• The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
  • We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules

"The official saddle hunting backpack thread"

So, I figured I'd do a temporary hijack here rather than starting a new thread. Up-front, I'm going to re-read this whole thread for more insights which might answer my questions. Here's my deal:

You guys convinced me to take another look at frame packs so I dug through my gear stockpile. I've got a Cabela's Alaskan Guide which is very nice and way too much for Midwest whitetails. I've got an ALICE large, a MOLLE II, and my old Boy Scout backpack. As-is, I'm leaning towards the MOLLE II, but my old Scout pack frame is just about the right size, but needs all new nylon to hunt with. I'll be 1-sticking and dragging out my deer rather than packing out the meat.

So here are my questions:
1- how do I get the funky "old nylon" smell out of my MOLLE pack?
2- Anybody recommend reasonably-priced replacement pack bag, straps, and waist belt? Ideally, I'd like the waist belt to have MOLLE webbing.
 
Can't help with your specific questions but I can say if you're one sticking and not packing out there's really no need for an external frame, if any frame at all. There are lots of good pack recommendations you'll come across in the previous 50 pages, though, ranging from $20 to almost $1,000.
 
THill202 said:
Can't help with your specific questions but I can say if you're one sticking and not packing out there's really no need for an external frame, if any frame at all. There are lots of good pack recommendations you'll come across in the previous 50 pages, though, ranging from $20 to almost $1,000.
Click to expand...

If you pack your outerwear in, there are maybe a handful of decent internal frame packs that get the job done pretty well.

But an external frame pack may still be preferable IMO. You don’t have to choose a big bag or a big frame, and it has the advantage of being very configurable and therefore a versatile option.

The minimalist solutions tend to pair better when folks wear their outerwear in. Like, a chest harness is great here...but no fun to pack in bibs and a coat.
 
Here's my early season setup, SRT.
6a87fe85321c96d85fbed8af6b2ab0f9.jpg


Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk
 
ThePennsylvanian said:
I'd like to see your mods, I run a slightly smaller version of your pack. I use WE steps and it can carry 8-9 easily probably more but only have nine. I typically only carry 4, which leaves an insane amount of space for such a small pack. Tight, compact, basic, durable, expandable.
I also run a very small tactical shoulder bag that can fit 4 steps and a small amount of other gear for early season minimalist setups. They both serve the purpose almost as if they were built for it!
Click to expand...
Are you deer hunting or peeping at children in the playhouse ?
 
For anyone curious about the HPG Tarahumara pack here you go:

EBA9DCB1-8C0E-4226-9E65-233D247C52D7.jpeg
A79BCD99-F8C0-4EE3-9EE2-B494AA42B1A1.jpeg

Fits a predator stand fairly well, though a bit tight, plus some essentials and a sweatshirt.
 
Jrain904 said:
For anyone curious about the HPG Tarahumara pack here you go:

View attachment 71139
View attachment 71138

Fits a predator stand fairly well, though a bit tight, plus some essentials and a sweatshirt.
Click to expand...

I like how compact it is, and am a big fan of HPG, but please don't fall backwards.

I don't mean to sound like an ass, it's just I'm pretty nimble on the whole and I've taken two falls in the woods and went backwards each time and feel it's worth mentioning cause it can happen to anyone imo, and fast, and hard.
 
Plebe said:
I like how compact it is, and am a big fan of HPG, but please don't fall backwards.

I don't mean to sound like an ass, it's just I'm pretty nimble on the whole and I've taken two falls in the woods and went backwards each time and feel it's worth mentioning cause it can happen to anyone imo, and fast, and hard.
Click to expand...

I hear ya. Luckily I can clip the straps in a X pattern and lay the sticks horizontally across the pack. This would be a lot safer. Thanks.
 
Ive seen it mentioned on here and will add my input..the alps trailblazer pack. Overall i do like it and think it will function well for my needs (mostly packing my one stick, but will on occasion pack 3 sticks). I have already observed on the top front strap buckle that the threading is starting to come undone and i think that was from the times i packed the 3 sticks. I also find myself wishing it had more than just the main compartment and small little pouch area on front but not a deal breaker...i wanted a pack that wasnt too big and had straps for my sticks and also didnt break the bank.
 

Attachments

  • pack.jpg
    pack.jpg
    511.2 KB · Views: 139
Holy smokes. Almost 1000 post. keep them packs coming. Im still a big fan of the Kuiu suspension. So versatile
 
I’ve got a Kuiu Venture 1800 I’m playing around with now. Part of me wishes I’d have gotten the 2300, part of me thinks this is an ideal bag for what I wanted. I can fit my saddle, a predator, rain jacket, and random stuff(head lamp, tags, pull up rope, etc) with no problem. It’s a comfy pack. I can fit my ridge runner in there, but it’s tight. Can throw 4 trophyline mini-doubles on the outside in a couple different configurations. Probably going to order a CGM Platpak for packing my ridge runner in when I want to use this pack. Or maybe I should just get me a RR 2.0 since they pack a little better!

Later season I might have to go with my Kifaru 14r for sticking heavier layers in the bag. I could probably make the Venture work, but I’d have to get creative with the packing job.
 
Boomah21 said:
I was looking for an early season pack and a buddy told me he was looking at trying the eberstock bandit a try. I was able to grab on one one of the forums to try out.

I think it will work pretty well for me as an early season pack

in the photos just stuffed with a few pieces of clothing and lwcg fix and 4 17” lwcg single step sticks
View attachment 69018View attachment 69019View attachment 69020
Click to expand...

Trying the Bandit out with 4 17" LWC minis like you for early season. Had some issues with the sticks rubbing against my saddlebags with saddle on so I flipped their orientation. Hopefully don't get hung up too much on the walk in.
 

Attachments

  • 20220917_150650.jpg
    20220917_150650.jpg
    381.1 KB · Views: 114
IMG_2676.jpeg

I use Cabela's Elite Scout Pack - TrueTimber Strata camo.

It holds my platform in the middle, and x2 sticks on each side.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top