ABC's and 123's of backpacks

[MattMan81]

Not looking to make another this pack works for me. But can someone break down backpacks and the nuts/bolts of why they seem to be an endless quest for guys? How many options are there really out there?
Am I missing something using just a normal Alps soft pack with no frame. I do notice if I load it, it hurts after a while. So my understanding is the frame really helps distribute the weight for long walks. So is it a fit issue or option issues that you guys are chasing? Or just a hobby?

 

[josh9284]

If your packing your meat out, I would say a frame backpack is great. But for most of us there are "load lifter" straps and compression straps that secure most of the weight that an average hunter will carry. I will say the hip belt/sternum belts/straps can go a long way if your walking more than a mile. I could be wrong but there are a lot of people that just carry their platform or stand and hun then there are other of us that carry everything but the kitchen sink. I think the better question is what are we putting in these packs that we are in need of a better frame pack or hiking pack.

 

[Wirrex]

Packs get more important relative the the weight and distance traveled.

I use a $20 badlands bag I got from a rummage sale for all my tree hunting. I use a $600 stone Glacier for western hunting.

Plus, this site is full of gear junkies that can dream about backpacks for weeks. Ask me how I know lol.

 

[neonomad]

In 2017 I took a Hornhunter no frame daypack out west for elk… after all day hunting with that thing on - even with not much weight - I did not like it at all. My back got sweatier, my spine did all the work, and my shoulders held most of the weight. Not something I noticed when excited first thing in the morning, definitely something I noticed once into the grind. With whitetail, there are times I’m minimal and times when I’m carrying some junk, especially late season. I tried this year with a relatively soft framed pack, and next year I think it will be replaced, for essentially the same reasons learned out west. I think I’m willing to sacrifice some ‘perfection’ in storage layout for some frame support when it’s needed… and I don’t mind a few extra lbs to accomplish it.

 

[peteherbst]

Imo, it’s all just testing new ways to do things.

I started by carrying my sticks into the woods by hand and then wanted a frame pack to strap the sticks to. I’m back to my original setup with a fleece backpack But instead of carrying my sticks in, I use a sling.

 

[Zero One Actual]

Backpacks are like serious running shoes. Every foot and body is ergonomically different so no two answers about weight distribution or form will be the same based on your pelvic girdle and stomach. Shoulder width, spine contour, walking gait or stride etc. That’s the number one reason one pack works for me that doesn’t for you or others.

Two is overall mission intent. From the truck two miles or less in? Small pack. Light weight. Longer distances? Heavier pack. More comfort. Is it cold? Needs more room for layers and other cold weather gear.

Experimentation. I try and sell all types of packs and ideas because it’s what I like to do. Some guys collect comics and figurines Or meet up and play call of duty online together.

We do the same thing here just with deer and woods for our maps.

 

[Plebe]

Think of all the various characteristics of packs and all the various characteristics of hunters. That about sums it up.

Simplified, I might judge a pack by:

Capacity
Material(s)
Weight
Structure
Layout
Adjustability/Fit
Adaptability
Load rating
Cost / value
Comfort

Based on my needs, one pack may perform a task better than another so I choose that pack. I have acquired a few now.

Someone else might pick a single pack that has characteristics that meet the majority of his/her needs most of the time.

 

[woodsdog2]

I don’t think you can have just one pack (unfortunately). I try and try to streamline and consolidate but just realize different packs for different needs and scenarios arise all the time.

 

[BTaylor]

Not looking to make another this pack works for me. But can someone break down backpacks and the nuts/bolts of why they seem to be an endless quest for guys? How many options are there really out there?
Am I missing something using just a normal Alps soft pack with no frame. I do notice if I load it, it hurts after a while. So my understanding is the frame really helps distribute the weight for long walks. So is it a fit issue or option issues that you guys are chasing? Or just a hobby?

The part of the answer to your question is determined by how you hunt and how you remove game from the field. I usually make an elk trip each fall and split my time deer hunting 70-30 public/private. For western hunts I need a pack with the capability to handle hauling camp in and elk out. Deer hunting on public I am seldom close to a road and need a pack capable of handling the weight of gear and field quartered animal. For the how I hunt aspect, I prefer to have everything I need to make a hunt in one organized place no matter where that hunt happens. When it is time to hunt, I grab my pack and my bow. I dont have to wonder if I have what I need or look for anything. I think age has something to do with it as well. The older I have gotten the more value I put into gear that excels at its intended purpose. With the pack I am using now, I can load 100# on it and go as far as you want to go and I am no Cam Hanes. The key is it is a well built pack that fits my body like a glove. If either of those 2 things are missing, it is the wrong pack for you. It may work but it is going to have more suck to it than you will want. Think about it from the perspective of our climbing gear, if you are going to pull up say a 15# treestand, do you want to use dynaglide or your 8-11mm rope. They both will work but one is going to be a much more pleasant experience than the other.

 

[HuumanCreed]

Honestly its also a mental game and the fact that there is no perfect tool for every situation. Like sling pack, I jump off that bandwagon real quick because while it has some benefits, it does not carry weight well at all. Having a pack that only apply weight on one side of your shoulder look cool in pictures and movies...but it will mess you up fast for anything over 10lbs.

There is also the issue of fallacy in tool usage. Example, guys are going as minimalist as possible because they are going deep 2 miles plus. Yes it is easier with less weight, but what happen when you actually get a deer? You are going to DRAG that all deer the way back. With a frame pack, you are carrying an extra 5lbs into the wood, but save yourself by going gutless or even carrying the whole deer on your back, which is easier.

Until 10 days ago, I had 12 packs of various size. Sold or gave them all away and only have 2 now.

 

[LongRange101]

I use a small sling pack for short hunts and those under 1/2 mile trips. Climbing sticks on sling over shoulder and carry bow. Now that it is colder and middle of rifle season, I'm going further back 2.5-3miles. Using a pack within pack. A large internal frame pack which has my sling pack, heavy outer layers, and saddle inside. Then my sticks on bottom and platform with compressions straps to back of the pack. I have a mountain bike setup with a tow cart as well.

 

[Iron_llama]

Different hunting styles have different needs. My go-to rifle hunting pack(s) don't work for carrying a 1-stick. I tried and couldn't make it work without more modifications than I cared to do. It gets cold during rifle season and I like to carry extra layers and a thermos of something hot to drink. I like to carry the thermos in an outside pocket and the layers inside. I also like to carry a paperback, a lunch, and some scent products; and I like to have them accessible without digging to the bottom of my bag. Early season, no layers, I can get by with a Camelbak and turkey vest. Late season I find myself adding more snivel gear at the end of a miserable day, and consequently need a bigger pack. I hate having zippers on hunting packs and prefer drawstrings and buckles. I dislike having any more bulk on my shoulders than I have to, as layers of straps can interfere with shouldering a rifle. In MN, boning out the deer to pack out the meat isn't an option as I can only leave entrails in the field. So my particular preferences eliminate the vast majority of packs on the market.

Different body sizes require different pack sizes. Larger budgets can result in quieter, lighter, stronger, etc. materials. Fit is absolutely an issue, but unfortunately fit is something you'll have to budget for. The good news is that the used pack market is pretty amazing, especially if you don't need a camo pack made expressly for a particular style of hunting. A '90s-era earth-tone backpacking pack can be had on an auction site for less than a new Alps pack, and you can (probably) adjust the fit to suit your needs. A youth or women's model will be a bit smaller than a men's model, which might be a more attractive option. It's easier to carry 20 liters of gear in a 60L pack than vice versa. And if it's cheap and a bit ratty you won't feel bad adding lashing loops or whatever to accommodate whatever you want to attach to the outside.