Suggestions for a hot weather rifle hunt pack

[Shane13]

I drew the desert bighorn tag in Texas a few days ago. Now that I'm able to think about it without fainting again, I'm starting to get geared up. My hunt will either be in March/April or July, and it will be in the desert mountains of the Big Bend area of Southwest Texas along the Rio Grande. So it will likely be HOT.

I need a pack that will hold 50-60# of gear (and water) and a rifle while being as cool as possible. I've been looking at packs online mostly. I like the idea of the Badlands Hypervent Suspension. Several comments I've read about some of those packs complain that they're noisy though. Most packs I've had experience with have made a little noise, so maybe the Badlands packs aren't any more noisy than others.

What pack would you guys recommend for me?

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Shane13]

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[hvfd21walker]

I really like my Eberlestock. Look at them and oh yeah CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! on the tag.

 

[Grantbvfd]

What your price range?

 

[Eberle]

Congrats on the sheep tag! I went on a youth-hunt with my nephew at Elephant Mountain for mule deer. We saw 17 huge rams. You want have any problems getting one. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[Drhorsepower]

I like my kuiu, I've heard good things about kifaru and mystery ranch.

 

[Shane13]

I really like my Eberlestock. Look at them and oh yeah CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! on the tag.

Which model? And thanks. I'm PUMPED.

What your price range?

I don't know, I was thinking $200-$400. But whatever it takes to get a comfortable quality pack (within reason).

Congrats on the sheep tag! I went on a youth-hunt with my nephew at Elephant Mountain for mule deer. We saw 17 huge rams. You want have any problems getting one. Let us know how it turns out.

Thanks. My son and I drew a javelina youth hunt for Elephant Mountain a year or two ago, but we ended up not getting to go due to other conflicts. I'm kinda hoping I get to hunt Sierra Diablo for the sheep, mainly because I'd get to hunt in March or April if my hunt ends up there. The Elephant Mountain hunt will be in July, and we're going to Orlando in July too. But I'll show up whenever and wherever they want me for sheep.

The possibility of a July hunt is what has me interested in a vented pack.

I like my kuiu, I've heard good things about kifaru and mystery ranch.

Thanks, I'll check them out.

 

[Grantbvfd]

I think in years to come KUIU will be one of the top 3 in high end packs. As of right now they have a few things to work out.

Mystery Ranch makes probably the most durable pack out there. They could drag behind a pickup for a few miles and be fine. The problem is the weight. If you are ok with that they are a good choice.

Kifaru makes an all around great pack. Lightweight durable and built to order. The layout of their packs have the hunter in mind. Take a look at the timberline series as well as the duplex timberline series.

 

[Eberle]

Shane,

Do you know how many bonus points you had when you drew-out? I don't have to tell you how lucky you are! That is the hardest public tag in Texas to draw! Been apply for at least 10 years!

 

[Shane13]

I had 7 points. I thought I'd been putting in for it every year it's been available, but maybe I missed a couple somehow. I've been putting in for the Grand Slam longer, but you don't get PPs for that one. I have 18 for both pronghorn and gun exotic. I just can't seem to draw those. Maybe someday when I have 40 PPs....

 

[CaliforniaHunter]

I'd have to say my Eberlerstock X2 is amazing.. Goodluck on your hunt. If its not already over lol