Browning BSB Rucksack

The choice of a suitable pack for hunting needs is never an easy one. In the UK, most are only really needed to hump enough kit for a day, or even less than that. Equipment carried might include some food/ snacks, a drink, packable waterproof jacket and trousers, first aid kit, knife and gralloching gear like gloves etc. You don’t really need that much, if you choose sensibly and for practical and not ‘just in case’ reasons.

BSB

The Browning Small Bag or (BSB) is a handy little 12-litre rucksack with a hidden twist. As well as usual mesh-lined and padded shoulder straps to spread the load of your daily needs across your back, quick release straps are fitted across chest and around the waistline for more arduous treks. Simple twin zippered main pocket contains all storage with a segregated slot to put a neatly folded map or other flat valuable (like your firearms certificate) being one of Browning’s suggestions. Externally, the twin zips are covered by a showerresistant flap to keep out the bulk of the rain with an elasticated mesh pouch to the right side for quick access to a water bottle. The right side carries three elasticated slots for fast access to cartridges and in general terms, this small bag will encourage you to travel light, with discretion and nothing that shouts out shooter, in terms of logos for day to day use.

Unleash the beast

All that is until you unleash the bag’s hidden feature. Unzip the base and out pops a securely adjustable pouch to carry the butt of your rifle. This can be extended as required to ensure the butt is level with that of your own `figure`, before the rifle is laid over the bags and twin neoprene shrouded straps clip into place to hold everything in position. A fourth and final strap, again with neoprene shrouded quick release buckle emerges from the top carry handle of the bag to wrap around your barrel. With everything cinched up in place, this enables a very comfortable and secure carrying position without the rifle bashing your head or falling from your shoulder.

Safe and sound?

Some may say they don’t want tensioned straps wrapped around a rifle and its scope, but I will happily disagree. Let’s face it; if a rifle/scope can’t handle this type of carry, it certainly isn’t up to sustained reliability when undergoing recoil. I will happily trust and rely on my own guns carried this way. One slight downside of the system, is that it is for use once `in territory` because it does not conceal the rifle for transport, so won’t comply with a discreet carry policy in public places. On the other hand, it makes a day once out on the hill or large farm easy going with emergency first aid kit, small snack, water and gralloching/hunting accessories on board. Removal of the rifle to take a shot does need you to unsling the pack, so it cannot be considered in a similar way to the quick release capabilities of a Vorn-like system, but regardless, this BSB has a relevant place in my accessory collection. If you need larger, there’s a bigger brother, the BXB “available with 41-litre capacity and better waterproofing with a rain cover.