• The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
  • We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules

Best pack for saddle hunting

Like most, I have spent decades chasing the 'perfect backpack.' It won't happen. You'll never find one that meets all the criteria you demand. I have settled on two lately that meet most of my needs: mystery ranch pop-up 28 and e eberlestock bandit. Elk/mountains/late season the mr pu 28 does a great job, can carry sticks, extra clothes, pretty much anything you need short of back country backpack hunt. Early season, the bandit works well for spot and stalk and minimal saddle hunting needs. I added the eberlestock belt and it makes it quite a bit more versatile.
 
BTaylor said:
I thought that too until I got into a kifaru duplex lite frame and stryker xl. For me it is the perfect pack and will handle all of my hunting needs including backpack hunts.
Click to expand...

I have a "perfect" frame in the EXO K4, but bags will change dependent on type of hunt. If it's that warm and I'm going in super light, it's a chest rig/battle belt setup, but most of the time I run the chest rig with the pack too.
 
bowhunthard88 said:
I have a "perfect" frame in the EXO K4, but bags will change dependent on type of hunt. If it's that warm and I'm going in super light, it's a chest rig/battle belt setup, but most of the time I run the chest rig with the pack too.
Click to expand...
If I didnt have my current pack, I would have seriously considered the new exo pack with the 2200 bag. They build a great pack.
 
I used the Eberlestock X2 my first year, which is a bit big in the tree. Last year I used a Eberlestock Renegade which I really like and will use again this year. Nice external sling/shelf for sticks, saddle and platform. Easily carried a Fanatic jacket and extra mid layer insider. The folks who don’t use a pack I suspect don’t walk very far or don’t hunt in places that see below freezing temperature in October.

A frame makes a big difference in hauling even 15 lbs of stuff. I’d much rather carry 15 lbs of gear in a 4 lb frame pack than a 2 lb frameless (or frame sheet) pack.
 
Last edited:
BTaylor said:
If I didnt have my current pack, I would have seriously considered the new exo pack with the 2200 bag. They build a great pack.
Click to expand...
I used an EXO K3 with an 1800 bag on it almost all year. Packed out 3 deer and carried any layers I needed with that setup. Pretty solid system for my needs.
 
I like my Horn Hunter Main Beam.....Carries and covers my sticks good, plenty of room to strap my Ambush or Mission platform to, and room for whatever I want to carry, including packing out a deer....
 
I have some of the packs mentioned.
My torso length is 21". Some of the packs mentioned are intended for a 18" max torso. I found out the hard way, they do not carry well for me. Some pack manufactures do not provide that info on their web site.
Myster Ranch (I don't own one) does.
Elberstock does not.
 
Another vote for the Exo K3. The 1800 works great as a day pack and you can add the lid if you need. I’ll swap to the 4800 if I’m spike camping. Love the versatility and resale value.
 
Chimney7 said:
Osprey stratos!

Don’t limit yourself to products marketed to hunters. The backpacking/hiking/outdoor community has some of the absolute best gear, it just isn’t sold in camo.
Click to expand...
If more saddle hunters tried em I think more would be using em, light and so comfortable.
 
Tell these guys what your gear (sticks, 1 stick, platform, etc..) you have and they will get you in the ballpark.
If you're making short hunts in and out of Tennessee with a 4wheeler to get your deer out of the woods then I would suggest looking into some of minimalist pack.
I made an investment into a Kifaru frame that fits me perfectly. What I've found is comfort and hauling weight that feels less than actual. Now I have customized packs for what ever I want to do but there are too many good packs made today to answer "best pack for saddle hunting" with a "X" pack answer.
 
GeoFish said:
I have some of the packs mentioned.
My torso length is 21". Some of the packs mentioned are intended for a 18" max torso. I found out the hard way, they do not carry well for me. Some pack manufactures do not provide that info on their web site.
Myster Ranch (I don't own one) does.
Elberstock does not.
Click to expand...
Yes, exactly. Torso length really matters when it comes to carrying a heavier load for any amount of distance. For those with lighter loads, going to and from a treestand on the “back 40” - almost any Jansport-type backpack will do. Elk hunting for miles day after day, with 60+ pounds on your back, a properly fitted pack (torso length, hip belt, load lifters) is essential. That is a different matter altogether.

I have a longer length torso as well. I use an Eberlsetock X2 pack for saddle hunting; it has a shorter torso and does not fit me particularly well, but I like the layout of the pack and am only using it to carry lighter loads. I haven’t found a pack with a similar layout ans the proper torso length. When I shoot something deer hunting I just quarter it and use a frame pack to pack it out, anyhow. Works well.
 
I have spent insane amounts of OT at work and saving over the years to have the best equipment available to make deer hunting more enjoyable.
A pricey pack is the one realm I cannot cave to. I don't pack out deer. Thats what the boys and a 30 pack is for. If you pack out, going with a nicer option may be worth it. For me, my Sitka Equinoxs huge cargo pockets do great. You can frequently find 50% coupons to get a badlands pack at a steal. That would also work great.
 
My earlier post said a Eberlestock Renegade. But I was thinking about it and rereading Mr Womack’s writing I think I need to consider how I’m getting the deer out if I can ever manage to get one. I think the jet sled if I’m a mile or two back will be too much pain in the butt. Wisconsin says you can break the deer down to 5 parts not including hide and lower legs, though head must be attached to one of the 5 pieces.

So maybe haul quarters and then come back for the hide/head&spine/legs. I think I’m going to try the Exo K3 I have with the 1800 bag. I played around with it and putting my rappel rope in the lid and platform between frame/pack means my sticks and saddle can go on the back of the pack. This will work with lighter layers at least earlier season.

My Style of Hunting By Mr. Warren Womack

For all you folks new to mobile climbing methods, or those of us that have tinkered with our system enough to be dangerous.... "Not only is it good practice but it's also a good conditioning program for climbing. I try to shoot every day and climb up to shoot and down to retrieve arrows, about...
saddlehunter.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top