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Help me build the ultimate saddle hunting pack

DeltaCharlie

Member
Joined
Oct 10, 2021
Messages
84
I have been sewing and making packs for hunting for the last 8 years, since I started elk hunting. I started out making packs to fit on commercially available frames from hunting pack manufacturers like Kifaru, Exo Mountain Gear, Initial Ascent for myself, my friends, and my family. In the last couple years, I have really started changing the way I hunt whitetails and realized that the packs I was using were good at some things, but not always adept at saddle hunting/mobile hunting specifically. I have been working on some different frame systems and testing out different different materials.

There are a ton of threads on every hunting forum about packs for hunting and I understand that there are a lot of variables that determine what needs each individual hunter has in a pack. The number of companies that offer hunting packs is also staggering. This is not an attempt to invade an already saturated market or make money by producing a pack. This is a passion project and I just want to know what features this community values over others. My full time job is firefighter/paramedic, so I'm busy enough as it is.

Here are some of the questions I have been pondering. There are way more answers to the questions I have posted, so feel free to add your preferences if your answer doesn't fit with the ones I have provided.

1. What size pack do you use?
A. Under 1000 c.i. (small backpack or lumbar pack)
B. 1000 c.i. to 2000 c.i. (small daypack)
C. 2000 c.i. to 3000 c.i. (large daypack or small multi-day pack)
D. 3000 c.i. or more (large multi-day or rucksack)

2. What type of frame do you prefer?
A. No frame necessary, just a bag with a little foam padding
B. A flexible frame that moves with me, comfortable with 15 lbs or under
C. A semi-rigid frame that moves with me but is comfortable up to 50 lbs
D. Rigid frame that carries loads in excess of 50 lbs

3. How do you pack your backpack?
A. I like to have pockets for everything, and lots of them.
B. I like pockets for my items and a medium sized main compartment.
C. I use some pockets but I prefer a larger main compartment.
D. I don't need pockets, I use stuff sacks and other small bags to separate my items.

4. Do you attach items to the outside of the pack?
A. I like lots of compression straps/attachment points and a beavertail or flap of material to sandwich items against the pack.
B. I like lots of compression straps/attachment points but no beavertail.
C. I like a couple compression straps/attachment points but a less cluttered exterior to prevent snags.
D. I don't like compression straps or attachment points, I feel like they are bothersome and unnecessary.

5. How do you get your kill out of the woods?
A. I field dress and put them on a motorized vehicle.
B. I drag the deer or use a cart until I can get to a road or trail.
C. I quarter the animal and carry out the parts on my back.
D. I keep the field dress the animal and carry it out on my back.

6. How much gear do you carry?
A. I carry the bare minimum, and try to be as light as possible, no food, no water, and no niceties.
B. I carry what I need for hunting with some food, water, and calls.
C. I carry hunting items, food, water, and some niceties like a book or phone charger.
D. I carry whatever I can fit in my pack, the more the better.

7. What do you prefer for a suspension system?
A. I like a full suspension, thick padding, contoured shoulder straps and a hipbelt.
B. I like a comfortable suspension with enough padding and a decent hipbelt.
C. I like a comfortable shoulder harness and just a webbing belt.
D. I like a minimized shoulder harness only.

8. What kind of material do you prefer?
A. 500d Cordura is good for me, it's durable and water resistant enough.
B. I would prefer a waterproof fabric.
C. I don't care but it has to be camo.
D. I prefer a very quiet material and I don't care what it weighs.

9. What pack are you currently using?

10. What do you wish your pack had that it doesn't currently have?

11. Do you climb the tree with your backpack on?

12. Do you use different packs for different seasons (early, rut, or late season) or different styles (saddle, mobile treestand, preset treestand)?

13. Do you carry extra layers in your backpack or wear them on the walk in?

14. Do you attach a weapon to your pack?

15. Do you prefer a modular pack that can be tailored to your needs?

16. How far do you walk on average to your hunting locations?

Please feel free to add whatever commentary you would like.
 
Last edited:
Get prepared for a whole bunch of different answers.

I used a mystery ranch popup 28, I now have an exo k4 3600. I prefer one bigger compartment with maybe just a couple outside pockets for smaller items.

I do camp occasionally durning hunting season so I need more capacity sometimes. I really like bags that compress down small when carrying minimal gear.

I know it doesn’t answer all your questions but I’m still learning what exactly I like myself.
 
Get prepared for a whole bunch of different answers.

I used a mystery ranch popup 28, I now have an exo k4 3600. I prefer one bigger compartment with maybe just a couple outside pockets for smaller items.

I do camp occasionally durning hunting season so I need more capacity sometimes. I really like bags that compress down small when carrying minimal gear.

I know it doesn’t answer all your questions but I’m still learning what exactly I like myself.
I want a whole bunch of answers! Thanks for the reply.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk
 
1. What size pack do you use?

C. 2000 c.i. to 3000 c.i. (large daypack or small multi-day pack)

2. What type of frame do you prefer?

C. A semi-rigid frame that moves with me but is comfortable up to 50 lbs

3. How do you pack your backpack?

C. I use some pockets but I prefer a larger main compartment.

4. Do you attach items to the outside of the pack?
C. I like a couple compression straps/attachment points but a less cluttered exterior to prevent snags.

5. How do you get your kill out of the woods?

C. I quarter the animal and carry out the parts on my back.

6. How much gear do you carry?
B. I carry what I need for hunting with some food, water, and calls.

7. What do you prefer for a suspension system?

B. I like a comfortable suspension with enough padding and a decent hipbelt.


8. What kind of material do you prefer?
A. 500d Cordura is good for me, it's durable and water resistant enough.

9. What pack are you currently using?
Mystery Ranch Pop up 28... i think version 2

10. What do you wish your pack had that it doesn't currently have? A Y-Zipper like the Pintler

11. Do you climb the tree with your backpack on? Pack and Platform... pull the bow up

12. Do you use different packs for different seasons (early, rut, or late season) or different styles (saddle, mobile treestand, preset treestand)? Nope same pack... just less full in early seaso

13. Do you carry extra layers in your backpack or wear them on the walk in? In my pack

14. Do you attach a weapon to your pack? No.. carry in hand

15. Do you prefer a modular pack that can be tailored to your needs? YES

16. How far do you walk on average to your hunting locations?. 0.75 TO 1.5 MILES

Please feel free to add whatever commentary you would like.
 
Solely my preference for research purpose only:

1. What size pack do you use?
B. 1000 c.i. to 2000 c.i. (small daypack)

2. What type of frame do you prefer?
C. A semi-rigid frame that moves with me but is comfortable up to 50 lbs

3. How do you pack your backpack?
B. I like pockets for my items and a medium sized main compartment.

4. Do you attach items to the outside of the pack?
B. I like lots of compression straps/attachment points but no beavertail.
***for packing my cold weather gear in on mountain hunts.**

5. How do you get your kill out of the woods?
B. I drag the deer or use a cart until I can get to a road or trail.

6. How much gear do you carry?
.
C. I carry hunting items, food, water, and some niceties like a slingshot for squirrels and phone charger.

7. What do you prefer for a suspension system?

B. I like a comfortable suspension with enough padding and a decent hipbelt.
.

8. What kind of material do you prefer?
A. 500d Cordura is good for me, it's durable and water resistant enough.

9. What pack are you currently using?
Kuiu Venture 1800

10. What do you wish your pack had that it doesn't currently have?
Moving some of the internal pockets to the outside.

11. Do you climb the tree with your backpack on?
Yes

12. Do you use different packs for different seasons (early, rut, or late season) or different styles (saddle, mobile treestand, preset treestand)?
No

13. Do you carry extra layers in your backpack or wear them on the walk in?
Midweight stuff in the pack, outer heavies outside with the compression straps.

14. Do you attach a weapon to your pack?
Only after a kill.

15. Do you prefer a modular pack that can be tailored to your needs?
No

16. How far do you walk on average to your hunting locations?
Bow season: .25-.5. Miles (hunt a tight spot)
Rifle: I’ve done up to 12 miles in a day but average 6-7.
 
I guess I should put my preferences here as well.

1. What size pack do you use?
C. 2000 c.i. to 3000 c.i. (large daypack or small multi-day pack)

2. What type of frame do you prefer?
C. A semi-rigid frame that moves with me but is comfortable up to 50 lbs


3. How do you pack your backpack?
C. I use some pockets but I prefer a larger main compartment.


4. Do you attach items to the outside of the pack?
A. I like lots of compression straps/attachment points and a beavertail or flap of material to sandwich items against the pack.

5. How do you get your kill out of the woods?
D. I keep the field dress the animal and carry it out on my back.

6. How much gear do you carry?
B. I carry what I need for hunting with some food, water, and calls.


7. What do you prefer for a suspension system?
B. I like a comfortable suspension with enough padding and a decent hipbelt.


8. What kind of material do you prefer?
A. 500d Cordura is good for me, it's durable and water resistant enough.


9. What pack are you currently using?
Exo 2200 with lid
Kuiu Venture 1800
Sitka Ascent 12

10. What do you wish your pack had that it doesn't currently have?
Beavertail

11. Do you climb the tree with your backpack on?
No, I use my rappel rope and grappling hook to pull up my pack and bow.

12. Do you use different packs for different seasons (early, rut, or late season) or different styles (saddle, mobile treestand, preset treestand)?
Venture 1800/Ascent 12early and the Exo last season

13. Do you carry extra layers in your backpack or wear them on the walk in?
Carry the layers strapped to the pack.

14. Do you attach a weapon to your pack?
Not unless I kill a whitetail or if I'm elk hunting I will stap my bow to my pack.

15. Do you prefer a modular pack that can be tailored to your needs?
Yes, I prefer a frame and pack separately.

16. How far do you walk on average to your hunting locations? Half mile to 2 miles.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk
 
1. C
2. C
3. C
4. A/B
5. C/D
6. B
7. C/D
8. Kuiu venture divide 3000
9. Quieter material, different top of the pack design
10. Yes
11. No
12. Same pack all season usually
13. Carry up
14. No
15. Depends
16. 3/4 mile average
 
1a
2c
3c
4b
5c or bone out and pack
6a
7b
8a
9kifaru duplex and ranger 11 bag
10ligther frame
11yes
12no
13on or in pack
14yes bow for biking
15yes
161-2miles walk 3mile bike or paddle
 
I have been sewing and making packs for hunting for the last 8 years, since I started elk hunting. I started out making packs to fit on commercially available frames from hunting pack manufacturers like Kifaru, Exo Mountain Gear, Initial Ascent for myself, my friends, and my family. In the last couple years, I have really started changing the way I hunt whitetails and realized that the packs I was using were good at some things, but not always adept at saddle hunting/mobile hunting specifically. I have been working on some different frame systems and testing out different different materials.

There are a ton of threads on every hunting forum about packs for hunting and I understand that there are a lot of variables that determine what what needs each individual hunter has in a pack. The number of companies that offer hunting packs is also staggering. This is not an attempt to invade an already saturated market or make money by producing a pack. This is a passion project and I just want to know what features this community values over others. My full time job is firefighter/paramedic, so I'm busy enough as it is.

Here are some of the questions I have been pondering. There are way more answers to the questions I have posted, so feel free to add your preferences if your answer doesn't fit with the ones I have provided.

1. What size pack do you use?
A. Under 1000 c.i. (small backpack or hip carry only pack or similar)
B. 1000 c.i. to 2000 c.i. (small daypack)
C. 2000 c.i. to 3000 c.i. (large daypack or small multi-day pack)
D. 3000 c.i. or more (large multi-day or rucksack)

2. What type of frame do you prefer?
A. No frame necessary, just a bag with a little foam padding
B. A flexible frame that moves with me, comfortable with 15 lbs or under
C. A semi-rigid frame that moves with me but is comfortable up to 50 lbs
D. Rigid frame that carries loads in excess of 50 lbs

3. How do you pack your backpack?
A. I like to have pockets for everything, and lots of them.
B. I like pockets for my items and a medium sized main compartment.
C. I use some pockets but I prefer a larger main compartment.
D. I don't need pockets, I use stuff sacks and other small bags to separate my items.

4. Do you attach items to the outside of the pack?
A. I like lots of compression straps/attachment points and a beavertail or flap of material to sandwich items against the pack.
B. I like lots of compression straps/attachment points but no beavertail.
C. I like a couple compression straps/attachment points but a less cluttered exterior to prevent snags.
D. I don't like compression straps or attachment points, I feel like they are bothersome and unnecessary.

5. How do you get your kill out of the woods?
A. I field dress and put them on a motorized vehicle.
B. I drag the deer or use a cart until I can get to a road or trail.
C. I quarter the animal and carry out the parts on my back.
D. I keep the field dress the animal and carry it out on my back.

6. How much gear do you carry?
A. I carry the bare minimum, and try to be as light as possible, no food, no water, and no niceties.
B. I carry what I need for hunting with some food, water, and calls.
C. I carry hunting items, food, water, and some niceties like a book or phone charger.
D. I carry whatever I can fit in my pack, the more the better.

7. What do you prefer for a suspension system?
A. I like a full suspension, thick padding, contoured shoulder straps and a hipbelt.
B. I like a comfortable suspension with enough padding and a decent hipbelt.
C. I like a comfortable shoulder harness and just a webbing belt.
D. I like a minimized shoulder harness only.

8. What kind of material do you prefer?
A. 500d Cordura is good for me, it's durable and water resistant enough.
B. I would prefer a waterproof fabric.
C. I don't care but it has to be camo.
D. I prefer a very quiet material and I don't care what it weighs.

9. What pack are you currently using?

10. What do you wish your pack had that it doesn't currently have?

11. Do you climb the tree with your backpack on?

12. Do you use different packs for different seasons (early, rut, or late season) or different styles (saddle, mobile treestand, preset treestand)?

13. Do you carry extra layers in your backpack or wear them on the walk in?

14. Do you attach a weapon to your pack?

15. Do you prefer a modular pack that can be tailored to your needs?

16. How far do you walk on average to your hunting locations?

Please feel free to add whatever commentary you would like.
1. What size pack do you use?
A. Under 1000 c.i. (small backpack or hip carry only pack or similar)

2. What type of frame do you prefer?
Depends on the game. Big game I’d go with d, otherwise b

3. How do you pack your backpack?
B. I like pockets for my items and a medium sized main compartment.

4. Do you attach items to the outside of the pack?
B. I like lots of compression straps/attachment points but no beavertail.

5. How do you get your kill out of the woods?
B. I drag the deer or use a cart until I can get to a road or trail and also C.

6. How much gear do you carry?
B. I carry what I need for hunting with some food, water, and calls.

7. What do you prefer for a suspension system?
B. I like a comfortable suspension with enough padding and a decent hipbelt.

8. What kind of material do you prefer?
A. 500d Cordura is good for me, it's durable and water resistant enough.

9. What pack are you currently using?
Gameplan Gear Leech

10. What do you wish your pack had that it doesn't currently have? Better organization in main compartment.

11. Do you climb the tree with your backpack on? Sometimes.

12. Do you use different packs for different seasons (early, rut, or late season) or different styles (saddle, mobile treestand, preset treestand)? No.

13. Do you carry extra layers in your backpack or wear them on the walk in?
Secure to pack for the walk in.

14. Do you attach a weapon to your pack?
Used to, not anymore.

15. Do you prefer a modular pack that can be tailored to your needs? Yes.

16. How far do you walk on average to your hunting locations?
1/2 mile to mile depending on the parcel.
 
My current pack is a Mystery Ranch Scree 32.

I would like an improved version of it.

32 liter size is good.
Internal frame with adjustable torso length.

Where it could be improved is make everything about it quieter and give it more pockets, including making the internal pockets with a closure.

I put my own bungee cords with balls on the outside for platform and stick lashing points. I'd think generous webbing daisy chains with moveable webbing lashing attachments to allow customization would be nice.

Suspension system must be overbuilt for the size, like the MR Scree is so that it holds the weight well for long distance.

I chose the Scree in part because it is lightweight. I doesn't make sense to me to spend $600 on ultralight sticks and attach them to a 6 lbs pack.
 
Last edited:
Currently have a kifaru duplex with a stryker xl. Got rid of my lumbar pack. What I want doesnt exist which is a lumbar pack with the ability to add a light removeable frame for packing deer out. Only really need the frame for meat hauling. The rest of the time, a well designed lumbar pack would cover every need except maybe for up folks up north packing a lot of clothes with a need to keep them dry.
 
Should have added there are some material choices and bag/pouch designs that would significantly improve whats currently available.
 
Currently have a kifaru duplex with a stryker xl. Got rid of my lumbar pack. What I want doesnt exist which is a lumbar pack with the ability to add a light removeable frame for packing deer out. Only really need the frame for meat hauling. The rest of the time, a well designed lumbar pack would cover every need except maybe for up folks up north packing a lot of clothes with a need to keep them dry.
That's an interesting concept. Do you envision keeping the frame in the truck/side by side and retrieving it after the kill?

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk
 
That's an interesting concept. Do you envision keeping the frame in the truck/side by side and retrieving it after the kill?

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk
No, it would be stored in/on the pack. I bet that has you scratching your head. LOL
 
Size and support of the Sitka tool bucket but with LWCG wolf pack pockets and carry stick ability of the Staggs stealth pack.

A shelf like the Stryker XL would be cool too.
 
1. What size pack do you use?
B. 1000 c.i. to 2000 c.i. (small daypack)
C. 2000 c.i. to 3000 c.i. (large daypack or small multi-day pack)
2. What type of frame do you prefer?
C. A semi-rigid frame that moves with me but is comfortable up to 50 lbs
D. Rigid frame that carries loads in excess of 50 lbs
3. How do you pack your backpack?
A. I like to have pockets for everything, and lots of them.
B. I like pockets for my items and a medium sized main compartment.
4. Do you attach items to the outside of the pack?
A. and a beavertail or flap of material to sandwich items against the pack.
C. I like a couple compression straps/attachment points but a less cluttered exterior to prevent snags.
5. How do you get your kill out of the woods?
A. I field dress and put them on a motorized vehicle.
B. I drag the deer or use a cart until I can get to a road or trail.
C. I quarter the animal and carry out the parts on my back.
D. I keep the field dress the animal and carry it out on my back.
6. How much gear do you carry?
C. I carry hunting items, food, water, and some niceties like a phone charger and toiletries
7. What do you prefer for a suspension system?
A. I like a full suspension, thick padding, contoured shoulder straps and a hipbelt.
B. I like a comfortable suspension with enough padding and a decent hipbelt.
8. What kind of material do you prefer?
A. 500d Cordura is good for me, it's durable and water resistant enough.
9. What pack are you currently using? Mystery Ranch popup 38, Lone Wolf half pack, Kifaru 26" hunter frame with load sling
10. What do you wish your pack had that it doesn't currently have? Yes is the answer.
11. Do you climb the tree with your backpack on? Yes
12. Do you use different packs for different seasons (early, rut, or late season) or different styles (saddle, mobile treestand, preset treestand)? Yes
13. Do you carry extra layers in your backpack or wear them on the walk in? carry in pack
14. Do you attach a weapon to your pack? No
15. Do you prefer a modular pack that can be tailored to your needs? Yes
16. How far do you walk on average to your hunting locations? 1 to 6 miles depends on the type of hunting that day

Id like to have a frame that adjustable like mystery ranches newer popups and yoke system with the hip belt of Kifaru and a bag that a combination of the sawtooth 45, 22 Mag, Lone wolf half pack, bedlam, and popup 28
 
1. What size pack do you use?
B. 1000 c.i. to 2000 c.i. (small daypack)
C. 2000 c.i. to 3000 c.i. (large daypack or small multi-day pack)
2. What type of frame do you prefer?
C. A semi-rigid frame that moves with me but is comfortable up to 50 lbs
D. Rigid frame that carries loads in excess of 50 lbs
3. How do you pack your backpack?
A. I like to have pockets for everything, and lots of them.
B. I like pockets for my items and a medium sized main compartment.
4. Do you attach items to the outside of the pack?
A. and a beavertail or flap of material to sandwich items against the pack.
C. I like a couple compression straps/attachment points but a less cluttered exterior to prevent snags.
5. How do you get your kill out of the woods?
A. I field dress and put them on a motorized vehicle.
B. I drag the deer or use a cart until I can get to a road or trail.
C. I quarter the animal and carry out the parts on my back.
D. I keep the field dress the animal and carry it out on my back.
6. How much gear do you carry?
C. I carry hunting items, food, water, and some niceties like a phone charger and toiletries
7. What do you prefer for a suspension system?
A. I like a full suspension, thick padding, contoured shoulder straps and a hipbelt.
B. I like a comfortable suspension with enough padding and a decent hipbelt.
8. What kind of material do you prefer?
A. 500d Cordura is good for me, it's durable and water resistant enough.
9. What pack are you currently using? Mystery Ranch popup 38, Lone Wolf half pack, Kifaru 26" hunter frame with load sling
10. What do you wish your pack had that it doesn't currently have? Yes is the answer.
11. Do you climb the tree with your backpack on? Yes
12. Do you use different packs for different seasons (early, rut, or late season) or different styles (saddle, mobile treestand, preset treestand)? Yes
13. Do you carry extra layers in your backpack or wear them on the walk in? carry in pack
14. Do you attach a weapon to your pack? No
15. Do you prefer a modular pack that can be tailored to your needs? Yes
16. How far do you walk on average to your hunting locations? 1 to 6 miles depends on the type of hunting that day

Id like to have a frame that adjustable like mystery ranches newer popups and yoke system with the hip belt of Kifaru and a bag that a combination of the sawtooth 45, 22 Mag, Lone wolf half pack, bedlam, and popup 28
I appreciate your input. I would love to hear what parts of each of those packs you would like to see in one pack.


Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk
 
f330be7ef04ae7f49d5cd3e55867941a.jpg


Something like this. Definitely need to work on my art skills haha.

The front pocket of the half pack has great storage for small things like sd cards for checking cameras. I really like that. As well as their sling to help hold extra gear but would personally would go with an orange for this.

I like the overall design of the 22 mag with its opening. But have it stop a bit higher, giving a better bucket on the bottom. The gen 1 had better interior storage but the gen 2 opened better.

The long side pocket and water bottle of the bedlam

The long sleeve pockets of the sawtooth.

Size between the sawtooth and 22mag. 2300t o 2500 cu ins


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
f330be7ef04ae7f49d5cd3e55867941a.jpg


Something like this. Definitely need to work on my art skills haha.

The front pocket of the half pack has great storage for small things like sd cards for checking cameras. I really like that. As well as their sling to help hold extra gear but would personally would go with an orange for this.

I like the overall design of the 22 mag with its opening. But have it stop a bit higher, giving a better bucket on the bottom. The gen 1 had better interior storage but the gen 2 opened better.

The long side pocket and water bottle of the bedlam

The long sleeve pockets of the sawtooth.

Size between the sawtooth and 22mag. 2300t o 2500 cu ins


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Actually, your drawing is pretty good. I have made packs with worse, haha.

Thanks for the input, I agree that a shorter opening on the 22 mag would be nice but it could also be accomplished with two compression straps that you could adjust to put at the height you want to, so basically you can decide how large a bucket you want.

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