"The official saddle hunting backpack thread"

[Outofstatehunter]

I saw a pack once that had a great fold out feature that looked perfect for hanging in a tree. The center of the pack unzipped and dropped down to give access to a bunch of pockets for all the gear you needed to have handy. I don't recall the name or brand even, anyone possibly know the pack I'm taking about?

 

[weekender21]

I’ve been using a Sitka tool bucket (1800 cubic inches) for several years. Great pack for saddle hunting but just doesn’t have room for my cold weather layers. Just ordered a Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 (2780 cubic inches), looking forward to trying it out this year. I have experience with other Mystery Ranch packs, they’re one of the best pack manufacturers in my opinion.

Treehouse 38 | MYSTERY RANCH Backpacks

Long days and long-distance call for more gear and the TREEHOUSE 38 will carry all of it including the stand without breaking your back.

www.mysteryranch.com

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[HuumanCreed]

I saw a pack once that had a great fold out feature that looked perfect for hanging in a tree. The center of the pack unzipped and dropped down to give access to a bunch of pockets for all the gear you needed to have handy. I don't recall the name or brand even, anyone possibly know the pack I'm taking about?

Eberlestock bandit?
Horn Hunter G3?

 

[Bluegrassbowhunter]

I’ve been using a Sitka tool bucket (1800 cubic inches) for several years. Great pack for saddle hunting but just doesn’t have room for my cold weather layers. Just ordered a Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 (2780 cubic inches), looking forward to trying it out this year. I have experience with other Mystery Ranch packs, they’re one of the best pack manufacturers in my opinion.

Treehouse 38 | MYSTERY RANCH Backpacks

Long days and long-distance call for more gear and the TREEHOUSE 38 will carry all of it including the stand without breaking your back.

www.mysteryranch.com

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thinking about doing the same with the tree house. Use there packs for out west hunting.

 

[weekender21]

Thinking about doing the same with the tree house. Use there packs for out west hunting.

Same. I’ve got an original NICE frame with three different bag options. All excellent equipment.


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[CZMark]

Eberlestock bandit?
Horn Hunter G3?

The Bandit is an OK pack, but too small for me. The g3 is also OK; bigger than the Bandit, still a bit (very little bit) too small. but a very nice pack-but not
enough molle webbing. I carry an Eberlestock X2 and don't find it perfect. I'm still searching, but have not found a pack I like more than the X2.
,,

 

[Zero One Actual]

The Bandit is an OK pack, but too small for me. The g3 is also OK; bigger than the Bandit, still a bit (very little bit) too small. but a very nice pack-but not
enough molle webbing. I carry an Eberlestock X2 and don't find it perfect. I'm still searching, but have not found a pack I like more than the X2.
,,

They need to make an X2 the size of the Bandit.

 

[Iron_llama]

I saw a pack once that had a great fold out feature that looked perfect for hanging in a tree. The center of the pack unzipped and dropped down to give access to a bunch of pockets for all the gear you needed to have handy. I don't recall the name or brand even, anyone possibly know the pack I'm taking about?

I think Huntworth and XOP make packs like that. Maybe Alpz?

STRIKER EVOLUTION

Saddle hunting pack Perfect for all your mobile hunting needs. Striker Evolution is a light, compact day pack for your hunting essentials. Quick disconnect shoulder straps allows you to easily mount the pack to any treestand and minimize in tree profile when hunting. • Sleek profile for ultimate...

xopoutdoors.com

 

[Bdwilliams]

I think Huntworth and XOP make packs like that. Maybe Alpz?

STRIKER EVOLUTION

Saddle hunting pack Perfect for all your mobile hunting needs. Striker Evolution is a light, compact day pack for your hunting essentials. Quick disconnect shoulder straps allows you to easily mount the pack to any treestand and minimize in tree profile when hunting. • Sleek profile for ultimate...

xopoutdoors.com

Is anyone running the XOP? I'm interested but not sure if I'll like it without a waist belt.

 

[Iron_llama]

Is anyone running the XOP? I'm interested but not sure if I'll like it without a waist belt.

I don't have an XOP but rotate between a couple of different packs. I usually forgo the waist belt unless I'm carrying way too much stuff. That's usually late season with extra layers and thermos and folding seat for ground hunting. I drag my deer out on a toboggan so I don't need a pack to carry any meat. Sometimes I'll split my gear between a lumbar pack/pistol belt and a rucksack; if so the lumbar pack serves the same function as a waist belt. This will be my first year in a saddle; I think saddle + lumbar pack + 1-stick + rucksack is going to be too many things so I'm evaluating my options.

 

[Bowtie747]

Probably gonna switch up my pack this year. I just ordered OOAL mini Shikars to use as sticks this year. Hoping I like them. Main goal is to down size pack and total gear coming with me in the woods. I guess I have some reading to do!

 

[Bowtie747]

I’m reading through this laughing with the people who said something like. “I think I’ve found the do it all pack” “I think I’m done buying packs” some many of the guys 10 pages later are using a different pack. I’m with ya fellas

 

[Bowtie747]

MR Front. Ill use this for srt and when I take the shikar minis.

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Still using Shikar minis?

 

[HuumanCreed]

This is what I'm running next season. Pack is a 5.11 MOAB 6. Just big enough for most of the essentials, but not big enough for all my crap. Like it should be.

 

[bowhuntr09]

I’m reading through this laughing with the people who said something like. “I think I’ve found the do it all pack” “I think I’m done buying packs” some many of the guys 10 pages later are using a different pack. I’m with ya fellas

Its an addiction, but I really did stop buying packs when I got the Kifaru (well except for another Kifaru)

 

[Outofstatehunter]

I think Huntworth and XOP make packs like that. Maybe Alpz?

STRIKER EVOLUTION

Saddle hunting pack Perfect for all your mobile hunting needs. Striker Evolution is a light, compact day pack for your hunting essentials. Quick disconnect shoulder straps allows you to easily mount the pack to any treestand and minimize in tree profile when hunting. • Sleek profile for ultimate...

xopoutdoors.com

Not quite what I remember. I found the Badlands Timber Pack and it's more what I'm looking for. The Sitka Tool Bucket or Tool Belt are similar, too. The Badlands pack is hard to find, and I'm not impressed with Sitka's "new" warranty wording. Really just trying to see what options there are before I go drop a bunch of money on a new pack.

 

[Outofstatehunter]

Eberlestock bandit?
Horn Hunter G3?

I think the Horn Hunter is the one I saw. Since then, I've found others that I think I like better, though.

 

[Bowtie747]

Anyone have any input on weight carried to style of backpack. Style meaning more towards if the pack is designed to carry weight. My point is I have a setup in mind that’s gonna weight like 10-15lbs tops. I was looking a mystery ranch pack that the backpack straps are not padded but basic straps. The pack only weights 1 pound. Am I trying to hard to cut weight or should I just step up to a pack that’s maybe 3 pounds and meant to carry weight. I hope this makes sense.

 

[Hlzr]

Anyone have any input on weight carried to style of backpack. Style meaning more towards if the pack is designed to carry weight. My point is I have a setup in mind that’s gonna weight like 10-15lbs tops. I was looking a mystery ranch pack that the backpack straps are not padded but basic straps. The pack only weights 1 pound. Am I trying to hard to cut weight or should I just step up to a pack that’s maybe 3 pounds and meant to carry weight. I hope this makes sense.

It’s a fine line, depending on what your expectations. How for your walking, will you be going to a preset location, how much weight you’ll be carrying, etc. I don’t think anyone knows until they get a few years hunting a certain way and streamlining their “kit” to be honest.


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[Iron_llama]

Total weight is one thing, but bulk is another. A heavy, compact load that carries well is actually easier than a lighter load that doesn't balance, shifts around, is too high, or whatever else. I can't imagine your load is all that bulky or awkward but those are factors to consider as well.