along.

When selecting an EDC pack, think about both your primary and secondary intended use. For example, if you want the bag mostly for a daily commute to work, but like the idea of going hiking on the weekends, then something lightweight with padded straps, a water bottle holder, and good back ventilation is ideal.

Aesthetics

What sort of “cool” factor points does your backpack or bag have? Will it look alright to bring to a meeting at work? Do you want a bag that’s eye-catching, or something simpler and more minimalistic?

Some people care a lot about how a backpack looks, while for others functionality is the only thing that matters. Again, thinking about how you will most often be using the bag can help determine whether you should go for a certain look or not.

If you want to bring your EDC pack to more formal settings, like an office workspace or a travel business meeting, then something with a more sleek appearance is desirable. If you plan on using your EDC exclusively for biking and hikes in the woods, then you probably don’t need to worry so much about how classy the pack looks.

Weather

Thinking about where you plan on using your pack is just as important as what you need it for. Do you live somewhere with cold winters? Somewhere with lots of rain like Portland or London? Are you travelling somewhere hot and humid like Singapore or the Caribbean?

Taking the weather into account can help you decide how durable and weatherproof a bag you’ll need.

Even really good EDC packs usually aren’t waterproof to the point of being submersible, but some come close thanks to waterproof material and weather-resistant zippers.

Usually, the more weather resistant the bag is, the more it’s going to cost. However, if you’re carrying around an expensive laptop, camera equipment, or other valuables, buying a more watertight bag can actually save you money (and peace of mind) in the long run.

How and Where We Tested To Find The Best EDC Backpacks

When it came to testing out these packs we got a hold of each one of them and put them through their paces with a series of different tests. We gave each one to different members of the team in various locations around the world and let them loose with them!

Packability

A backpack is designed to carry stuff and as such, top points are awarded for how packable one is. That is especially so when it comes to the best EDC backpacks, whatever you decide to put inside them. A decent pack will maximise space and facilitate effective packing.

So we got all technicals and packed and unpacked each bag to test this out! We looked at not only how well each bag packed in our gear, but how easy that gear was to retrieve too.

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

When it comes to the best EDC bags, comfort is an important factor. As the name suggests, you’re going to be wearing these packs often, so you want them to minimise weight and maximise carry comfort. No one wants to be carrying around an awkward pack that digs into the shoulders, so we prioritised bags that were comfortable even when fully packed out.

Functionality

In order to test out how well a pack fulfilled its primary purpose we used it for this purpose. When it comes to EDC bags, each one is different and serves a different purpose. So for each one, we were sure to bear that in mind. Camera backpacks, we chucked our cameras inside and accessed how well they worked for us photographers for example. You get the idea right?

Aesthetics

Some people say that travel gear doesn’t need to look good as long as it functions. Well, those people probably listen to Nickelback! For us, the best EDC bag looks just as sexy as we do! I mean, you’re carrying that mofo around all day, every day, so we want to look good whilst doing it!

As such we also awarded points for how good a backpack looked as well as how practical it was.

Durability and Weatherproofing

A bag that you carry around every day usually has some pretty important gear inside, so for us, the best EDC packs keep the weather out and our precious stuff safe. To test this out we poured a litre of water over each one and accessed the insides of the pack.

Another important factor is durability. Using a backpack every day puts a lot of strain on the bag and they need to be reliant to stand up to such abuse. So we tested this out by being sure to give each pack a good run of consistent use and then assessed things like the material used, quality of the seam sewing, traction of the zippers and pressure points that break often.

FAQ about the Best EDC Backpacks

Still have some questions about the best EDC backpack? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

Final Thoughts on the Best Everyday Carry Backpacks (EDC) Backpacks

There you have it. From gym bags to travel backpacks, hopefully, you’ve been able to find the best EDC pack for your needs and lifestyle on this list. If you’re tired of awkward tote bags or backpacks that keep ripping at the seams, then it’s probably time to invest in one of these comfortable and high-quality everyday carry packs.

This is 2022; there are PLENTY of awesome options out there, so now I can’t find an excuse for not having an awesome backpack I carry around every day. Life is too short amigos for a s*** everyday pack.

Whether you go with a great all-around option like our top pick the Aer Small Travel Pack or something like the Aer Duffel Bag if you’re regularly at the gym, an EDC pack is a great way to help stay organized in all your daily activities. Most of these packs also work great as carry on backpacks too if you’re headed away for a break from the daily grind, you can save money and use the same bag!

Good luck on your quest to find the perfect backpack that fits your daily routine. What do you think is the best EDC pack?

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!