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Pack Recommendation

blewis5289

blewis5289

New Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2021
Messages
16
Hey Saddle Hunters - I have 2 questions for those who are more in the know than I am:

1 - What is your recommended pack for carrying a platform (Cruzr Seeker) and sticks (4 Hawk Minis)? I ordered the Badlands Pursuit (I know G2 does not like it), but wanted to hear other options under $200.

2 - Do you know if the Predator XL pack will fit the Cruzr Seeker platform? If not, is there something that does?

Thanks in advance!
 
I ordered the platow (I think trophyline is having a sale) from trophyline and am loving it thus far. Only issue I’ve noticed and heard some others mention is the webbing on the hip belts is stitched pretty tight so may be tough getting molle attachments into them.

Im waiting for an eberlestock bandit after some research too. It seems small for late season with layers but want to try it out in any case.
 
I use the Badlands Pursuit to carry my regular predator platform. I used to put the platform inside the big pocket & strap the sticks to the outside of the pack but I decided I liked it better to strap the platform to the outside & just carry the sticks. That way when I'm ready to hang the platform I just swing the pack around off my back & unstrap the platform, instead of having to unzip & get the platform out.

Carrying the platform & the sticks with the pack can be done but not having a hip belt it does get kind of heavy on the shoulders.
 
im on my second season with the original CAYS from TL. I know there are a good bit of negative comments/reviews on this pack but Ive not had any complaints. It is pretty big but that's what i was looking for. I tote gear for my son and me so needed the room.

I also still like the Hornhunter G2 and G3 packs. The G2 can be arranged perfectly for carrying any platform/stick combo and some layers using the lashing straps. If you need more room the G3 has a larger main compartment and the wing pockets for camera gear and such. Very well made packs. I have a couple containers full of packs from Badlands, Kuiu, etc and the CAYS and Hornhunter packs have been my favorite.
 
The pursuit is my go to early season pack. I actually need to find a late season pack that will carry my usual stuff and layers for warmth.
 
Mschmeiske said:
The pursuit is my go to early season pack. I actually need to find a late season pack that will carry my usual stuff and layers for warmth.
Click to expand...
Shock cord on the outside of pack with the tightener doo dad. In winter I can roll my coat and vest or whatever up, attach it like a bedroll and still keep a pretty small pack.
Only time this doesn't work is when its raining.

Sent from my SM-G965U1 using Tapatalk
 
I’ve been using a Kuiu venture 1800 for the past year and a half. I’m pretty happy with the bag, and would give it a 8/10.

The pack is big enough to hold saddle, ropes, knee pads etc in main compartment. Has some additional organizational capacity on front (lumbar strap, folding saw), top (range finder, grunt tube, monocular, (inside zippered org pouch holds tags and some snacks)), and 2 inside “lid” of main compartment (keep rarely used items, TP, zip ties, knife, fire kit, etc). Hip belt pockets are spacious, and hold headlamp, ever calm in one and pull rope and wind check in other.

So the pack carries everything I NEED, and nothing really more. The hip belt is ROBUST, and I’ve carried this on hikes with 25lbs+ and been comfortable all day. In the same breath, once I get up the tree the stiffness of the hip belt can kind of be a pain… usually depends on the tree and setup. Basically, I think one has to make a decision on comfort here, and where you want it… on the walk in, or up in the tree, I haven’t found a system that can truly give both.

Outside of pack has attachment points for days. I usually carry 2-4 full length xop sticks, and Xop platform. The sticks are strapped to the side of the pack with the cinch straps, and then up through the platform. It carries very securely and quietly through the woods (for full length sticks which obvious catch more brush than shorts). This bag uses 1/2” webbing for the strap. I wish they used a thicker webbing here, but it’s holding up well so far, I’ll probably put some sheathing/protectors on soon just to keep them in good shape.

The material is strong. Could be a little quieter, but not terrible. Zippers same thing. The bag feels very solid.

Honestly I like this bag layout enough that I’ll probably up size to the venture 2300. The cinch straps look 3/4”+ on the bigger bag, and there is actually a second anchor/set of straps across the front. So instead of same straps holding sticks and platform, the side straps could hold sticks, and the front could hold the platform. Hoping the extra 500ci will let me get a fanatic coat and or lunch in there too (if no saddle)

Biggest pro: super comfortable to hike with, durable materials.

Biggest con: feels like a small 1800 (BC of bag profile/cut), can want to roll open in the tree if heavy things in top pocket.
 
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