Backcountry Packs

[fillthefreezer]

I think i ran into you on the high hunt wilson gideon. I got called into work. I run a badlands 4500 with its day pack and fanny. pack its self is kind of heavy but comfortable. i like it.

i think theres a lesson to be learned here, find a hunting spot with no cell service

[wilsongideon]

I was thinking the same thing - keep the cell phone off and keep hunting! . .you left and I killed that buck the next day. cell phone service and hunters everywhere pack trains and game wardens even llamas..i think the buck came out of the taylor bridge fire and was a little disoriented and confused because with that many people all the deer should have been long gone. either that or big foot chased him into our drainage, either way by that time I was ready to take a shot

[madcow41]

I use a mystery ranch 3 day and for trips over 5 days I use a nice frame with an Alice pack bag

[Hunter mike]

I will give another endorsement to the Cabela's Alaskan series packs!  Even though I'm kind of a gear nut in general, my cheapo Alaskan 1 (bottom of the line) got her done this year.  I picked it up for $25 on Craigslist and it works pretty sweet.  No animals packed out yet, but the 45lbs I packed in 5.5 miles each way rode just fine and I felt like I could carry more.  It could be a bit more comfortable, but is a viable option for those of us whos "other option" would be to stay home.  I was able to rig up a Gunslinger Corral carrier system to attach my rifle to the pack frame and it worked pretty good.  Not as good as the integrated systems, but got the job done just fine.

That said, I do hope a Kifaru or similar is in my future, but I don't feel like I NEED to upgrade to keep going out!

[dreamingbig]

I used the cabelas Alaskan frame for three years before I upgraded this year to te kifaru.  Squeak squeak squeak got old after awhile!

[Hunter mike]

My Alaskan doesn't seem to be too loud if I pack it right...  The worst thing is when water bottles have been banging together etc...  I could use a bit more space, but it's handy strapping stuff to the external frame.  I strap my tent below the pack and lash on my sleep pad on the back of the pack (weighs nothing).  So far this setup is working just fine for me.

Has anyone used a Mil-surp CFP-90 pack?  They're supposed to be one of the best surplus packs out there but a bit hard to find.  What I've read sounds good, but I haven't heard any reviews from hunters. 

[Hunter mike]

Here's what I'm thinking about doing...

One of these : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002TO3HK0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002TO3HK0&linkCode=as2&tag=reaworgea-20

Or something similar - large 1-compartment duffle for tent, sleeping bag, clothing and food (other than today's rations) - basically, my camp goes into the duffle.

Then I will strap my daypack onto the outside of that for my dayhunting from camp.  I normally keep my "kill kit" (game bags, knives, tags, etc) and "essentials kit" (minimal survival gear, PLB, flashlights, GPS/maps/compass) with me at all times while hunting.  I'll also keep my water filter, bottle, and hydration bladder in the daypack as well as snacks for the day and extra clothing (weather-dependent). 

I'm not sure how the daypack will attach - I'm thinking about just putting the waist strap tight around the duffle and finding some attachment points from the top to the frame - shouldn't take much.

Any thoughts?  I like the ability to change the bag sizes and have loading options.  I thought about just putting an internal frame pack on my hauling frame instead so It can be packed out seperately if needed.

If I like the setup, I may upgrade to a Kelty Cache Hauler or other frame.

[300rum]

I wouldn't want to do it, it sounds way too uncomfortable to me if you are going any distance.  The nice thing about the newer packs is that you can pack the weight so the heavier items are higher and closer to your shoulders and then they have all kinds of ways to adjusted and more importantly readjust.  I readjust my straps on a heavy load about every half mile or so (on the fly), moving weight from hips to shoulders, in between the two, back to hips, etc.

When you lash on your pack to the bag you are going to move your center of gravity and are going to put a lot of stress where you don't want it, especially going up and down hill.  I used to go with a Cableas Alaska frame with a pack buckled on, I went away from it as it just isn't as comfortable as a modern pack with load lifters, etc.  It also puts the weight further away from your shoulders.  If you are planning on boneing out an animal, which I do, a modern internal frame pack is so much more comfortable, in my experience, than a hybrid. 

They aren't that cheap though!       

Here's what I'm thinking about doing...

One of these : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002TO3HK0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002TO3HK0&linkCode=as2&tag=reaworgea-20

Or something similar - large 1-compartment duffle for tent, sleeping bag, clothing and food (other than today's rations) - basically, my camp goes into the duffle.

Then I will strap my daypack onto the outside of that for my dayhunting from camp.  I normally keep my "kill kit" (game bags, knives, tags, etc) and "essentials kit" (minimal survival gear, PLB, flashlights, GPS/maps/compass) with me at all times while hunting.  I'll also keep my water filter, bottle, and hydration bladder in the daypack as well as snacks for the day and extra clothing (weather-dependent). 

I'm not sure how the daypack will attach - I'm thinking about just putting the waist strap tight around the duffle and finding some attachment points from the top to the frame - shouldn't take much.

Any thoughts?  I like the ability to change the bag sizes and have loading options.  I thought about just putting an internal frame pack on my hauling frame instead so It can be packed out seperately if needed.

If I like the setup, I may upgrade to a Kelty Cache Hauler or other frame.

[ellensburgpo]

Having carried a lot of eight in a military duffle bag I can assure you it's not the way to go.

[Hunter mike]

The duffle would be strapped to my pack frame (instead of the Cabela's bag designed for the frame.  The Cabela's bag is a bit small for my needs and won't allow me to bring a daypack very easily.  Not just a duffle by itsef!

[ellensburgpo]

My bad. That's thinking outside the box.

[deerslyr]

The duffle would be strapped to my pack frame (instead of the Cabela's bag designed for the frame.  The Cabela's bag is a bit small for my needs and won't allow me to bring a daypack very easily.  Not just a duffle by itsef!

Not a bad idea. Those duffels are a bit heavy though

[Hunter mike]

I ordered this this morning:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/columbia-sportswear-river-runner-xl-dry-bag-backpack~p~4418m/?utm_source=GooglePLAs&utm_medium=PaidShopping&utm_term=Columbia_Sportswear_River_Runner_Xl_Dry_Bag_Backpack&utm_campaign=PCGOOGLEPLA2&codes-processed=true

If it looks tough enough and secures to my frame OK, I think it's going to be awesome!  It looks like I can roll down the top to custom fit for bigger or smaller loads.  It weighs 1lb, 8oz - not too bad!  My pack frame weighs around 5lbs but carries a heavy load when needed.  Some of the old Jansport and Kelty aluminum pack frames weigh well under 2lbs and some closer to 1.  I'm going to try to pick one up to lash this pack on to for scouting trips, off-season hiking, and maybe even hunting depending on how they handle a load.  I've seen some threads online where people have changed out the waist belt/straps for more comfort and to save weight.  I'm a minimalist, so I really dig this stuff!

[kalamasasquatch]

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

i have the blue widow and hunted for 3 days out of it and packed 3 elk with it. its a great pack. handles heavy wieght and compresses down for use as a day pack. I also have the alaskan outfitters frame pack from cabelas. its a hell of a hauler and comfortable, but using it on the wet side was a pain in the ass off trail. it stuck up to high above my head. on a side note, about 6 years ago at the sportsmans show there was a booth selling wolf pack systems packs. i bought one and liked it. i had an issue with a buckle and when i tried to contact them the number was no longer in service. did anyone else buy one?

[cld40]

i too have blu widow and its a great pack
very durable, handles a heavy load very well in my opinion, comfortable
it could be a a little lighter, but all in all im very happy with it...