"The official saddle hunting backpack thread"

[Boomstick300]

Anyone use the Mystery Ranch Sawtooth 45?

It's a big pack for saddle hunting, but I like the 270 degree zipper access and interior organization pockets. I use SRT as my climbing method, so opening the bag like a duffel on the ground to access my throw line and rope would be awesome. Down side I see with that is scent control and zipper noise.

I don’t have the Sawtooth but did go with the Selway-posted a review above. It’s bigger than the Sawtooth but compresses down significantly and it shares the new MT Guide Light frame. I don’t find the zippers loud if opened with care. The material is no louder than most hunting packs. Not sure there is anymore scent-control concerns than you would have with any other pack? Great quality pack!


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[bowhuntr09]

Thanks very much, great intel, I’m 6’3” myself, also with a long torso. Darn it, the search for a killer pack is back on!

Take a look at the Horn Hunter Full Curl Combo. I just switched from an X2 to that. I like it so far.

 

[Coop91]

I recently got the Allen bruiser whitetail pack as an early birthday present. I'm really liking it so far. Lots features that work well for saddle hunters imo. One of the nice things is that you can remove the waist belt if you want, which makes it more streamlined and takes up less space in the tree, but then if you want the waist belt for hunts where you're carrying more or going farther the waist belt can be put back on real quick.

 

[hickstick]

Just wondering if the X2 is a soft pack or if it has an integral frame? How does it distribute a heavy load? I’ve got a cheapo but good sized daypack that MOSTLY fits the bill but it kills my shoulders after awhile. All the weight is right there on my traps and my arms start going numb after awhile. Have seen a lot of great posts about how much the X2 can hold, just wondering about distribution, comfort, etc. Thanks!

I'm only 5'7" so I can't help with that, and I only got to to use it once before the season ended, but it fit me fine and between the sticks, platform and camera gear it was weighted pretty well and carried great.

 

[Dave_Collins]

Thanks very much, great intel, I’m 6’3” myself, also with a long torso. Darn it, the search for a killer pack is back on!

 

[kodiak3842]

Has anyone owned both the Badlands Diablo Dos, and the Eberlestock X2? Curious how you would compare them, pros and cons of each.

I am looking to carry sticks, platform, and some gear, with the possibility of packing meat.

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[Brickz]

Hill People Gear “Connor.”

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What kind of pack is that? Looks like something I would use. I have a camel bak but can’t really strap sticks to it.


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[Aaronpaul14]

Has anyone owned both the Badlands Diablo Dos, and the Eberlestock X2? Curious how you would compare them, pros and cons of each.

I am looking to carry sticks, platform, and some gear, with the possibility of packing meat.

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I can’t attest to the X2 but just got the Diablo Dos (50% off sale) and loving it.

Big compartment I stuffed extra layers, saddle w/ pouches, and WE steps. 2nd largest pocket I only had my gloves, kill kit, and calls. Most of my other goodies easily fit in the 6 smaller pockets. I could easily wear the saddle etc and fit a deboned deer in the big compartment and if needed some more in the next largest.

I walked 3+ miles yesterday along with my rifle strapped to it through some thick stuff and it felt great the whole time.

The side straps + pockets work great to strap a quiver and a solo stick (my other climbing method). You could easily put two sticks on each side or 4 in the weapon carry straps.

Hoping I don’t need the warranty but it gave me piece of mind that if I did jack up my most expenses pack ever it would be fixed.

 

[Mag1]

I am also starting to look for a new pack. I blew out my old one that my wife had gotten me back in 97. its been fixed a few times, but I think it is done now. I have an Exo 3500, but for close in run and gun, its alittle big. any suggestions on the sub $100, but with a waist belt packs? looking for one that will be able to carry 4 beast sticks, and enough cold weather gear for Wisconsin late season. Alps, Horn Hunter, no - name brands? following along on this one. might find some clearance stuff as well.

 

[Cwb1975]

 

[5Oh12]

I received my Sitka Tool Box today and really like it. I am able to store my Predator platform, rappel kit, kill kit, and even my Wild Edge kydex holster that holds 5 Stepps inside of it. I usually walk in with my saddle on. So, I usually attach my Stepps to my saddle as I only walk approximately one mile to majority of my locations. This allows me to use the entirety of the main compartment inside of the bag. I carry 30' of Sterling HTP 9mm (plan on replacing it with Sterling Oplux next season!) for rappelling and this stores easily in one of the pockets inside the large compartment. I store extra clothes inside the main compartment. Once I mount my pack to the tree via a HYS style strap, I hang my bow from the strap, and then place my quiver inside one of the water bottle pockets on the side of the pack. This allows for easy access to my arrows should I need a follow-up shot! I also like the fact that I am able to store my bow on the pack as I am walking in. If it is daylight when I am walking into my hunting location, I will simply carry the bow in hand - just in case! The flap that encloses the main compartment flips up and has a ring to hook onto my HYS strap. This flap also has three zippered compartments that hold odds and ends gear such as tags, headlamps, toilet paper, GPS, milkweed, paracord, and extra carabiners!

 

[Aaronpaul14]

I received my Sitka Tool Box today and really like it. I am able to store my Predator platform, rappel kit, kill kit, and even my Wild Edge kydex holster that holds 5 Stepps inside of it. I usually walk in with my saddle on. So, I usually attach my Stepps to my saddle as I only walk approximately one mile to majority of my locations. This allows me to use the entirety of the main compartment inside of the bag. I carry 30' of Sterling HTP 9mm (plan on replacing it with Sterling Oplux next season!) for rappelling and this stores easily in one of the pockets inside the large compartment. I store extra clothes inside the main compartment. Once I mount my pack to the tree via a HYS style strap, I hang my bow from the strap, and then place my quiver inside one of the water bottle pockets on the side of the pack. This allows for easy access to my arrows should I need a follow-up shot! I also like the fact that I am able to store my bow on the pack as I am walking in. If it is daylight when I am walking into my hunting location, I will simply carry the bow in hand - just in case! The flap that encloses the main compartment flips up and has a ring to hook onto my HYS strap. This flap also has three zippered compartments that hold odds and ends gear such as tags, headlamps, toilet paper, GPS, milkweed, paracord, and extra carabiners!

I have a kydex holster too. How are you putting it in the pack and not shredding everything the points contact? I ended up throwing it all in the WE bag and using a bungee to cover them and protect everything. Kind of annoying.

 

[5Oh12]

I have a kydex holster too. How are you putting it in the pack and not shredding everything the points contact? I ended up throwing it all in the WE bag and using a bungee to cover them and protect everything. Kind of annoying.

It’s a bit of a temporary solution until I find a more permanent one, but I use tennis balls. Cut a slit in them and can fit them over the points.

I’m not sure how much I will actually carry them in the pack, but this seems to work well for me so far. If I decide to make this my primary method of carry, I plan on fashioning a Crown Royal bag fitted with a sheet of cordura and then cinch the bag around the step points.

 

[KYhunter66]

My new eberlestock X2 is allsom

 

[KYhunter66]

 

[cspot]

View attachment 23096

That is how I have been packing my beast sticks and platform as well. Very easy and works well.

 

[KYhunter66]

I added the foam to save the straps in front of the predator platform works good so far.

 

[backstrap19]

I received my Sitka Tool Box today and really like it. I am able to store my Predator platform, rappel kit, kill kit, and even my Wild Edge kydex holster that holds 5 Stepps inside of it. I usually walk in with my saddle on. So, I usually attach my Stepps to my saddle as I only walk approximately one mile to majority of my locations. This allows me to use the entirety of the main compartment inside of the bag. I carry 30' of Sterling HTP 9mm (plan on replacing it with Sterling Oplux next season!) for rappelling and this stores easily in one of the pockets inside the large compartment. I store extra clothes inside the main compartment. Once I mount my pack to the tree via a HYS style strap, I hang my bow from the strap, and then place my quiver inside one of the water bottle pockets on the side of the pack. This allows for easy access to my arrows should I need a follow-up shot! I also like the fact that I am able to store my bow on the pack as I am walking in. If it is daylight when I am walking into my hunting location, I will simply carry the bow in hand - just in case! The flap that encloses the main compartment flips up and has a ring to hook onto my HYS strap. This flap also has three zippered compartments that hold odds and ends gear such as tags, headlamps, toilet paper, GPS, milkweed, paracord, and extra carabiners!

Does the tool box have a bow carry system so you can carry your bow on your back? also, did you get the tool box rather than tool bucket?

 

[5Oh12]

Does the tool box have a bow carry system so you can carry your bow on your back? also, did you get the tool box rather than tool bucket?

It has two horizontal straps that run across the bag. They could be used for sticks, a bow, or bulkier clothing if you are unable to fit the clothes in the bag.
I preferred the Tool Box over the Tool Bucket because of the weight difference. I have no need to haul a stand and backpack at the same time. The Took Bucket has a frame that allows you to slide a stand in between your straps and pack.

 

[weekender21]

I received my Sitka Tool Box today and really like it. I am able to store my Predator platform, rappel kit, kill kit, and even my Wild Edge kydex holster that holds 5 Stepps inside of it. I usually walk in with my saddle on. So, I usually attach my Stepps to my saddle as I only walk approximately one mile to majority of my locations. This allows me to use the entirety of the main compartment inside of the bag. I carry 30' of Sterling HTP 9mm (plan on replacing it with Sterling Oplux next season!) for rappelling and this stores easily in one of the pockets inside the large compartment. I store extra clothes inside the main compartment. Once I mount my pack to the tree via a HYS style strap, I hang my bow from the strap, and then place my quiver inside one of the water bottle pockets on the side of the pack. This allows for easy access to my arrows should I need a follow-up shot! I also like the fact that I am able to store my bow on the pack as I am walking in. If it is daylight when I am walking into my hunting location, I will simply carry the bow in hand - just in case! The flap that encloses the main compartment flips up and has a ring to hook onto my HYS strap. This flap also has three zippered compartments that hold odds and ends gear such as tags, headlamps, toilet paper, GPS, milkweed, paracord, and extra carabiners!

I have an older Sitka tool box. It works really well for my saddle hunting needs!


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