pack frame with day pack

[Letmwork]

Hello to everyone, I have read allot of posts on here about packs and pack size. This may have been brought up before (if so sorry I haven't seen it) however, for those looking for more pack options and versatility on a budget I would recommend doing a , pack frame combo. Done right you can have tons of packability for a good price. I run $80 2000 ci day pack and attach it to a $120 packframe with shelf. I like this set up because I dont have to worry about trying to stuff my sleeping bag, mat and shelter into my pack. Once at camp I off load all the camp stuff and use the day pack. Just an option.

[D-Rock425]

I've done this before but once you get a real good pack you never look back.

[7mag.]

I also tried this on a backcountry hunt....never again. Hunting the backcountry with a cheap, cobbled together pack, is like doing a backcountry hunt in cheap, worn out boots that hurt your feet.

[Letmwork]

How is this cobbled?

[7mag.]

Maybe that was a poor choice of words. I'm not trying to be rude, but I've been there. I used cheap frame packs for years, and my back and shoulders will never be the same. I know quality packs are expensive and turn a lot of people off, I used to be one. The first time I tried a high end pack, I couldn't believe the difference it made in the quality of my experience.
I wouldn't let that keep you out of the backcountry, and I know everyone's budget is different. I strongly suggest making good boots and a good pack a priority as soon as you can scrape enough money together. Look at used packs too, there are some pretty good deals out there.

[shootnrun]

If you spend the money to get an SG, or some of the other top of the line packs, this is exactly what you get, except the pack and frame are designed to work together, are generally better constructed, and IMO incredibly more comfortable.

That being said, in the short term, until you step up to something like that, a pack frame and day bag can get you by.

[blackveltbowhunter]

I understand what you are saying Letm, and the idea is solid. Individual needs and budgets vary so much that having as many options available as possible is never a bad thing I have done this many times. For what you are describing, ( drop camp scenario ) I actually think it is often preferable to a "cheaper" big pack like the Eberly, Badlands, or Tenzing. As long as your not looking to haul huge loads from the kill site to camp. I still prefer a daypack that will allow me to haul at least some meat from the kill site, especially for elk. Frame packs like the Cabelas Alskan are pretty comfortable, decent haulers, cheap, and easy to maintain. Paired up with a decent daypack its a functional system. Although I haven't found one yet I would say qualified for bivy hunting IMO.

[Boss .300 winmag]

I use a bull pack with day pack to hunt. Never packed a camp in that way though. 

[ctwiggs1]

Maybe I'm crazy but once I set up camp, my pack gets so much lighter anyway that I don't see the need for a detachable pack.  Just more fail points - I like the KISS method.

Curtis