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Saddle Pack Setup

S

Scooter03

New Member
SH Member
Joined
Aug 23, 2021
Messages
23
New to the saddle game and I’m trying to figure out how to set a pack up or purchase a new back. All I know is what I’m doing now isn’t working out I’ll attach a photo but if I could get any information or photos that would be great. I’m hoping to pick up a pack that doesn’t break the bank. Has anyone tried the Xop Stryker pack? Thanks in advance
 

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I dont like packing my sticks horizontal like you have there as i get caught in brush more vs vertical. Find you a pack with sturdy straps either on sides or front that will allow vertical carry. I have the alps trailblazer but im worried over time the 2 horizontal straps on front wont last carrying multiple sticks as i already have threading coming undone and just got it before season. I had been eying the tenzing 2200 but it was more than i was willing to spend at the time (200$) as well as the badlands pursuit
 
also...this thread may help in your search.....just know that i myself have gone through at least 20 different packs and havent found the perfect one yet...

"The official saddle hunting backpack thread"

Let's see them post it up with pics. In these photos (Kuiu 1850 Pro). As of today I run the Kuiu Suspension with the Lone Wolf Custom Gear .5 shown in the last picture. I've eliminated the water bladder and the foam pad. This pack allowed me to pack out couple deers already. Very nice a...
saddlehunter.com
 
99% of the people on Saddlehunter are attempting to be minimalistic, I would wager that 95% are not…the 95% crew stuffs or straps large objects on packs rated for 10 lbs in an attempt to be more streamlined, often more concerned with the camouflage pattern and how light the empty pack weighs, the end result is sore shoulders, shifting loads, broken zippers, and packs shaped like an overfilled water balloon ready to burst at any moment. Buy a real pack and be done with it…Most of these camo pack offerings from hunting clothing makers and such are nothing more than overpriced duffle bags with zero frame or suspension, marketed towards hunters who spend money on anything in camo. If I was on a budget and looking for a pack that could carry and actually handle a good load, I would focus my search on a good used frame pack, ebay or someplace, designed for hiking or camping, then after this season if you feel the need to spend money on a luxury item, start researching stuff like Kifaru, Mystery Ranch, etc.. yes they weigh more but carry loads ten times better than anything less, most would be better served in just accepting they need a bigger, real pack, than attempting to lash large items like climbing sticks to a camo man purse.
 
I have a badlands Diablo dos, it has a waist belt that helps distribute weight, I didn't like it at 1st but it has lots of ways to carry equipment. Some day I will have a mystery ranch
 
This years setup.

Kifaru Door Gunner with Sherman Pocket. Super comfortable and about as minimalist as it gets for me.
Saddle and everything need to hunt is in that pack when the pic was taken.
 

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I’ve decided that in saddle hunting, you need to go absolutely as minimalist and light and packable as possible, or the completely other way towards comfort and ease of use and almost disregard weight and pack ability.

People get real crossways and run into problems when they try and land somewhere in the middle.

I’ve got 2 setups, one is a ridge runner platform and 3 step aider, I use a treehopper recon saddle, 8mm rappel line and 8mm tether. The whole system would fit in a school kids backpack and weighs less than 10lbs ready to climb and hunt. No, it’s not as easy to shoot from, no I don’t think platform climbing is the easiest thing out, yes I do make slightly more noise when using it. BUT. It is crazy light and packable. As light as I can feasibly do right now. I don’t care to sit on the ground when I carry it. I can hunt about anything. I really like it.


My other setup is 4 Hawk heliums and a mission platform. I bought a mystery ranch pop up 38 to haul it in with. It is heavy, like the same weight and profile as a lightweight treestand, sticks, and lightweight traditional hunting safety harness. I like hanging the mission more than I do a stand, and i don’t mind shooting from it.


I think your problem is the pack is not designed for the amount of gear you’re carrying. Sure the sticks are light but you’re trying to carry a full set of them and a platform in essentially a Fanny pack. Try one sticking. The weight save is nuts
 
Hunter260 said:
I think your problem is the pack is not designed for the amount of gear you’re carrying. Sure the sticks are light but you’re trying to carry a full set of them and a platform in essentially a Fanny pack.
Click to expand...

I agree, gotta match the gear and carry system.

For example, @Redbeard has effective systems to Solo Scout climb and hunt or 2TC where everything he wants is in a chest harness.

That chest harness isn't going to manage layers, sticks, and an XL platform.

I think a pack that can transfer weight effectively to the hips is a difference maker when you add a more traditional load. This doesn't just mean a decent waist belt, like I once thought.

1. It needs to fit your torso.
2. It needs to have load lifters or adjustable bag-shoulder straps at least to position the weight from pulling backwards

The best frame packs want you to put 90% of weight on the hips. Like @Topdog says, they are made to handle loads well.

These days, when I think minimalist pack setup...my mind goes to a quality frame with a cargo panel and accessory pack.

But I concede, with some specific equipment choices (no what OP has), you can run something minimalist or not even need a pack at all.
 
Previous two posts are spot on, I had a military style assault pack and while it worked it was uncomfortable within 5 min of putting it on.

I purchased a Kuiu venture 2300 this year and I’ll never look back.

I won’t be meat hauling so it was perfect for my needs. I can carry the pack all day with no issue carrying layers, sticks, and platforms. I’ve done multi mile holes with 30 pound sandbags in it with no problem.
 
apex89 said:
This years setup.

Kifaru Door Gunner with Sherman Pocket. Super comfortable and about as minimalist as it gets for me.
Saddle and everything need to hunt is in that pack when the pic was taken.
Click to expand...
You can’t hide money! Nice set up!
 
If you are on this forum most likely you have the mindset of accepting change. I love my monster pack for a certain set up. Later in the year it goes in a tote and I switch to a different pack because it no longer fits my needs. Yes, you could say why not just use one pack and be done. I could, but I do like my monster pack for most of the year.

Like stated above, finding a pack that fits your "set up" is best case scenario.

Monster Pack - 3 WE Stepps and platform. Used most of the year until all day adventures start
Superday or frame pack - WE Stepps or sticks and platform. Heavier clothing and set up for more of an all day set up
 
just ordered a MR Treehouse 20 yesterday. I'll post pics when it comes in.
 
Hall17 said:
If you are on this forum most likely you have the mindset of accepting change. I love my monster pack for a certain set up. Later in the year it goes in a tote and I switch to a different pack because it no longer fits my needs. Yes, you could say why not just use one pack and be done. I could, but I do like my monster pack for most of the year.

Like stated above, finding a pack that fits your "set up" is best case scenario.

Monster Pack - 3 WE Stepps and platform. Used most of the year until all day adventures start
Superday or frame pack - WE Stepps or sticks and platform. Heavier clothing and set up for more of an all day set up
Click to expand...

I like a monster pack for the Halloween scenario. Which Monster pack do you use? lol.


5BAE5BCC-335C-426B-8A73-921C9CBC555C.jpegFF4B3E38-BCD3-4DC6-86EB-2F1F2D662CF7.jpegD8442D9B-AEAC-4CC0-8AE6-55FD6F5D824F.jpeg

But for real, who makes the Monster pack?
 
Scooter03 said:
New to the saddle game and I’m trying to figure out how to set a pack up or purchase a new back. All I know is what I’m doing now isn’t working out I’ll attach a photo but if I could get any information or photos that would be great. I’m hoping to pick up a pack that doesn’t break the bank. Has anyone tried the Xop Stryker pack? Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

That’s pretty much my exact set up, but I use nite ezz ties to ties my steps onto the pack via the frame rod.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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