Stix, I always wear a large daypack when hunting, various brands and sizes, and notice no difference shooting with it on or off; no restriction whatsoever. Nor have I noticed any noise from the shoulder straps. Could it be the material of your shirt or jacket rubbing against the pack-strap material?

Although you didn’t ask about brands and models, I figure that’s implied in the question. My biggest hunting pack is an antique Dwight Schuh, just one huge pouch with a removable fanny pack below. It’s heavy fleece and silent, and I’ve packed many an elk quarter in or on it. These days I mostly carry a Badlands Diablo, midsize pack with a flat metal external frame that’s bowed away from the back, eliminating sweating problems. It’s the best made and best designed pack I’ve ever owned and I pretty much forget I have it on. Only complaint is noisy zippers, but I guess that’s the price for big sturdy zippers. And down in the economy department, Fieldline makes a whole array of cheap packs, available at Walmart and elsewhere. For the price I’ve been impressed with the two I’ve owned. I have never been able to hunt with less than about 20 pounds on my back, even in good weather. All the “possibles” add up fast.

Stix, the only noise I’ve heard associated with shoulder straps is if they aren’t sown onto the main body but are ‘strapped’ to an external frame. That can result in pretty loud creaking. Otherwise I’ve never heard anything louder than fabric on fabric noises.

Stix

x2 what Dave said. Never had an issue with pack strap noise.

Badlands super day pack is what I use for extended hunts, big enough for a day pack to stay a couple of days,you can even pack a sidearm on it if so inclined. They have a larger model–but years of humping packs has removed that adventure from my psyche. Heck now I just carry my old map case as a possibles bag–fits right nice on left hip under my back quiver.

Try bow string wax or in a pinch lip balm to quiet the zippers–at least for awhile.

Ps. Dave–nice quote:D

Stx. I carry an llbean lumbar pack i bought some years ago. Upside is i can swing it around for access without taking it off. Downside it’s not as comfy as a daypack. I don’t trek so far as many guys out west so it holds pretty much all I need and it has two main compartments so i can stay fairly organized. There’s lots to choose from so enjoy the search. Best. Dwc

Stix wrote: Do you consider the fabric rubbing noise loud enough to spook game?

I wear cotton all the time, I would have thought that would be very quiet. Maybe you should get a buddy to stand in front of you while you draw and get them to listen.

Personally I carry an external frame pack made for me by my brother years ago. It was originally just a day bag, but lately I mounted it to my homemade frame. I hunted for years (rifle and bow) with an internal frame pack, but hunting in the warm weather (early seasons in this area) I find the internal frames make me sweat way too much. My external frame has high ventilation webbing as the only thing touching my back.

My back feels way cooler now. If I do sweat, it can now evaporate, and another benefit of an external frame, is odd shaped items don’t stick me in the back any more.