Saddle Hunting Backpack

[swampsnyper]

I just got in a a new pack, the Venture 1800 from Kuiu. Was looking for a better pocket layout and lighter weight than the pack I have been using but also one with enough volume to packout most deer in one trip. Havent hunted with it yet but I think this pack is going to work very well. Bag layout is exactly what I wanted and the strapping configuration flexibility is crazy. Will update after getting it loaded up and hunting with it a bit.

That’s what I have been using for 2 seasons. Packs a deboned doe out well. The compression straps work great for carrying sticks.

 

[gameflogger]

With the “second wind” of saddle hunting popularity lately there is an amazing opportunity for someone to invent the perfect saddle hunting pack and capitalize on... if someone comes up with the perfect prototype I will test it at no charge.... except the pack of course.

 

[gameflogger]

I have used an x2 pack and it is kinda big for hanging in small trees. I have been using a small voodoo tactical pack for the last couple of years with a few modifications on the straps i can pack 4 lone wolf sticks, my ros, my saw, my hydration bladder, a few snacks for an all day sit, t.p. My gps, my knife, and my scentlok strapped to the outside.

 

[gameflogger]

But I still havent found..........what im looking for.

 

[peteherbst]

Dave, if you can get your hands on it, the Badlands Silent series are very quiet. They're kinda a fleece with an interior foam layer, and they don't have external zippers. They have a little structure, but are still a soft pack.

I'd love to get a day one or kathy kelly, but they are kinda hard to put hands on.

These seem to be hard to find since they’re discontinued. Do they have any structure or light frame at all?

 

[BTaylor]

Any updates on your opinion of this pack? Really considering it.

Yes. My opinion after 4 hunts with it is that I bought about the perfect pack for me. Keep in mind I am not completely dialed with my saddle hunting setup as this is my first year with a saddle. I have been changing up where I put certain pieces for efficiency and ease of use. And my gear has been changing as season has progressed and will be making more changes going forward based on what I have learned about this style of hanging and where I want to move with my set up. That said, for the guy that doesn’t hunt close to the truck and wants the ability to not only your hunt setup but also be able to bring a lot of deer out in one trip including gear, this is a very nice pack.


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[TCaltagirone]

Yes. My opinion after 4 hunts with it is that I bought about the perfect pack for me. Keep in mind I am not completely dialed with my saddle hunting setup as this is my first year with a saddle. I have been changing up where I put certain pieces for efficiency and ease of use. And my gear has been changing as season has progressed and will be making more changes going forward based on what I have learned about this style of hanging and where I want to move with my set up. That said, for the guy that doesn’t hunt close to the truck and wants the ability to not only your hunt setup but also be able to bring a lot of deer out in one trip including gear, this is a very nice pack.


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Thanks for the info! Yeah same here im still dialing everything in as well, i just got a mystery ranch pop up 18 and going to play around with that for a little while and see how it works out.


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[BTaylor]

Thanks for the info! Yeah same here im still dialing everything in as well, i just got a mystery ranch pop up 18 and going to play around with that for a little while and see how it works out.


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I had about decided on the pop up 18 until I ran across the venture. I had been around a couple of kuiu packs so I already knew about quality and strap configuration flexibility. Familiarity tipped the scale for me. I figure the pop up will work well too. MR seems to make good stuff.


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[boyne bowhunter]

I don't pack out my deer so I don't need a pack for that so I use a little unconventional approach. I use my turkey vest for my pack.

The game bag has my outer layers (wool jacket, scentlock fullseason jacket and a sweatshirt), modified helium, predator platform, hat/face mask and 40 ft of rope. Everything else is located in the front pockets where it's easily in reach. In the tree it hangs right in front of me and wraps around the tree, everything still right in reach.

 

[Matt G79]

That’s what I have been using for 2 seasons. Packs a deboned doe out well. The compression straps work great for carrying sticks.

I am trying to figure out a pack for packing 4 lw sticks and platform. Do you feel like your being pulled back by sticks being place in back like that?

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[swampsnyper]

I am trying to figure out a pack for packing 4 lw sticks and platform. Do you feel like your being pulled back by sticks being place in back like that?

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I don’t even notice the sticks, I’ve been doing it so long. Modified shorter sticks will ride better than full length long sticks. Having a framed pack, with a supported hip belt and load lifters reduces the sag and pull back that you get from basic packs not made to carry a load.
Kuiu also makes a bigger venture pack than the 1800 that I’ve been using if carrying volume is a more of concern. The 1800 suits me well but I’ve seen a lot of them sold here over the last couple years, so I don’t know what they didn’t like. Works for me. I don’t desire anything else from my pack for my style of hunting. I don’t use a platform either. ROS guy, but trying the scout this year. It’s not a true full size platform though.

 

[KYRanger]

I prefer a 100% fleece or wool pack as these new packs are, IMO, way too noisy in brush. I am returning a badlands Dash pack (which was heavily promoted) as is sounds like cellophane out in the woods. Badlands was quick to respond and offered to refund so I am taking them up on it. people are forgetting one of the basics we used to teach years ago - hunting gear should be quiet and natural sounding in the woods. way too many zippers, pockets, straps to make way too much noise for me. I have been using Kathy Kelly fleece packs for years - but they are slowing down production and not taking custom orders anymore.

I am going to reiterate some comments from Dave. Badlands makes excellent quality products. I liked their build quality so much, I probably have 5 different fanny and day packs of theirs. BUT, the noise factor and stiff zippers IMO make them difficult to use in a whitetail bow hunting Application. You can definitely see their western hunting influence. As much as I wanted to keep using them due to the caliber of the company, quality and a lot of their innovations, I finally gave up out of frustration. And I have tried many other packs. To me, for single day hunts a stealth fabric and silent zippers are a must. It’s hard to find the “perfect” pack. My current pack is the Sikta Tool bucket. Sitka has figured out the silent material and even eliminated some zippers on the main compartment. They have a simple flap with an eyelet, so no zipping required to get in and out of the main area while hunting. If I hadn’t bought the tool bucket, I would have the Sitka Fanatic Pack, which came out the following year. It’s totally fleece and dead quiet. Just like the fanatic series cloths. It’s available for $199. There may be packs that are better at holding sticks and platforms, but as far as quiet, functionality, I find them hard to beat. I don’t like the costs of many of these packs, but they are all getting pretty close in price. I really want to try the Fanatic Pack or their newest pack which looks to be designed for what we do. It’s called the Cargo Box, But at the price, I think it’s unreasonable.

 

[Hickel24]

Great topic and discussion from what I have read. Yes the Sitka tool belt looked awsome but at a high price hard to swallow. I'm a new saddle user (going into my first season) from a LW alpha. I wanted to stream line my gear. I bought this wasit pack for under $40 on Amazon it fits all my gear and camera equipment no problem. I use a hand drill and bolts, but switching to WE steps this season. Having dedicated space/compartments for items in a pack without wasteful space is huge. I have never worried about zippers in the whitetail woods, just need to go slow and pay attention.

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[Matt G79]

I still have not commited to going saddle yet and use the hand climber and assault with shoulder and hip belts. I was hoping to buy one system that i could use for all 3 systems. Idealy the pack could sandwich the stand between pack and frame. But the kuiu and popup 28 may fit the bill. Kuiu is light enough that i would bungee onto current setup. I have the badlands diablo but i need to send in again....

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[bj139]

I use the Alps Big Bear Extreme pack. It was on sale at Midway last year for $45. It does all I need since I climb SRT and carry no sticks.

ALPS Outdoorz Big Bear X Fanny Backpack Veil Wideland

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My electrical conduit rope pusher pole fits in the side pocket and is held vertically between the shoulder straps as shown in this photo.

 

[Brian_goes_hunting]

I believe this pack is what I have been looking for. Ordered one today. They are 20% off with free shipping. Thanks for posting.

What were your thoughts on this pack. I like the look of it.

 

[Sanbatin90]

I am trying to figure out a pack for packing 4 lw sticks and platform. Do you feel like your being pulled back by sticks being place in back like that?

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Not the best pic but this is a Cabela's pack that is made for a bow or a gun but seems to fit sticks nicely and has two padded pieces that hold the sticks well

 

[swampsnyper]

Not the best pic but this is a Cabela's pack that is made for a bow or a gun but seems to fit sticks nicely and has two padded pieces that hold the sticks well
View attachment 32816

That all good until you have to walk over a log and cross a ditch. That’s why a lot of us have been cutting our sticks or buying mini’s. Too much snagging with long sticks. But that pack should still work.

 

[Sanbatin90]

That all good until you have to walk over a log and cross a ditch. That’s why a lot of us have been cutting our sticks or buying mini’s. Too much snagging with long sticks. But that pack should still work.

I can slide them up a little ways also, I'd rather carry three sticks and one aider and get 20 ft than 4,5 0r6 small sticks..just my opinion

 

[swampsnyper]

I can slide them up a little ways also, I'd rather carry three sticks and one aider and get 20 ft than 4,5 0r6 small sticks..just my opinion

Yeah man, what ever works for you. I’m short and used full length LoneWolf sticks for probably 10 years. It all depends on your terrain also. Too high and you catch branches and vines, too low and down trees and ditches catch the sticks. I have no regrets going to short sticks. To each their own.