- Dec 6, 2014
- 7
- 0
I'm looking to buy a new pack and sorting through all of the different packs out there is a bit overwhelming to say the least. I'm an experience hunter and I know what I want, but sometimes too many options isn't a good thing.
The last two years I've used a couple different packs that got the job done, but not like I want. A cheap internal frame pack I used two years ago worked good until I packed out the bull elk I killed and the frame bent and the pack just doesn't support a load and ride right any more. I used my old Military Rucksack with frame this year. It worked good overall and the external frame made packing my elk out this year doable, but the pack is not designed for hunting and makes life a little difficult because of it. I live and hunt in Montana and things can get ugly quick if you are not properly prepared so I carry allot of "Just in case" gear along with the necessities.
So what I'm looking for is:
A pack that will allow me to organize my gear and carry it comfortably, for several miles a day in rugged terrain, but will still allow the room and weight to pack an elk out. (I typically will carry a hind quarter and trim in the first trip out, do it again with the opposite side to get it out, then both front quarters in a load. Throw a head (if necessary) where I can or make one last trip).
I want a pack that has a rifle scabbard. I carry my rifle in my hand while hunting but it's EXTREMELY nice to put the rifle or bow in a scabbard while packing a critter out. So a "quick access" scabbard isn't needed.
A hydration system compatible pack is preferred but not an absolute must.
A pack that has the "additional accessories" options to add pouches, pockets, etc is a big bonus but not an absolute must. I'm wanting this for in the event I buy new gear in the future, I can easily add them to the pack if/where needed. I also like being able to put spare bullets and my range finder (I'm not sure why I rarely use it) on the waist strap so I have quick access to them.
I need the pack to be able to last several years while being heavily used (but not abused).
I need a pack that will fit me, which often times is difficult because I'm only 5'6" and 125 pounds (I know I'm a little guy). I plan to do everything I can to physically put a pack on and make sure of this before I spend the money on it.
Money is pretty tight for me. So I want a one pack do it all type pack. One that will allow me to use it for day hunts, but also overnight and up to probably 4 days, and pack the critter out. I know there are several good packs out there, but I don't have $600-$800 to spend on a pack, no matter how long I save for it. I'd really like to find a pack for about $200 that fits what I'm looking for. So, any suggestions are greatly appreciated, as well as any personal reviews on the packs. I know you get what you pay for and that $200 for a good pack isn't much, but it's a good chunk of change for a back pack for me (the joys of a wife a kids), so I want to take my time and make sure the investment is worth it.
Thank again.
Ty
The last two years I've used a couple different packs that got the job done, but not like I want. A cheap internal frame pack I used two years ago worked good until I packed out the bull elk I killed and the frame bent and the pack just doesn't support a load and ride right any more. I used my old Military Rucksack with frame this year. It worked good overall and the external frame made packing my elk out this year doable, but the pack is not designed for hunting and makes life a little difficult because of it. I live and hunt in Montana and things can get ugly quick if you are not properly prepared so I carry allot of "Just in case" gear along with the necessities.
So what I'm looking for is:
A pack that will allow me to organize my gear and carry it comfortably, for several miles a day in rugged terrain, but will still allow the room and weight to pack an elk out. (I typically will carry a hind quarter and trim in the first trip out, do it again with the opposite side to get it out, then both front quarters in a load. Throw a head (if necessary) where I can or make one last trip).
I want a pack that has a rifle scabbard. I carry my rifle in my hand while hunting but it's EXTREMELY nice to put the rifle or bow in a scabbard while packing a critter out. So a "quick access" scabbard isn't needed.
A hydration system compatible pack is preferred but not an absolute must.
A pack that has the "additional accessories" options to add pouches, pockets, etc is a big bonus but not an absolute must. I'm wanting this for in the event I buy new gear in the future, I can easily add them to the pack if/where needed. I also like being able to put spare bullets and my range finder (I'm not sure why I rarely use it) on the waist strap so I have quick access to them.
I need the pack to be able to last several years while being heavily used (but not abused).
I need a pack that will fit me, which often times is difficult because I'm only 5'6" and 125 pounds (I know I'm a little guy). I plan to do everything I can to physically put a pack on and make sure of this before I spend the money on it.
Money is pretty tight for me. So I want a one pack do it all type pack. One that will allow me to use it for day hunts, but also overnight and up to probably 4 days, and pack the critter out. I know there are several good packs out there, but I don't have $600-$800 to spend on a pack, no matter how long I save for it. I'd really like to find a pack for about $200 that fits what I'm looking for. So, any suggestions are greatly appreciated, as well as any personal reviews on the packs. I know you get what you pay for and that $200 for a good pack isn't much, but it's a good chunk of change for a back pack for me (the joys of a wife a kids), so I want to take my time and make sure the investment is worth it.
Thank again.
Ty
