Backcountry Packs

[fillthefreezer]

also to add, the waistbelt, mine has pockets and 2" webbing for holster gps etc. love them!
used my day pack the last couple times out and it does not have them, sucks!

[Cascader74]

I've personally never understood counting ounces. If weight is that critical, getting in shape would matter more.  I've always wondered how these people feel about packing meat out if a few ounces are too much.  I pack heavy for backpacking, I haven't bothered weighing my pack but I'd guesstimate around 50lbs & have hiked that 10-12 miles in a day no problem. I have had my packs up to 85lbs before without meat, hiking 22 miles in a day. & I wouldn't consider myself a beast either.   To each their own though. 

[Miles]

Depends on what type of hunting you're doing...

If you're covering lots of ground without trails, that 50lbs can be a pain.  Try bushwacking through brush on a steep hillside and see how fast you tire with 50+ lbs on your back.  Hiking up/down a well groomed hiking trail with a 50lb pack, piece of cake.   
People count ounces, because ounces add up to pounds, and pounds slow you down and require more effort/energy on your part to do the same amount of "work".  What one "can do" and what one "would rather do" are often on completely different ends of the spectrum.

Can't argue with the importance of being in shape, but wouldn't it be great to be in shape AND cut your pack weight by 10-15 pounds?  That's why people count ounces, not because they would rather avoid getting "in shape".

[MichaelJ]

Depends on what type of hunting you're doing...

If you're covering lots of ground without trails, that 50lbs can be a pain.  Try bushwacking through brush on a steep hillside and see how fast you tire with 50+ lbs on your back.  Hiking up/down a well groomed hiking trail with a 50lb pack, piece of cake.   
People count ounces, because ounces add up to pounds, and pounds slow you down and require more effort/energy on your part to do the same amount of "work".  What one "can do" and what one "would rather do" are often on completely different ends of the spectrum.

Can't argue with the importance of being in shape, but wouldn't it be great to be in shape AND cut your pack weight by 10-15 pounds?  That's why people count ounces, not because they would rather avoid getting "in shape".

Couldn't of said it better... I'm already a lean guy at 5'11" 165 lbs.  I just want to maximize my time in the field.  And its pretty simple to know that you burn less calories with less weight.  This equals more energy reserves.

As far as packing out weight, I don't worry about it much as I have a single destination in mind.  I never know how far or where I'll end up while actually hunting.  If you could trade your 50 lbs for my 36 lbs, would you?

Mike

[GoPlayOutside]

I have lots of Hiking packs and Hunting Packs.
For short trips (2 days) high country, I use my Badlands and go pretty minimal.

However, for anything 3 days and over, I go with my Gregory Baltoro (hiking pack). 

I have found that the Hiking Companies have had many decades to perfect the pack needed to take gear on extended trips, with comfort.  The hunting pack companies keep trying to come up with new gimmics to appeal to the hunting community, and typically they aren't as good, and are heavier.

[GoPlayOutside]

Now that I think about it.....

I've hiked and climbed all over the world.  As I think back to every extended trip I've ever been on, from Rainier to Everest, I have never seen one person use a Hunting type/brand pack to take up the Mountain.

That's why I typically use the Hiking Pack, and then manufacture a scabbard or bow hook system to mount to it.

[deerslyr]

Any one have experience with the tenzing line of packs? Looks like some good stuff for the same price as competitors.

[7mag.]

Any one have experience with the tenzing line of packs? Looks like some good stuff for the same price as competitors.

I doubt you will find anyone who has used one, because they aren't for sale until next month. You can't even order one yet.

[dreamingbig]

Any one have experience with the tenzing line of packs? Looks like some good stuff for the same price as competitors.

There is a review on rockslide.com  They got a few to try out given they are a site sponsor over there.

[Benny]

I have found that the Hiking Companies have had many decades to perfect the pack needed to take gear on extended trips, with comfort. 

There is a huge difference though. Those packs are designed for approaches and summits with 50lbs....not pack outs with 150lbs. The first mountaneering pack that can haul 150lbs comfortably I will buy on the spot. There is a starting weight sacrifice for the ability to haul heavy loads. Timberlines may be swinging that sacrifice but there is still a little proving to be done with that new line IMO.

[JCKILLSHOT]

Doesn't tenzing make rims and car parts or is that a totally different company?

[deerslyr]

Any one have experience with the tenzing line of packs? Looks like some good stuff for the same price as competitors.

There is a review on rockslide.com  They got a few to try out given they are a site sponsor over there.

 

[shanevg]

I have found that the Hiking Companies have had many decades to perfect the pack needed to take gear on extended trips, with comfort. 

There is a huge difference though. Those packs are designed for approaches and summits with 50lbs....not pack outs with 150lbs. The first mountaneering pack that can haul 150lbs comfortably I will buy on the spot. There is a starting weight sacrifice for the ability to haul heavy loads. Timberlines may be swinging that sacrifice but there is still a little proving to be done with that new line IMO.

I was going to saythey same thing. I'm all for buying hiking gear for hunting. As a member of Mountain Rescue I get ProDeal on a lot of gear and I'm certainly not going to pay extra just to get it in camo. The one thing I do go with a huntjng conpany on is the pack. I started out with a REi pack that served me well through the years but eventually the heavy loads caught up with it and it just fell apart. I then got a GoLite pinnacle pack that comes in at less than 2 pounds. It is a great pack but it just can't haul a load of meat well. (I did pack out an 85lb load last year but would prefer not to do that again.). There is something to be said about being designed to carry the weight. This year i got a Sitka 45 so we'll see how it works.

[JCKILLSHOT]

I'm debating on the eberlestock j34 or the blue widow. Don't know which one I should get?

[losdaddy7]

While not a designated "hunting " pack, the Mountainsmith Lookout 45 is an awesome all purpose pack.  Currently around $100 on sale.