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Best Pack for Saddle Hunting

peteherbst said:
Here’s my setup for 2019. I didn’t use it in 2018 so don’t know if there will be any issues.But in theory, I’m loving it. I have the game plan crossover pack with 3 hawk helium sticks and the predator platform. No bungies or clips needed. Planning on using the pack to carry my bow up with me in the initial climb.

View attachment 10483View attachment 10484
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Where would the bow go? Is there room?
 
Faust1578 said:
Where would the bow go? Is there room?
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It fits perfect when the sticks and predator aren’t buckled in. And I always carry by bow in. So the plan would be to get to the base of he tree and tether two sticks and the predator to the molle loops on the mantis. Then put the backpack on with the bow buckled in and climb.
 
sdonx said:
Mystery Ranch Pop Up 28 when its warmer
EXO 3500 when its colder
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The pop up 28 is intriguing. Any details on its functionality? Interior organization, carrying capacity, etc. Be interested to know what you pack in and how it fits in the bag.


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I still have my EXO packed from last hunt. When I clean it out I will throw a typical pop up pack together. Its basically the same except for all the heavy clothing, hot coffee and heat packs.
 
The popup does not have a ton of compartments. There is one lid compartment (with mesh bottom), and one front compartment that isn't super roomy.

That said, it's my go to pack when I'm hunting with the kestrel for a few reasons:

- I don't drag or cart deer out, and I don't like HAVING to hike in and out multiple times if I don't have to. Most deer I shoot are dead by the time I hit the ground from a hunt. I like the ability to walk in, hunt, kill deer, climb down, track deer, debone deer, and pack it out. The popup has the ability to carry out whatever I can carry out.
- I typically film hunts - it gives me enough real estate to pack everything in, with a comfortable frame to do so. If you haven't experienced hiking with a well designed frame and load lifters, it won't make sense until you do.
- I don't like the idea of a huge pack in a tree with me - I typically unload pretty much everything I use on a hunt once in the tree - I am not one of those guys who brings a ton of trinkets. Film setup is strapped on tree, climbing method and platform and saddle and ropes are deployed, grunt call on my neck, that leaves water, license, headlamp, knife, etc. All of my "accessories" easily fit in the lid compartment. Once set up and I hang the pack, I can cinch down the straps and the pack has a really small profile.
- The small profile fits well between my shoulders/waist - this is really important to me in many of the places I hunt. I don't want anything outside the outline of my torso. Walking through the woods with a low profile is imperative when approaching a set, trying to remain quiet.

I've never really understood the need for lots of compartments for organization - I guess this is because everything I use on a hunt comes out of the bag. I don't bring things that need to remain organized IN the bag during the hunt.

It could be quieter - that's my only real complaint. But again, this is picking nits for me because I don't go into my pack during hunts all that often, and never when deer are around. Even so, I'm building a pack out of quieter material to go on the Popup frame.

The pack is awesome for air travel, backpacking, etc. There are larger packs that may make sense for week long trips in backcountry, but this one fits the bill for day pack or weekend trips.

I looked long and hard at the scapegoat 35 - I think this would be a great alternative for anyone not packing deer out. I especially like the narrow profile of these packs. That said, if you want something super quiet, you may need to look outside of MR.
 
kyler1945 said:
The popup does not have a ton of compartments. There is one lid compartment (with mesh bottom), and one front compartment that isn't super roomy.

That said, it's my go to pack when I'm hunting with the kestrel for a few reasons:

- I don't drag or cart deer out, and I don't like HAVING to hike in and out multiple times if I don't have to. Most deer I shoot are dead by the time I hit the ground from a hunt. I like the ability to walk in, hunt, kill deer, climb down, track deer, debone deer, and pack it out. The popup has the ability to carry out whatever I can carry out.
- I typically film hunts - it gives me enough real estate to pack everything in, with a comfortable frame to do so. If you haven't experienced hiking with a well designed frame and load lifters, it won't make sense until you do.
- I don't like the idea of a huge pack in a tree with me - I typically unload pretty much everything I use on a hunt once in the tree - I am not one of those guys who brings a ton of trinkets. Film setup is strapped on tree, climbing method and platform and saddle and ropes are deployed, grunt call on my neck, that leaves water, license, headlamp, knife, etc. All of my "accessories" easily fit in the lid compartment. Once set up and I hang the pack, I can cinch down the straps and the pack has a really small profile.
- The small profile fits well between my shoulders/waist - this is really important to me in many of the places I hunt. I don't want anything outside the outline of my torso. Walking through the woods with a low profile is imperative when approaching a set, trying to remain quiet.

I've never really understood the need for lots of compartments for organization - I guess this is because everything I use on a hunt comes out of the bag. I don't bring things that need to remain organized IN the bag during the hunt.

It could be quieter - that's my only real complaint. But again, this is picking nits for me because I don't go into my pack during hunts all that often, and never when deer are around. Even so, I'm building a pack out of quieter material to go on the Popup frame.

The pack is awesome for air travel, backpacking, etc. There are larger packs that may make sense for week long trips in backcountry, but this one fits the bill for day pack or weekend trips.

I looked long and hard at the scapegoat 35 - I think this would be a great alternative for anyone not packing deer out. I especially like the narrow profile of these packs. That said, if you want something super quiet, you may need to look outside of MR.
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Thanks bud....very helpful.
 
Has anyone ever used the eberlestock bandit pack for their saddle set up, or in general for hunting? Any pros or cons?
 
kyler1945 said:
The popup does not have a ton of compartments. There is one lid compartment (with mesh bottom), and one front compartment that isn't super roomy.

That said, it's my go to pack when I'm hunting with the kestrel for a few reasons:

- I don't drag or cart deer out, and I don't like HAVING to hike in and out multiple times if I don't have to. Most deer I shoot are dead by the time I hit the ground from a hunt. I like the ability to walk in, hunt, kill deer, climb down, track deer, debone deer, and pack it out. The popup has the ability to carry out whatever I can carry out.
- I typically film hunts - it gives me enough real estate to pack everything in, with a comfortable frame to do so. If you haven't experienced hiking with a well designed frame and load lifters, it won't make sense until you do.
- I don't like the idea of a huge pack in a tree with me - I typically unload pretty much everything I use on a hunt once in the tree - I am not one of those guys who brings a ton of trinkets. Film setup is strapped on tree, climbing method and platform and saddle and ropes are deployed, grunt call on my neck, that leaves water, license, headlamp, knife, etc. All of my "accessories" easily fit in the lid compartment. Once set up and I hang the pack, I can cinch down the straps and the pack has a really small profile.
- The small profile fits well between my shoulders/waist - this is really important to me in many of the places I hunt. I don't want anything outside the outline of my torso. Walking through the woods with a low profile is imperative when approaching a set, trying to remain quiet.

I've never really understood the need for lots of compartments for organization - I guess this is because everything I use on a hunt comes out of the bag. I don't bring things that need to remain organized IN the bag during the hunt.

It could be quieter - that's my only real complaint. But again, this is picking nits for me because I don't go into my pack during hunts all that often, and never when deer are around. Even so, I'm building a pack out of quieter material to go on the Popup frame.

The pack is awesome for air travel, backpacking, etc. There are larger packs that may make sense for week long trips in backcountry, but this one fits the bill for day pack or weekend trips.

I looked long and hard at the scapegoat 35 - I think this would be a great alternative for anyone not packing deer out. I especially like the narrow profile of these packs. That said, if you want something super quiet, you may need to look outside of MR.
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I've been seriously looking at this pack. I saw you use a different pack for the winter. The pop up appeals to me because as it gets colder I can throw heavier layers between the bag and frame. Did you just like the exo more for winter, or does the pop up not work well for that scenario?
 
boone0 said:
I've been seriously looking at this pack. I saw you use a different pack for the winter. The pop up appeals to me because as it gets colder I can throw heavier layers between the bag and frame. Did you just like the exo more for winter, or does the pop up not work well for that scenario?
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Good question: I just put all my clothing in the bag and all my climbing gear in between.
 
Oh, and another question for the pop up users: when you have the shelf loaded, does it compress everything in the main pack so it's difficult to get out?
 
You can put your clothes in between. I’d recommend putting your heavy stuff in the load shelf though. That’s the whole idea of the pack. You want your load as close to back as possible. The further away from you, the more leverage it exerts on your shoulders.

I roll my layers up on front the pack and lash on with a pac tac system if I have a lot. If its light layer I’ll just use the compression straps.

The compression straps attach at the back of the bag, so you just loosen them up a bit and it allows you to get your stuff out no issue.
 
I have the pop-up 28. I will use this pack in the early and hopefully late season. In the late season, I will put my FL sanctuary jacket and bibs in the pop-up frame and everything else in the pack compartment. I have it already packed and ready for the Illinois get together March 16. I do not have the bow in it, but I could. Nor do I have my climbing spurs on it..but I could. I really like my the pop-up28. If I need more room I have my kifaru with duplex frame and pack that will carry my weight.

I do have the ALP pathfinder that I would sell for 60.00 and the Kifaru Tailgunner (900 ci) that I will also sell if interested. 150.00

If you need a super small pack but will carry a lot...then look at kifaru escape and evade. I have one and have used it for hunting and camping. Great pack...but to small for all my gear.
 
ingramjri said:
I've been eye balling the Mystery Ranch Treehouse. Any of you ladies and gents use it? I like the square layout and the apparent functionality when in the tree. I have a sitka tool bucket now that works pretty well...just want a little more capacity. So the tool bucket will be in the classifieds soon. hint hint.

https://www.mysteryranch.com/treehouse-pack
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I’m looking for a pack to haul lone wolf sticks, a predator platform and maybe an extra layer. How would the tool box work for that? Can sticks be strapped on easily? Platform inside?
 
I USE A TENZING 4000 PACK. I CLIMB WITH A 16 PACK OF WILDEDGE STEPPS. I USE A KESTREL SADDLE. I PUT THE STEPPS AND SADDLE IN THE MEAT COMPARTMENT. I CAN LOAD IT DOWN WITH WINTER CLOTHES. EVERYTHING IS INSIDE OF PACK. DURING COLD MONTHS I AM USUALLY CARRYING AROUND 37LBS. THE PACK CARRIES GREAT.
 
I know most people are trying to use smaller packs but I dont own a pack anymore that doesnt have either a good internal frame or an external frame. They're normally a little larger and heavier but the comfort when loaded and the ability to pack whatever I need to pack is worth the price and size/weight for me. I love the badlands 2200 and I also use a LL Bean hunters carryall that I have done some modifications to. Both of these work really well but I am always looking for new packs. If I ever get a juki I'm going to start my own backpack build to make something that is perfect for my setup. But anyway I suggest something with a frame especially if you're going to hike any long distance. Once you go to a high end pack you wont ever be able to go back and you will become a backpack hoarder
 
Nutterbuster said:
I love my discontinued Badlands Silent Reaper, and wish more manufacurers had well made, soft frame, fleece packs. Kathy Kelly and Day One are the only ones I'm aware of, and they aren't cheap. I'd also like to see a neoprene pack. I think that would be tough, quiet, and hold shape well.
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Neoprene pack, i never thought of that one. Good idea...Waterproof
 
I picked up a kifaru shaped charge with the Sherman pocket it’s the best setup I’ve came across yet for carrying my sticks and platform ..
 
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