Choosing a good Backpack that doesn't cost 400 dollars?

[rekkr870]

You can get away with saving money and skimping on a lot of things; a pack is not one of them. A good, solid pack and a solid pair of boots will make your life easier.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[kenn1320]

How often do you shoot deer that need to be packed out? I would guess for many of us, its not often. Had I got a buck on my recent trip, I did plan on packing it out. I had it in my mind it was going to take me a few trips given my equipment. Im glad I didnt plan my pack purchase around a once in a blue moon might happen situation. All of us are going to have different needs, figure out what yours are and go for it. I went with a saddle to lighten my load, not carry more stuff with the same weight. If you film, that might be your goal. Not bashing any previous comments, just sharing mine. I have a buddy that wants a hunting recurve and wants to shoot competition with the same bow. He is stuck on a short bow due to preconceived hunting scenarios. He got 1 shot this year hunting(and missed) and will now shoot thousands of arrows this year competing with a less than ideal length bow. Hope you see my point.......

 

[Aeds151]

Kelty Redwing 50 Tactical <$100

I just packed a small buck and about 40lbs of my saddle gear/clothes out. 65-75lbs with my Red Wing. I use outside compression straps for my sticks and the head and daisy loops for diy xop platform

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kyler1945]

How often do you shoot deer that need to be packed out? I would guess for many of us, its not often. Had I got a buck on my recent trip, I did plan on packing it out. I had it in my mind it was going to take me a few trips given my equipment. Im glad I didnt plan my pack purchase around a once in a blue moon might happen situation. All of us are going to have different needs, figure out what yours are and go for it. I went with a saddle to lighten my load, not carry more stuff with the same weight. If you film, that might be your goal. Not bashing any previous comments, just sharing mine. I have a buddy that wants a hunting recurve and wants to shoot competition with the same bow. He is stuck on a short bow due to preconceived hunting scenarios. He got 1 shot this year hunting(and missed) and will now shoot thousands of arrows this year competing with a less than ideal length bow. Hope you see my point.......

I agree to an extent - if you’re going to buy a heavy, cheap, poorly made pack with chincy internal frame on the off chance you shoot one, no, it doesn’t make sense.

But having spent the money on the PopUp, carrying 25-30lbs a couple of miles over rough terrain in it with just gear is not even comparable to any other pack I’ve owned. And I know if I shoot a deer, I don’t have to make the trip twice if I don’t want to.

All of it is a moot point if you’re hunting within 1/2 mile of entry, or hunt in dry,flat,open country you can take a cart or sled or drag one.

I’ve had roughly 15 days afield and 3 ended with deer coming back with me so far(and one lost). One ended up getting dragged because of a short hike and a hunting partner(would have probably quartered and packed alone)The other two would not have been possible with cart or dragging (2 miles, not easy terrain). 20%+ chance I’m going to have to bring one out is enough of a chance to justify a quality pack that I don’t even notice I’m wearing, once adjusted properly, toting my standard gear(usually including film setup).

If I were not filming, and not packing meat, any ole pack would do, but it still wouldn’t be as comfortable as the PopUp. Also, for reference - the alps pursuit that I liked and used a couple seasons weighs 4.1lbs, the PopUp is 4.8....I’ll sacrifice 9 ounces in the name of being able to carry 100lbs if necessary...

 

[kenn1320]

I agree to an extent - if you’re going to buy a heavy, cheap, poorly made pack with chincy internal frame on the off chance you shoot one, no, it doesn’t make sense.

But having spent the money on the PopUp, carrying 25-30lbs a couple of miles over rough terrain in it with just gear is not even comparable to any other pack I’ve owned. And I know if I shoot a deer, I don’t have to make the trip twice if I don’t want to.

All of it is a moot point if you’re hunting within 1/2 mile of entry, or hunt in dry,flat,open country you can take a cart or sled or drag one.

I’ve had roughly 15 days afield and 3 ended with deer coming back with me so far(and one lost). One ended up getting dragged because of a short hike and a hunting partner(would have probably quartered and packed alone)The other two would not have been possible with cart or dragging (2 miles, not easy terrain). 20%+ chance I’m going to have to bring one out is enough of a chance to justify a quality pack that I don’t even notice I’m wearing, once adjusted properly, toting my standard gear(usually including film setup).

If I were not filming, and not packing meat, any ole pack would do, but it still wouldn’t be as comfortable as the PopUp. Also, for reference - the alps pursuit that I liked and used a couple seasons weighs 4.1lbs, the PopUp is 4.8....I’ll sacrifice 9 ounces in the name of being able to carry 100lbs if necessary...

Wow that's a lot of deer. I can think of 3 I killed in the last 17yrs, dragged them all. Heck my odds of success are so low....I don't even carry a knife to save weight.

 

[kyler1945]

Wow that's a lot of deer. I can think of 3 I killed in the last 17yrs, dragged them all. Heck my odds of success are so low....I don't even carry a knife to save weight.

Dang man, where in the heck are you hunting?

Two of mine this year were in corn country...they’re dumber and more plentiful there. But I usually bring one or two home in Louisiana. I certainly didn't consider myself to be bragging until I read your response....Sorry it definitely wasn't meant to come across that way. Come down to Louisiana I'll put you on one! It may not be big, and it might not be easy to hunting, or easy to get out, but I can put you in the game. I thought our herd was in bad shape, but I'd probably stick to fishing if I didn't have a chance every year...

 

[kenn1320]

Dang man, where in the heck are you hunting?

Two of mine this year were in corn country...they’re dumber and more plentiful there. But I usually bring one or two home in Louisiana. I certainly didn't consider myself to be bragging until I read your response....Sorry it definitely wasn't meant to come across that way. Come down to Louisiana I'll put you on one! It may not be big, and it might not be easy to hunting, or easy to get out, but I can put you in the game. I thought our herd was in bad shape, but I'd probably stick to fishing if I didn't have a chance every year...

Lol I have really bad luck mixed with high for the area standards. I haven't seen a buck that would score over 100" since I imposed that limit in 2001 here in Michigan. Sure others have shot them, but not on the properties I hunt. My biggest buck came from ks, 102" and I regret shooting it cause it was a young deer and not what you go to ks for. Just finished 9 days in 2 separate trips to Iowa zone 6, zero desire to hunt Iowa again. Barely saw deer and nothing I wanted to shoot even from the road. Crazy bad luck.

 

[DanielB89]

I purchased the XOP strike force pack and am VERY pleased with it. Best pack i've owned thus far.

 

[MJH]

Canadian Forces 82 Pattern rucksack is the way to go.
I have two, got them for $60 CDN at the surplus store. It has a kick-ass frame, large main compartment, three accessory pouches with the BEST/QUIETEST fabric buckles of all time etc. You can lash sticks or steps to the frame below the bag and just generally kick ass.

Case closed

 

[Pennswoods85]

Interested what is the name of the "popup" pack you use? Sounds like it is just what I'm looking for haha. Using a tenzing 2200 now and it is maxed out if I'm bringing camera gear and winter layers.

I agree to an extent - if you’re going to buy a heavy, cheap, poorly made pack with chincy internal frame on the off chance you shoot one, no, it doesn’t make sense.

But having spent the money on the PopUp, carrying 25-30lbs a couple of miles over rough terrain in it with just gear is not even comparable to any other pack I’ve owned. And I know if I shoot a deer, I don’t have to make the trip twice if I don’t want to.

All of it is a moot point if you’re hunting within 1/2 mile of entry, or hunt in dry,flat,open country you can take a cart or sled or drag one.

I’ve had roughly 15 days afield and 3 ended with deer coming back with me so far(and one lost). One ended up getting dragged because of a short hike and a hunting partner(would have probably quartered and packed alone)The other two would not have been possible with cart or dragging (2 miles, not easy terrain). 20%+ chance I’m going to have to bring one out is enough of a chance to justify a quality pack that I don’t even notice I’m wearing, once adjusted properly, toting my standard gear(usually including film setup).

If I were not filming, and not packing meat, any ole pack would do, but it still wouldn’t be as comfortable as the PopUp. Also, for reference - the alps pursuit that I liked and used a couple seasons weighs 4.1lbs, the PopUp is 4.8....I’ll sacrifice 9 ounces in the name of being able to carry 100lbs if necessary...

 

[Chistavocat]

Interested what is the name of the "popup" pack you use? Sounds like it is just what I'm looking for haha. Using a tenzing 2200 now and it is maxed out if I'm bringing camera gear and winter layers.

He’s referring to the mystery ranch pop up 18/28 (not sure what size he has). I’m interested in one. May be overkill for my needs but for its capability it is fairly light.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[GCTerpfan]

@kyler1945 you are going to talk me into the MR Pop Up sooner than later I think. I initially ruled it out because of the cost and I usually don't pack out deer but, every time I read your posts about it I consider it a little more seriously. I found myself browsing their site yesterday.

The biggest problem I have with packs is that I have an extremely long torso. I am only 6' tall but the waist band of most packs straps around me in the middle of my stomach and no where near my waist. The Pop Up has an adjustable frame to help with this, correct?

 

[Squirrels]

@kyler1945 you are going to talk me into the MR Pop Up sooner than later I think. I initially ruled it out because of the cost and I usually don't pack out deer but, every time I read your posts about it I consider it a little more seriously. I found myself browsing their site yesterday.

The biggest problem I have with packs is that I have an extremely long torso. I am only 6' tall but the waist band of most packs straps around me in the middle of my stomach and no where near my waist. The Pop Up has an adjustable frame to help with this, correct?

The torso length is adjustable on the MR Pop Up via their yoke system. You guys just missed out on a 25% off sale of the PopUps (and other MR stuff) that Black Ovis had over the weekend and beginning of the week. I like the frame but not the bag so much, I sold the one I picked up. The bag was not to my liking in both layout and decibel level for treestand hunting, at least for me. Those two drawbacks aren't issue for some. I have a MR Treehouse and Sitka Tool Box on the porch awaiting me when I get home. I will check them out and keep the one I like best and sell or return the other one. For going deep with meat pack out possibilites I have a Kifaru Lite Duplex Frame I will just strap the daypack to. I don't like a frame pack where I won't be packing out meat, just to much in the tree for me. But everyone has different needs/desires, I'm just glad we have lots of options these days and that continues to expand each year. Well I say I like it, it's easier on the stash when there is only one option and you already own it lol.

 

[GCTerpfan]

The torso length is adjustable on the MR Pop Up via their yoke system. You guys just missed out on a 25% off sale of the PopUps (and other MR stuff) that Black Ovis had over the weekend and beginning of the week. I like the frame but not the bag so much, I sold the one I picked up. The bag was not to my liking in both layout and decibel level for treestand hunting, at least for me. Those two drawbacks aren't issue for some. I have a MR Treehouse and Sitka Tool Box on the porch awaiting me when I get home. I will check them out and keep the one I like best and sell or return the other one. For going deep with meat pack out possibilites I have a Kifaru Lite Duplex Frame I will just strap the daypack to. I don't like a frame pack where I won't be packing out meat, just to much in the tree for me. But everyone has different needs/desires, I'm just glad we have lots of options these days and that continues to expand each year. Well I say I like it, it's easier on the stash when there is only one option and you already own it lol.

I saw the sale but, wasn't ready to pull the trigger. The reviews that have said the material was noisy and the layout of the bag is less than ideal are the two things that have held me back from buying it. I am a person that likes everything to have it's place in my bag. I like lots of compartments and organization.

Anybody know of another bag that will solve my long torso issue?

 

[Squirrels]

I saw the sale but, wasn't ready to pull the trigger. The reviews that have said the material was noisy and the layout of the bag is less than ideal are the two things that have held me back from buying it. I am a person that likes everything to have it's place in my bag. I like lots of compartments and organization.

Anybody know of another bag that will solve my long torso issue?

You looking to haul meat and gear or just gear?

 

[GCTerpfan]

You looking to haul meat and gear or just gear?

I'm mostly looking to haul gear but, a pack that would allow me to haul meat also it would be a plus.

My main issue is I have some neck issues and it doesn't take long for a pack to start pulling on my shoulders/neck area and causing pain. I think the problem is exacerbated by he fact that none of the waist belts on packs I have ever owned have transferred the weight anywhere near my waist. The waist belts are always so high they are almost useless.

 

[Aeds151]

Get a pack with an adjustable torso.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Islandshooter]

I'm a new guy in the saddle forum, but unless you're going 5 miles back, I would say listen to Dan Infalt on his pack out..."I'm going to kill deer, not drag deer out". Even the Hunting Public guys do this. I'm kinda old. Weight is important to me. I pack in to hunt. If I kill, I come back (with friends) to track and recover. Just my opinion

 

[Squirrels]

I'm a new guy in the saddle forum, but unless you're going 5 miles back, I would say listen to Dan Infalt on his pack out..."I'm going to kill deer, not drag deer out". Even the Hunting Public guys do this. I'm kinda old. Weight is important to me. I pack in to hunt. If I kill, I come back (with friends) to track and recover. Just my opinion

Well said and I agree. My only concern with a pack is taking in what I need. I’ll figure the rest out later. I’m also not going in more than a mile.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Apex7]

I think I need to see and mess around with all the options, lol, it would be nice if one store had a bunch of these backpacks, oh well, guess I'll pick one and see how I like it and hope I don't lose too much on the resale if it doesn't work out.

Check out Badlands packs.