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Which Pack?

checkerfred

checkerfred

Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2016
Messages
56
I've read several of the threads here on packs. I'm currently torn between the Hornhunter Mainbeam (I wish the weight was listed), or one of the Alps (MatriX, Falcon, Trail Blazer, and Pursuit.) Right now I carry 1-3 sticks with a platform and use the one stick method. Thinking of going to the knaider/swaider method possibly.

I know several people here use the Mainbeam....How do the Alps packs stack up to Hornhunter?
 
I am using the horn hunter mainbeam carry 3 sticks lw double stepped and the predator. Weight is 20 lbs apx. I pack the predator on the back and stack the sticks on each side of the platform with the brackets facing away from me. Just use the 4 straps and strap it down. The downside is when this is strapped down, it is hard to add anything to the inside of the pack. I am trying to figure out a way to create a internal frame so I can add stuff to the back more easily.
 
I haven't tried the Alps but I love the Main Beam. Did 4 miles round trip the other day and it felt great. That's 2 mod'd hawks on either side and the predator platform attached to where you would attach the bow on the back. Inside the pack it fits extra layers and my jacket great. 10/10 imo
 
I use an ALPS Pathfinder. I like it for hot weather, so I don't have something on my back to trap heat, but then I can convert it to a meat hauler. I guess if you're hauling sticks, you'd have to maybe leave it in the backpack mode, but I use Cranford rope steps, and 16 fit in the fanny pack portion. Everything just stays in the pack, and I can haul a deer plus my gear on the way out.1541617370435.png
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2nd on the Pathfinder.

Picked it up this season and it has quickly become my favorite pack. Can deploy it to haul layers and gear to the stand, and then collapse it down so it's not as bulky up in the tree. Early season it was great for not having something on my back that was trapping heat.

When I borrowed my friends helium sticks, I clipped them to the side straps that go from the front of the pack to the waist belt. Similar to attaching them to the molle webbing on the saddles.

With my WE steps, I can easily nestle the WE bag on top of the waist pack, or if I have it deployed in backpack mode, I can sneak them into the gap that normally holds my bow cam. I simply move the WE bag to my shoulder when I get to the base of the tree then climb up to my stand.
 
I have been using the the Alps pathfinder and found it did everything except haul meat well. I purchased the turkey vest to go on the front which I highly recommend if you go with the pathfinder.

This year I switched to the Alps Hybrid X and love love love this thing. I’m currently hauling my first dear out with it and it’s way better on hauling meat. I have an entire deer on my shoulders right now. It lacked an option to for vest pockets so I created my own. I also sewed a chest meat hauling sack that buckled on. It suits me better than the pathfinder because I spend all day in the field when I hunt. It carries everything in one trip.

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Been using an MR crest pack I bought some time ago.

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Ive got a cheap cabelas pack and first thing you notice....the weight of the pack empty. This thing is heavy for what it is. Id advise noting the packs empty weight when doing your searching. I haul a platform and 3 sticks(and sometimes add a couple WE steps). My platform has the sticks bungee'd to it and it has its own shoulder straps. This doesnt allow me to have a pack, so I carry it in one hand. That gets old no doubt. I might look at something like the Alps pathfinder above, where it would ride below my platform.
 
Swampfox said:
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Best selfie I can get with the front meat pouch
Click to expand...
I like that idea. I forgot about the front clips to attach other pockets. I think I'm going to find or make something like that to hold my rope steps, so I don't have to take my pack off when I get to the tree.
 
I bought the Ghost from Direct Action Gear back in the summer. I am enjoying it. It is a larger pack in my mind for hunting especially the day hunter. Yet, it will hold everything you need. It weighs just a tad over 5 lbs. I have utilized the molle system to carry the sticks and Predator. Lol. My wife picked it up and said I thought you wanted to go light. I carry 4-5 sticks, so I am carrying in about 30 lbs. not including my bow. In the scheme of things I probably only save 5 lbs using the Tehtrd system, but I will never go back to a stand just because of pure safety.

Here is a link to the pack I have.

https://eu.directactiongear.com/en/ghost-backpack.html#14
 
Man...lots of options lol. I like the looks of the Alps Pathfinder. I'm thinking of going to the Wild Edge Steps and Knaider/Swaider so then packing wouldn't be that big of a deal. Not sure yet though.
 
CaptainKielbasa said:
With my WE steps, I can easily nestle the WE bag on top of the waist pack, or if I have it deployed in backpack mode, I can sneak them into the gap that normally holds my bow cam. I simply move the WE bag to my shoulder when I get to the base of the tree then climb up to my stand.
Click to expand...

This exactly why I am eyeing the Pathfinder. Still like carrying the WE bag with it? Have pictures? Thanks!
 
I have the Alps Pursuit z. It seemed heavy when empty, but the biggest problem was durability. I used the stretch clips to hold my 3 cut Helium sticks and the webbing was pulling away from the pack were it was attached. This rendered the stick holding capability useless and therefore the pack useless.
 
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I HAVE 4 PACKS. TENZING 4000. CARRIES MY 16 PACK WILDEDGE STEPPS AND ALL MY EXTRA CLOTHES INSIDE PACK. INCLUDING KITCHEN SINK
 
I haven’t gotten it yet but I’m going with the alps pursuit. It seems like it has everything I need and more. Plus I like the little shelf it has.
 
I use the Mystery ranch pop up when its warm then I switch to the EXO 3500 when its cold. I love the EXO. Super expensive the both of them are but man am I comfortable and organized.
 
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