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"The official saddle hunting backpack thread"

:tearsofjoy: What it takes to make gear spec.

Again, thanks. It's a good point of reference.

Probably they weigh it with 22" stays and XS belt. idk. Kifaru was doing something like that to put up a good number on their DL frame. Still, at 5lb 9oz, that's very light even at 1/2 lb over listed weight. I'd need a L belt, so probably still a few ounces more for me though.

I have the MR Popup28 with XL Seek hipbelt at 5lb 2.3oz, and 6lb 6oz for a Kifaru 24" Duplex Lite with L belt and L shoulder straps and Stryker XL (frame comes in over spec, bag under). Haven't weighed the Seek revo frame and pack yet, it's light though.

I know Steve said the K3 frame is lighter than the K4, but the proof is in the pudding I think. Sometimes heavier is lighter.

I'm going to find out how it works. I'm generally not an ounce counter, but if I can have my cake and eat it too... I'm of a pretty analytical mindset/personality and I know what will work for me after a couple cycles, so either this will be money (I think so, after a few necessary non-permanent tweaks to fit into my setup needs/style) or I'll be back into either the Sawtooth 45 or the Pintler... I know how the MR frame carries, so that's my biggest question for the K4.

I got here after a few Badlands bags, and actually the Badlands 2200 (new version) is on my short list as well, if you want a simple and effective bag that you can't really change the configuration on.
 

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I was unhappy with my budget pack I bought for my saddle setup. (I'm new to this)
Running Tethrd One sticks, and a Cruzr platform.

Started watching some videos on packs last night - the Tethrd looked great.

Then I saw the price. Anyone here buy one? I was curious if the Predator pack from Tethrd would fit the Seeker platform, just in case a rich relative dies and leaves me some money.
 
I was unhappy with my budget pack I bought for my saddle setup. (I'm new to this)
Running Tethrd One sticks, and a Cruzr platform.

Started watching some videos on packs last night - the Tethrd looked great.

Then I saw the price. Anyone here buy one? I was curious if the Predator pack from Tethrd would fit the Seeker platform, just in case a rich relative dies and leaves me some money.

I’ve got the tethrd pack. It’s definitely not worth what they’re charging. Probably $100 overpriced. But it’s made it the USA, and built very well. That’s probably why the price is what it is… with that being said, it’s a great pack. Probably can pick up a used one for a good price later on.

The seeker will fit in a xl predator pack.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I’ve got the tethrd pack. It’s definitely not worth what they’re charging. Probably $100 overpriced. But it’s made it the USA, and built very well. That’s probably why the price is what it is… with that being said, it’s a great pack. Probably can pick up a used one for a good price later on.

The seeker will fit in a xl predator pack.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Get yourself a Eberlestock Bandit for half the price. Its basically the same thing. I think there is a camo on in the classified right now.
 
Any daypacks in the 20 to 35 liter range that have an internal frame, waist belt, and adjustable torso length?

Once you get to smaller packs, most of them are built like you're either only going to carry a few pounds OR you like 20 pounds or more sitting directly on your neck muscles all day. There's a big divide where it's like "built to carry a quarter elk out vs 2 sandwiches and a puffy jacket".

The only fully adjustable smaller pack that is meant to actually carry stuff comfortably that I've found is the Mystery Ranch Scree and Coulee.

The only other ones I know of that will work are small packs on external frames, but that usually doubles the weight. I know that a heavier pack that carries well feels lighter, but Mystery Ranch has shown you can have both.

Any other pack maker out there that makes something equivalent? I'm not limited to hunting brands or packs designed for hunters. Regular backpacking ones are fine.


I find the hill people gear harness to be the best shoulder carry. Some of their packs have belt options.
 
Dude....l really like that pack damn....you got me!
I bought a 35L mardingtop three years ago and have been very happy. It was an everyday backpack for the first year, and been used as a school backpack for the last two years, carrying books and taking quite a beating. It has held up really well, better than I expected. It takes a good bit to impress me, and the two 35L mardingtops have done very well, holding up to some pretty good abuse. For $30-$40 they sure perform well.
 
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Time to start backpack training for the fall hunt. Strapped in a 20 lb sandbag to my new Exo K4 5500. Got two more sandbags (inexpensive weightlifting set I got off Amazon) queued up to ramp up the weight over the summer. Time to hike in the forest with my husky!

Can't wait for the 2200 bag and crib panel to be released this month....Father's Day prezzie to myself perhaps.
 
I bought a 35L mardingtop three years ago and have been very happy. It was an everyday backpack for the first year, and been used as a school backpack for the last two years, carrying books and taking quite a beating. It has held up really well, better than I expected. It takes a good bit to impress me, and the two 35L mardingtops have done very well, holding up to some pretty good abuse. For $30-$40 they sure perform well.
That 35L pack with a waist belt would make a really good hunting pack and still have the ability to bring most deer out in one trip. That 28 looks like a great option for folks not concerned about packing a critter.
 
just curious if you ever gave the Moab 10 a go? Also, is it possible to switch which shoulder it goes over?
I've used the Moab 6 for years. For a long time I attached it to my tree stand in early season when I didn't need much. Thought about using it for early saddle hunting, might even put the rappel rope in the concealed carry pocket and feed out as needed.

Yes, you change the configuration for the opposite shoulder
 

I'll be ordering the 2200 bag tomorrow! Woohoo! Looks like a really nice and streamlined design.

Started doing weighted backpack training with my K4 5500. So far, just one sandbag in it.....so total pack weight is a bit over 25 lbs. Carries really nice! Got two more sandbags I can add which will take weight to a bit over 40 lbs and 55 lbs. Plan to bump to 40 early July....then maybe 55 in August. Progressive resistance and all that. Bought some inexpensive workout sandbags on amazon and some play sand at a local big box hardware store for this.

Sandbags, if you are interested: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B091BVL8WM?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details Just using the three smaller ones for now. Work great on the K4 load shelf.
 

I'll be ordering the 2200 bag tomorrow! Woohoo! Looks like a really nice and streamlined design.

Started doing weighted backpack training with my K4 5500. So far, just one sandbag in it.....so total pack weight is a bit over 25 lbs. Carries really nice! Got two more sandbags I can add which will take weight to a bit over 40 lbs and 55 lbs. Plan to bump to 40 early July....then maybe 55 in August. Progressive resistance and all that. Bought some inexpensive workout sandbags on amazon and some play sand at a local big box hardware store for this.

Sandbags, if you are interested: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B091BVL8WM?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details Just using the three smaller ones for now. Work great on the K4 load shelf.
That is a sweet setup.
 
A little disappointed they couldn't keep the Silnylon pocket externally accessible (like the K3 1800), nor line one (or both) internally pleated side pockets with Silnylon for an isolated wet stash.

I rather like the new crib and see some nice possibilities there:


Kind of like this aftermarket one I had been looking at.


BD40C274-CB62-4BCD-B82A-549DCF73D1BA.png
 
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