Last updated on May 9th, 2023 at 11:53 pm
Putting together a good birding field bag is key to having good experiences on the trail. Your bag is where you’ll keep all of your equipment, from your binoculars to your field guide and cell phone.
Here are 8 must-have features to have on a birding field bag:
1. Plenty of Space
When you’re going out birding, you’ll need to carry a decent amount of equipment. This may include anything on the following list:
- Binoculars
- Monocular
- Spotting scope
- Tripod
- Camera
- Extra batteries
- Bird ID books
- Trail maps
- Wallet
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Food
- Rain jacket
- Water
Birding field bags come in all shapes and sizes, but most have at least 15 liters.
Some, like the Venture Pal Lightweight Daypack (available on Amazon.com), have as much as a 40-liter capacity.
This lightweight backpack has one main compartment with large pockets, one of which is a plastic wet pocket where you can store items that are wet or may have condensation.
2. Comfort
Another factor to consider when buying a birding field bag is comfort.
Some bags are considerably more comfortable than others due to bulk, padding, and weight distribution.
Some birders find that the most comfortable option is a lumbar bag rather than a backpack.
These bags sit low on the back and can swing forward when you need something out of them.
This is much less of a bother than having to take off a backpack, and it protects your shoulders from irritation from straps.
The Viscne Outdoor Lumbar Pack (available on Amazon.com) is a budget-friendly example that comes in five different colors:
- Blue
- Red
- Purple
- Orange
- Yellow
It’s made from wear-resistant nylon and is fully adjustable, with optional straps so that you can carry it like a backpack if you decide that you prefer that way of carrying.
You’ll likely be going out for long, extended trips with your field bag.
Make sure that you do everything you can to find a pack that’s going to be comfortable to carry in addition to having room for all of your things.
3. Padding
Another factor to look for in a birding field bag is padding.
You’ll likely be carrying expensive equipment with you, whether binoculars, a monocular, or a spotting scope.
You’ll want to make sure that you can safely stow away this equipment somewhere it won’t get banged or scratched.
You can also add padding and prepare for your trip by packing in a puffy coat.
This will absorb some shock in case of impact and keep you warm if it gets cold while you’re outside.
Never underestimate how cold it might be or what a difference having the right equipment makes when that happens.
4. Ventilation
The best birding field bags will come with a ventilated back panel so that you don’t get overheated while you’re out on the trail.
For example, the Gregory Women’s Juno Backpack (available on Amazon.com) has a suspension system built in to keep the pack off your back.
It also has moisture-wicking mesh where the pack does touch your bag.
The Watefly Crossbody Sling Backpack (available on Amazon.com) is another birding bag with a ventilated back panel.
This backpack is lightweight and lies across the back with one strap instead of lying like a regular backpack.
Some birders find this design more comfortable for lightweight equipment, although space is limited if you have lots you need to bring.
5. Pouches, Pockets, and Compartments
In addition to having the carrying capacity to hold your equipment, a good birding field bag will have pouches, pockets, and compartments for organizing your belongings.
For example, the Mountainsmith Day Lumbar Pack (available on Amazon.com) has a zippered compartment and an organizer sleeve for keeping your belongings in place.
Some packs, including this one, have extra mesh pockets on the outside.
Just be careful what you use these kinds of pockets for. Valuables stored outside the pack, even in a pocket, are prone to theft and destruction.
6. Durability
Durability is vitally important for a birding field bag.
You’ll likely take the bag on many adventures out in the elements, and it needs to be able to withstand a decent amount of wear.
Look for a bag that’s built to last, so that you won’t need to replace it again soon.
You might have to spend more money to have a durable field bag, but remember that it costs less than buying replacements.
Some companies offer warranties under which they’ll replace broken parts for free.
Filson is one of these brands, and they offer great bags, like the Filson Ripstop Nylon Backpack (available on Amazon.com).
This backpack is made from tear-resistant nylon, and it’s built to last. It weighs 3 lbs and is about 9” deep with 38” straps.
7. Good Fit
Although most field bags have adjustable straps, you still need to make sure that your bag of choice will fit you before purchasing.
Take your measurements and compare the length of your torso to the length of the straps on the bag.
If they’re too long, the bag may hang heavy on your low back instead of sitting nicely in place.
The same is true of lumbar bags that clip around the waist. Without proper tightness, it can sag and hang heavy on your back.
And if it’s too tight, it can simply be uncomfortable to wear for long periods.
8. A Decent Price
Birding field bags vary a lot in terms of price, and it’s important to find a good quality one that doesn’t break the bank.
You can expect to pay $100 to $300 on a good bag, but you don’t have to buy the most high-end versions if you don’t need all the features.
That said, do remember the potential cost of replacements or repairs when you purchase.
If your bag comes with a warranty, take that into account when considering the price.
A good warranty could be worth hundreds of dollars in replacement and repair costs and might make a bag worth a higher price in the long run.