Cheap packs?

[bankwalker]

I need to buy a pack this week sometime before the 1st. And I have very limited money like under $125.

I don't need anything fancy. But would love to find one with a way to carry my rifle.

[Jburke]

I would check out the closest Cabelas and look in the bargain cave.  I almost bought one last year out of the bargain cave for about 130 but decided I didn't really NEED a new one.  I have used a decent metal pack frame with a large dry bag and worked ok for me.  Depends on how much you intend on doing with it.

[Bullkllr]

Don't want to sound like an gear anti-snob, but I've used a variety of packs over the years- only ones I was really unhappy with were the Trapper Nelson (hurt like hell with a load) and a cheap metal one (broke). We have Coleman Peak 1 frames that are probably 20 years old that work just fine. Got the last one at a yard sale for about 10$. I'm sure some of the newer pricier ones are very nice. Just don't see the need. Kinda like a gold-plated toilet seat at some point. I'm saving up for one of those

[bankwalker]

I just hit up cabelas and they had no packs in the bargain cave.

[Solohunter84]

I just seen this one and was going to check it out. Unfortunately I've never used it but it looks decent. I have an alps pack frame I like. There is a video showing the pack and has good reviews. An option

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E3Q7Y1A/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=WEU125ZE3S6T&coliid=I2W0E2P1L55HY7

[X-Force]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,178304.0.html

[bankwalker]

I just seen this one and was going to check it out. Unfortunately I've never used it but it looks decent. I have an alps pack frame I like. There is a video showing the pack and has good reviews. An option

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E3Q7Y1A/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=WEU125ZE3S6T&coliid=I2W0E2P1L55HY7

I just looked at these today at sportsman warehouse. And they're way out of my price range in store..
Thanks for the link I think I'm gonna have to do some serious research on them. They are pretty comfortable

[Scvette]

Keep looking in here and you'll find a good pack. I found a badlands 2200 on here about 3 weeks ago,had my daughters BF go look at it,he bought it for $80,he says it looks brand new,I bought my 2200 last season for $250. Good luck

[andrew_in_idaho]

Don't want to sound like an gear anti-snob, but I've used a variety of packs over the years- only ones I was really unhappy with were the Trapper Nelson (hurt like hell with a load) and a cheap metal one (broke). We have Coleman Peak 1 frames that are probably 20 years old that work just fine. Got the last one at a yard sale for about 10$. I'm sure some of the newer pricier ones are very nice. Just don't see the need. Kinda like a gold-plated toilet seat at some point. I'm saving up for one of those

Impossible everybody knows the animals will only let you kill them if your pack cost more than $300(to be safe though you really need to pay $400+, some deer are just snobs), you also need to be sure and have at $1500 combined in optics between your scope and binos
In all seriousness though to the OP check around on amazon and eBay for a bit you will find what you're looking for usually for about 60% of retail price

[bowhuntersd]

I would check out your local sporting goods store and pick up a Pack Frame and a Moose bag that goes onto it. You should be able to pick it up for under $150. No since in buying a pack you can't haul meat with if your planning on hunting with it. 

[bankwalker]

Thanks guys. The pack definitely won't be used for packing in gear...maybe a small tent and a sleeping bag for 1 night stays a few miles from the truck.
It will be used 100% for packing my optics and game processing equipment...and packing meat.

[j_h_nimrod]

Bi-Mart has a decent frame for under $100 and then you can strap on a day pack or some type of duffle to carry your smaller gear. You can strap a rifle on about any pack but IMO if you are hunting you have hands to carry your gun.

[Jharristealth]

I just seen this one and was going to check it out. Unfortunately I've never used it but it looks decent. I have an alps pack frame I like. There is a video showing the pack and has good reviews. An option

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E3Q7Y1A/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=WEU125ZE3S6T&coliid=I2W0E2P1L55HY7

I have been using this exact pack for about a year. So far it is holding up very well. I usually carry the essentials as well as a 80mm spotter and tripod. Pack weight loaded is right around 38lb  and it Carries this fairly well.

[Solohunter84]

Nice. I'm thinking about picking it up. But I tend to carry a ton of stuff. Rather have everything and not need it haha. I'm currently using a pack I found at Costco. It has a backpack with a detachable waist piece like a fanny pack. Can carry a bit. But no meat and can be noisy at times

[Jburke]

Bi-Mart has a decent frame for under $100 and then you can strap on a day pack or some type of duffle to carry your smaller gear. You can strap a rifle on about any pack but IMO if you are hunting you have hands to carry your gun.

This is probably the same one I have.  No complaints about it at all.  I got it on sale a few years ago for around $50.  Well worth the money and my dad enjoyed carrying an elk out with it last year, much more comfortable than the mil surplus internal frame pack I was wearing.  That's what I get for trying to be nice to the old guy. 

[blackveltbowhunter]

I have a Badlands 4500 it's been used and abused but all the important stuff works, and has fresh frame stays. I would let it go inside your budget. PM if interested.

[nastybynature]

I was looking at this one just a week ago before I found my never used Mystery Ranch G-5000 on CL for $300 that I ended up getting instead. Still think it is a great deal for the $$. Comes with the frame lashing set up that Sportsman's sells for $89 and has the bag and rifle sling as well. There is a video on youtube showing it.

http://amzn.to/1KsJy1J

[Solohunter84]

I have that pack nasty. I only use the frame tho. The bag itself is crazy loud. Do not like it for that reason

[Utah]

I need to buy a pack this week sometime before the 1st. And I have very limited money like under $125.

I don't need anything fancy. But would love to find one with a way to carry my rifle.

I have a Kelty Cache hauler I'd sell you.   But you'd need to get a dry sac of some kind.   Its a hauler.    Just the fame. No bag. Couple of cheap options for the rifle holder...

[JJB11B]

I don't understand the infatuation with having your weapon strapped to your back, what kind of predator keeps their weapons in the most awkward in opportune location to be drawn and used without notice? Keep your rifle slung or in your hands, unless you are a sniper carrying a backup m-4 or doing some serious rock climbing there is 0 need to have your rifle on your back.

[syoungs]

I don't understand the infatuation with having your weapon strapped to your back, what kind of predator keeps their weapons in the most awkward in opportune location to be drawn and used without notice? Keep your rifle slung or in your hands, unless you are a sniper carrying a backup m-4 or doing some serious rock climbing there is 0 need to have your rifle on your back.

I sure like to be able to strap my rifle to my pack when im dragging/packing meat out, absolutely zero reason for me to be carrying it 90% of the time in that situation.

Walking in before dawn its nice to not carry a rifle in my hands, same with after dark.

what works for you isn't always the cut and dried 100% way to do things. but thanks for letting me know what my needs may be.

[Bean Counter]

I did a writeup on the USMC ILBE by Arc'Teryx. You can look back in the Gear discussions. Can be bought at surplus stores and ebay for $100 or less. Its heavier than many, but I've carried 50-75 pounds around 8,000-9,000 with it no problems.

[nastybynature]

I did a writeup on the USMC ILBE by Arc'Teryx. You can look back in the Gear discussions. Can be bought at surplus stores and ebay for $100 or less. Its heavier than many, but I've carried 50-75 pounds around 8,000-9,000 with it no problems.

Is this the pack you are speaking of? http://amzn.to/1SslnaP

[trophyhunt]

I have had good luck with my Alaskan frame from cabelas, only use it as a spare anymore but it has hauled out a few loads of meat and it carried my rifle. 

[fisheral87]

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/64392?page=hunters-carryall-pack

I used this pack two seasons. It does not show in the pictures well but there is one medium, and one small elastic topped pouches in the upper section of the bag that would hold you knife and game bags and a candy bar or two but that's about it. You can see it in my pic. Load lifters were functional which I felt was a good value at $90. Looks like they are running 10% off on there website too.

I added a camel back and molle pouches to expand my options. Carried my elk out with it a couple years ago and it performed well.

You could strap down your rifle no problem.

One negative was that mine developed a squeak when walking I believe due to the frame being a composite material rubbing the webbing where the frame meets the belt.

Al

[bankwalker]

Thanks guys. I ended up getting a great deal on a Badlands 2200 from blackveltbowhunter.

[splitshot]

  bought a badlands and it does not have the deals on the side for water bottles otherwise I like it.  it doe have too many small pouches aND POCKETS.   MIKE W

[JJB11B]

I don't understand the infatuation with having your weapon strapped to your back, what kind of predator keeps their weapons in the most awkward in opportune location to be drawn and used without notice? Keep your rifle slung or in your hands, unless you are a sniper carrying a backup m-4 or doing some serious rock climbing there is 0 need to have your rifle on your back.

I sure like to be able to strap my rifle to my pack when im dragging/packing meat out, absolutely zero reason for me to be carrying it 90% of the time in that situation.

Walking in before dawn its nice to not carry a rifle in my hands, same with after dark.

what works for you isn't always the cut and dried 100% way to do things. but thanks for letting me know what my needs may be.

yeah that came acrossed wrong, for me I don't like my weapon on my back but you are correct each person has their own opinion and style, my apologies for not being clear

[Bean Counter]

I did a writeup on the USMC ILBE by Arc'Teryx. You can look back in the Gear discussions. Can be bought at surplus stores and ebay for $100 or less. Its heavier than many, but I've carried 50-75 pounds around 8,000-9,000 with it no problems.

Is this the pack you are speaking of? http://amzn.to/1SslnaP

Yep, that's it. Go back through the gear discussion and you can see my write up on it. I did a search but the search feature on this forum sucks.