Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => All Other Gear => Topic started by: flashover52 on August 20, 2008, 09:47:13 PM

Title: Pack - Which one?
Post by: flashover52 on August 20, 2008, 09:47:13 PM: I have a nice Blacks-Creek pack that I've used for the past couple of years that has a backpack and fanny pack combined or it can be split to wear them seperately. I've reverted back to archery this year though and this pack isn't an ideal bow carrier. My dad is also flying out from back east and will get a bear tag so at least he can hunt with us and I planned on loaning him this pack. (gives me a reason to buy a new one! :chuckle:)

I've been looking at all of the packs and some of the smaller ones with bow loops or bags don't fit my bow very well. Because I have a good quality pack that could work as a fanny pack for short trips, I was thinking of something a bit larger that I can use to carry meat on as well as supplies for a week in the back country.

I've got some great technical gear for rock/ice climbing and week long adventures in the Rockies but the bright colors I bought for safety purposes, aren't ideal for hunting with a bow.

I've been looking seriously at the following two packs.

Option 1: http://www.blacks-creek.com/wildthing.php (http://www.blacks-creek.com/wildthing.php)
I don't have a tree stand at the present time and don't anticipate one soon but not having an external pack frame, I thought this might be a good choice. It could easily carry a 2-3 person tent, sleeping bag and plenty of goodies as well as the bow. A bit on the heavy side but has flexibility to drop panels with clothes/food/toiletries at camp easily.

Option 2: http://www.blacks-creek.com/jimhorn-alaskan.php (http://www.blacks-creek.com/jimhorn-alaskan.php)
Doesn't seem as heavy/bulky but might require lashing more stuff on the outside. Would also require some unpacking/repacking at camp for the subsequent days as loading might be more challenging to get a balanced weight.

Any one have any experience with either of these in the field? I've tried loading them up at a local store and either seem like they will work fine. Which one would you go with? :dunno:
Title: Re: Pack - Which one?
Post by: addicted on September 04, 2008, 12:19:40 PM: i love my blacks creek jim horn western. im not the tallest of guys so having the adjustable shoulder straps rocks
so sticking with blacks creek is cool

father in law got a nice timber hawk one with alot of the same qualities. would have got it accept for my hight problem

http://www.timberhawkgear.com/timberhawkgear/home.html
Title: Re: Pack - Which one?
Post by: Skinner on September 04, 2008, 12:39:51 PM: I have the western also and like it but don't like the gun sling. The butt of the gun fits into a pocket attached with velcro and it comes loose while hiking. I have packed tons of meat in it though and it is comfortable.
Title: Re: Pack - Which one?
Post by: timber tiger on September 05, 2008, 02:58:23 PM: eberlestock packs are awesome i just got the gunslinger works great
Title: Re: Pack - Which one?
Post by: addicted on September 06, 2008, 12:05:47 AM: we must have different westerns cuz mine doesnt have any velcro. rifle doesnt hang too high or low. bow holster works great too. elk quarter fits right into it.