Let’s talk packs!!!

[Plebe]

You may be over thinking it. You don't need anything fancy or even a frame pack. It really depends if you plan on packing out meat. If not, you could use just about any cheaper pack with decent HIP STRAPS as they are what help with the suspension and alleviating shoulder discomfort

The frame (internal or external) transfers the load to the waist belt (hip straps). IMO, you want a frame.

I went years with an unstructured bag with a belt, it was ok, but I didn't know what I was missing out on.

 

[Shed84]

Just like Shed84 I use the EXO frame and two bags. Problem is using it in the tree. Theres no organization. Everything basically get stored together. I just bought the Scentlok Treestand Grinder. I plan on attaching to the EXO frame. When I get to the tree I can leave the frame on the ground. That way I can wear the lighter pack up the tree.

BE:1 Whitetail Standhunter Grinder Pack | ScentLok

Upgrade Your Hunt with the Enhanced BE:1 Grinder Treestand Backpack - Perfect for Whitetail Hunters. Features: Removable compression straps, durable mesh material, rain fly, ultra-wide side access, Carbon Alloy® lining, and 17 pockets.

www.scentlok.com

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I've had bad luck in the past leaving anything on the ground. Had deer I didn't want to shoot come by and smell it then blow out. Everything goes up the tree with me now. The exo frame is great and I also experimented with different bags on it and somehow always go back to the simplicity of the exo bags. I'll check out the one u mentioned though. Thanks

 

[NimbleTimbo]

The frame (internal or external) transfers the load to the waist belt (hip straps). IMO, you want a frame.

I went years with an unstructured bag with a belt, it was ok, but I didn't know what I was missing out on.

I'm not saying I disagree, some structure and rigidity helps, but just trying to save a bloke some coin. But some of the high-end packs mentioned are not necessary IMO if meat hauling or camping is not happening. I'd say take less along. Winter clothes strapped on are probably what 4-6 lbs? I have several internal frame packs but I'm looking at a Trophyline Platow pack to limit myself from taking too much, and can strap clothes above the fanny pack.

 

[Plebe]

I'm not saying I disagree, some structure and rigidity helps, but just trying to save a bloke some coin. But some of the high-end packs mentioned are not necessary IMO if meat hauling or camping is not happening. I'd say take less along. Winter clothes strapped on are probably what 4-6 lbs? I have several internal frame packs but I'm looking at a Trophyline Platow pack to limit myself from taking too much, and can strap clothes above the fanny pack.

You're right, you can spend less and get it done. There are two nice Frame Packs on Classifieds, $150 for both.

Dana Design K2 long bed + short bed, both packs, SOLD please close

Dana Design K2 short bed pack (black) is like new, I’m not sure if it was ever used, K2 long bed (green) I used for moving tree stands but is in good shape, no broken zippers or any of that stuff like is usually found on used packs, these packs are bomb proof, old school rugged heavy duty packs...

saddlehunter.com

I like that Platow pack alright, but if you want weight transfer to the hips, I worry anything above the pack is going to want to pull backwards and shift/swing as you go unless rigged carefully. It's a neat pack, but I'd have to see how that goes.

 

[Hlzr]

Its my opinion that one should decide how much to invest in a pack, frame vs non frame based on how much they will be walking, if you're walking a lot, day after day looking for the sign or rut activity investing in a frame pack that moves the weight to your hips is money well spent, maybe not on day 1 or 2 of a hunt but if you get to the point of multiple days walking distances you will be glad you have one, if you're a guy that will be hiking to a predetermined spot then lashing layers, sticks, platform to a non frame pack is not an issue. I strive to have both setups that I can pick and choose at the truck.

 

[Plebe]

Its my opinion that one should decide how much to invest in a pack, frame vs non frame based on how much they will be walking, if you're walking a lot, day after day looking for the sign or rut activity investing in a frame pack that moves the weight to your hips is money well spent, maybe not on day 1 or 2 of a hunt but if you get to the point of multiple days walking distances you will be glad you have one, if you're a guy that will be hiking to a predetermined spot then lashing layers, sticks, platform to a non frame pack is not an issue. I strive to have both setups that I can pick and choose at the truck.

Mostly I agree.

But distance and difficulty are factors that I don't overlook even when heading for a single all day sit at a location I've selected.

It sounds like OP moves around often, within a days hunting (which seems to fit the category "walking a lot")

I don't know what ultimately will be best for OP, but in that scenario personally I'm going to enjoy some sort of frame. My experience tells me so.

 

[Hlzr]

Mostly I agree.

But distance and difficulty are factors that I don't overlook even when heading for a single all day sit at a location I've selected.

It sounds like OP moves around often, within a days hunting (which seems to fit the category "walking a lot")

I don't know what ultimately will be best for OP, but in that scenario personally I'm going to enjoy some sort of frame. My experience tells me so.

I agree, I also think how much a person considers "walking a lot" is decided by the individual, my biggest reason for being able to hunt with out a full frame pack is simplicity in setting up and getting into the tree, these instances are usually morning or afternoon sits where I know where I'm going and how far it is and can plan accordingly, which fine tuning that ultra light system further is going to be this offseason's goal. If theres any doubt or doing an all day sit I'm glad to have the ability to take water, lunch, rain gear, extra gloves and warmer clothes with my EXO 1800. It has been money well spent. I could have the whole set of exo bags if I'd started there rather than going through a plethora of lower priced options lol

 

[sdonx]

I've had bad luck in the past leaving anything on the ground. Had deer I didn't want to shoot come by and smell it then blow out. Everything goes up the tree with me now. The exo frame is great and I also experimented with different bags on it and somehow always go back to the simplicity of the exo bags. I'll check out the one u mentioned though. Thanks

I have had that "everything in the tree" mentality previously. I'm trying to ease climbing with the EXO frame. I have a couple of these that I will put the pack in then cover in leaves?

Scentlok Storage Stuff Sack