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Best backpacks for saddle hunting?
- Thread starter iLOVEthehunt
- Start date
I always strapped them to my pack when I did used sticks. I guess I never thought about carrying them in. It also gave me a free hand and they didn't sway back and forth if they were slung over my shoulder. I use some WE steps now and still take my pack off at the tree. Guess it carried over from the treestand days maybe? Is there a reason you don't like taking your pack off at the tree?
When I use sticks I pack them. The only thing I want in my hands is my bow. I have shot several deer going into and back from my stand, and there are several I let walk. When the bucks start chasing does anything can happen.
I've been saddle hunting for 13 years and during that time I've tried so many packs. For me, the best packs are lumbar packs and specifically the Kifaru Hellcat. Perfect size for the amount of gear I take and the ability to strap my platform and/or a jacket to it is handy. I don't use sticks and obviously I don't pack a deer out with this. Instead I keep a military surplus frame pack in my truck and if a shoot a deer I'm more than happy to go back to my truck to grab either the frame pack or my jett sled.
I have to take my pack off to change into my hunting clothes anyway.
Unless using carbon fiber sticks, hands might get cold carrying them. Also, some just aren't that comfortable in hand. You can sling them, but that has draw backs too.
Carrying Timber Ninja C1s makes sense to me as an option if you can carry your weapon on your pack...they weigh about as much as a bow and less than a scoped rifle. Not cold in hand, composite steps less likely to impale you in a fall than some others.
Terrain, distance, and vegetation are factors that will impact what works best.
It’s a condura 320 on the ventures and it’s not bad. About like other condura fabrics. It’s no louder than my kifaru pack. Especially once it gets a little use and broke in.
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I started saddle hunting couple years ago and my pack has swelled terribly. Im really going to do some downsizing this year. Very interested in trying a lumbar pack.
lumbar packs are great till you load them down with any kind of weight. Then they just become a floppy sack.
I ordered the venture 2300. If it sucks I will hold you liable
I carry my bow in my left hand and phone or gps in my right hand. No place to carry my sticks, so they get strapped to my backpack. Even if I’m going to an area that I know well enough to not need my phone or gps, I don’t think I’d want to navigate through the underbrush carrying a bow in one hand and 3-5 climbing sticks in the other hand, all while wearing a backpack. That would not be fun.
Not sure how far your hikes are, but some of mine are 1-2 miles and alot are uphill. I don't even like to carry my bow in my hand for those long trips, especially when climbing. I use a sling on my bow for those types of walks and I sure don't want to be carrying sticks for an hour either.
Plus I am often holding a hat in one hand (trying to cool down) and my phone in the other when I'm getting close to the setup.
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Agreed....also have take pack off to put on bibs/coat anyway.
I haven't found this to be the case with Kifaru lumbar packs and I've used the Tailgunner II, Scout, and Hellcat. The Scout even has small stays.
Had them all. The hellcat was the worst. Strap sticks to it and it doesn’t haul well at all. Good for hanging cams or scouting but that’s about it.
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Really? Had them all?
Maybe you had a bad batch because my experience is quite different using the backpack straps.
I will say the Trophyline lumbar pack is not a good choice. Very floppy with no structure.
Kifaru jacked all their prices up through the roof! I won’t be buying anymore of there stuff. Nor do they offer free shipping anymore.
I just priced a Styker XL and duplex lite frame. $856 shipped!!!!! Thats insane!!!!!
I just priced a Styker XL and duplex lite frame. $856 shipped!!!!! Thats insane!!!!!