"The official saddle hunting backpack thread"

[Arkie]

I’ve got the 22 Mag as well.
In the past, I’ve used Mystery Ranch packs because they’re easy to find locally; however, it was a night & day difference for me. It’s unbelievable how well the Kifaru frame/pack fits and carries. I’m not packing out an elk or anything, but for the size and functionality, the 22 Mag works great in the whitetail woods for long walks and having to pack one out. I think I would have preferred the Stryker, but was able to get a deal on the 22 Mag.


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[GeoFish]

Anybody using the platform pack from Backwoods Moble Gear attach to the front of a 22 Mag or Stryker?
Is that a good application or would you put it between the pack and frame?

 

[Jmillwood]

I haven’t posted in here in awhile. Don’t forget about Exo. I love mine. My buddy has a stryker xl he upgraded from the mystery ranch last year and he loves it. You can’t do all the add ons with Exo like kifaru but the overall pack weight is lighter on the Exo. Both solid options tho. I got the 1800 and 4800 bag for the K3.


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[Agustus]

I have used a couple top tier packs over the past few years. I've used exo k2 frame and the 2000 bag. Very nice pack, lightweight and compact. I think the new frame coupled with the 1800 bag would even be better. My only complaint was some squeaking when loaded up with more weight but really nice and would go back to it without hesitation,

I have and use a kifaru 14'r for several years. Very nice, very lightweight, strong lightweight pack. I use it as my go light bag because of its weight but still has the volume to haul items internally such as rain gear etc. It has an internal frame so it's comfortable till things start getting heavy but it is a very underappreciated pack.

The pack I used all of last season was a kifaru duplex light frame with a stryker xl bag. Nice option having the shelf and superbly put together system. I use the word system because the duplex frame can be married up to many different bags. Overall my favorite by heavier than the other 2. Carrying sticks, platform, clothing, processing kit, etc... very nice.

I've had others but these are my person top 3. I've owned several mystery ranch products and still do. Build quality of them are also very good.

Packs are a sickness.....
Rick

 

[Tweet88]

Here is the Eberlestock Mainframe with two Bat Wings and a medium Army bag. I can carry my 3 LWCG Double Sticks, Predator platform, Saddle and everything else required for a day hunt. I also simulated carry out a quartered deer by attaching my large Alps Mountaineering Redwood sleeping bag. Very comfortable, lightweight and custamizable. Highly recommend.

 

[GeoFish]

With Kifaru look at the Duplex Lite frame and pair it with either the 22mag or StrykerXL bag. If you wait a little they are releasing an update the the StrykerXL that’s a little larger called the Hellbender I think. I have both the 22mag and the StrykerXL and I think for my purposes the StrykerXL is going to be my go to. Yes, I take it up the tree.

here is a preview of the new Hellbender

Do you know when the Hellbender is coming out? With this new pack and the move to Wyoming in July they may have a sale on the Stryker??? A guy can hope!

 

[bowhuntr09]

Do you know when the Hellbender is coming out? With this new pack and the move to Wyoming in July they may have a sale on the Stryker??? A guy can hope!

They did a preview on it a few weeks ago at the same time they started the overstock sale on the tactical frames and StrykerXL bags. They said about 3 weeks then, so it should be real soon now.

 

[Topdog]

Anybody using the platform pack from Backwoods Moble Gear attach to the front of a 22 Mag or Stryker?
Is that a good application or would you put it between the pack and frame?

Yes, I have mine between the Stryker xl and duplex lite frame on the load shelf, I haven’t hunted with it yet but it seems slick so far, I just put it together a couple months ago, I run an Ambush, if you need some pictures just let me know!

 

[overspined]

The footprint of the Stryker xl in a tree isn’t a big deal. You’re the big thing up there. Get used to it. I use mine as the “pad” against the tree to lean my knees on or just hang it on the side. If you’re picking spots well, it’s no biggie.

 

[overspined]

It’s good to get into the habit of customizing and modifying for your needs. I run the Stryker XL and a camp bag if I need space. So I’m good for elk, and if it’s wet I’ll run a waterproof bag. It’s just so customizable. I made a cordura flap that buckles in to protect the pack from my LWCG rig that has sharp edges..and then just add pockets and stuff to make it work for ya. I can’t see myself going back to a more substantial bag… it just checks all the boxes. Even a bugle tube fits in the side pocket beautifully. I’m totally into the Stryker xl. Served me very well last fall

 

[GeoFish]

Yes, I have mine between the Stryker xl and duplex lite frame on the load shelf, I haven’t hunted with it yet but it seems slick so far, I just put it together a couple months ago, I run an Ambush, if you need some pictures just let me know!

Thanks, picture would be nice.
Does the platform standoff cut into the pack? I was looking at @JCLINE84 video with the platform attached on the outside. Was wondering if the platform could go between the pack and frame at the top so the standoff was above the pack?

 

[Topdog]

Thanks, picture would be nice.
Does the platform standoff cut into the pack? I was looking at @JCLINE84 video with the platform attached on the outside. Was wondering if the platform could go between the pack and frame at the top so the standoff was above the pack?

Correct the standoff goes just above the pack, I’ll get some pictures this morning.

 

[Topdog]

@GeoFish Ambush Platform in these pictures, and I also have a Sherman Pocket on the back of my Stryker XL

 

[Topdog]

Bottom line this is a slick setup if…. you have long walks to your tree, or carry a bunch of gear, and like to be organized and hate shifting loads. A person walking a few hundred yards from the truck hunting farm country more than likely this would be overkill but hey it would definitely work. I bow hunt farm country for about 3 weeks a year and just run a .5/sticks and small fleece pack. When I use the Ambush it’s rifle season and for almost 2 months, climb with bolts, and often have to pack heavy warm clothes, lunch, and most of my trees are 2-4 miles in one way sometimes. This pack stuff above is all brand new and I haven’t hunted with it one time but I’m pretty confident it should work as expected after screwing around with it in the yard and stuff. The Stryker XL/Duplex lite is a substantial pack meant for carrying heavy loads, it’s also heavy, definitely not minimalist, but in my experience playing a weight weenie on the internet is way easier than reality and often times we end up carrying more stuff than anticipated and I would rather have a more substantial pack that can handle it versus jumping on stuff to fit in a minimalist pack, I hunt and live in the Northeast, in temps from -10 to 80, our clothes situation changes by the day here.

 

[GeoFish]

@GeoFish Ambush Platform in these pictures, and I also have a Sherman Pocket on the back of my Stryker XL
View attachment 64043

View attachment 64044View attachment 64045

Thanks, that looks like a nice set up.
Don't take this the wrong way, but I am kind of regretting asking for the pictures. For some reason I am running a impulse to buy fever!

 

[bowhuntr09]

Thanks, that looks like a nice set up.
Don't take this the wrong way, but I am kind of regretting asking for the pictures. For some reason I am running a impulse to buy fever!

Ordinarily I would say not to look for a sale this time of year. The only thing that makes me think there may be some sort of sale is the move.

 

[GeoFish]

Ordinarily I would say not to look for a sale this time of year. The only thing that makes me think there may be some sort of sale is the move.

I don't need the pack now, just by October. I did not know if they normally had sales throughout the year, July 4th and so on.
I am going to wait and see what happens and hope they do not have another price increase. With this inflation, I would not be surprised to see another price increase. If their material prices go up, they almost do not have a choice but to raise prices. For me waiting It's like going to Vegas without the lights and free drinks.

 

[bowhuntr09]

I don't need the pack now, just by October. I did not know if they normally had sales throughout the year, July 4th and so on.
I am going to wait and see what happens and hope they do not have another price increase. With this inflation, I would not be surprised to see another price increase. If their material prices go up, they almost do not have a choice but to raise prices. For me waiting It's like going to Vegas without the lights and free drinks.

The other side of the coin on the move speculation is may significantly impact production. I think their normal wait time is around 2 to 3 weeks from order to ship.

 

[Hlzr]

I don't need the pack now, just by October. I did not know if they normally had sales throughout the year, July 4th and so on.
I am going to wait and see what happens and hope they do not have another price increase. With this inflation, I would not be surprised to see another price increase. If their material prices go up, they almost do not have a choice but to raise prices. For me waiting It's like going to Vegas without the lights and free drinks.

And waiting always involves risk it won’t be available when you’re ready to pull the trigger.


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[Islandshooter]

Thanks. Now I am looking at Kifaru. I figure if I am going to spend $500 on a Kuiu, mine as well go all the way.
Which Kifaru frame and pack do you have?
Do you take it up the tree?

Haven’t been around for awhile, so this may be a redundant post. Took Mike Isbells ideas/system last season and slightly modified it for one-sticking. Tactical frame, cargo net underneath, E&E pack with medium rope pouch underneath. Only the little E&E comes up the tree (after my saddle and squirrel steps come out). A week of trying to keep up with Mike the mountain goat made me realize how much i like my pack to be comfortable when i’m walking. The other half of the Stryker bag or a Sherman can be added also. Under 20 lbs with water. I think the E&E (early season) with water and a thermacell is 14