I'm coming to the conclusion (at least for me) there are no BEST packs to meet all different needs. Just when I think I find my system, something changes, I find something new, I change an approach... If a guy could design the perfect pack to meet all situations, he'd be a millionaire.
Some of the considerations for pack decisions depend on:
For me, it comes down to this
One other lesson I've learned, is that if I have the space, I somehow end up filling it up ...which is NOT meeting my objective of going as light (yet efficient) as possible.
Some of the considerations for pack decisions depend on:
- how do we climb (bolts, sticks, WES, SRT, spikes, other)
- what do we stand on (platform, ROS, LWHC, DIY platform, other)
- how much gear do we like to carry (rambo knife only ...or the kitchen sink)
- how do we get our animal out (drag, float, cart/sled or quarter in the field & pack out)
- Do we film (no, yes but tactacam/go pro only, yes and I'm I'm producing high end videos for YouTube)
- Need for lots of cold weather gear ...or not so much
- What is our loaded weight? <10lbs, 11-15lbs, 16-20, 20+
- others
For me, it comes down to this
- What is the lightest and most comfortable pack I can find that meets the demands above, whatever they may be. And I've found that I need to have a few different packs for the different scenarios above. I have a scouting pack, ground attack pack, and saddle/stand system for warm weather and cold weather.
One other lesson I've learned, is that if I have the space, I somehow end up filling it up ...which is NOT meeting my objective of going as light (yet efficient) as possible.