Backpack

[MLHSN]

  I'm interested in getting into the backcountry to hunt in the same aspect I like to fish.  Right now for backpacking I'm using a GoLite Pinnacle which for me is ultralight @ <1 lb) and great for my multiday fishing excursions.  But lately I've been thinking for hunting that would be a bad idea.  It doesn't have a rigid frame for carrying an animal out and has a max-capacity of 40 lbs.  Any suggestions on packs for carrying a boned out animal that don't way a ton?  I've been reading all the hunting reviews and they suggest packs like the Badlands 4500 (8 lbs 14 oz??? , I can usually get my total pack weight plus water under 20 lbs.) and a few others.  I'm seeing the pack weights being between 5-7 lbs  :shock: Any good ones you know that are lighter?  something around 3-4 lbs for sturdy framed pack? There's got to be some guys on here that put in 40-60 mi. on a 4 day weekend who don't want to carry a 8 lb pack?

Mark

[high country]

mark, I run a WM bag and a sleep in a megalight, ti cookware, supercat stove, light EVERYTHING.....but I rock an 8 pound pack because coming out with 80 extra pounds is a sumbich with less pack.

I use a mystery ranch and lose the bag and use the top as a daypack with the frame once I set up camp......works like a charm for me.

[MLHSN]

mark, I run a WM bag and a sleep in a megalight, ti cookware, supercat stove, light EVERYTHING.....but I rock an 8 pound pack because coming out with 80 extra pounds is a sumbich with less pack.

I use a mystery ranch and lose the bag and use the top as a daypack with the frame once I set up camp......works like a charm for me.

thanks for the imput High Country, from talking with a few people it sounds like that is the consensus.  I was just having a hard time believe that a 3-4 lb pack could carry 50-60 lbs comfortably but that I would have to double that to carry 70-85 lbs.

[MtnMuley]

For 40-60 miles over a week, I'd definately use my Kifaru.  And like the mystery ranch, break the pack down at base camp and use the small duffle along with the frame pack for day hunting.  Very light pack for that kind of trip when you buy the best ultralight gear.  That pack will easily carry more that you can pack witht he longhauler freight bag attached and be more comfortable than any other pack.  Very spendy is the bad thing.  Also, if you plan on carrying a rifle, I'd look at Eberlestocks line of packs.  They have the best gun carrying system that I've found to be hands and arms free while hiking.  They weigh a bit though, but the cost isn't bad--around $250.

[high country]

you may not have to.....I did it once with a lesser pack, it sucked mucho bad. I don't want to be loaded anymore then the next guy, nor do I want to bleed for 10 miles out.

[high country]

I built a gunbearer that works like kifarus......nice to be able to have my rifle in a pinch......like when it was strapped to my back and a black bear was closing in 2 years ago....mildly stressful....lol, but I hauled it out too.

[MtnMuley]

I'm not a big fan of Kifarus gun bearer.  My gun standing in front of me doesn't seem right, and my rifle weighs around 13.8 lbs.  Too heavy imo for that gun bearer.  With a standard 8-9 lb rifle setup minus the bipod, it would be great.

[high country]

I am running a rm ti....tis a non issue. backcountry hunting and a 14lb gun seems kinda like running a powerstroke on the autobahn

[alecvg]

   And I thought MY gun was heavy!

[CountryslickR]

Check out Mystery Ranch...they have some great stuff...light, and can carry a ton!

[MtnMuley]

I am running a rm ti....tis a non issue. backcountry hunting and a 14lb gun seems kinda like running a powerstroke on the autobahn

Very true, but having all the confidence in the world with the gun makes the decision to pack it easy.

[Morrison4375]

You guys should check out hornhunter packs made by sportsmans outdoor products great packs and very underated I am on there staff and anyone that is interested I have catalogs and if you would like one pm me your adress and I will get one out to you. And if you have any other questions Thanks

[halflife65]

I just spent the last 4 days walking around with a Mystery Ranch NICE frame and Crew Cab.  It seemed like it was going to be insanely heavy for a daypack rig but when you put it on it's so comfortable and carries so well you don't feel it.  I love it because I wouldn't be afraid to put an entire boned out deer in it and walk out.  For those really long day hunts through a true backpack hunt that thing will work.

[Skyvalhunter]

Saving your self a few pounds in weight is only going to get you when it comes time to packing out. Pay the extra money and get a good one. Now comes the debate of internal or external frame. If you are thinking on heavy weight for extended time then look at an external frame.  Some people have those light daypacks they bring along or removable fanny pack tops. Then keep the large pack at camp and if/when they get an animal go get the large one. Some packs expand quite a bit and people just use them  the whole time when hunting. For every guy who likes a internal of soft pack their is going to be one who prefers external. You get what u pay for

[BLUEBULLS]

nobody mentions the BL 2800? I think it's around 4-1/2lbs and I've hauled 80 lots of times.

[Wanderer]

How about the nimrod packs ?  looking at the external pack frame. 

[high country]

nobody mentions the BL 2800? I think it's around 4-1/2lbs and I've hauled 80 lots of times.

I have hauled 3 elk and 2 deer with my 2800....but the truth is, it is not even in the same spectrum when compared to the MR when it comes to hauling heavy loads. great pack, and I love mine and use it more then any other, but for me it is a daypack.

[Hornseeker]

For about 5 years I used a BL 2800... carried a 25-35# camp around bivy hunting for about 40 days with it. Loved it. I have also used it as a daypack MANY times and like Blue Bulls and HC, have packed 70-90 pounds with it a number of times. It works, BUT..I now own an MR Crew Cab and there is no comparison. The BL is a little lighter when i'm not loaded and am day hunting and such, but when it comes time to put 50-125# on that pack, it pays off big time. You know, if you are in decent shape, the extra 5# is not going to kick your ass..... Get the MR Crew Cab or at least get the MR Nice with the bag of your choice. The dam Crew Cab is sooooo versatile though....cant go wrong.

[bullcanyon]

They look sweet, but $490?  That is a huge chunk for a pack.  Anyone carry these or do they make it to the show?

[halflife65]

For about 5 years I used a BL 2800... carried a 25-35# camp around bivy hunting for about 40 days with it. Loved it. I have also used it as a daypack MANY times and like Blue Bulls and HC, have packed 70-90 pounds with it a number of times. It works, BUT..I now own an MR Crew Cab and there is no comparison. The BL is a little lighter when i'm not loaded and am day hunting and such, but when it comes time to put 50-125# on that pack, it pays off big time. You know, if you are in decent shape, the extra 5# is not going to kick your ass..... Get the MR Crew Cab or at least get the MR Nice with the bag of your choice. The dam Crew Cab is sooooo versatile though....cant go wrong.


[/quote

I second that.  Just got the NICE with the CC for late season.  Carried it a long way although without significant weight.  Expensive but worth it.  I'm going to buy the longbow, too.

[GlennGTR]

Kifaru packs all the way and every day. For the serious backcountry on foot hunter, check out kifaru.net

[halflife65]

Those are great, too.  Kinda like choosing between swarovski and leica but both are made in the USA.

[bullcanyon]

? for you guys with the mr packs.  Is the material quiet?  Looks like it is a loud material.  I use my packs as day packs while bowhunting on the west side and brush will be scraping across the pack.  Not a big fan of material that makes a bunch of noise.

Thanks

[high country]

mine is not anything other the cordura, the new models may be different. I can however, remove my pack bag and attach whatever daypack type bag my heart desires. if you are looking for a stealthy pack mine is sure not it, it shines as a camp and dead stuff hauler outer

[bullcanyon]

Thanks HC.  I'm looking for a "do-all" style pack.  Thought I had it with the sacrifice.  It can't haul as much weight as the others, but it did good enough for what I do.  Just can't deal with a squeaky frame or the lack of waterproofness.  Really looking hard at the bivy 45 and the eberlestock blue widow right now.  Few other ideas to check out.  Gonna be on a mission at the sportsmans show this year:)

[halflife65]

MR packs are not real quiet.  I can make them work where I hunt but I'm not beating the westside brush.