Hunting backpacks

rsp1761

rsp1761

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I have tried a lot including Ebelerestock x3, Arcteryx and I just purchased a Badlands Summit which I really like except for the lid which I find does not stay in place particularly well unless the pack is completely jammed full (and it is fairly large).

The Arcteryx is a great rig although it suffers from a lack of smaller externally accessible pockets.

The Ebelerestock units are all good and I just bought a new one (the RMEF model) I plan to try out this week deer hunting....

Would be interested in hearing what other packs members have had success (or failure) with...
 
I am in love with my Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault pack, I don't have any experience with Eberlestock or other premium brands, but I know that MR is performing quite satisfactorily. Granted I only have a few hundred days experience wearing it since I've had it since February 6, 2013, but I've not found any serious flaws with it.
 
My thought on packs that I've used or know buddies with are:

Badlands....okay for light hunting but not built for heavy mountain hunting
Eberlestock....a great day or short multi-day pack but I'm not a fan of the rifle scabbard...it makes sitting impossible
Mystery Ranch....very tough and a great short or multi day pack but they are extremely heavy and the top lid design is poor.
Kuiu.....too many broken frames for me to even consider one
Arcteryx....a solid pack but more designed for backpackers than hunters
Barney's of Alaska....the best external frame there is if you are looking for a true external frame....it is bulky like all external frames
Kifaru....Decent day pack and short trip pack but lack of outside pockets
 
My multi-day pack is now a Kifaru Highcamp. Regarding the post above...true this particular pack is built without pockets (by design) but you can add enough pockets on to cover your bases. I haven't had to put this pack to a serious test yet in real hunting conditions. I have however loaded it up with 100lbs of sand bags and hiked around. It handled it better than any other pack I've used. In a couple weeks I'll be headed to New Zealand so will really give it a run for it's money there.

Before the Kifaru my main pack was an Eberlestock Blue widow (no gun scabbard). For day hunts with the possibility of carrying meat out I really liked this pack. My beef with it was that it was just a bit to short for my frame. This didn't bother me 'til the load got above 50lbs...than it was uncomfortable.

Those are the "hunting specific" packs I have used. I have used a handful of made in China or Vietnam backpackers special packs and mostly was unimpressed with the ones I have tried.
 
I emailed badlands about the issues with the lid I was having and they sent me a detailed adjustment procedure they claim will remedy the issue...Will try to sort this tonight and try this pack out in the field for a 2 day outing soon....Customer service and response seemed good. Its construction material is called 900 denier ripstop fabric and it seems VERY light but they claim extreme durability with this thin fabric...time will tell.
 
Im looking at picking up something like the Eberlestock low drag next year for a pack.

The only negative thing I can find about it is that you have to take your pack off or remove your rifle from the pack before you can sit properly to rest if your humpin around lots
 
titch-- said:
Im looking at picking up something like the Eberlestock low drag next year for a pack.

The only negative thing I can find about it is that you have to take your pack off or remove your rifle from the pack before you can sit properly to rest if your humpin around lots
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I have the Lo-Drag. You're right about not being able to sit when you have a rifle in the scabbard. I find if I'm walking a long enough distance that I have the rifle in the scabbard, I'm probably going to want to take the pack off to rest anyways. If I'm in more of a hunting situation and have my rifle out I'll fold the scabbard up into the backpack so I can still move around freely without removing anything. It's also a nice feature if you get the detachable top part for the scabbard as you can fully enclose your rifle after dark, it also helps protect your rifle from the weather.

Another issue is what you can fit in the scabbard itself. I can't get my FCP-K into it muzzle first if I have one of my larger/longer bipods on it. I can't fit it in butt first either as the rubber butt pad is too grippy and locks into the nylon in the scabbard.

The pack has some odd features. The air pocket laptop sleeves for example, I don't think I will ever use those and they take up enough space in the bag. To make them somewhat functional for me I got a waterproof plano box and keep a bunch of my survival gear in it and it fits where the laptop would otherwise go. The Hydration pockets are long and thin so they won't fit many of the standard hydration bladders, I ended up getting 2 skinny Colemans that fit fairly good. There is a separate pass-thru for the hydration tubes on each side of the pack which is a nice. There isn't as much over-all space in the pack as I had hoped...it's probably better for day hunts or for essential gear only. Best to have some extra pouches on the outside if you need to carry gear for several days. Speaking of pouches, the molle webbing on the sides is angled so anything you attach probably won't fit the way you were hoping. I have as much stuff strapped on the outside of mine as I keep inside.
 
I use a Dakine Poacher. I have to remove the pack to grab my rifle but its good if going out for a weekend. I got it off steepandcheap.com and i think it was like 79 plus tax and shipping. so couldnt refuse.
It is supposed to be for skiiing/snow boarding but the ski securing system works perfect for a rifle. Has a removable frame, slips for the lid. And a few quick access pockets in the belt, and top.
Anyways I love it. Great quality, very useful, and I use it for almost everything
 
ReVoR said:
I have the Lo-Drag. You're right about not being able to sit when you have a rifle in the scabbard. I find if I'm walking a long enough distance that I have the rifle in the scabbard, I'm probably going to want to take the pack off to rest anyways. If I'm in more of a hunting situation and have my rifle out I'll fold the scabbard up into the backpack so I can still move around freely without removing anything. It's also a nice feature if you get the detachable top part for the scabbard as you can fully enclose your rifle after dark, it also helps protect your rifle from the weather.
Click to expand...

I agree with a long rest that taking the pack off would be about the best idea. I think only real problem is probably those quick rests where you want to get off your feet for a second or two, but then it only takes a second to pull the rifle out. Either way no biggie. :)

Also since I have your ear. Is there a place for bladders in these packs?
 
I have been using a Kifaru EMR with a hauler/seat and gun bearer for years. I think it's the best pack out there for the job.

I would usualy hike to the base camp. Remove the bag from frame/hauler and attack my deer sled/harness, and attach a Kifaru E&E pocket that contains a survival kit and food for the day.

There is a spot for a bladder in the bag and anywhere else because it's a modular molle/pals system.
 
lots of great info in here.

Can anyone point me in the direction as to where to find a good day/overnight pack that I can store a rifle and/or a compound bow?
I've been looking and I have found a few that accommodate a crossbow but that's not what I'm after. Badlands seem to make a few. Anyone with first hand experience?
 
I think if you're really serious about carrying game back from wherever you shoot it then the only way to go is a frame pack. I keep looking at packs, buying packs and getting rid of packs. In the end, the frame pack with removable bag cannot be beat.
 
Are any of the lower-cost external frame packs even worth considering, for casual (couple animals a year) use?

I see some house brand packs at Cabelas and Bass Pro and a couple at Sportsman's Guide in the $150-250 range...
 
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