I used the Horn Hunter pack through all of fall so thought I'd give a review.
I realized I needed an all in one day pack and meat hauler last fall when I had to pack backstraps in my daypack and a hindquarter over my shoulder for a little over a mile
. Most the people I hunt with run eberlestock and I like the packs but wanted to see what else was out there.
Price- I think I paid $320 for the whole system. This included the frame, backpacking bag and the day pack.
Design- I really liked the design before I ever handled the pack. The side pocket holds my spotting scope perfect and the other side holds my camera and lens. My favorite part of the pack is the belt pockets. They are perfect for personal items, reeds, scents, knives, and any other smaller sized gear. The daypack is fairly large and can hold more than id would ever take hunting. It does come with a gun holder system that I like and holds my rifle securely. The backpacking bag I haven't been able to use yet so no comment on that. The whole system is a little heavier than I like for day hunts so I usually just go with the frame. With the hydration pouch in the middle, the two side pockets and the belt pockets I hold all that I need with room to spare. Another thing I like about the design is the velcro that comes at the end of the straps so there's no so much dangling and unused straps.
Fit-
Being 5'7 155 a lot of packs don't fit right, it might be the pack rides down to low or it won't cinch down enough. I didn't have one problem with the fit of the pack. It is a really comfortable pack with good padding. My shoulders never got sore and my hips did once but after a readjustment that problem was fixed. My cousin who is 5'11 190 said it was one of the most comfortable packs he's tried on. Not sure how it does for taller and heavier guys but there appears to be enough adjustments to make it fit well.
How it packs- Some pack outs just aren't fun no matter the gear! It's packed out several deer and elk. The heaviest load being a hindquarter + elk head or hindquarter + front shoulder + 10 pound rifle. The first time using it my hips were sore but adjusting it fixed that problem. The three straps get the load tight and it stays tight. However when I combined the hindquarter and elk head it made for a awkward fit and I was having trouble keeping the load tight. I had to use ropes to make it work. Deer were a piece of cake in the pack.
Cons-
Its a little heavier than I like
I need to keep my hand on the sling of my rifle to prevent it from falling down. This can get really annoying especially in rough country.
Water soaks through the pack pretty quick
All in all I like the pack a lot. It's a really good mid range pack. If you pack light Id just go with the frame. The frame is a really good deal all by itself at $200 and really all you need. If you have any questions about it just ask.
