Michigan backpack help!

[Empostarr]

Alright, I know...a backpack thread. I've searched a lot on here, and everyone comes from different areas of the country, so it's hard to filter through to find the advice/suggestions I'm looking for.

I'm looking for recommendations for a pack that can carry my climbing gear and winter garbs for the walk in/mobile hunting. I have both 20" climbing sticks (4) and 40' of rope for srt. Only carrying one option at a time. I also have my winter coat and insulated bibs.

I've worn the bibs in, with the legs unzipped most of the way, and it works but I still overheat. So I'd like too pack them in. I've been leaning towards the pop up 38, since I'm sure that will fit my body size comfortably. But will it hold my winter gear? Any other suggestions out there?

6'3", 300 lbs

Thanks everyone!

 

[Miboy86]

I bought a mystery ranch mule and the outside straps, carry my mid layer and heavy jacket in it and strap my sticks to the outside, looking at the badlands diablo pack to maybe try next year.

 

[Empostarr]

I bought a mystery ranch mule and the outside straps, carry my mid layer and heavy jacket in it and strap my sticks to the outside, looking at the badlands diablo pack to maybe try next year.

I looked at the Badlands Superday, but my torso is longer and it didn't feel like it would sit well on my frame, which is why I was leaning toward the MR bags. I'm also really trying to avoid the backpack shuffle so many seem to play looking for the right pack.

What about the Diablo has you leaning towards that? Good luck on your pack search!

 

[MattMan81]

Have you messed around with tieing your stuff to a pack? Problem with bigger cloths is it takes up way to much room inside a pack. I don't walk far where I hunt. But If I was doing more I would look into a frame and tie every thing to it I think. Just packing a XXL jacket in mine takes up the most room. If not the amount of room inside a bag to pack just my cloths is big. IMO.

 

[Miboy86]

I looked at the Badlands Superday, but my torso is longer and it didn't feel like it would sit well on my frame, which is why I was leaning toward the MR bags. I'm also really trying to avoid the backpack shuffle so many seem to play looking for the right pack.

What about the Diablo has you leaning towards that? Good luck on your pack search!

The fact that it's more of a backup than a frame pack and I'll still be able to strap my sticks on the outside and it will be nicer to hang on the tree than a frame pack like the mule is.

 

[Topdog]

I bought the MR pop up 28 for all the reasons you described and couldn’t be happier, I’m hard to please and OCD about everything, I wanted a narrow pack that would carry a load if it needed too, sometimes I’m lugging an Iwom around other days just a few extra layers, whatever it is the pop up makes it fit, I carry a small fleece pack/pouch that I take up the tree for snacks etc and leave the pop up at the base of the tree.

 

[kyler1945]

If you weigh 300lbs, and you're toting heavy winter layers, and you plan on putting them IN a pack, You're gonna need a mondo pack brother. I'd recommend packing whatever pack you use LIGHT, and strapping the clothes to the front of it. Or if you elect to go the frame route (my preference, and don't see why anyone wouldn't really, if you're carrying more than 15-20lbs), just put the clothes in the load shelf - that's what its for. If you hunt near hitchhikers, cockleburrs, and briars alot, get some sort of lightweight thin bag to throw them in, in the load shelf. Waterproof is a good idea. I typically tote one that my clothes, and my pack can fit in for a river crossing or torrential downpour. Then it doubles as game bag.

Unfortunately, you're going to be on the upper end of pack fittings. It may limit you on what options work well, and are lightweight. The good news is you're not human, so a 7lb pack versus a 5lb pack means nothing to you. I'd opt for one of the streamlined frame packs, then use whatever bag on it that makes sense. I doubt the popup would work for your size fella, but I could be wrong. Their belt is lacking - it works great for a narrow or small fella. But it probably won't be much fun on 300lb hips. I'd look up to the mystery ranch guide frame or equivalent like mentioned above.

Watch the classifieds here and rokslide. Buy used, and you can likely try and sell for what you have in it less shipping. Much less risky than buying new.

 

[Empostarr]

If you weigh 300lbs, and you're toting heavy winter layers, and you plan on putting them IN a pack, You're gonna need a mondo pack brother. I'd recommend packing whatever pack you use LIGHT, and strapping the clothes to the front of it. Or if you elect to go the frame route (my preference, and don't see why anyone wouldn't really, if you're carrying more than 15-20lbs), just put the clothes in the load shelf - that's what its for. If you hunt near hitchhikers, cockleburrs, and briars alot, get some sort of lightweight thin bag to throw them in, in the load shelf. Waterproof is a good idea. I typically tote one that my clothes, and my pack can fit in for a river crossing or torrential downpour. Then it doubles as game bag.

Unfortunately, you're going to be on the upper end of pack fittings. It may limit you on what options work well, and are lightweight. The good news is you're not human, so a 7lb pack versus a 5lb pack means nothing to you. I'd opt for one of the streamlined frame packs, then use whatever bag on it that makes sense. I doubt the popup would work for your size fella, but I could be wrong. Their belt is lacking - it works great for a narrow or small fella. But it probably won't be much fun on 300lb hips. I'd look up to the mystery ranch guide frame or equivalent like mentioned above.

Watch the classifieds here and rokslide. Buy used, and you can likely try and sell for what you have in it less shipping. Much less risky than buying new.

Thanks for all of the info! I have tried strapping outer layers to the pack I was using, which is a small cabelas bag that works great when its not cold. I was considering the MR packs for the load shelf to carry the layers instead of in the bag as mentioned too, plus they can flatten down pretty good during the warmer months from what I've seen.

The weight of the bag isnt really a concern unless its ridiculously heavy. My waist is 44 to 46 depending on the brand, I'll have to check their specs to see if they have a size for that. I tried using my backpacking pack (internal frame) today and it was brutal hiking about a mile.

Anyone have experience with pack rabbit? Thats another option I was looking into.