I have a cabelas alaskan guide frame pack and am thinking that I can use it to pack in my camp, detach my main bag from the frame, strap on a small bag-which is part of the main bag-to the frame, and hunt. Anyone else use a similar rig? If so, any drawbacks? I like my pack and don't want to spend money on a whole new system if I don't need to. Thanks for any help.
Anyone use a frame pack as a day pack?
- Thread starter smartweed
- Start date
Slugz
Veteran member
SW,
I have the same frame pack, couple of em in the family. Id like to get a new one but just can't justify it cause I have no issues with it. My comments are mainly from archery/muzzleloader timeframe here in Colorado. I either do two things based on the terrain, who else is hunting that day. Scenario one is I have a tag in hand so I usually stash
my frame pack in the woods, central location a few miles in. I put it under a tree with a garbage bag over it and brush it over. I'll hunt then with a fanny pack on that I just strap to my frame pack when carrying both.
Scenario two is I have no tag in hand and I'll put the gear in two small/med dry sacks. The ones that are quiet and scrunch down really small and tight. I'll tie them in with the paracord on the shelf. Depending on the cover/trees I've taken off the top part of the frame so it doesn't stick above my head.
Late season or "open area" hunts I'll do the same with the gear and leave that top frame in place. 4th season cow hunt pic attached.
I have the same frame pack, couple of em in the family. Id like to get a new one but just can't justify it cause I have no issues with it. My comments are mainly from archery/muzzleloader timeframe here in Colorado. I either do two things based on the terrain, who else is hunting that day. Scenario one is I have a tag in hand so I usually stash
my frame pack in the woods, central location a few miles in. I put it under a tree with a garbage bag over it and brush it over. I'll hunt then with a fanny pack on that I just strap to my frame pack when carrying both. Scenario two is I have no tag in hand and I'll put the gear in two small/med dry sacks. The ones that are quiet and scrunch down really small and tight. I'll tie them in with the paracord on the shelf. Depending on the cover/trees I've taken off the top part of the frame so it doesn't stick above my head.
Late season or "open area" hunts I'll do the same with the gear and leave that top frame in place. 4th season cow hunt pic attached.
Thanks for the replies so far. I was there in Colorado last year hunting during muzzleloader season and took a day pack along in addition to my big pack but I'm trying to eliminate the bulk and weight of the day pack I think the big pack can do it all. Just curious how and if anyone else did the same sounds like I'm not far off base in what I want to do thanks for any and all help and good luck.
gonhunting247
Veteran member
- Jan 21, 2014
- 1,221
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We use this method in AK all the time and it works great. It's nice to set it up so you can hook your rifle on during the long climbs. Then when your successful you're ready to strap all you can handle on the frame for the trip back to camp or base camp. The only thing is that the frame pack has a little more bulk and is noisier, so in some situations you'll need to shed it a little sooner than a nice sleek, quiet day pack. Good luck, have a blast.
Slugz
Veteran member
They are in the arts and crafts section. They are definitely not heavy ones for strapping anything substantial to the pack like an elk quarter, but they are great for tightening up the pack to reduce bulk and keep things from moving around. Old web belts can hold up to much heavier loading tho.
We have used this frame for a couple years. We removed the bar from the bottom, and ran a strap through the fabric. cut some weight, and now it just acts like a Kifaru grab-it. We added a couple more ladder locks on the side and carry loose 1" straps. We have done this with a bag attached, or just dry bags and go. Strap your small lumbar bag or day pack on, and you can ditch the frame if you want to. It is pretty sanitary.