Wilderness Pack Specialties

[TriggerHappy]

With the sportsman's show coming up at the end of the month i just wanted to put this out there. I bought one of these packs 3 years ago and have been more then impressed. The first year i was able to carry out half a calf that my buddy shot. It was a 4 mile pack out. This year i shot a big cow and got her quarters and other meat out in 2 trips. By far the best pack i have ever owned and best hunting purchase. I'm curious to see if anyone else has picked up one of these pack and would like to know how you like it.

[bowman31]

Love mine best pack I have ever owned

[kentrek]

i bought the hard core hunt pack (pretty much the same) about 6 years ago..while i have only used the frame for the last 4 years i have had great results..even on loads over 120 pounds

it is been a great frame and you can pack just about anything, no matter how awkward the load is


heres a few pics

[Skyvalhunter]

Lots of choices out there some work for one guy but not for another. Sounds like it was a good one for you.

[follow maggie]

They're not coming to Puyalup this year, according to the schedule on their website.  Too bad, I'd like to check them out.

[Hunter mike]

i bought the hard core hunt pack (pretty much the same) about 6 years ago..while i have only used the frame for the last 4 years i have had great results..even on loads over 120 pounds

it is been a great frame and you can pack just about anything, no matter how awkward the load is


heres a few pics

Where did you get those pack bags (the black one and the camo one) and how big are they?  I've had a tough time finding the right sized bags for using with an external frame.

How is the comfort for packing in your camp?

[kentrek]

i bought the hard core hunt pack (pretty much the same) about 6 years ago..while i have only used the frame for the last 4 years i have had great results..even on loads over 120 pounds

it is been a great frame and you can pack just about anything, no matter how awkward the load is


heres a few pics

Where did you get those pack bags (the black one and the camo one) and how big are they?  I've had a tough time finding the right sized bags for using with an external frame.

How is the comfort for packing in your camp?

all they are is dry bags, an the camo one is home made cover for a 35 liter bag,,should be able to find them at any store that has rafting gear, rei or cabelas

i have had a few different ones now an my go too size is a clear 35 liter,the clear material is nice cuz it lets light in an you can easily find stuff. also get a bag with a real thick style material..the lighter ones  don't handle abrasions as much. 35 liters is about the perfect size for anything from day trips to 3 days worth of food an gear with out sleeping bag in most weather condition's

the black one is 60 liters an i have for trips where i need more space.. pack rafting, long winter trips, packing in luxury camps..an since its roll top i want extra rolls for extra water proofness..

summer trips can get by with much much less (last pic,day hike up mt st helens ) but since where talking hunting(fall weather) then id stick with 35 liter min

i really like em...there 100% water proof so they dont soak in any water (which can add some serious weight to most hunting packs) your gear stays dry,easy to wash, no noise making zippers or velcro, no pointless pockets..it takes alil bit of organizing skills to make the "one pocket" style work but once you know what ya need an what ya dont its very nice...and youl never lose anything in your pack...

comfort is great with all loads,zero complaints,camps loads are a breeze...and when it comes time to pack heavy loads its very nice...i should say have never thoroughly tried kuiu, kifaru, or mystery ranch but i havent had to since ive been so happy with this pack so my opinion could be biased..maybe i just dont know what im missing out on ?? 

in my eyes its the best of all worlds in the hunting style packs

[Hunter mike]

I'm pretty much heading the same direction.  I've been messing around with all sorts of bags on my Cabela's frame.  I just ordered a couple of dry bags - one 3900 ci and one 4900, so hopefully they work out good.  I like the camo cover idea - it's hard to find a decent bag in camo or natural colors, they all seem to be brightly colored.  I like keeping things simple and modular.  I like a closed cell foam mat, so that usually goes on the outside of the pack. 

I'll have to check out those frames.  I'd like to upgrade one of these days. 

Thanks for the reply, really like the pics!

[kentrek]

I'm pretty much heading the same direction.  I've been messing around with all sorts of bags on my Cabela's frame.  I just ordered a couple of dry bags - one 3900 ci and one 4900, so hopefully they work out good.  I like the camo cover idea - it's hard to find a decent bag in camo or natural colors, they all seem to be brightly colored.  I like keeping things simple and modular.  I like a closed cell foam mat, so that usually goes on the outside of the pack. 

I'll have to check out those frames.  I'd like to upgrade one of these days. 

Thanks for the reply, really like the pics!

you'd have a huge comfort improvement over the cabelas frame,esp with day pack size loads 

i got to "enjoy" the cabelas pack for a bit letting my cuzin use my pack...had prolly 85 ish pounds and i really didnt like it. had too much weight on my shoulders and started cramping up my traps after awhile..but it wasnt adjusted properly to fit me tho..


i also used closed cell for along time (z-pad) and it worked great having in on the outside with the load strap

[TriggerHappy]

Kentrek, I really like the pics i wish i was able to get some of my own on my pack outs. I never had a problem with loads shifting or balance. I have a back that is older then i am and would have had probems with other pack boards. I'm very pleased with mine and look forward to more packouts.

[kentrek]

Kentrek, I really like the pics i wish i was able to get some of my own on my pack outs.

ya so hard to stop an take pics when theres so much work to be done 

[Hunter mike]

What kind of price range do these run?  I wish they sold just a frame and compression panel like you're using in the pics.  Very versatile setup.  It looks like the packs on their website have lightweight mesh-style compression panels.

[kentrek]

What kind of price range do these run?  I wish they sold just a frame and compression panel like you're using in the pics.  Very versatile setup.  It looks like the packs on their website have lightweight mesh-style compression panels.

ive seen the just the frame sold lately for around 130-150 if i remember
http://www.schnees.com/product/765/wilderness-pack-specialties-gear

you can also buy just the plastic frame part,with out harness gear for like 15 bucks at military surplus stores
then just buy or build the straps and hip belt and it would be under 100 pending on how you went about building the rest of it..i think this way you could shave a pound or so off the whole set up

[Hunter mike]

http://www.thebackpackhunter.com/products/Wilderness-Bighorn-Frame-Packs.html

Came across this - seems like a pretty reasonable price.  Do you use the stock suspension components?  I've seen online that several people have switched it all out.  Really then all you're getting from WPS is the Handi-pak since the frame is MOLLE.  I wonder if you can get that separate?

Sorry to keep bugging you Kentrek, but could you give an outline of what kind of gear you're using to use a 35L bag?  I can barely get my sleeping bag in one it's so bulky!  About 65L is my minimum for about 3 nights and that's with my tent on the outside.  I also use a CCF pad for sleeping, so that's always problematic to pack.  Depending on the bag, it gets lashed to the outside or rolled around the inside of the bag with all of my gear in the middle.  I'd really like to reduce my bulk even more so than my weight. 

[kentrek]

http://www.thebackpackhunter.com/products/Wilderness-Bighorn-Frame-Packs.html

Came across this - seems like a pretty reasonable price.  Do you use the stock suspension components?  I've seen online that several people have switched it all out.  Really then all you're getting from WPS is the Handi-pak since the frame is MOLLE.  I wonder if you can get that separate?

Sorry to keep bugging you Kentrek, but could you give an outline of what kind of gear you're using to use a 35L bag?  I can barely get my sleeping bag in one it's so bulky!  About 65L is my minimum for about 3 nights and that's with my tent on the outside.  I also use a CCF pad for sleeping, so that's always problematic to pack.  Depending on the bag, it gets lashed to the outside or rolled around the inside of the bag with all of my gear in the middle.  I'd really like to reduce my bulk even more so than my weight.

what time of year are camping in ?

it might work better for you to let me know what your packing an then i could help ya rework your gear list
(maybe a different post )

i carry my sleeping bag/bivy or tent outside the bag in a sea to summit waterproof compression sack,then my 3/4 air mattress on the out side folded flat compressed on with the load sling..everything else goes on the inside of 35 liters

i can give more details later tonight

[fillthefreezer]

http://www.thebackpackhunter.com/products/Wilderness-Bighorn-Frame-Packs.html

Came across this - seems like a pretty reasonable price.  Do you use the stock suspension components?  I've seen online that several people have switched it all out.  Really then all you're getting from WPS is the Handi-pak since the frame is MOLLE.  I wonder if you can get that separate?

Sorry to keep bugging you Kentrek, but could you give an outline of what kind of gear you're using to use a 35L bag?  I can barely get my sleeping bag in one it's so bulky!  About 65L is my minimum for about 3 nights and that's with my tent on the outside.  I also use a CCF pad for sleeping, so that's always problematic to pack.  Depending on the bag, it gets lashed to the outside or rolled around the inside of the bag with all of my gear in the middle.  I'd really like to reduce my bulk even more so than my weight.

might be best to rework your gear list, how many backcountry trips have you done?

[Hunter mike]

My gear is usually somewhat compartmentalized.  Actually, Kentrek saying his sleeping bag and mat are outside of the main dry bag helps out - I think that is doable for me.  I was thinking you had everything in there!  I"ve cut out pretty much everything I don't need.  I'm only a wimp when it comes to having some spare batteries (one set for GPS and one for flashlight) and too much fuel because I want to make a Via whenever I damn well want  I'm using an ultralight alcohol stove, so not much extra weight there.

Most of my bulk is my sleeping bag (coleman 0* emmons long) and tent (kelty grand mesa 2).  I'm hoping to get a lighter weight bag and bivy or minimalist shelter for the warmer seasons.  I just needed stuff that works in cold weather and didn't have the $$ to buy twice. 

[kentrek]

finally found a pic of a loaded pack for a couple days....summer/high altitude conditions

you shouldn't need "extra" batteries at all...if there getting low just replace em before ya head out

[JLS]

http://www.thebackpackhunter.com/products/Wilderness-Bighorn-Frame-Packs.html

Came across this - seems like a pretty reasonable price.  Do you use the stock suspension components?  I've seen online that several people have switched it all out.  Really then all you're getting from WPS is the Handi-pak since the frame is MOLLE.  I wonder if you can get that separate?

Sorry to keep bugging you Kentrek, but could you give an outline of what kind of gear you're using to use a 35L bag?  I can barely get my sleeping bag in one it's so bulky!  About 65L is my minimum for about 3 nights and that's with my tent on the outside.  I also use a CCF pad for sleeping, so that's always problematic to pack.  Depending on the bag, it gets lashed to the outside or rolled around the inside of the bag with all of my gear in the middle.  I'd really like to reduce my bulk even more so than my weight.

Upgrade your sleeping bag.  If you hunt early season, a fifteen degree bag is PLENTY warm enough.  Enough so that it should be fine into October and early November.  I've used mine in December during the late archery hunts.  Get a good down or a good synthetic bag.  Get a compression sack for it.  This will save you a lot of room right off the top.

I can get all of my gear for a Sept/Oct hunt into my Longbow (2300 cubes) with my tent on the outside.

[kentrek]

also id really advise puting all (this means everything) your gear on geargrams..it will really help you see whats going on in your pack

http://www.geargrams.com/

x2 on upgrading your tent an bag..lots of weight to be saved there,but might as well get your moneys worth out of the stuff ya have already

[JLS]

A sleeping pad like a Therma rest Neoair or a Big Agnes Insulated Air Core are a nice upgrade, and pack up much smaller than what you're using.  However, there is nothing wrong with strapping your pad and tent on the outside. 

[Hunter mike]

Yeah, I'm upgrading piece by piece.  I'd eventually like to have a tipi type shelter (seems like most are lighter than my tent anyways) and a bivy or ultralight 1-man tent for early season. 

My stuff gets me by and without it I would have stayed at home last season, so I can't complain.  Fully loaded for 4-days I was at 45lbs including rifle.  I ran into guys who were packing in way heavier, but I could fairly easily cut 5-10 lbs from my load with some gear upgrades. 

Early season bag is probably top of my list - a lot less bulk I've noticed.  If the forecast is as good as last year's, I'll probably just use a tarp for shelter.  It froze hard on my scouting trip, so I left my hammock and tarp at home and brought a tent for the actual hunt....

The more I think about the WPS pack frame, the more I like the concept. 

[TriggerHappy]

I've never thought about dropping the pack off the frame and packing in with a dry bag. I am new to the packing in thing and the most i have done is 6 or 7 miles (on logging roads) and only stayed 2 or 3 nights at a time. I was thinking about picking up the Pelican Pack which adds 1600 CU.IN to my pack. But now I'm curious to the amount of weight difference there is between the pack and the dry bag 

[kentrek]

I've never thought about dropping the pack off the frame and packing in with a dry bag. I am new to the packing in thing and the most i have done is 6 or 7 miles (on logging roads) and only stayed 2 or 3 nights at a time. I was thinking about picking up the Pelican Pack which adds 1600 CU.IN to my pack. But now I'm curious to the amount of weight difference there is between the pack and the dry bag 

pending on the size and thickness there about a pound..

[Hunter mike]

Any idea what brand that black dry bag is?  I've got a few different kinds I'm messing around with.  My favorite was a Columbia that had a kind of nylon texture to it (not shiny and plastic-y feeling like most).  It felt sturdy and tough - ended up sending it back because I thought it was too small, but would have been perfect for this pack. 

I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on the WPS pack.  The frame seems pretty short compared to what I have been using, but it would sure be nice for day hiking away from camp and knowing you could pack something out.  I always ditch my pack in the bushes somewhere nearby the general area I'm hunting if further than a mile or so from camp. 

Dumb question maybe, but would it hurt my boned out meat to be compressed (somewhat heavily) between the frame and my drybag using the compression panel?  I hope to find a setup/gear that I can make one trip out with a reasonable sized deer and my camp. 

[JLS]

Dumb question maybe, but would it hurt my boned out meat to be compressed (somewhat heavily) between the frame and my drybag using the compression panel? 

It won't hurt it one bit.

[kentrek]

the black bag is a "lewis and clark"..idk how sold i am on it tho cuz the buckle seems kinda week havnt had any real problems with it tho..just a suspicion it will break in the future


as far as the meat q the only thing i would worry bout is how much the meat could breath in its cooling off period,i wouldnt smother it in a dry sack when its still steeming on a hot day with a good pack out..pretty easy to tie off or run the bag on top of your meat tho..

[Hunter mike]

If anyone's interested, it sounds like WPS is at the sportsman's show.  My buddy bought one there on Friday.  I wish I could make it down there to try one on!

[Hunter mike]

Spent some time online messing around today (I really need to get out) and came up with this as a possibility:

http://www.kifaru.net/cargopanel.html (scroll down to where it shows the MOLLE frame)

I really like the idea of the MOLLE webbing for a couple of pockets for my accessories I carry all the time (knives, game bags, etc) whether I'm day hunting or backpacking.  Also a good spot for some snacks and maybe water bottle carrier.  This seems like it would be the best possible combo for day hunting, backpacking from a camp, or bivy hunting (sleep where you stop hunting for the day).

My dilema now is whether to get the WPS pack or just buy a surplus MOLLE frame and straps set (about $50 or so on ebay).  Cheaper to buy the surplus, but I wonder if the MOLLE straps are as comfortable as the WPS suspension or vice versa...

[kentrek]

just for triggerhappy

 

[TriggerHappy]

  hopefully mine will look like this a couple times this year, starting in Idaho....