New Pack

[asl20bball]

I have the TZ5000...I like it!  My problem has been finding a bag that has all the bells and wistles I want AND that actually fits my waist line (I'm 5'10, 155, 32'waist). the Tenzing bags fit me very well in that regard. In fact I think I may get a tenzing day pack as well. In addition, I really like the side pockets on the waist belt- it is big/deep enough to holster my pistol for bow hunting. So far I really like the TZ bags.

[bmccalister]

I am looking at upgrading my current pack system and I have narrowed my search down to four packs. The Eberlestock Just One J34 / Dragonfly or Nimrod apex / wilderness pack systems.

http://eberlestock.com/J34%20Just%20One.htm

http://www.nimrodpacks.com/n325.html

I believe the nimrod pack systems are the most versatile but most expensive with all the accessories to meet a persons needs.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I think each has it's benefits.  If that is your pricerange, I would definetely consider the wilderness pack since they carry the heavier loads better.  The Nimrod really isn't designed to carry giant loads.  But if you are using it for a daypack, or a horse hunt, then the nimrods versatility really shines.  The eberlestock is the jack of all trades, master of none.  Depends on how you want to use it!

[washelkhunter]

Spike camp = hiking in, dropping your camp somewhere, and hunting from that spot (returning every night)
Bivy hunt = hike in, hunt until night, sleep where you are, wake up and repeat

Bivy hunt? Ewwww! We gotta do better than that. How about "range camp" or "rovers hunt" ? Anybody?

[motg9_6]

 i have the tz6000 being a bigger guy. like it so far lots of features you have to pay alot extra for with others. good quality but only time will tell.

[scottcrb]

i just got he nimrod pinnacle and am gonna get the frame and one of the bigger bags later i really like the versatility and the quality plus its a local company and is made and serviced in the USA,

[dreamingbig]

My high camp bag and grab it showed up the other day.  With the duplex frame, dt2 bag or high camp bag, cargo panel and grab it I am set!

[JustinC]

Get the same pack that Scott got and you'll be set. Don't waste your time with the other packs. Get the T1 or the BT1 and you'll never need anything else.

This is my T1 used as a day pack.



With 130 lbs of elk meat. What else do you need? Still plenty of room if this would have been a backpack hunt.

[7mag.]

i just got he nimrod pinnacle and am gonna get the frame and one of the bigger bags later i really like the versatility and the quality plus its a local company and is made and serviced in the USA,

Nimrod makes one of the most comfortable and versatile day packs on the market, and their customer service is excellent. Don't waste your money on the frame. They don't carry weight well at all. I sold mine because I got sick of killing my back and shoulders packing out meat. If you want to pack weight (any thing over 35 lbs), spend the money and buy a pack that is made for it, that has actual load lifters that work.

[Olympics777]

 3400 cubic inches is to small to carry your gear and pack out a muley as well. Even is you are an ultralight type guy who only carrys around 2500 c.i. of gear, that only leaves 900 cubic inches for meat and skull( depending on how you pack out the most precious part of the critter:) Get 4000 for a hunting pack, minimum, and try to get one that can be made easily smaller or larger, depending on how much your carrying, like one with a super adjustable lid, for example.

[Olympics777]

 Does anyone have a Sitka or Mystery Ranch pack they could tell me about? I'm curious how they perform...

[Ridgerunner]

I can tell you mystery ranch are among the best performing packs out there, people knock them for their weight but the metcalf doesn't weigh too much.

[JLS]

I bought a MR Longbow a year ago and really like it.  I haven't had a chance to load it up with meat yet, but as for hauling gear I am happy with it.  I wish I would have know the Metcalf was coming out, it is more suited to what I wanted in a pack.

What are your priorities (price, weight, durability, etc.) and how do you intend to use it?

[Olympics777]

I want it mostly for bivy hunting, and I carry no more than 20 pounds of gear, no matter how many nights I go out. but I don't like going back in to pick up more meat, so I don't mid carrying 100 pound extra to get it all out. I want to spend 500 or less, and I don't want it to weigh more than 6 pounds, but that might not be realistic:) I almost always have a brother or friend to help pack out the critter, so if the whole thing won't fit that is going to usually be ok, and if it is to big, then it will swallow up my gear!! Basically, I'm really picky.

[Ridgerunner]

Mr metcalf will fill the bill nicely.