I've become obsessed with backcountry hunting, and as much as I'd like to have a man cave full of top of the line gear, having a wife and 3 kids makes a man bargain shop. I do have a badlands pack, but it isn't big enough for a "true" backcountry extended hunt. I found these packs on Amazon and they have AMAZING reviews. I've been researching these and other packs for over a month now and will be ordering one this week. Cant beat 5400 C.I. for $115 with a frame. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004R7L7YU?redirect=true&ref_=s9_simh_gw_g200_i1_r
Sweet deal!
- Thread starter highcountryhoy
- Start date
mnhoundman
Veteran member
I have one, used it two years. Only pack I've had, but I can't find anything to complain about and for the cost I figured I would try it.
I appreciate the feedback mnhoundman! I'll def. put my through the ringer and see if itll hold up
mnhoundman
Veteran member
I'm more than likely not as hard core as you, but it held up good, one of the long pockets on the side did rip down the long way not sure what happened, I think it was the spotting scope pocket.
mnhoundman
Veteran member
sneakypete
Veteran member
mnhoundman
Veteran member
Mnhoundman I like pics like that one! I just hope the pack I buy looks like that this year! The good thing about a hundred dollar pack is that it doesn't hurt your feelings as bad when they get some miles on em like that. Again, that's a beauty of a buck!
Timberstalker
Veteran member
That is a great price! I understand the budget factor as well. I'm still searching for a good deal on a pack, I'm wanting one a little bigger though.
Timbers talker I made the mistake when I first got I to backcountry hunting to jump on the brand bandwagon with a Badlands 2200 and immediately knew I'd have to go at LEAST 5000 cubic inch for a high country 3-5 day hunt. Keeps us posted if you find some deals!
I bought that exact pack frame for my son last year without the pack bag because we don't do backpack hunting. Anyway he used it to pack put his bull elk last November and it worked perfectly. It's quite adjustable and held elk quarters very securely with all the available staps.
That price on Amazon is a very good deal.
That price on Amazon is a very good deal.
Gr8bawana congrats on his elk and thanks for the feed back! If it'll hold elk quarters it should do fine for my trips up high
Predatore
Member
That looks like a nice pack. I'll throw out something else for you to consider. Have you heard of the military surplus Archteryx ILBE internal-framed pack? These are made by Arcteryx and are very durable large packs that will easily carry over 100 lbs. Bare in mind these are serious packs with a million buckles and weigh just under 10 lbs empty. You will find used ones for under $100 all over the net. I got mine on Ebay for under $50, and my friends bought theirs for around the same price point. These friends prefer their Eberlestock Dragonfly packs over this one, but you're talking about an 8x price difference. I have owned mine for a couple years now, and have carried out many heavy loads of elk and an entire mule deer once. The pack was once so heavily loaded with elk that I couldn't even stand up when it was fully loaded- a friend had to help hoist it unto my shoulders. And then there was the time I fell over with the mule deer and was like a turtle flailing on his back. But I digress...
Check it out here: http://www.amazon.com/USMC-Arcteryx-Propper-Main-Pack/dp/B006NH5B80
If you do consider this pack, make sure it has the lid and waist belt. For some reason the main pack is sometimes sold by itself.
Check it out here: http://www.amazon.com/USMC-Arcteryx-Propper-Main-Pack/dp/B006NH5B80
If you do consider this pack, make sure it has the lid and waist belt. For some reason the main pack is sometimes sold by itself.
haha I've been there done that Predatore! I've got one that I use a bit for extended trips for work (high country power pole inspections), but it seems a bit blocky to me and tough to "ease" through the thick stuff. I agree though that the thing will absolutely haul a ton. I think it can easily hold more than I'm capable of safely hiking with for sure!
mnhoundman
Veteran member
Predatore
Member
There's no doubt the Arcteryx is a large pack. The ALPS pack looks pretty nice too. I like how you can use the frame alone as a meat hauler.
Btw, your job does sound appealing. I have a friend who is a lineman for the power company and he is always scouting for animals as he's driving out to various remote locations. I bet you do the same.
yea I get to see some gorgeous country and luck up and find a shed or two every now and again! if I could just be home a bit more, it'd be the perfect job!
bruno
New Member
I did a 5 day back country hunt with the Archteryx pack last fall (Oct '15). I packed 65 lbs, 4 miles in up to 9000 ft where we set up camp. While a good pack that distributed the weight well it isn't a great day pack. I packed in a Badlands Treestand pack that I used while hunting.