I have a nice Blacks-Creek pack that I've used for the past couple of years that has a backpack and fanny pack combined or it can be split to wear them seperately. I've reverted back to archery this year though and this pack isn't an ideal bow carrier. My dad is also flying out from back east and will get a bear tag so at least he can hunt with us and I planned on loaning him this pack. (gives me a reason to buy a new one!
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I've been looking at all of the packs and some of the smaller ones with bow loops or bags don't fit my bow very well. Because I have a good quality pack that could work as a fanny pack for short trips, I was thinking of something a bit larger that I can use to carry meat on as well as supplies for a week in the back country.
I've got some great technical gear for rock/ice climbing and week long adventures in the Rockies but the bright colors I bought for safety purposes, aren't ideal for hunting with a bow.
I've been looking seriously at the following two packs.
Option 1:
http://www.blacks-creek.com/wildthing.phpI don't have a tree stand at the present time and don't anticipate one soon but not having an external pack frame, I thought this might be a good choice. It could easily carry a 2-3 person tent, sleeping bag and plenty of goodies as well as the bow. A bit on the heavy side but has flexibility to drop panels with clothes/food/toiletries at camp easily.
Option 2:
http://www.blacks-creek.com/jimhorn-alaskan.phpDoesn't seem as heavy/bulky but might require lashing more stuff on the outside. Would also require some unpacking/repacking at camp for the subsequent days as loading might be more challenging to get a balanced weight.
Any one have any experience with either of these in the field? I've tried loading them up at a local store and either seem like they will work fine. Which one would you go with?
