I discovered Sling Packs a few years ago while searching for the ideal bag to take on the river salmon fishing. I liked the idea that by letting go one strap you can sling the bag over your shoulder to access the large rear compartment without having to take off the pack.

Last year I upgraded my hunting bag from this basic SIMMS sling pack in favour of the Sitka Sling Choke.

The new Sitka Sling is a little larger at 800 cubic inches, is much more comfortable and has more pockets for better organization of gear.

Most importantly it's the only sling pack I found that slings on my left shoulder. The bag is designed to not be in the way of a right handed shooter shouldering a firearm. Every other sling and standard backpack I've used had to be dropped before firing.

Like their waterfowl suits the Sitka Sling Choke is available in two colours, Optifade Waterfowl Timber which at a glace is predominantly grey like my suit, while the Optifade Waterfowl Marsh is mostly brown/tan. I chose the latter partly because it was in stock and partly because I liked the contrast in colour while still being camouflage. The bag is water repellent from light precipitation and prevents the fabric from wetting out.

• I would absolutely recommend a sling pack for hunting. I used to carry a large knapsack all the time, these smaller bags force you to travel light and smart.

• Most sling packs will hold everything you need for a day in the woods and dealing with a successful harvest. I wore this bag comfortably every single day big game, bird and small game hunting.

• All my necessary gear was with me regardless of whatever other clothes I was wearing, I didn't have to swap equipment or licenses between different jackets or sweaters. Large infrequently used items are now kept back at my ATV or Argo and no longer unnecessarily lugged through the woods.

• Having separate sling packs for fishing and hunting, then doubling up a couple minor items means I don't have to swap gear back and forth. Now I'm much less likely to forget anything for a day in the country.