Small, Capable Pack Is a Duck Hunter’s Dream: Drake Waterfowl Large Blind Bag Review

Waterfowl hunting is the most gear-intensive activity I participate in — boats, decoys, guns, waders, jackets, calls, etc. And don’t even get me started on all the extra equipment and expense that comes with a gun dog. It’s a lot. The last thing I’ve ever wanted to do was add a niche bag, like the Drake Waterfowl Large Blind Bag, to the mix.

I have dozens of backpacks, some big, some small. I’ve always used a backpack when waterfowling, and silently thought my buddies who caved for a satchel-sized blind bag were trying too hard to be a “waterfowler.”

Then, I tried one out in Nebraska. I fell in love with it, and started carting it around hunts in Middle Tennessee. I will admit, I was wrong about blind bags. At least this one.

In short: On the face of it, the Drake Waterfowl Large Blind Bag ($85) looks like it’s too small to be very functional. Yet, due to impressive external storage, well-thought-out internal organizational pockets, and attention to detail, it’s one of the most functional hunting packs I’ve used. Despite my initial trepidation, I can unequivocally say it holds everything you need for a day of duck hunting, and it does it perfectly. It’s small, but mighty.

Drake Waterfowl Large Blind Bag: Ridiculous Storage

I have been thoroughly shocked at how much stuff I can stuff into this blind bag. Just two nights ago, I started by loading two full boxes of shells, sunglasses, and the SITKA Jetstream jacket into it. The crazy part? I hadn’t even touched the primary internal storage compartment. Or any of the additional internal storage pockets.

The two external side pouches are large enough to hold a case of shells each, and the jacket fit perfectly in the strap system located on the lid.

I was able to load the remaining pack with a DSLR camera, an additional lens, a speaker for the boat ride, snacks, multiple beverages, gloves, and a knife. With all of that stuff in there, what else could I need? There was plenty of room to spare.

The small, compact package that it all fit in made me feel like I was forgetting something. But I wasn’t. This blind bag is like opening the closet to Narnia. It packs down small and can be quietly tucked away in the corner of a boat or blind. It’s significantly less obtrusive than the backpack I used to carry around.

Final Thoughts: Little Details Make All the Difference

Really, what makes the Drake Waterfowl Blind bag truly stand out is the attention to small details. My favorite is the external hard-sided sunglasses holder. It solves a problem I’ve always had while duck hunting and shows that the bag’s designers actually hunt.

I always get to the blind in the dark, but I know I’ll need sunglasses by 9 a.m., when the sun shoots a blinding glare across the water. So, I’d throw my sunglasses into my backpack without a case (because who keeps a hard case for sunglasses lying around?). My sunglasses would end up scratched.

Well, problem solved, thanks to Drake Waterfowl. Just slap one on your blind bag. That attention to detail continues throughout the bag, with a plastic sleeve for your phone to protect it from water that still allows for use of a touchscreen, and well-thought-out organizational pockets.

I have no real complaints with this bag. On the face of it, I thought the price was steep for a glorified satchel. It will cost you, but you know what? It’s worth it. Add it to your long waterfowl gear list.