"The official saddle hunting backpack thread"

[thedutchtouch]

Saw this pack on FB marketplace that may interest some of you guys (I know I suffer from over packing syndrome myself)

 

[bowhuntr09]

Saw this pack on FB marketplace that may interest some of you guys (I know I suffer from over packing syndrome myself)
View attachment 97366

Do they have it in camo, they say deer can see blue

 

[thedutchtouch]

Do they have it in camo, they say deer can see blue

But that wouldn't be timberpimp.

 

[Black Titan]

I picked up a Cabelas 2500 Outfitter. I like it so far. The rifle supports are perfect for holding a one stick. Nice and roomy and lots of pockets. My old pack is a smaller Tidwe. It's a good pack, but its tight. Like the openings are smaller than the storage space. Best way to describe it is it feels like the cinch straps are tightened down on it, when they're completely slack. Hard to get all my gear in it.

BT

 

[kbetts]

I picked up a Cabelas 2500 Outfitter. I like it so far. The rifle supports are perfect for holding a one stick. Nice and roomy and lots of pockets. My old pack is a smaller Tidwe. It's a good pack, but its tight. Like the openings are smaller than the storage space. Best way to describe it is it feels like the cinch straps are tightened down on it, when they're completely slack. Hard to get all my gear in it.

BT

I have an old Cabelas suede bottom backpack I will never part with. Everytime I'm "in between" and can't make a decision what to carry....I throw it all in the 'ol Cabelas.

 

[Rutman]

Sitka Tool Belt in sub alpine is nearly $100 off right now. Been my go to pack the last 2 seasons.

Tool Belt | SITKA Gear

Low-profile efficiency for the minimalist hunter in a hip pack with a removable Sitka Gear jacket and bib shoulder harness system.

www.sitkagear.com

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Crcusmonky]

Sitka Tool Belt in sub alpine is nearly $100 off right now. Been my go to pack the last 2 seasons.

Tool Belt | SITKA Gear

Low-profile efficiency for the minimalist hunter in a hip pack with a removable Sitka Gear jacket and bib shoulder harness system.

www.sitkagear.com

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I believe this is the thread you seek:

The official saddle hunting fanny pack /lumbar pack thread

I did some searching and couldn’t find a dedicated thread for members to post fanny pack lumbar pack set ups. “The saddle hunting official backpack thread” was very useful and cost me several hundred dollars. However I have condensed my set ups down to only needing a small pack and have been...

saddlehunter.com

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[casts_by_fly]

I’m wrapping the season and planning for next while everything is fresh. I’ve perused this thread as much as I can but still haven’t found the answer. So I’ll let you guys tell me what I want for a pack next year.

Im currently running an Amazon cheapie that I’ve had the past couple years on recco from this board. Before this year I only used it as a recovery pack with knife, tags, gloves, rope, etc. I hunt close enough to the truck that when I shoot one, I’ll walk my bow and stuff back to the truck while I wait out the deer. I would carry my other gear in dump pouches on my saddle including a predator xl. This year I changed things around a bit. I moved from 4 30” helium sticks to a 2tc and rappel setup which let me use a pack without it banging on the sticks. I stopped wearing my coat to the stand then and strapped it to my pack. Since I was carrying a pack anyway, I dropped most of the gear from my saddle and into the pack. It’s a different way to hunt and I probably won’t do it for early season (I’ll just use a Fanny pack and hand carry the platform) but for mid and late season I think this is the way to go.

im carrying 40’ of c-iv and two small tethers, a rangefinder, buck knife, 2xAA flashlight, grunt tube, and some odds and ends inside the pack. The predator xl goes on the outside now. My heavy jacket gets strapped on the outside. I’d like the ability to strap a 30” helium vertically for when I one stick And if it could handle all four of them even better. I hand carry my bow.

I want good straps and ideally a waist belt. I don’t need a frame pack. I don’t pack out deer. The most I’d walk is a mile, so I’m not taxing it much. Smaller and compact is better. Modular might be ideal to adjust by the season. A quiet material would be nice, but not at the expense of function. I don’t want to spend a ton if I don’t need to.

The SOG opord tactical pack has been in my saved for later for a while. It looks like it might be a good choice, though it seems a little big in pictures. The mardington looks like it is more the right size. Both are cheap. What other choices are there I need to consider?

 

[gcr0003]

I’m wrapping the season and planning for next while everything is fresh. I’ve perused this thread as much as I can but still haven’t found the answer. So I’ll let you guys tell me what I want for a pack next year.

Im currently running an Amazon cheapie that I’ve had the past couple years on recco from this board. Before this year I only used it as a recovery pack with knife, tags, gloves, rope, etc. I hunt close enough to the truck that when I shoot one, I’ll walk my bow and stuff back to the truck while I wait out the deer. I would carry my other gear in dump pouches on my saddle including a predator xl. This year I changed things around a bit. I moved from 4 30” helium sticks to a 2tc and rappel setup which let me use a pack without it banging on the sticks. I stopped wearing my coat to the stand then and strapped it to my pack. Since I was carrying a pack anyway, I dropped most of the gear from my saddle and into the pack. It’s a different way to hunt and I probably won’t do it for early season (I’ll just use a Fanny pack and hand carry the platform) but for mid and late season I think this is the way to go.

im carrying 40’ of c-iv and two small tethers, a rangefinder, buck knife, 2xAA flashlight, grunt tube, and some odds and ends inside the pack. The predator xl goes on the outside now. My heavy jacket gets strapped on the outside. I’d like the ability to strap a 30” helium vertically for when I one stick And if it could handle all four of them even better. I hand carry my bow.

I want good straps and ideally a waist belt. I don’t need a frame pack. I don’t pack out deer. The most I’d walk is a mile, so I’m not taxing it much. Smaller and compact is better. Modular might be ideal to adjust by the season. A quiet material would be nice, but not at the expense of function. I don’t want to spend a ton if I don’t need to.

The SOG opord tactical pack has been in my saved for later for a while. It looks like it might be a good choice, though it seems a little big in pictures. The mardington looks like it is more the right size. Both are cheap. What other choices are there I need to consider?

Kuiu venture 1800 or 2300 you won’t regret it

 

[bowhuntr09]

I’m wrapping the season and planning for next while everything is fresh. I’ve perused this thread as much as I can but still haven’t found the answer. So I’ll let you guys tell me what I want for a pack next year.

Im currently running an Amazon cheapie that I’ve had the past couple years on recco from this board. Before this year I only used it as a recovery pack with knife, tags, gloves, rope, etc. I hunt close enough to the truck that when I shoot one, I’ll walk my bow and stuff back to the truck while I wait out the deer. I would carry my other gear in dump pouches on my saddle including a predator xl. This year I changed things around a bit. I moved from 4 30” helium sticks to a 2tc and rappel setup which let me use a pack without it banging on the sticks. I stopped wearing my coat to the stand then and strapped it to my pack. Since I was carrying a pack anyway, I dropped most of the gear from my saddle and into the pack. It’s a different way to hunt and I probably won’t do it for early season (I’ll just use a Fanny pack and hand carry the platform) but for mid and late season I think this is the way to go.

im carrying 40’ of c-iv and two small tethers, a rangefinder, buck knife, 2xAA flashlight, grunt tube, and some odds and ends inside the pack. The predator xl goes on the outside now. My heavy jacket gets strapped on the outside. I’d like the ability to strap a 30” helium vertically for when I one stick And if it could handle all four of them even better. I hand carry my bow.

I want good straps and ideally a waist belt. I don’t need a frame pack. I don’t pack out deer. The most I’d walk is a mile, so I’m not taxing it much. Smaller and compact is better. Modular might be ideal to adjust by the season. A quiet material would be nice, but not at the expense of function. I don’t want to spend a ton if I don’t need to.

The SOG opord tactical pack has been in my saved for later for a while. It looks like it might be a good choice, though it seems a little big in pictures. The mardington looks like it is more the right size. Both are cheap. What other choices are there I need to consider?

I have been through a lot of packs, I mean a LOT. Everything from Kifaru frame packs on down to small flimsy fleece packs. This year I got the Asio mobile hunters pack and honestly I can’t find any reason to change up so far. It worked well for me all season either as a pack with my hybrid LW .5 setup or my regular saddle setup with a platform. It has good straps and buckles to strap things vertically across the front and also straps on the bottom to strap clothing or sticks etc under the pack. They have a larger Bowhunters pack that has a waist belt and more room if you prefer. I really like the zippered pocket layout, has ports for retractable pull up ropes too. The only negative I have heard is the inside liner is noisy but that seems to lessen with use. I’m not typically digging in my pack when deer are in earshot anyway.

 

[BTaylor]

I got a platow for Christmas and so far am really pleased with it from a function standpoint. Not a fan of the material used though. I have used it for one afternoon hunt hauling my mission stick and used it sunday to go pull a couple trail cams. Wanted it more for scouting and trail cams than hunting but it works well for hunting if you dont need to pack a critter out. Hoping the material will soften up and quiet down some with use. It's not a deal breaker for me but would be for some folks for sure.

 

[casts_by_fly]

Kuiu venture 1800 or 2300 you won’t regret it

I assume you mean the venture divide (2000/3000). That does seem to check a lot of the boxes. The removable waist pack is nice. That's where I'd keep my rangefinder, release, facemask, and glove which is all of the early season stuff I carry (aside from climbing method). Later in the season just hook it back into the pack and everything's in the same place.

I have been through a lot of packs, I mean a LOT. Everything from Kifaru frame packs on down to small flimsy fleece packs. This year I got the Asio mobile hunters pack and honestly I can’t find any reason to change up so far. It worked well for me all season either as a pack with my hybrid LW .5 setup or my regular saddle setup with a platform. It has good straps and buckles to strap things vertically across the front and also straps on the bottom to strap clothing or sticks etc under the pack. They have a larger Bowhunters pack that has a waist belt and more room if you prefer. I really like the zippered pocket layout, has ports for retractable pull up ropes too. The only negative I have heard is the inside liner is noisy but that seems to lessen with use. I’m not typically digging in my pack when deer are in earshot anyway.

Its pretty small overall (volume and height). I can't check my current pack as its in my truck at the auto shop, but 15" tall seems really small. When I wind up my 40' of C-IV the loops are longer than 15". I assume you're strapping short sticks horizontally?

 

[gcr0003]

I assume you mean the venture divide (2000/3000). That does seem to check a lot of the boxes. The removable waist pack is nice. That's where I'd keep my rangefinder, release, facemask, and glove which is all of the early season stuff I carry (aside from climbing method). Later in the season just hook it back into the pack and everything's in the same place.




Its pretty small overall (volume and height). I can't check my current pack as its in my truck at the auto shop, but 15" tall seems really small. When I wind up my 40' of C-IV the loops are longer than 15". I assume you're strapping short sticks horizontally?

No I mean the venture 1800/2300, no divide. It’s the last gen model and you can find them for around $100-150 used. They’re more narrow and tall than the divide which is shorter and fatter. I carried full length sticks very comfortably on mine when I had it. I upgraded to the proframe to haul meat but if I wasn’t doing that I would go back to the 2300 in an instant.

Kuiu Venture 1800

Used, but good condition. $150 shipped PayPal.

saddlehunter.com

 

[bowhuntr09]

I assume you mean the venture divide (2000/3000). That does seem to check a lot of the boxes. The removable waist pack is nice. That's where I'd keep my rangefinder, release, facemask, and glove which is all of the early season stuff I carry (aside from climbing method). Later in the season just hook it back into the pack and everything's in the same place.




Its pretty small overall (volume and height). I can't check my current pack as its in my truck at the auto shop, but 15" tall seems really small. When I wind up my 40' of C-IV the loops are longer than 15". I assume you're strapping short sticks horizontally?

I strap 4 Tethrd One Sticks horizontally. For your 30+ inch sticks I would go vertically up the pack.

Inside or outside it’s held everything I need. Right now it contains a Doyle’s hoist, kill kit, knee pads, screw in bow/gear holder, my saddle with 2 poiches, a lineman, tether, limb clippers, headlamps, grunt call, can call, cold weather beanie and heavy gloves, mechanics gloves for climbing, 2 different sets of light gloves, 2 face masks, a cell phone for filming, a Anker external battery for recharging, a LWCG pocket arm and probably more stuff I’m forgetting. And like I said, they have the bigger brother to this which is basically the same layout just bigger and with a belt.

 

[NimbleTimbo]

I’m wrapping the season and planning for next while everything is fresh. I’ve perused this thread as much as I can but still haven’t found the answer. So I’ll let you guys tell me what I want for a pack next year.

Im currently running an Amazon cheapie that I’ve had the past couple years on recco from this board. Before this year I only used it as a recovery pack with knife, tags, gloves, rope, etc. I hunt close enough to the truck that when I shoot one, I’ll walk my bow and stuff back to the truck while I wait out the deer. I would carry my other gear in dump pouches on my saddle including a predator xl. This year I changed things around a bit. I moved from 4 30” helium sticks to a 2tc and rappel setup which let me use a pack without it banging on the sticks. I stopped wearing my coat to the stand then and strapped it to my pack. Since I was carrying a pack anyway, I dropped most of the gear from my saddle and into the pack. It’s a different way to hunt and I probably won’t do it for early season (I’ll just use a Fanny pack and hand carry the platform) but for mid and late season I think this is the way to go.

im carrying 40’ of c-iv and two small tethers, a rangefinder, buck knife, 2xAA flashlight, grunt tube, and some odds and ends inside the pack. The predator xl goes on the outside now. My heavy jacket gets strapped on the outside. I’d like the ability to strap a 30” helium vertically for when I one stick And if it could handle all four of them even better. I hand carry my bow.

I want good straps and ideally a waist belt. I don’t need a frame pack. I don’t pack out deer. The most I’d walk is a mile, so I’m not taxing it much. Smaller and compact is better. Modular might be ideal to adjust by the season. A quiet material would be nice, but not at the expense of function. I don’t want to spend a ton if I don’t need to.

The SOG opord tactical pack has been in my saved for later for a while. It looks like it might be a good choice, though it seems a little big in pictures. The mardington looks like it is more the right size. Both are cheap. What other choices are there I need to consider?

I have a lot of packs and cycle through them depending on where I am hunting, how far, if I think a pack-out is needed or I'm close enough to the vehicle, my climbing method to use that day, how long I sit, etc. I have several frame packs but of the non-frame packs I have several cheap ones, and some nicer ones that might fit your bill. I have the TL Platow, several Badlands packs, cheap Fieldlines, the SOG opord tactical, one from Vanguard.

I like them all for various reasons but for a budget pack I often grab the SOG opord pack you mentioned. It is inexpensive, yet tough enough (cordura) and has enough organization, and has a hip belt. The problem you might run into is when you try and haul those 4 30 inch heliums around. I've done it with 4 helium minis, but for any kind of distance I would be grabbing a pack with more structure that I could still strap 30 inch sticks vertically. My choice would be a Badlands Superday, Diablo, or one of the other offerings with horizontal straps. But then you are getting into a less budget-friendly market. I have found and bought on here and FB marketplace for around $100 if you keep your eyes peeled

 

[casts_by_fly]

No I mean the venture 1800/2300, no divide. It’s the last gen model and you can find them for around $100-150 used. They’re more narrow and tall than the divide which is shorter and fatter. I carried full length sticks very comfortably on mine when I had it. I upgraded to the proframe to haul meat but if I wasn’t doing that I would go back to the 2300 in an instant.

Kuiu Venture 1800

Used, but good condition. $150 shipped PayPal.

saddlehunter.com

Gotcha. the divide is what came up when i searched. I didn't realize you meant a previous model. That does look like a good pack. Does the waist belt detach like on the divide?

I have a lot of packs and cycle through them depending on where I am hunting, how far, if I think a pack-out is needed or I'm close enough to the vehicle, my climbing method to use that day, how long I sit, etc. I have several frame packs but of the non-frame packs I have several cheap ones, and some nicer ones that might fit your bill. I have the TL Platow, several Badlands packs, cheap Fieldlines, the SOG opord tactical, one from Vanguard.

I like them all for various reasons but for a budget pack I often grab the SOG opord pack you mentioned. It is inexpensive, yet tough enough (cordura) and has enough organization, and has a hip belt. The problem you might run into is when you try and haul those 4 30 inch heliums around. I've done it with 4 helium minis, but for any kind of distance I would be grabbing a pack with more structure that I could still strap 30 inch sticks vertically. My choice would be a Badlands Superday, Diablo, or one of the other offerings with horizontal straps. But then you are getting into a less budget-friendly market. I have found and bought on here and FB marketplace for around $100 if you keep your eyes peeled

I don't carry the sticks much anymore and I might not ever carry a full set of them again now that I set one of them up as a one-stick. if I do, it will be earlier season when I can just throw a strap over my shoulder and won't have a pack in the way. They are great for funky trees with angles and branches. I haven't tried to one stick one of them yet though. Mid season most of my trees are less funky and a 2TC is perfect. From a pack perspective, hauling all 4 sticks is the lowest on the priority list. Jacket/platform/rappel rope are the top of the list. Easy access smaller pouches for necessities are next. Modularity and/or size come next so I can use it early and late season.

 

[gcr0003]

Gotcha. the divide is what came up when i searched. I didn't realize you meant a previous model. That does look like a good pack. Does the waist belt detach like on the divide?

Yes! My 2300 did and that was 4 year ago or so bought new.

 

[NimbleTimbo]

From a pack perspective, hauling all 4 sticks is the lowest on the priority list. Jacket/platform/rappel rope are the top of the list. Easy access smaller pouches for necessities are next. Modularity and/or size come next so I can use it early and late season.

If that's all you need, for $40 the SOG is not a bad fit. It's light and packs down flat, has that shelf for the platform, plenty of space for the rest, molle to strap clothing to.

 

[Dmathews87]

Gotcha. the divide is what came up when i searched. I didn't realize you meant a previous model. That does look like a good pack. Does the waist belt detach like on the divide?



I don't carry the sticks much anymore and I might not ever carry a full set of them again now that I set one of them up as a one-stick. if I do, it will be earlier season when I can just throw a strap over my shoulder and won't have a pack in the way. They are great for funky trees with angles and branches. I haven't tried to one stick one of them yet though. Mid season most of my trees are less funky and a 2TC is perfect. From a pack perspective, hauling all 4 sticks is the lowest on the priority list. Jacket/platform/rappel rope are the top of the list. Easy access smaller pouches for necessities are next. Modularity and/or size come next so I can use it early and late season.

I have the venture 1800 and its the pack for me that ended my search for a pack for the way i hunt. love the strapping system which you can move all over the pack and carries weight very well. I even packed out a doe with it (i felt her every step of the way, but got it done) When this pack bites the dust, im def searching for another one used since they discontinued it...i might would get the 2300 this time around just because.

 

[BTaylor]

I have the venture 1800 and its the pack for me that ended my search for a pack for the way i hunt. love the strapping system which you can move all over the pack and carries weight very well. I even packed out a doe with it (i felt her every step of the way, but got it done) When this pack bites the dust, im def searching for another one used since they discontinued it...i might would get the 2300 this time around just because.

Yep it is a really good whitetail pack. Hands down the best non-frame pack I have seen or tried.