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"The official saddle hunting backpack thread"

casts_by_fly

Well-Known Member
Dec 10, 2022
239
425
63
43
NJ
Anyone using this tidewe pack (before I go through the other 3,000,000 posts ?)
5034f5f2e2546d98c49c4cc2fa9b024b.jpg

01478bf0e1a78b696c21a99970e5d9da.jpg

This is the $60 version.
Bowhunterchuck

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I’m not using a pack but am considering it. I have the same sticks. Couple questions if you don’t mind.

wouldnt they fit with the buttons snapped together?

how are they held to the pack and how secure are they?
is there a waist strap on the pack to hold the extra weight?

thanks,
Rick
 

Patrick69

Member
Jan 8, 2019
87
130
33
55
My minimalist set up at one time was a small Fanny pack. It has shock cord on top so I just attached the stick to it. Wearing my saddle I would have the Fanny and one stick back and to the side. It carried surprisingly well.

I need to come down to Alabama and hunt with you so I don’t have to carry in the cold weather clothes;)
 

No_Guarantees

Member
Apr 11, 2019
88
53
18
30
Oklahoma
Can anyone with a Badlands Superday pack comment about how a standard sized predator platform fits both it in and fits on the outside of it using the straps?
I expect that I am too little too late on this thread and you have most likely received an answer. However, I will still answer incase it is any help to you. I run both a superday and dos diablo depending on style of hunting and needs of the hunt. I have yet to pack my predator inside the pack but I am willing to take a few photos for you if you're still interested. I carry it mostly on the bottom of the pack by weaving the straps through the platform. I also carry it on the front using the platform strap to attach it to my sticks. I carry my sticks on the front of my pack in order to prevent them from catching on brush with moving through (currently carrying two old lonewolf 32" sticks). I save the inside of the pack for clothing/equipment and snacks.
 

gcr0003

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Nov 1, 2018
8,104
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I need to come down to Alabama and hunt with you so I don’t have to carry in the cold weather clothes;)
December 16th is the first day I brought any real layers lol. It’s been a warm fall. I use a pack for my layers and junk just like the next guy.
 
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bowhunterchuck

Well-Known Member
May 10, 2014
410
347
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I’m not using a pack but am considering it. I have the same sticks. Couple questions if you don’t mind.

wouldnt they fit with the buttons snapped together?

how are they held to the pack and how secure are they?
is there a waist strap on the pack to hold the extra weight?

thanks,
Rick

They will fit with the buttons snapped….except my buttons broke. They are very secure with just using the buckles on the pack. Yes there is a waist belt. The best way I’ve found to carry the sticks is to secure them with a piece of rope on each end and using the rope as a sling attach it to the shoulder strap on my pack. Hope that makes sense. Check out Dave T’s video on YouTube.
Bowhunterchuck


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USSHornet

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Mar 25, 2018
336
200
43
Kentucky
Can anyone with a Badlands Superday pack comment about how a standard sized predator platform fits both it in and fits on the outside of it using the straps?

I have a Badlands Treestand which is smaller and my std predator fits inside perfect. Now attaching sticks is another thing so I am looking for a new total solution.

Steve in Ky


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MNFarmHunter

Well-Known Member
Jun 6, 2021
1,898
3,722
113
Minnesota
I started out making a flintlock display, which turned into a 1700's hunter/militia display...that can be put together and go hunt with display.

Working on this display proved how much crap we haul because "we may need it" compared to our ancestors.

Without going full 1700's, grab a fanny pack and put what what you need to hunt in it. If it doesn't fit in the fanny pack, it doesn't go with you. Forcing that limitation drastically reduces the amount of stuff one hauls through the woods.

Between a hunting bag and a haversack, the total volume is less than a 12-hour pack yet that would sustain a hunter for weeks. Seeing how this all comes together makes you think about how much we carry with we really don't need.
 
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Plebe

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Sep 14, 2020
5,989
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I started out making a flintlock display, which turned into a 1700's hunter/militia display...that can be put together and go hunt with display.

Working on this display proved how much crap we haul because "we may need it" compared to our ancestors.

Without going full 1700's, grab a fanny pack and put what what you need to hunt in it. If it doesn't fit in the fanny pack, it doesn't go with you. Forcing that limitation drastically reduces the amount of stuff one hauls through the woods.

Between a hunting bag and a haversack, the total volume is less than a 12-hour pack yet that would sustain a hunter for weeks. Seeing how this all comes together makes you think about how much we carry with we really don't need.


 

Buc Nasty68

New Member
Oct 30, 2020
20
4
3
Annapolis, MD
229917EA-9590-436A-AC5E-0A4FCB687F30.jpegE50A98B8-1C59-46BE-9983-04E69D7505BB.jpeg

just picked up the sitka fanatic pack and I couldn’t be more happy. I don’t carry a lot of gear but with this pack I can bring the essentials comfortably while also accomplishing being quick and mobile …

this is a .5 and 17” sticks … I am able to fit a full yeti, binos, range finder, saddle/harness, extra clothing, tools, calls, knives, buttout, gloves, hats, gators, lights etc… even have a small little axe in thereif needed…

very Well thought out late season pack - I will be getting the fix which will fit inside the pack along with the sticks and saddle if I really want to lighten up by dropping the .5. More than likely getting a 4th stick and another cushion for saddle setup
 
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MNFarmHunter

Well-Known Member
Jun 6, 2021
1,898
3,722
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Minnesota
Exactly. On one hand, we want/need/desire to come up with something better...which we often do. On the other hand, that better doesn't always mean better.

Naturally, a back-country, multi-day hunt needs more than a day hunt and yet does it really? Hunting from the ground, a fanny pack holds pretty much everything you need. Going 2TC or 1-stick, that same fanny pack would work just as well.

Naturally, every region and hunting situation is different but even I've been caught up in the "what if's" and packing far too much crap. The bigger the bag, the more space you'll have to carry more stuff. Instead, what do you need for the type of hunting you're doing then get a bag that'll carry just that stuff and nothing more.
 
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Plebe

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Sep 14, 2020
5,989
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Exactly. On one hand, we want/need/desire to come up with something better...which we often do. On the other hand, that better doesn't always mean better.

Naturally, a back-country, multi-day hunt needs more than a day hunt and yet does it really? Hunting from the ground, a fanny pack holds pretty much everything you need. Going 2TC or 1-stick, that same fanny pack would work just as well.

Naturally, every region and hunting situation is different but even I've been caught up in the "what if's" and packing far too much crap. The bigger the bag, the more space you'll have to carry more stuff. Instead, what do you need for the type of hunting you're doing then get a bag that'll carry just that stuff and nothing more.

I am lucky that my father included me in flintlock hunts when I was a boy. All I carried was a rifle and shot bag.

Now I'm usually carrying a frame pack when I go afield, lol.

Though, I really haven't added a bunch of extras. Elevated hunting does increase essentials, plain and simple.

Of course, elevated hunting is a choice. I'm happy to track or still hunt when it's favorable, and I don't need much to do so. That's when I find reduction beneficial in pack selection
 

JASmith

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Oct 14, 2018
968
806
93
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Indiana
Exactly. On one hand, we want/need/desire to come up with something better...which we often do. On the other hand, that better doesn't always mean better.

Naturally, a back-country, multi-day hunt needs more than a day hunt and yet does it really? Hunting from the ground, a fanny pack holds pretty much everything you need. Going 2TC or 1-stick, that same fanny pack would work just as well.

Naturally, every region and hunting situation is different but even I've been caught up in the "what if's" and packing far too much crap. The bigger the bag, the more space you'll have to carry more stuff. Instead, what do you need for the type of hunting you're doing then get a bag that'll carry just that stuff and nothing more.
This has been my struggle lately. Currently using a 3V sling pack. I climb one stick, it has been working fine. Now i seem to be throwing this and that in pack and it is almost past full. Really came close to buying a bigger pack (pop up, x2, etc.) But i keep telling myself that I empty most of it at base of tree. It really is a perfect size for 99% of my hunting.
 

casts_by_fly

Well-Known Member
Dec 10, 2022
239
425
63
43
NJ
Exactly. On one hand, we want/need/desire to come up with something better...which we often do. On the other hand, that better doesn't always mean better.

Naturally, a back-country, multi-day hunt needs more than a day hunt and yet does it really? Hunting from the ground, a fanny pack holds pretty much everything you need. Going 2TC or 1-stick, that same fanny pack would work just as well.

Naturally, every region and hunting situation is different but even I've been caught up in the "what if's" and packing far too much crap. The bigger the bag, the more space you'll have to carry more stuff. Instead, what do you need for the type of hunting you're doing then get a bag that'll carry just that stuff and nothing more.

Most of my hunts are morning/evening or even a half day. All local-ish. For me, I don't even carry a fanny pack. I wear my saddle from the truck and I put shoulder straps on it. Sys hauler has both ropes and the bow/gear hanger. I added a magazine drop pouch for molle fittings on the left rear that carries a range finder, grunt call, release, pair of gloves, and face mask. Pockets on each side of it carry a 2xAA maglight and an 8" folding saw. My predator XL is clipped to the saddle. Bow rope is clipped to the saddle. So I'm carrying in my bow in one hand and steps on a shoulder strap. If I manage to eliminate 2 steps then I'll be in better shape. If its really cold I'll hang my jacket on the steps for the walk in. For a half day hunt I don't think there is much else I'd want to have in the woods. A ROS could replace the predator to save weight but I love the predator.
 

rutjr

Well-Known Member
Oct 6, 2018
2,067
1,829
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Cumberland, RI
I’ve heard about it. I’ve just never actually met someone who carries it. I have to ask. How many times have you used it?

I bought one when they first came out. I'm so afraid of cutting into the anus that I figured I would try it. So I tried it twice both times I ripped through. I do better without it!
 
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Iron_llama

Well-Known Member
Aug 4, 2020
2,236
2,765
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NW MN
I’ve heard about it. I’ve just never actually met someone who carries it. I have to ask. How many times have you used it?
I'm largely a self-taught hunter. I used a butt-out on my first deer, and it worked as advertised. It was an unpleasant PITA (no pun intended) to clean. On the second and third deers I used it on, it made a sloppy, unhygienic mess. Now it stays in the bottom of a Rubbermaid tote; maybe I'll gift it to someone I dislike.
 

kyler1945

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SH Member
Dec 4, 2016
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Willis, TX
LOCATION
Willis, TX
I just can’t understand why anyone wants to stick anything in a deer’s butt. I’ve cleaned close to 100 deer and never wanted to, nor saw any advantage doing so. I want to meet the feller who came up with this device. I’ve got lots of questions.
 

Iron_llama

Well-Known Member
Aug 4, 2020
2,236
2,765
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NW MN
I just can’t understand why anyone wants to stick anything in a deer’s butt. I’ve cleaned close to 100 deer and never wanted to, nor saw any advantage doing so. I want to meet the feller who came up with this device. I’ve got lots of questions.
I think this guy was messing with me, but when I was asking for advice leading up to my first season a co-worker went into graphic detail to describe how to "core out" a deer. It involves sticking your left index finger up the anus, then using it as a guide as you cut around it with the knife in your right hand. The butt-out tool was a more attractive option to that technique. Needless to say I don't use either technique today.
 

Iron_llama

Well-Known Member
Aug 4, 2020
2,236
2,765
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NW MN
You boys have turned a backpack thread into a conversation about animal fart boxes...:tearsofjoy:
Just one of the many services I provide.

Back to topic... Anyone have a source for replacement Kelty pack straps and waist belts? I have a no-name 90s youth frame pack which could easily get a new life as a modestly sized hunting pack platform. I tried using a MOLLE waist belt but attaching it requires more modifications than is worth it
 
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