X2 was about to type something very similarWeight is one of the least important things to me when considering what gear I need to use. What’s more important to me is the bulk of the load. I need to be able to slip in to honeysuckle and privet thickets to hunt where I do. If your setup isn’t streamlined you can’t even walk through the stuff much less get tight on a mature buck in his bed... The second most important aspect to me is a quiet system. The more big bucks I kill the more I am placing emphasis on my entry/exits being silent. I have to be able to move like a predator in the woods to me that’s the embodiment of mobile hunting.
For me yes it does. I have 2 Herniated disks in my back. Even when I get my back fixed the weight makes the difference. If I have a target area and im hurting really bad, I may just say I have had enough and just find a place to hunt. Distributing weight is also critical. I just found a small pack with an internal frame that is a game changer. I have taken my pack from over 20 lbs with everything to around 12lbs. When you deal with nerve pain and do not take Narcotics its amazing what little weight can do.I understand that guys want to go lite but does 3#s really matter?? I mean if your total set-up with pack, steps everything you carry(minus bow of course) weighs say 14 pounds does 3 ore pounds really matter? I myself prefer going for comfort and ease of climbing(so I don't sweat) and I am 56 years old and a few extra pounds makes no difference to me. As long as everything is easily packed and slim line for carry it is much more enjoyable. I watch these guys one sticking and other methods and I don't find any of them all that easy. 3 or 4 good sticks and knaider and I am up as quick as anyone and a lot less hassles, at least for me. Also last question!! Would you sacrifice say 3#s to be more comfortable?? Thanks! Shawn
Weight is one of the least important things to me when considering what gear I need to use. What’s more important to me is the bulk of the load. I need to be able to slip in to honeysuckle and privet thickets to hunt where I do. If your setup isn’t streamlined you can’t even walk through the stuff much less get tight on a mature buck in his bed... The second most important aspect to me is a quiet system. The more big bucks I kill the more I am placing emphasis on my entry/exits being silent. I have to be able to move like a predator in the woods to me that’s the embodiment of mobile hunting.
What pack is it? Link?For me yes it does. I have 2 Herniated disks in my back. Even when I get my back fixed the weight makes the difference. If I have a target area and im hurting really bad, I may just say I have had enough and just find a place to hunt. Distributing weight is also critical. I just found a small pack with an internal frame that is a game changer. I have taken my pack from over 20 lbs with everything to around 12lbs. When you deal with nerve pain and do not take Narcotics its amazing what little weight can do.
I was never concerned about weight before this, could be some of the reasoning behind why I am injured now. Just me though.
Weight really only matters if it lets you downsize to a smaller, more streamlined carry. You can comfortably carry some amount in pockets, some larger amount in a small daypack, some larger amount in a frame pack, etc. whether this actually matters depends on your priorities and hunting style.
Sort of, but not completely, and there are different kinds of bulk. A rope packs differently from squirrelsteps, which pack differently from sticks - even if you hold the weight constant.I agree, but i think inherently the lighter you get the more streamlined things become. Bulk and weight typically run hand in hand.
Sort of, but not completely, and there are different kinds of bulk. A rope packs differently from squirrelsteps, which pack differently from sticks - even if you hold the weight constant.
Agreed. This is why weight is a poor proxy for being "streamlined".I guess its how we define bulk. Personally, for me in saddle hunting, i equate bulk to anything that is greater width wise than my body frame. Why is that? Simply because i have lived my whole life knowing what and where i can go with my given dimensions. But add a 3 pack of 3ft sticks horizontally on my pack, and im now clanking against trees i would normally walk by silently. Put them vertically in my pack and they are likely clipping branches above my head.
because you can stash the steps and rope in your pack. The stick, with steps, stand offs, aiders, will be strapped to something or carried in.
Actually the weights aren't that far off. A squirrelstep with an OCB is about 9.5 ounces I think. 2 of them are more or less right in line with the lightweight 2-step sticks. Stepps are a bit heavier, but in the same ballpark, especially getting into aiders etc. (do aiders "streamline", or "complicate"?)In your example above, i would still classify the sticks as the bulkiest even if the rope and steps weigh the same (which lets face it, they dont). Simply because you can stash the steps and rope in your pack. The stick, with steps, stand offs, aiders, will be strapped to something or carried in.
In my opinion this “weight saving” stuff is getting crazy