Packs

[Hunter]

What kind of back packs does everyone carry while hunting? I hunt mostly alone and therefore have to pack out anything over 125 lbs a load at a time. I have an Alaskan pack that I use for camp hunting but, it's WAY to big for a "day pack". I'm looking for a light weight day pack that I can carry all day, still get through the brush but, be able to load it down with 100 lbs of meat when the time comes. I don't care what it costs I would like to hear everyone's opinion on what they use and it doesn't have to be just for bear hunting.

[horshur]

I was given an Outdoorsmen Optics pack...it would meet your needs. I am getting to really like this pack there is a lot about it that is well thought out. Check them out.

[easttntrapper]

I carry an army rucksack. I like it. They have frames for them to help make heavier loads more comfortable but I dont use it.

[kickemall]

Since you don't care what it costs then Kifaru is what you want. Hauls as big of load as you can carry as, or more, comfortable than anything out there. Compresses down well for a daypack. Go to Rokslide.com and you will get lots of first hand info. as well of videos, pictures and what ever else you might want about packs. If for some reason Kifaru doesn't fit the bill take a look at Stone Glacier which is equally well suited to your needs.

[catdogs]

Stone Glacier!!! Best of the best! Spendy, but worth it!

[Buddyw]

This is a good topic,

We have talked for a couple years now about building a Tree Pack, and trying to have a Pack built that would be best for Hound guys. I would need to find a pack builder that would build a pack with the features that we would want.

Here is my question, If you were to build a pack from the ground up to include features that we would use what would you want.

ie. a way to hold tree leads, Collapses water bowl, Garmin/ Shock Holder Ect,

One question I have is Prices, and how much folks would be willing to spend.. I'm sure making a custom pack could get expensive, so I'm trying to price out if it's even worth trying to build one or just let people find a pack out there.

What do you like, Dislike about the pack you use.

Not sure if we will ever get to making one, but since it's up for discussion here I would like to hear any thoughts about it.

[sheimer]

This is a good topic,

We have talked for a couple years now about building a Tree Pack, and trying to have a Pack built that would be best for Hound guys. I would need to find a pack builder that would build a pack with the features that we would want.

Here is my question, If you were to build a pack from the ground up to include features that we would use what would you want.

ie. a way to hold tree leads, Collapses water bowl, Garmin/ Shock Holder Ect,

One question I have is Prices, and how much folks would be willing to spend.. I'm sure making a custom pack could get expensive, so I'm trying to price out if it's even worth trying to build one or just let people find a pack out there.

What do you like, Dislike about the pack you use.

Not sure if we will ever get to making one, but since it's up for discussion here I would like to hear any thoughts about it.

Buddy, great idea....

I have an Osprey pack now. It's the "Kode 30" pack. It's their ski/snowboard pack. Lots of features that aren't exactly made for hound people, but ended up working out well for this purpose. It has a padded and felt lined pocket made for ski goggles but it works great for carrying my Canon camera and an extra lens. There is a good solid back plate in it so it fits well and holds it's shape with various loads in it. The water hose for the hydration pack has an internal compartment inside the shoulder strap that helps keep it from freezing when hunting in cold temps. There are several different straps and loops built into the pack for holding skis, boards and helmets which work well for holding a gun scabbard and other bulky items. The pack itself is guaranteed against most anything you could possibly do to it. That makes me feel better about soaking a little more money than I normally would.

The downside is the solid back in it makes it very warm and sweaty when using it in the summer. Guys who hunt year round would probably not really like it. There is really no good place to put the Alpha on it securely and still readily available. Seems like it ends up in my wool pants pocket most of the time and that's not the best spot to carry it. I would also like to see a way to put the hand held long range antenna in the back and be able to use it while it was still in the pack, just pull the antenna out the top of the pack and have the cable run thru the shoulder strap and hooked to the Astro/Alpha in it's new carry pouch. Hope you know what I mean.

I've had an Eberlestock in the past and the pack itself was nice, but way to heavy before putting in all the crap that I take along. I like the nylon that the Osprey is made out of for functionality, but I like the looks of the Eberlestock better. The Osprey is way lighter and just as durable.

I also think a good idea would be to offer good accessories with it....such as a stapler and staples pre-loaded in a specific compartment, quality first aid kit already in it's own compartment and of course the bladder for the hydration system inside an insulated compartment with a good insulated hose. Basically set up to go when it comes out of the box.

I'm thinking $300 is not too much to ask for a job specific pack ready to go out of the box. I may be living in la-la land, but there is my .02......

Scott

[Hunter]

Buddy,
Here is what all I carry in my pack minus food. 2, 3 way dog leads, 2 waters, fire starter and Tylenol, heart burn medicine are in the pill bottles, baby wipes, camera, marine radio, Garmin, Maxima, batteries, Thermacell (for the early hunt), Tri Tronics hand held and the black tube is my long range antenna for the Garmin.



All that crap plus the pack weighs....


Here is how I wear the Garmin and the marine radio. They stay out of my way and the antennas don't get in my face like you would think.




This has been a good pack but, I can't stuff much of a load in it and when I do get it under a heavy load it kills me carrying it.

[catdogs]

This is a pic of a buddy of mine when we went to New Zealand. This is probably a 120 pound load in the Stone Glacier "Solo". He had 2 Tahr capes, Tahr meat and 2 sets of Tahr horns plus camping gear, optics and a rifle. He has used this pack extensively in Alaska, and he says it holds up better than anything else he has tried. I don't do near the back packing that he does. Before he had it loaded with Tahr, I would never have guessed he could fit all that in there because it compresses so small as a day pack. Another guy on the trip had the Kuiu pack and it was nice too, but lots more pockets and stuff.

[sheimer]

I went to the Kifaru site and found out that I was in La-la land, $300 wouldn't get you thru the door there. Twice that would be a good start on their web site. Not too sure many guys would be willing to drop that kind of cash on a pack.

Scott

[live to hunt]

Mystery ranch crew cab has worked for me the last few years. Folds down nice to day packs size and still have the option to haul out a large load. By far the most comfortable pack I have used. The price is right up there with the other high dollar packs