Are you tired of suffering from hearing loss after a day at the shooting range or while working in a loud environment? Hearing protection is crucial to prevent permanent damage to your ears. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

Two popular brands in the hearing protection industry are AXIL and Walkers. Both offer a range of products that cater to different needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll compare the features and benefits of AXIL and Walker’s hearing protection to help you decide which brand to choose.

So, whether you’re a hunter, shooter, or work in a noisy environment, read on to find out which brand offers the best hearing protection for you.

Walker’s vs AXIL Hearing Protection

Walker’s and Axil are both well-regarded brands in the field of hearing protection, each with its own set of unique strengths, product offerings, and user experiences, making them some of the best ear protectors for shooting on the market today.

AXIL Hearing Protection Brand

AXIL, a merger of SportEAR and Harris Hearing Group, has a history of over 60 years, specializing in the design and production of hearing protection devices. The family-owned company offers FDA-cleared products designed and engineered in the United States, focusing on enhancing and protecting hearing abilities.

AXIL’s strengths lie in its range of products, including earbuds, earmuffs, and earplugs, their commitment to quality, innovation, and customer-oriented features such as an online clinic-based hearing test, a 1-year warranty, and free shipping on orders over $50.

Walker’s Hearing Protection Brand

On the other hand, Walker’s specializes in hearing protection with various products tailored to different needs.

Their strengths lie in the excellent amplification of voices their products offer, the comfortable user experience, and the provision of different types of amplification. However, some products can be uncomfortable for extended wear.

We are going to look at one comparable set of earmuffs and Bluetooth shooting earplugs from each brand; the comparisons are;

• Axil Trackr vs Walker’s Razor Slim
• Walker’s Silencer BT 2.0 vs Axil GS Extreme

When evaluating these hearing protection devices, we examined the effectiveness of noise reduction, sound amplification, comfort, and durability. For AXIL and Walker’s, customers also value device features such as Bluetooth connectivity and volume control, battery life, and the ability to withstand different environmental conditions. A similar brand to Axil and Walker’s is Pro Ears; read our comparison.

Axil Trackr vs Walker Razor Earmuffs

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

When comparing the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), the Axil Trackr Earmuffs outperform the Walker’s Razor Slim Earmuffs. The standard Axil Trackr Earmuffs model has an NRR of 25 dB, which indicates that it can reduce ambient noise by up to 25 dB. On the other hand, the Trackr BLU model goes even further with an NRR of 27 dB, thereby providing a higher level of noise reduction.

The Walker’s Razor Slim Earmuffs have an NRR of 23 dB. While this is a commendable rating, it falls slightly short of the noise reduction the Axil Trackr Earmuffs offers. However, this difference could be meaningful, especially in environments with high noise levels.

Noise Cancellation and Sound Reproduction

The Axil Trackr and Walker’s Razor Slim Earmuffs have advanced sound technologies. The Axil Trackr Earmuffs utilize sound-activated compression technology with a rapid reaction time, allowing the earmuffs to reduce loud noises instantly. They also have two directional microphones and high-fidelity speakers for clear, natural sound reproduction.

On the other hand, Walker’s Razor Slim Earmuffs uses active noise cancellation technology that selectively filters out harmful noise like gunfire while enabling clear communication. Furthermore, the omnidirectional microphones and speakers enhance the perception of sound direction, which can be a significant advantage in some situations.

Check out how Walker’s compares to Howard Leight in noise cancellation.

Design

In terms of design, the Axil Trackr Earmuffs feature a compact and slimline construction that is lightweight and portable. This model also includes a comfortable headband with a sturdy metal wire frame. Moreover, the earmuffs are sweat and water-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor usage and in various weather conditions.

Contrastingly, the Walker’s Razor Slim Earmuffs are characterized by their well-built and durable design. These earmuffs feature thin ear cups to minimize the bulkiness and an adjustable headband for a personalized fit. Furthermore, they are designed with comfortable ear padding to enhance the user’s comfort during prolonged usage.

Comfort

For comfort, the Axil Trackr Earmuffs have been highly praised. Their slimline design ensures minimal pressure on the ears, which is crucial for users needing to wear the earmuffs for extended periods. Furthermore, the adjustable headband and cushioned ear pads contribute to the overall comfort.

While the Walker’s Razor Slim Earmuffs are also designed with comfort in mind, the over-ear design may not be ideal for all users. For example, some shooters might find them too large or bulky, although the adjustable headband and comfortable ear padding are appreciated features.

Extra Features

The Axil Trackr Earmuffs are packed with several extra features. One standout feature is the audio input jack, which allows users to connect an external audio device. Additionally, these earmuffs have separate volume controls for hearing amplification and Bluetooth audio, providing a more customizable experience for the user.

Walker’s Razor Slim Earmuffs also offer additional features like an audio jack for connecting external devices. Furthermore, they provide adjustable volume settings through a conveniently placed volume knob, allowing users to adjust the sound level easily and quickly.

Bluetooth

The Trackr BLU model from Axil leaps the wireless technology department by offering Bluetooth connectivity. This feature facilitates audio playback and hands-free communication, allowing users to stay connected even in noisy environments.

As the latest product line, Walker’s Razor Slim Earmuffs has a model with Bluetooth capabilities. Before this, the lack of wireless connectivity might have limited the versatility and convenience, but now they are easily compared to the Axil Trackr BLU model. Now, they are both great Bluetooth ear muffs for mowing.

AXIL GS Extreme 2.0 vs Walkers Silencer Earplugs

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) and Noise Cancellation

The Walker’s Silencer Earbuds have a respectable noise reduction rating (NRR) of 25dB for the first model and 23dB for the rechargeable second model. They provide significant protection from harmful noise levels, vital for settings with loud, sudden noises, such as shooting ranges. In contrast, AXIL’s GS Extreme 2.0 earbuds demonstrate an impressive NRR of 29dB, reflecting a higher level of noise attenuation compared to the Walker’s Silencer.

As for noise cancellation, both Walker’s Silencer and AXIL’s GS Extreme 2.0 implement an active approach. Walker’s Silencer offers multiple audio modes to suit the ambient environment, and the AXIL GS Extreme 2.0 uses sound compression technology for noise cancellation. However, despite both being effective in noise cancellation capabilities, the AXIL GS Extreme 2.0’s higher NRR could indicate better overall noise protection.

Sound Reproduction

Sound reproduction is crucial in hearing protection earbuds, particularly for those hard of hearing. The Walker’s Silencer earbuds utilize omnidirectional microphones, providing excellent sound reproduction and allowing users to hear ambient sounds clearly. On the other hand, AXIL’s GS Extreme 2.0 also offers audio enhancement features, aiding those with hearing difficulties.

Both products provide the option to amplify quieter sounds while protecting against louder, potentially harmful noises. However, while both models are praised for their sound reproduction capabilities, personal preference will likely play a significant role in choosing one.

Design and Comfort

Design and comfort significantly impact the usability of earbuds. Walker’s Silencer earbuds are praised for their comfort and customizable fit, and they come with different foam tip sizes for added convenience. These earbuds are lightweight and accompanied by a durable charging case. Similarly, the AXIL GS Extreme 2.0 earbuds also offer different earplug sizes and styles, ensuring a comfortable fit for various users. In addition, they have Sportfit ear hooks for improved retention and a compact size that adds to portability and comfort.

Each product has taken steps to ensure comfort and a good fit. However, some users might find wires on the AXIL GS Extreme 2.0 earbuds bothersome, even though it aids in keeping them together and reduces the chance of loss. Others might prefer the completely wireless design of the Walker’s Silencer earbuds.

Extra Features and Bluetooth Capability

Both earbuds offer additional features to enhance user experience. The Walker’s Silencer earbuds have a Bluetooth variant, Silencer BT, offering voice prompts and four distinct sound profiles. In addition, their application provides a customizable user interface, though some users have reported issues with it. The AXIL GS Extreme 2.0 also provides Bluetooth connectivity, volume controls, and audio enhancement features. However, some users have mentioned a slight hissing sound and sensitivity to user voice as potential drawbacks.

Overall, both the Walker’s Silencer earbuds and the AXIL GS Extreme 2.0 earbuds offer many features, ensuring user needs are met. However, personal preference and specific requirements might dictate the choice between the two, given the slight differences in characteristics and user experience.

AXIL XCOR vs Walker’s Disrupter

The Axil XCOR and Walker’s Disruptor earbuds both serve as advanced hearing protection devices with additional features for an enhanced auditory experience, but they differ in several key aspects.

The Axil XCOR offers a Single Number Rating (SNR) of 29 dB, with the ability to vary between 19-29 dB depending on the ear tip used. It features Digital Hearing Protection that compresses noises over 85dB, such as gunfire, to protect hearing while allowing ambient sounds to be heard. The XCOR also supports Bluetooth connectivity for music and calls, touch control, USB-C charging, and boasts a water and dust-resistant design. Battery life ranges up to 12 hours for Hear Control only, 6 hours for Bluetooth Audio only, and 4 hours for both.

Walker’s Disruptor, on the other hand, has a 24dB noise reduction rating and includes features such as Bluetooth, a rechargeable USB-C case, and a comprehensive set of listening modes. It offers Forward Focus Mode to prioritize sounds in front of the user, 360° Directional Sound with four microphones for true spatial awareness, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for reducing background noise, and Rapid Impulse Cancellation for immediate reaction to harmful noise levels. The Disruptor also pairs with a smartphone app for customizable settings.

In summary, while both products aim to provide hearing protection and enhancement, the Axil XCOR focuses on tactical use with a higher SNR and robust design, whereas Walker’s Disruptor emphasizes situational awareness and customizable sound experiences through its app and various listening modes.

AXIL vs Walker: Which is Better?

After a comprehensive comparison of the two most popular earmuff and earplug models from AXIL and Walker’s, it becomes apparent that both brands deliver high-quality, effective products tailored toward meeting diverse user needs. In addition, both companies have showcased their expertise in providing noise protection, sound reproduction, comfort, and extra features. Another notable comparison is Walkers vs Peltor hearing protection.

AXIL’s GS Extreme 2.0 earbuds and Tracker earmuffs provide impressive noise reduction ratings and sound reproduction, aiding hearing protection and enhancement. In addition, their Bluetooth capabilities, customizable fit, and additional features like volume controls speak volumes about AXIL’s dedication to providing a comprehensive hearing protection solution.

On the other hand, Walker’s Silencer earbuds and Razor earmuffs offer a slightly lower noise reduction rating but excellent sound reproduction and noise cancellation capabilities. Their commitment to comfort is seen in their customizable fit and design choices. The Silencer BT model offers four distinct sound profiles and Bluetooth connectivity for convenience. Walker also has Game Ears hearing aids.

Choosing between AXIL and Walker’s depends on your needs and personal preferences. For example, if the highest level of noise reduction is a priority, AXIL might be the better choice. However, if a completely wireless design and a more comprehensive range of sound profiles are more important to you, Walker’s could be a better fit.

In conclusion, AXIL and Walker’s produce reliable, high-quality hearing protection. It’s recommended to try both brands, evaluate them based on your personal needs, and then make an informed decision. Each brand has unique strengths and areas of specialization, providing diverse options for those seeking superior hearing protection.

A Petersburg resident has set a new world record for the largest mountain goat harvested by bow in North America. The hunt in Southeast Alaska was the first time Kaleb Baird had ever been out targeting a mountain goat. KFSK’s Angela Denning talked with him and has this story:

Before Kaleb Baird set off on his solo hunt, he did his homework. He had never been hunting for mountain goats before. But he grew up bow hunting deer and birds in Kansas. He knew the importance of being prepared. So, he spent half a year just researching.

“Studying maps and talking to the experts,” said Baird. “I talked to some biologists. I found a really good contact, a fella that used to hunt this population and lived down in that area for a number of years.”

Baird is not from this area. The 33-year-old had visited Petersburg for many years where his dad commercial fished but he didn’t become a permanent resident until last year. That opened up his options to go after a unique, isolated herd of mountain goats on the Cleveland Peninsula between Wrangell and Ketchikan.

The odds were not in his favor. This particular hunt is a lottery draw.

Baird: ‘“I think there was about 150 total hunters that applied and two winners,” Baird said.

KFSK: “So, you were lucky.”

Baird: “Yes, extremely lucky.”

That was in February. Fast forward to September and Baird is climbing the mountains of the peninsula with eight days of food on his back and more supplies stashed near the beach.

Baird: “I could’ve used a rifle on this hunt but growing up a bow hunter, I’ve just kind of been a bow hunter my whole life. There’s some incredible equipment out there anymore with regards to compound bows, which is what I shoot. But comfortably, me shooting at an animal, I’m usually 50 yards and inside. And on a hunt like this, 40 and closer, where you’re looking at uneven terrain, and big tough critters, you want to make a good, clean ethical shot.”

KFSK: “That is really close, 50 yards is really close.”

Baird: “(Laughs) Yeah, yeah, no kidding.”

KFSK: “So, it’s all probably strategy on how to do that?”

Baird: “Yeah, utilize the terrain, and wind, and sun and a number of things. Usually, it’s a patience game trying to get them bedding in the right spot and then you can decipher the rest and try to get in tight.”

KFSK: “When did you know that this could be a world record billy?”

Baird: “So, I killed him and I found him that day-I think it was day four of the hunt—and he dropped off of a pretty significant avalanche chute. And he lost about 7-800 foot in elevation from where I shot to where he died and probably did it in a manner of seconds. He basically dove off an avalanche chute. Took me a couple of hours to get down to him. Finally did, and the way he came to rest, his right horn was buried in some gravel in this avalanche chute and initially I thought it was shattered. But I lifted his head up and certainly, like I said, this is my first specifically targeting mountain goat hunt. I mean, I knew a little about size but not enough to really like lift up and say, ‘Oh man, this is going to be the world record’ type deal. I knew he was big just by putting my hands up to him and kind of taking some just some little guesstimates as to how long he was. That type of deal. But I didn’t really know until I got him back and checked him in with Fish and Game.”

KFSK: “So, what does being the world record holder mean to you? What has it mean so far?”

Baird: “Right now personally, I’m still kind of trying to wrap my head around it. It’s pretty surreal. Like I said, this was my first time. It wasn’t like I went up there—I did joke over the summer with some friends and family, I think, that I was going to shoot a world record but that was (laughs) completely in jest. I didn’t really think that that was ever going to be a possibility.”

That was just the beginning of a long process. The horns were measured ten ways by an official measurer and scored at 53-4/8 inches. A panel of judges in Arizona with the bow hunting organization Pope and Young confirmed the new record on December 5th.

Baird doesn’t know how much the mountain goat weighed because he quartered him and carried all the meat down the mountain. He also saved the head and part of the hide, which he plans to mount.

Depending on the pandemic, Baird could be recognized in April in Reno, Nevada at a convention that brings together a thousand bow hunters from around the world.

Baird’s mountain goat is the largest one ever harvested by bow in North America. A slightly larger mountain goat, measuring 57-4/8 inches from British Columbia holds the record for one harvested by rifle.

With Remington’s recent rebirth, we’ve decided to explore one of the kings of American shotguns.

Remington and Mossberg ruled the roost of pump-action shotguns for the longest time now. Remington’s 870 has long been their flagship firearm, and today we are taking more than one for a run.

The Remington 870 Express .410 was my first actual firearm. It was given to me for my 8th birthday, and I remember that evening my dad took me hunting rabbits in the orange groves near our home.

I can still remember toting this lightweight little pump gun as the sunset. It was cold, and while we didn’t get any rabbits that night, it’s still one of my fondest memories.

I’ve clung to that Remington .410 ever since and recently gave it to my own son. I’m certainly a fan of the gun, and I own five different models of the 870, and it’s easily one of my favorite shotguns.

Remington 870 Review at a Glance

Pros

• Slick and smooth action
• Incredibly reliable
• Available in virtually any configuration you could want
• Available in multiple calibers
• Rugged steel receiver

Cons

• Dimpled tubes make mag extensions a pain
• Factory LOPs are often too long

The Bottom Line

The Remington 870 is an incredibly reliable and well-made shotgun designed to fill any role a shotgun can fill. It’s an awesome option for home defense, deer hunting, upland birds, ducks, small game, clay pigeons, etc. Clearly, the Remington 870 is a top-tier choice if you need a pump shotgun.

Specs & Features

Specs

• Caliber: 12 Gauge (.410 and 20 gauge also available)
• Length: 40″
• Barrel Length: 20″ (14 through 28″ also available)
• Weight: 7.5 lbs
• Capacity: 7 Rounds (4 to 6 also available)

Features

• Dual-action bars
• Raised bead sight
• Deep blued finish (Wingmaster models)

The 870’s Background

Remington’s king of pump shotguns came to life in 1950, and at the time, it was rather revolutionary.

You see, Remington had the idea to increase the action bars from one to two and patented the concept of dual-action bars on a pump shotgun. Dual-action bars help prevent binds, increase reliability, and result in a super-smooth action.

Remington designed the 870 to compete with the Winchester Model 12, which was considered the king of shotguns in 1950. The 870 proved to be more modern, reliable, and affordable.

The result was a pump-action, bottom loading, side ejecting, tubular magazine-fed shotgun.

There are hundreds of different configurations of this gun, and in 2009 Remington stated over 11 million 870s had been produced. The various configurations include different calibers, finishes, barrel lengths, furniture, and more.

The most basic models are the Express and Express Tactical. These feature a matte black bead-blasted finish with wood or synthetic furniture and are available in .410, 2- gauge, and 12-gauge.

The Wingmaster represents the company’s premier shotgun, and as the name implies, most Wingmasters are sporting guns. However, I own two tactical variants of the Wingmaster, so they’re not unheard of.

Wingmasters feature a beautiful blued finish and American walnut stocks and are premium-grade guns.

The Fieldmaster represents Remington’s latest line of shotguns and falls in between the Express and Wingmaster models.

The stock is matte black and reportedly more durable than the express finish. The gun also features improved action bars for a silky-smooth action.

Beyond these three designs, we also have the Special Purpose Marine model, the TAC-14 firearms, the SuperMag, the Police Magnum models, and likely a dozen other models between limited configurations, military models, and distributor exclusives.

Who Is It For?

The Remington 870 isn’t like the Glock 19. If I say Glock 19, you picture Gaston’s little polymer frame pistol. If I say Remington 870, you could picture many guns, from the military’s MCS to your grandfather’s bird gun.

There is an 870 for everyone who needs a shotgun. I tend to prefer the tactical models and all but my .410 Express model represents various tactical 870s. I have the ONG military model, a retired Police Wingmaster, and two TAC-14s.

That’s an excellent example of how versatile the 870 platforms can be. My two Wingmasters can be converted to hunting guns with the swap of a barrel, the removal of the magazine extensions, and the addition of a plug.

Shotguns can be swapped between various configurations with ease and put into various roles in half a heartbeat. Proper ammo selection goes a long way, and shotguns certainly give you many different ammo options.

The Remington 870 can be configured for any roll and for nearly everyone. From kids with .410s to breachers with short PGO 870s.

Fit & Feel

I’m a shotgun nerd, and I’ve experienced a variety of different actions — actions from Benelli, Mossberg, Winchester, and more. However, the 870 Wingmaster will always hold a space in my heart.

It has to be the smoothest and slickest action on any pump-action shotgun I’ve handled.

Even the standard Express models are super slick and smooth. You won’t find the grit and slop that shows up in other pump actions. Working a well-honed, well-worn action delivers a tactile experience that’s just plain enjoyable.

It’s so enjoyable that it feels like it should be fattening.

It’s hard to express a tactile feeling through text. It slides like it’s on well-worn and oiled ball bearings. The action is so smooth I can work it by rapidly moving the gun back and forth with just my firing hand.

Heck, maybe that’s why Sarah Connor chose the 870 to fight Terminators.

What I don’t like and never will is the American shotgun maker’s obsession with long lengths of pulls. The first thing you should do for tactical guns is drop the 14.5-inch stock and toss on a Hogue youth or Magpul SGA stock.

If I purchase a Wingmaster or Fieldmaster, I don’t want to remove my American Walnut stock for a polymer one. I’m 6-foot-5-inches, and a 14.5-inch LOP feels ungainly for me. So why is this the standard?

Other than that, I don’t have much to complain about.

Ergonomically the gun is fine. We get a cross-bolt safety that sits at the rear of the trigger, making it a little less intuitive than desirable.

The pump release sits in front of the trigger and is plenty easy to manipulate. Tossing on a pistol grip stock setup or an AR-like adjustable stock doesn’t create ergonomic issues.

How Does It Shoot?

No shotgun gets far without being a solid shooter. Shotgun aficionados have long enjoyed shooting the 870, and it’s easy to see why. I’ve already gushed over the smooth action, but there’s more to it than that.

First, let’s talk all about accuracy. Remington uses either a vent rib or a bead that sits on a platform. This raises the height of the bead and ensures accuracy and a proper point of aim/point of impact.

If the bead sits directly on the barrel, the shotgun will appear to hit high and be difficult to aim in a pinch. A raised bead corrects that issue and makes sure your buckshot hits where your bead sits.

(Rhyme unintentional, but I’ll take it.)

I’ve gotten tight groups with the bead sights with slugs, roughly 2.5 inches at 50 yards with a supported position. They were Federal Vital-Shok and represent what most will hunt with.

Remington offered the famed rifle sights on the barrel, outside of beads, which offer great slug capability. Ghost ring sights are rare on Remington 870s but not unheard of. Sadly, most Remington 870s don’t come optic ready.

Attaching a rail or optic isn’t easy and might require a trip to a gunsmith to properly install.

In regards to recoil, it’s like any other pump-action shotgun. The recoil can be fierce, largely on your load selection. Reduced recoil tactical buckshot won’t leave a bruise, but 1-ounce slugs at 1,600 feet per second might rattle some teeth.

A good push/pull recoil technique can do a fantastic job of mitigating recoil and making the 870 plenty easy to handle. That slick action is more than nice and does make it easy to ensure you can quickly and reliably work the action.

Short stroking shotgun actions happen, but the smoother the action, the less likely you will short stroke the gun.

Regarding total reliability, the 870 eats standard 2.75 and 3-inch shells. It’s not friendly to 1.75-inch mini shells but functions perfectly with 2.5 and 2-inch shells.

What Sets the 870 Apart

If a pump-action shotgun is on your wish list, you should feel good knowing that a quality, basic pump-action shotgun isn’t an expensive weapon.

For less than $450, you can get a good pump-action shotgun, but inside of that realm of affordable pump-action, the Remington reigns supreme.

Remington 870s give you the smoothest action, a steel receiver, a reliable design, a great bead sight, and plenty of modularity. It’s a tough-as-nails gun that can easily last you a lifetime.

By the Numbers

Reliability: 5/5

If you make a pump-action shotgun that can’t cycle, I’m unsure what to tell you. The 870 cycles, fires, ejects without complaint and will do so for decades of trouble-free use.

Ergonomics: 4/5

My main complaint on the 870 is Remington’s love of the 14.5-inch length of pull. It’s the first thing I’d change on my Remington guns. Other than that, the Remington 870 features a solid set of perfectly useable controls.

Accuracy: 5/5

The bead on the Remington 870 is properly set up to ensure the proper point of aim and point of impact. Within the range of a smoothbore shotgun, it’s as accurate as it gets.

Customization: 5/5

The Remington 870 is much like a AR 15 in terms of customization. Do whatever you want to it!

Value: 4/5

The Remington 870 isn’t the cheapest pump-action shotgun or even the cheapest American-made pump-action shotgun, but it still represents a good value.

Overall: 4.5/5

The Remington 870’s ruled the roost as one of the two kings of American pump-action shotguns and will continue to do so for many years to come. Heck, it’s outlasted Remington’s own attempts to release a newer pump-action shotgun.

Must-Have Remington 870 Upgrades

There are a ton of options for Remington 870 upgrades on the market. Here are just a few of my favorites:

Magpul SGA Stock

The Magpul SGA is the best shotgun stock on the planet. It’s adjustable for LOP, has sling points, has an optional riser for optics, and is made to last forever. It’s the stock for modern shotguns.

Streamlight TL Racker

Mounting a light and maintaining control of it can be tough with pump-action shotguns.

The Streamlight TL Racker replaces your pump with an integrated light. You get 1,000 lumens of bright white light for target identification with massive ambi controls and full control over the light and weapon.

Blue Force Gear VCAS Sling

A good sling can take you far, and the Vickers Combat Applications Sling is one of the best.

It comes with numerous attachment mechanisms making it easy to toss onto a shotgun like the 870. The VCAS is a quick-adjust two-point design that makes weapon retention a snap.

Mesa Tactical SureShell Carrier

Shotguns don’t have a lot of ammo in the gun, so keeping some extra ammo on the gun is always smart.

The Mesa Tactical SureShell side saddle is a very well-made design that allows you to keep four spare rounds tied to the gun. Mesa makes high-quality stuff, and they are well known as shotgun people.

Final Verdict

If you have a task requiring a shotgun, then the Remington 870 can get it done in style.

Now that Remington is back up and running, the 870 will likely rise to the top. It’s a stellar option for home defense, hunting, trap shooting, and whatever else you need a shotgun for.

What do you think of the Remington 870? Let us know in the comments below. Want to know whether the Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 is right for you? Check out our head-to-head between these two guns.

Wild ramps are a type of onion that are delicious, popular, elusive, and sought after. Also called wild leeks, it is very important to properly identify and sustainably forage ramp plants. Once harvested, wild ramps make a delicious and flavorful addition to many meals!

What are Ramps?

Ramps (Allium tricoccum) are a perennial species of wild onion with a strong onion or garlic flavor. The ramp plant is wild growing in some areas and is also called wild leek, wild garlic, or ramsons.

Wild ramps are native to eastern North America and grow widespread in the eastern United States and Canada. Although I had heard much about them when I lived in the west, I had never seen them before I moved to Vermont!

Allium ursinum, also called wild garlic, is a related species that grows in Europe and Asia and can be used the same as wild leeks.

Ramps grow from March to June depending on your location. They are one of the earliest plants to forage in the spring, which is a happy sight for those of us who have long winters.

Related: What to Forage in Spring: 20 Edible and Medicinal Plants and Fungi

Where Can I Find Wild Ramps?

Wild ramps grow in eastern Canadian provinces, and in much of the northeastern United States, as far west as Minnesota and south as Georgia. It is common to find ramp plants in New England and the Appalachian mountains.

Ramps do not grow wild in the western US but can be planted and grown in a home garden. This is a wonderful way to have access to ramps and their tasty flavor without harming the population.

Wild leeks are found growing in clusters on the forest floor, often popping up through fallen leaves of deciduous hardwood forests. They tend to like damp areas but can be found in many types of rich soil.

Is Wild Leek Invasive?

Sometimes ramp plants grow in huge patches or colonies, so to the naked eye, it might appear that they are invasive. However, they take over 7 years to grow so are not considered invasive.

Wild leeks are actually protected due to overharvesting in many areas.

How to Identify Wild Ramps

To identify wild ramps for while foraging, look for plants that are low growing, about 4-12 inches high. They have 1-3 broad leaves per plant and either white or reddish-purple stems (there are 2 varieties).

Ramp plants have flowers that bloom in the summer after the leaves have died back. The flowers look similar to cultivated onion flowers and produce black seeds.

A key identifying factor is that they smell like onion or garlic. This is a very important identification characteristic as toxic look-alikes won’t have this smell.

If it doesn’t unmistakably smell like an onion, it’s not a ramp!

Do Ramps Have Poisonous Look-Alikes?

Wild ramps have two extremely dangerous and deadly toxic look-alikes. It’s just as important to identify these properly as it is to identify the ramp plant.

Both of these toxic plants have wide leaves that come up in spring, and neither of them will have an onion or garlic smell.

False Hellebore (Veratrum viride) leaves can look similar to the wild ramp plant in that they are both pleated. This toxic plant can be identified by its ribbed leaves and lack of onion scent. They grow in swamps and marshes, whereas ramps grow in wooded areas.

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) do not have bulbs at the roots like ramps, instead, they have longer roots and rootlets along the length. They produce many bell-shaped flowers in contrast to the small daisy-like clusters that grow on ramp plants. They do not smell like onion or garlic.

How to Forage Ramps Sustainably

In some areas, wild ramps are protected due to overharvesting so it is important to forage sustainably.

Ramps are a threatened species in many regions, and in some locations, there are regulations on harvesting them. Be sure to check your local laws before foraging them.

Ramps are slow growing, taking 7 years or more to fully mature. Completely pulling up the bulb will kill the plant, so be sure you know how to harvest them correctly before heading out to gather.

How to Collect Wild Leeks

It is best to only take one leaf per plant without pulling up the bulb. If the bulb or rhizome (the base of the bulb) is left in the ground it will continue to grow year after year.

If you find a patch where it is clear that other foragers have already taken leaves from the plants, move on to a different patch. Overharvesting the leaves is detrimental to the plant.

Harvesting leaves is much easier and cleaner than pulling up bulbs. The good news about only harvesting the leaves is that the leaves have tons of flavor, so pulling up the bulbs is not necessary!

If you live in a region where ramps grow prolifically as they do in some areas of Vermont, it can be helpful in large and very dense colonies to selectively pull up some bulbs.

The bulbs or rhizomes can be replanted either elsewhere in the forest or on your property, ultimately helping the population of ramp plants.

Before pulling up and replanting any wild leek bulbs, research to determine if it is permitted in your region.

Take seeds after the plant flowers in the summer and spread them to other areas of the forest or bring them home to plant in your garden.

How to Grow Ramps

Since the population of wild ramps is protected and in a state of decline, grow them in your yard for a great way to have access to their delicious flavors without threatening the wild population.

Grow ramps from seeds, bulbs, starts, or by transplanting wild plants or rhizomes. Read this guide on how to grow ramps in your backyard for all of the best methods.

They have a long germination period if growing from seed, and once sprouted the plants take 7 years or more to fully mature. Patience is key!

These tasty plants need shade and moisture. They tend to do best under hardwood trees, just like when finding them growing wildly.

A good way to keep this threatened plant around is by growing your own!

How to Use Ramps

Just like their smell, wild ramps have a distinct onion or garlicky taste. The taste will mellow out when cooked but are still very flavorful.

For a stronger flavor, know that wild ramps are safe to eat raw! Try them in this delicious ramp pesto recipe.

To preserve ramp leaves and enjoy them all year, make ramp butter and freeze it, or make pickled ramps.

Another great way to preserve wild leeks is to ferment them, of course! Try this ramp kraut recipe.

Add ramps to a delicious dinner and saute them in this ramp pasta, with a side of ramp focaccia bread or buttermilk ramp biscuits, yum!

However you choose to use your sustainably foraged wild ramps, they’ll be a delicious and appreciated part of your meal!

More Spring Foraging Finds:

• Foraging for Morel Mushrooms
• Chickweed Foraging
• Foraging for Purple Dead Nettle
• Dandelion Foraging
• Foraging for Wild Violets

It’s a dreaded feeling and one none of us like to think about, but it happens. You think you hit the liver.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. While a liver shot may not be what you were going for, it is still within the kill zone.

The important part is, are you sure it’s a liver shot, and what to do next.

What is a Deer Liver Shot?

As the name suggests, a deer liver shot is a deer you hit in the liver. It happens more often than you might think.

Due to the deers’ anatomy, the liver sits within what is known as the kill zone.

The liver runs just behind the lungs on a perfect broadside deer and is almost the same length from top to bottom.

In this scenario, your shot would have to be a little far back to hit the liver. But this changes depending on the position of the deer.

A quartering to or away deer will put the liver in different positions in relation to your shot.

Identifying a Deer Liver Shot

The first thing to do if you think you hit the liver is to run through a few checks to double-check. It’s important not to skip this step.

Ideally, you should run through this for all of your shots unless the deer drops in front of you.

Tracking a deer with a liver shot is likely to push him far beyond what you can track.

Position

Not all of us record our hunts, but something like a Go Pro is a handy tool to have.

Not only can you assess your hunt, but in times like this, you can also see where your arrow landed.

If you feel your arrow hit near the center of the deer, towards the back of the ribcage, then it is likely you hit the liver.

Judging by the ribcage is the best indicator of whether you hit the liver or not.

As I mentioned above, the position of the deer changes your arrow penetration angle a lot. So what might look like a perfect lung shot on a quartering away deer may actually be a liver shot.

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Sound

Sound is a difficult method of judging shots, but if you are paying attention, it can really be useful.

Often in the heat of the moment, we don’t pay attention to the sound of the impact.

However, it can tell a lot about a shot.

A liver shot makes quite a thud, and if you hear it, you will know exactly what it means.

It’s almost like a hollow sound but with some substance behind it, like a smack.

Deer Reaction

Often a liver shot deer is identifiable by the deers’ reaction alone. However, this does vary from deer to deer.

In most cases, a liver shot deer will start to run but stop after about 100 yards. They proceed to walk after this or even come to a standstill.

Some deer will bed down after about 200 yards, and some can make it out to 500 plus yards before bedding down.

Blood Trail

The best tell-tale sign of all is the blood trail. However, the downside of this is with a liver shot.

Often liver shots produce little or spotty blood.

If it was indeed a liver shot, the blood would be very dark and as mentioned, potentially very sparse with only a few drops here and there.

The blood will usually have a thick consistency and disappear very fast.

What to do after a Deer Liver Shot

This is where things get tricky. Assuming you read all of the above and are certain of a liver shot then you are fine, because I can tell you to wait 4-9 hours, and you are sure of a recovery.

However, where things go wrong for people after a liver shot is A; they are not sure it was a liver shot or B; they didn’t care to check and went after the deer too soon.

A liver shot will always prove fatal for a deer, but many liver shot deer are not recovered.

This is not because they didn’t die, but because an eager hunter didn’t wait.

The deer still died, but probably 3 counties over or in cover so thick you wouldn’t think it was possible to get into it.

If in doubt, hang back. You will find most liver-shot deer within 500 yards of where you shot him if you wait.

This will allow the deer to bed down, which they usually quickly do after a liver shot.

Come back in 5 or 6 hours, and you’re sure to find your deer just outside the blood trail.

If the weather isn’t favorable, you could start tracking him earlier, but I would at least wait four hours.

I would only wait less than four hours on a suspected liver shot if I saw the deer fall in front of me.

Although in this scenario, it’s likely you’ve clipped one lung alongside the liver.

Final Thoughts

Most hunters are going for that sweet spot, heart – double lung, but it doesn’t always work out like that.

A liver shot isn’t a bad shot, it may not be your greatest, but it’s still a kill shot.

If you suspect a liver shot, back off and wait for at least four hours before tracking, and if you do, it’s likely your deer will be less than 500 yards from where you hit him.

Venison brisket can be one of the toughest cuts on the deer. Learn how to prepare it so that it comes out tender and juicy every time!

Smoking, like many other cooking technique, gets a bad rap. It is really a very forgiving way to cook. People tend to overcomplicate the process though. Keep reading and we’ll simplify it a bit.

You will just need some planning ahead of time to make sure it comes out perfect.

What is brisket?

The brisket of the deer is found on the chest (breast), above the front legs. It is a thinner cut of meat and has more connective tissue due to the fact that this muscle works harder than other muscles in the animal.

Most of the time it ends up in the grind pile for a lot of people. We have been saving them for years. When they are slow cooked. They are absolutely delicious. Tender and very flavorful.

Smoking low and slow is a perfect way to tenderize this meat. There is very little hands on time because the smoker does all of the work. The only thing you have to possess is patience. Don’t try to rush the process.

Beef or pork have fatty briskets and are a lot larger, so they take eons to smoke. Deer briskets will smoke in a fraction of that time. Because the deer is so lean, it doesn’t require the Texas crutch that beef requires, so it’s much easier.

Trimming the venison brisket

The first key step is to trim the brisket of all silver skin and any large pockets of fat that you can see.

Season the brisket

Next make a delicious rub so that the brisket will take on a great flavor and texture. Make sure you cover it with enough rub.

Ingredients you need

• brown sugar – dark brown or light brown sugar will both work
• granulated garlic – you can substitute garlic powder but granulated has a better flavor.
• onion powder –
• cumin
• coriander
• cayenne pepper – or chili powder, chipotle powder is good too.
• Dutch cocoa powder – optional but this adds a fun mole negro type flavor.Pin
• venison brisket

How to make it

In a small bowl, mix ingredients for the rub. Generously season roast with kosher salt or sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Then season it generously with the rub.

If the rub doesn’t seem to be sticking well, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top and then rub it into the meat with your hands.

Cut a large piece of plastic wrap and tightly wrap roast. Place it on a rimmed baking sheet and put it in the refrigerator for 8-24 hours to marinate.

The next day, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature. Set up and start your smoker heating to 225°F. Don’t go over this or it will cook too quickly. You could go down to 200°F but realize that it will take a bit longer.

Place the piece of meat on a rack in your smoker. spritz with a mixture of 1 part apple cider vinegar and 2 parts of olive oil or the oil of your choice in a clean, food safe spritzer. Close the lid or door and leave it but be careful tending the heat so it doesn’t get too hot.

Pro tip: We often cook a beef brisket at the same time. If you do this, place the venison under the beef so that the fat from the beef drips on it.

Spray the meat a couple times with the vinegar and oil mixture. If your smoker is equipped with temperature probe, insert it into the thickest part of the meat.

Smoke the brisket for 2-4 hours, depending on the size. This brisket was 2¼ pounds and took about 3 hours. The time will vary according to several factors. How many times you open the door and lose heat, how accurate the thermometer is, how much the meat weighs and the particular cut you use.

Check the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer. Stick a fork into the meat. Turn it a bit. The meat should be fork tender.

Different deer populations taste and cook differently, depending on diet, predators, and terrain. See our ultimate guide to cooking deer for more information.

What type of smoker to use

You can use a wood pellet grill or smoker, an electric smoker or a charcoal smoker to make this deer brisket.

How to warm leftovers

If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator.

• Place slices or a whole chunk in a deep baking pan. Pour venison broth or chicken stock (beef is too overpowering for the mild venison flavor) in the bottom of the pan.
• Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
• Bake at 325°F about 20 minutes for slices. About 40 hour for larger chunks.

You can also warm it in the slow cooker on low for a couple of hours with some stock, BBQ sauce or other liquid.

What to serve with deer brisket

• mashed potatoes
• French fries
• coleslaw
• cornbread
• fresh veggies, like corn on the cob
• BBQ sauce

What to do with leftovers

Leftovers will last for about 4 days refrigerated. For longer storage, vacuum pack and store in freezer for about 6 months.

Venison brisket makes some great dishes with the leftovers.

• Great tacos, quesadillas and the best fajitas
• Great appetizers. Try a toasted crostini topped with cheddar cheese, brisket and grilled onions, like the ones we did in the photo below.
• Make classic mac & cheese with brisket.
• Warm some sliced brisket and make sandwiches or subs with cheese, grilled onions and BBQ sauce.
• Frittatas

More smoking recipes

• Smoked Beef Brisket
• Chipotle Peppers
• Smoked Spare Ribs
• Steelhead Trout
• Smoked Pulled Pork – Finish with Slow Cooker

Tools to use

• smoker
• meat thermometer
• chef’s knife

This venison brisket is a delicious addition to your venison recipe book. Next year don’t grind it. You’ll be happy you didn’t!

Connect with us through our social media ages! Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter.

If you have any questions or comments, please ask in the comment section below. We’d love to hear from you!

I hope you enjoyed the recipe today!

Enjoy. And have fun cooking!

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!

Amy Trubek

2004 | No. 68

The Shagbark Hickory Nut Is It the Finest Native American Nut?

By Amy Trubek

“They are the nobility of nuts,” the chef Odessa Piper says, “what the black truffle is to mushrooms.” Shagbark hickory nuts have “more flavor… more snap, more tooth-feel than either pecans or walnuts.” Unlike most nuts, toasting is required to intensify their flavor and create the shattering texture that makes them unique. Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) is a relative of the pecan and a North American native, widely found in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa. It’s hard to miss because the unique bark peels away from the tree in thin strips from six inches to four feet long. The trees are often found along roadsides. On the small dairy farms that dominate the rolling hills of southern Wisconsin, the cornfields and cow pastures mingle with stands of oak and hickory.

Gathering hickory nuts has long been part of rural Wisconsin family life. I went looking for hickory nuts late one fall, when the leaves had turned a vibrant mustard yellow. The nuts had dropped to the ground, their moist green husks now hard and black, having split open along four ribs to expose thin but strong inner shells. Several people told me that when they were young, their families would take a drive in the country and pull over when someone spotted a tree. The kids would pile out of the car and race to see who could pick up the most nuts the fastest. These people recalled with pleasure the nut’s luscious combination of sweet and smoky. But as to shelling… on that subject their eyes tended to glaze over.

Shelling the nuts is drudgery. Once the hard shell is broken, typically with a hammer, the meats have to be pried out. One serious harvester I met uses a dental pick. A pound of nutmeats takes a lot of cracking and picking and scraping — up to four hours’ worth — which explains why hickory nuts are rarely found in supermarkets or restaurants. Conventional wisdom in Wisconsin holds that this activity is for old-timers.

The main place to find shelled shagbark hickory nuts for sale is at farmers’ markets. At the one in Madison, various stands sell them. Harvey Ruehlow of the Nut Factory says, “The old guys are dying off, and the young people don’t have time.” He and his wife, Beverly, learned to forage and pick from Harvey’s dad, who loved to eat cinnamon rolls topped with chopped hickory nuts — it used to be that the nuts were used only for baking.

Note on toasting from Edward Behr

Eaten raw, shagbark hickory nuts have an echo of the curious rancid fruit flavor of another North American native, the black walnut — most people don’t like it. But shagbark hickory nuts respond unusually well to toasting, and they require a degree of it to taste their best. A mere light toasting causes the odd fruitiness to disappear and a superior taste to emerge, like a cross between a regular walnut and a pecan. Enough toasting also gives a satisfying, soft, oily crunch. The effect is so good that either the shagbark hickory or the wild pecan, another member of the hickory family, is the finest native North American nut. (A competitor, once, would have been the American chestnut, before the chestnut blight eliminated it.) To toast the nuts, heat the oven to 250 degrees F, spread them on a metal baking sheet or pan, toast for two minutes until they show some color, stir, and then toast for at least a minute or two longer. The longer the time, the stronger the flavor and the more crunch. Our small group of tasters preferred them after 10 or even 15 minutes. ● From issue 68