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"The official saddle hunting backpack thread"

Wow that pack looks great! I’ve been on the lookout for a day pack with an internal frame. Most day packs don’t have one, and most internal frame packs are way oversized or ridiculously priced for single day outings. That Hickory’s a good size and I like those aluminum stays.
 
This is where I am.
Dumped everything out of my ALPZ pack and worked on moving it all into my newer Womens MR popup 28. The question is can I carry everything, including sticks, saddle and platform (plus coffee thermos of course) on or in the pack. Round one is done. I can, but I can tell there will be several rounds for best setup.
Last 2 years I carried my sticks in, in my hand. Like most here, I have a plastic tub full of backpacks.... and I've still not found "the one".
 
I have a plastic tub full of backpacks.... and I've still not found "the one".

I really think Kifaru solved that for me. They are just so configurable with all the add on pocket options, strap configurations, etc. And they carry like a dream. I have a 22Mag that I used for the last few hunts last season and then after season I picked up a StrykerXL, I think the StrykerXL is going to be the best setup for my use.
 
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Does anyone have any experience with this pack?
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Got it last year when they were $99 at Tractor Supply. Works well for when it gets colder and need to carry in more layers. I usually just use the 3v sling pack but hard to carry in coveralls with it. Not sure if it’s much of a meat hauler but it’s a good size and the straps on the outside work well for sticks and or clothes.


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I really think Kifaru solved that for me. They are just so configurable with all the add on pocket options, strap configurations, etc. And they carry like a dream. I have a 22Mag that I used for the last few hunts last season and then after season I picked up a StrykerXL, I think the StrykerXL is going to be the best setup for my use.

I went to their website. Nice stuff and they are having a sale.
 
I bought one last year. Very nice & light. Has a few draw backs like it is very hard to reach the waist belt pockets & also the lashing straps could be longer. Very quiet. I had it loaded with 4- 2step helium sticks & out on a limb platform & it carried very well
 
How many, if any of you guys, have used a Kifaru 14r? It seems like it would be a badass saddle/lock on pack with the addition of maybe another set of compression straps? I’ve been eyeballing one for years and this sale is really tempting.

I’ve also been thinking real hard about the Platow from Trophyline too.


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I have a womens ALPZ pack, with 17 in torso. It has my saddle, ropes, Predator, kill kit, rangefinder, garmin, first aid kit, equipment strap w/hooks, movable aider, 3 skeletors, thermacell and extra layers get strapped on the outside. Total weight is 23 lbs. Tried to upload a screenshot but it's too big.
I haven't decided yet to carry my saddle in the pack. Last 2 years, I've worn it in.

This is a great thread, it's given me some good ideas.
 
I have a womens ALPZ pack, with 17 in torso. It has my saddle, ropes, Predator, kill kit, rangefinder, garmin, first aid kit, equipment strap w/hooks, movable aider, 3 skeletors, thermacell and extra layers get strapped on the outside. Total weight is 23 lbs. Tried to upload a screenshot but it's too big.
I haven't decided yet to carry my saddle in the pack. Last 2 years, I've worn it in.

This is a great thread, it's given me some good ideas.
If you screenshot your photo it will upload it.
 
Is everyone using mini sticks now? My full length Hawks suck for packing nicely on my cheap backpack.
I use them because the regular lengths are too far apart for my short legs lol.
I use a Connor V2 pack by Hill People Gear. Extremely versatile. I can lash my Predator XL to the outside or put it inside. The wings it has on the sides are perfect for lashing sticks. The pack has a lightweight frame that can be fine tuned to the contour of your back. There is also PALS cut slots on the inside so you customize it with.


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Looks really streamlined and efficient.
 
Having a good place for the platform was a issue for me with some packs. This is a Kifaru with a Styker XL. With the platform up high the standoff does not dig into the pack.
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How many, if any of you guys, have used a Kifaru 14r? It seems like it would be a badass saddle/lock on pack with the addition of maybe another set of compression straps? I’ve been eyeballing one for years and this sale is really tempting.

I’ve also been thinking real hard about the Platow from Trophyline too.


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I've strongly considered the 14r. I keep eyeballing it given this sale, wish I had one to tinker with.

I know there's some on Rokslide that have used it with a stand (and it's predecessors like the Tarryall and Xing) but I don't think that would ride that great being on the back of the pack. Puts the weight further from the user's back, and more prone to shifting, especially if the pack isn't filled out, I'd think.

But it seems like a good option for long treks with a platform and sticks.

It's bigger and lighter than my X-Ray and with longer stays, but not too long. I like the full length center zipper for access. I could see it working for my hunting style where I pack my outerwear and saddle in.

But I bought the Duplex Lite and Stryker XL last November because it gives me some more options, though it weighs a bit more too. For example, it'll carry my climbing platform (cut down LW Sit and Climb base) or a stand or a platform in the shelf, close to the back, which allows a bow to be strapped to the exterior of the bag if I want. As well, it'll haul meat without having to empty my gear.

And when I think about replacing my X-Ray with one, well, it's way bigger than I need for most of the local brush where I'm not hiking 2+ mile in like when I'm hunting mountains. So maybe it's better to keep the X-Ray, and cover a greater spectrum of needs.
 
I grabbed a used 14r this week to try out. I’ll update once it comes in.

I’ve already got a MR Guide Light frame with a Mule bag if I need something a little more substantial.


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Does anyone know anything about the Apex Custom Gear Tiny Pack? I cannot find any info about it. I like the fact that I can configure it how I want for quick day hunts.
I've been looking at something like this too. All I really need is a platform pack with enough molle to strap a nalgene pouch and a medium utility pouch to. To that end, I'm not sure there's enough molle on this for me.
 
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