"The official saddle hunting backpack thread"

[ap_rustic_creations]

I purchased this pack because I wanted a pack more rigid then the CAYS pack by TL. I watched a review on YouTube and thought I’d give it a shot.

TheHuntworth Hickory Pack is a good looking pack. I purchased it with high expectations but sadly it fell short of what I was looking and hoping for. There were a few positives but unrelated to the functionality I was in the market for.

The cons:
- Unfortunately, the compression straps are too short. Man if they were just another 4-6” longer that would’ve made a HUGE difference for me. I could not cinch down my Mission platform with Novix sticks. I had to weave the buckles through the platform which is annoying and quite cumbersome. Especially when working in the dark (even with headlamp). I’m running the Mission platform bungee system by Innovating the Outdoors and it keeps my sticks and mission compact nicely. The ability to remove my climbing system in one unit was impossible with Hickory pack. I was able to strap to CAYS pack with no problem (plenty of compression strap length) but not with the Hickory Pack.

- The pack didn’t carry well for me once I was able to affix my set to the pack. As much as I made adjustments, it wasn’t comfortable on my back as I hoped. I tried everything to make it carry the load firmly, but I was wasn’t able to adjust the pack to my comfort zone. The straps to pull the pack higher on my upper back maxed out. I’m 215 with athletic build with my light weight camo, this shouldn’t be a problem.

- this is not a big deterrent, but there is no compartment for a bladder. You have to slip it in the main pack. There’s a pocket up against the back similar to the many packs out there but it’s not designed for a bladder, but for other items you’d normally pack.

Pros:
Awesome Camo pattern!
The pack is made well. The waterproof zipper system is built very well and seems as though it will last many outings.

The compression straps on the side of the pack are awesome. Those helped keep my mission platform from swaying side to side.

- Having the space between my back and pack. This is their mesh suspension system and allows for air to pass through preventing sweat from building up on your back and pack keeping your back cool.

This pack is a great pack for anyone running a different system. It will definitely hold sticks and platform well if you don’t mind having them separate from one another.

** I’m moving on to the Venture 2300 to personally try as I’ve read the pros and cons on this pack as well.

A HUGE NOTE!! THe customer service is A++. The owner immediately had a pro staffer reach out to me to discuss my concerns. A return has been set up with no problem at all.

Hope this helps.

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[Buc Nasty68]

I had a extra Hayley Strategic Flat pack plus laying around from my SWAT
days before I retired. My predator platform fits perfectly in the pack and I can strap 4 Beast sticks on the back with ease. I use the straps that came with the sticks and store them in the outside zipper compartment. The set up light and streamlined perfect for running and gunning.

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is that the rod HB sells? Worth it?

 

[Mr. Vince]

is that the rod HB sells? Worth it?

Yes it is,
But you can make your own way cheaper with parts a Lowes or Home Depot. I built a few more after buying these.

 

[Mr. Vince]

 

[zanebritton9263]

I got a question, how loud are the zippers on the MR Treehouse? I know the cordura is loud, but what about the zippers?

 

[GVDocHoliday]

I made posts early in the onset of this thread. Using a G2 day pack. For early season it was satisfactory....but I wanted a more full season pack.

I'm now in my 2nd year of running a KUIU Venture 2300 pack. The pack has enough organization, and I can fit my saddle, knee pads and all my extra layers for down to single digits.

This is my pack fully loaded:
The first pic, my layers are strapped to the pack after shedding them because I was too lazy to fully open the pack.

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[CP3]

I made posts early in the onset of this thread. Using a G2 day pack. For early season it was satisfactory....but I wanted a more full season pack.

I'm now in my 2nd year of running a KUIU Venture 2300 pack. The pack has enough organization, and I can fit my saddle, knee pads and all my extra layers for down to single digits.

This is my pack fully loaded:
The first pic, my layers are strapped to the pack after shedding them because I was too lazy to fully open the pack.

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I ordered this pack today. Any tips? Does it hang well in the tree? Too big? Have you tried running it without the hip belt? I also have 4 sticks, thought about running 2 on each side to keep access to the middle front pocket when loaded up. You tried that?

 

[GVDocHoliday]

I ordered this pack today. Any tips? Does it hang well in the tree? Too big? Have you tried running it without the hip belt? I also have 4 sticks, thought about running 2 on each side to keep access to the middle front pocket when loaded up. You tried that?

I don't consider it too big at all. I hang it with a single screw in accessory hook that you can get for like 1.50 at any sporting good store.

I would not run it without the weight belt...I consider that a must use piece so that the internal stays can be utilized to their full potential.

Running sticks on the outside edge of the pack gives me anxiety...I need everything to be narrower than my shoulders so I can seamlessly move through the understory without snagging up on any branches or limbs. I see people hang sticks off the side of their packs and I know they're just walking a couple hundred yards from their truck along a field edge to their tree.

I have no problem accessing the top pockets on my venture...the front pockets however, I have never accessed until I'm up hanging from my saddle. I'm able to fit a couple extra layers and my travel thermos in that front pocket. 3 years of using this pack and I've never once tried to access those pockets from my vehicle to my stand. Pre-hunt and post-hunt only.

 

[Yak’n’Saddle]

Running sticks on the outside edge of the pack gives me anxiety...I need everything to be narrower than my shoulders so I can seamlessly move through the understory without snagging up on any branches or limbs. I see people hang sticks off the side of their packs and I know they're just walking a couple hundred yards from their truck along a field edge to their tree.

Couldn’t agree more about the needing to clear understory/brush. If I want to find deer on any regular basis I have to push through the thickest stuff I can find due to all the hunting pressure. Most of my camo has scars or tears from all the briars. Early on this was a huge issue getting hung up in a thick patch or getting jammed while crawling under deadfalls with the sticks on the back.

I’ve found that any pack with straps on the bottom can carry a stack of sticks well and keeps them from hanging up much though I’ve only tried with Tethrd one sticks which I think are 18”. They tuck up and away to lower my profile when I need to crawl under a log or a limb. The advantage I found having an extra few inches and ability to slide objects over my back is huge. My torso also blocks most oncoming brush I pass through. Might be less effective the taller the stick gets or the more narrow your frame.

That Kulu pack look solid and has the lower straps. Might be worth a shot if you run in thick stuff a lot.


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[CP3]

I don't consider it too big at all. I hang it with a single screw in accessory hook that you can get for like 1.50 at any sporting good store.

I would not run it without the weight belt...I consider that a must use piece so that the internal stays can be utilized to their full potential.

Running sticks on the outside edge of the pack gives me anxiety...I need everything to be narrower than my shoulders so I can seamlessly move through the understory without snagging up on any branches or limbs. I see people hang sticks off the side of their packs and I know they're just walking a couple hundred yards from their truck along a field edge to their tree.

I have no problem accessing the top pockets on my venture...the front pockets however, I have never accessed until I'm up hanging from my saddle. I'm able to fit a couple extra layers and my travel thermos in that front pocket. 3 years of using this pack and I've never once tried to access those pockets from my vehicle to my stand. Pre-hunt and post-hunt only.

I appreciate the input.

 

[Bigterp]

I got a question, how loud are the zippers on the MR Treehouse? I know the cordura is loud, but what about the zippers?

Don’t notice anything being super loud on that pack, especially after broken in

 

[Squirrels]

This one fits the bill for me

 

[MA_PAdeerslayer]

Horn hunter G3 complete and happy now

 

[Maverick1]

This one fits the bill for me

Looks like an X-Ray.

 

[Zero One Actual]

Looks like an X-Ray.

He made it himself.

 

[beef78]

I got a question, how loud are the zippers on the MR Treehouse? I know the cordura is loud, but what about the zippers?

The zippers for the top pouch and the little pouch on the inside are a little loud but not incredibly bad. The way my pack is set up, I don’t need to access the zipper pockets for anything except a tourniquet, my car keys or my wallet. The inside pockets and the side pockets are where I keep most of my things that I need in the tree.
The pack is designed well and quiet once I’m in the tree.


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[Matt Logan]

if you use mini sticks and a platform like a predator or edp…etc

walmarts got a pack that works really nice, its only 30 bucks and it has a lifetime guarantee..

thought id try it out because the straps are in the right places…but was skeptical of the quality

its holding up like a champ and actually carries the weight comfortably with good shoulder straps and its a pretty quiet material with cord loop zipper pulls

pronghorn by fieldline is what its called

worth a look if your looking for a pack that wont break the bank

 

[Bowtie747]

Mystery Ranch Pintler was my main pack of choice this year. Started with the C.A.Y.S 2.0 and realized quickly it was too small. Hauled a deer out in the Pintler and it carried the weight super well. Organization in the Pintler is perfect for me! So perfect I might only try one pack next year instead of two…
Top two pockets go as listed. Top Small pocket Wallet and keys. Top big pocket. Calls, rangefinder, saw, binos stuff I need to get to every hunt and quickly. The pockets inside I use the water bladder place for my knee pads. The four zipper pockets are used for gloves, extra charger, anything else extra that doesn’t need used every hunt. The Pintler has two pocket lining the sides of the inside of the bag and I use it for my beanies and the other for my neck gaiter. I also carry a small kill kit in the bottom of the bag. Which is game bags, extra headlamp, knives and blades. Sticks and platform go in the load shelf. Two pockets on the belt are one is pull up rope and headlamp and the other is my concealed carry gun. Pack hanger is a s-biner and hooks to the hand grab at the top of the bag. I also use the two straps on the pack for clothes for walking in or heavy winter clothes. If you are considering a Frame pack this is one to look at! Pack weights around 23-24lbs fully loaded.

 

[bowhuntr09]

Mystery Ranch Pintler was my main pack of choice this year. Started with the C.A.Y.S 2.0 and realized quickly it was too small. Hauled a deer out in the Pintler and it carried the weight super well. Organization in the Pintler is perfect for me! So perfect I might only try one pack next year instead of two…
Top two pockets go as listed. Top Small pocket Wallet and keys. Top big pocket. Calls, rangefinder, saw, binos stuff I need to get to every hunt and quickly. The pockets inside I use the water bladder place for my knee pads. The four zipper pockets are used for gloves, extra charger, anything else extra that doesn’t need used every hunt. The Pintler has two pocket lining the sides of the inside of the bag and I use it for my beanies and the other for my neck gaiter. I also carry a small kill kit in the bottom of the bag. Which is game bags, extra headlamp, knives and blades. Sticks and platform go in the load shelf. Two pockets on the belt are one is pull up rope and headlamp and the other is my concealed carry gun. Pack hanger is a s-biner and hooks to the hand grab at the top of the bag. I also use the two straps on the pack for clothes for walking in or heavy winter clothes. If you are considering a Frame pack this is one to look at! Pack weights around 23-24lbs fully loaded.

I loved my Pintler but unfortunately (fortunately) I fell victim to the Kifaru sale and bought a new 22 Mag pack. So my Pintler is in the classifieds. I’m just a pack nut, I’ve lost count of all the packs I’ve owned in the past 4 years since I started saddle hunting. Prior to saddle hunting I probably hunted with the same setup for 20 years without changing anything

 

[Bowtie747]

I loved my Pintler but unfortunately (fortunately) I fell victim to the Kifaru sale and bought a new 22 Mag pack. So my Pintler is in the classifieds. I’m just a pack nut, I’ve lost count of all the packs I’ve owned in the past 4 years since I started saddle hunting. Prior to saddle hunting I probably hunted with the same setup for 20 years without changing anything

Kiafru prices hurt my heart haha I wanna try one out but man I can’t get over it. I’m sure they are awesome but with my Pintler I have like 300 in it. That’s less than the Frame on a kifaru. If you like your kifaru please don’t tell me. I’ve already been eyeballing them. Haha