got a new pack today

[fillthefreezer]

my new pack id ordered came in today. i went with the wilderness pack specialties bighorn. plan to take it on its first trip to the high country this weekend. will give an update if anyones interested in these.


wondering how i might fashion my sidearm while wearing the extra wide waist belt?

[halflife65]

Is it just the frame or is there some kind of bag included with it? 

I'm interested on ideas about the sidearm, too, although I almost never carry one.  Only when bowhunting for bear by myself.

[fillthefreezer]

short on cash right now, went with just the frame, plan to buy the bags later or maybe the wife will get me an xmas pres.
plan to lash my camp gear and day pack to it for now.

[engelwood]

I have that pack as well. Got it for christmas. Mine is in a container in AK right now, waiting for me to get up there for my moose trip. We will see how it handles a couple bull moose 

[halflife65]

short on cash right now, went with just the frame, plan to buy the bags later or maybe the wife will get me an xmas pres.
plan to lash my camp gear and day pack to it for now.

That should work.  I ended up with a full pack but at one time was thinking about doing what you're going to do.  I was thinking that I would go to REI and get a lightweight waterproof bag like what kayakers use.  Something like: http://www.rei.com/product/813628/sealline-nimbus-dry-bag-40-liters  (or something similar.)

[fillthefreezer]

i have a hard time with a lot of the stuff from REI being that my wife and i have a rule between us that we try to buy only american made products whenever possible and much of what rei sells isnt.
i plan to add the bighorn packs that are offered being that they seem priced right, look rugged yet relatively light and geared for hunters. we will see when that time comes though.

[halflife65]

kifaru.net might have something that would work.  Made in the USA.

[fillthefreezer]

kifaru.net might have something that would work.  Made in the USA.

ive been looking at their stuff, looks quality. i did quite a bit of research before i went with this pack between the bullpac, mystery ranch, barneys, kifaru, etc.
like the northwest made aspect of it, and the mystery and barneys are just way out of my price range.

[halflife65]

Mystery Ranch is what I ended up with - but it was expensive. 

I'm to the point that I have a couple of everything so I only buy stuff that I think is the best I can buy.  It might take me 3 years to save for it (literally - for the Swaro spotter that I want, and I'm still saving) but I already have something that will get me by until then.  So, I go big or just keep saving my money.  And I refuse to by anything on a credit card, so I have to wait until I've saved for it.