Hunting Gear: Backpack - what works for you?

Status
Not open for further replies.
T

Trip20

Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2005
Messages
505
Location
WI
I’m in the market for a new backpack. The main use will be hunting. I’ll need the pack to be large enough to carry all the gear one would expect to use during a (hopefully) successful hunt, along with room for all of the other niceties one may wish to carry along for an entire day in the wilderness. In addition, an internal beverage bladder would be a plus for convenience, but it’s not necessary.

There are two in the early 2006 fall catalogue I received from Cabela’s that have piqued my interest, but I’ve honestly never owned any Cabela’s brand apparel or gear. So in addition to any suggestions you have, what is your overall opinion of Cabela’s brand quality? Does it stand up to the abuse?

Here are the two Cabela’s packs I’m considering:

Cabela’s Bow/Rifle Pack.

Cabela’s Elite Scout Pack.

I realize that one of the above packs gives you hands-free capability by storing your bow/rifle, while the other pack does not offer this “feature”. I don’t mean to compare apples to oranges with these two packs, it’s just that I have no experience with a bow/rifle carrying “feature”. Therefore, I’m unable to discern if this is in fact something I’d use, or one of those things that is neat to have, but never gets used as it’s too much of a hassle.

I’m looking to you guys for advise in that area – those that have used a pack capable of carrying a rifle/bow. How well does it work (or not work), and how practical is that sort of feature.

In the past I’ve never used a pack specifically designed for a hunter. I’ve always used some general pack. They work fine, but I’d really like to upgrade a bit into something a bit more tailored for the job.

Thanks in advance.
 
I use something very similar to the Run and Gun Turkey Bandoleer that Cabela's sells (the seat comes in real handy). What I learned with packs is bigger isn't always better it just means you can carry more stuff that you won't need.

Binos are around your neck, knife on your hip, rifle in your hands, shells in your rifle. What's left?? That is the question you might want to ask yourself. How do you hunt, a lot of walking/stalking or stand hunting. You talked about being out all day maybe two packs, one you haul in and leave at a pre-determined location with food, water, extra clothes, first aid, etc.. The other is light and quick, carrying shells, sharpener, rope, nav.tools (gps, compass, maps) radio, calls if any, gloves, tp, etc....

Good luck.
 
I've used two different sizes of Camelback while hunting.

The MULE was big enough to hold glasses (binos), water, a watch cap and gloves, a book, flashlight, and a couple extra rounds, and maybe some beef jerky.

The HAWG was big enough to carry all that, plus a poncho liner (lightweight blanket) and maybe a spare flashlight, with room to spare.

The pack you need will be dictated by your environs and hunting habits. I personally think the rifle or bow holder is really just a gimmick, and if I was really in the wilderness, I would want my weapon in hand.

YMMV,

John
 
It's imperative that the pack material is quiet, both when rubbing against itself/my clothing, and when reacting with the branches and twigs as one moves. I stalk/still hunt enough to where this would be a consideration.

Are the Camelbak brand packs made of quiet materials? They appear from the picture to be made of regular nylon blend of some sort - like any school bag - but of course I can't tell from a picture. I had a hunch that the rifle/bow holder thing was a gimmick - more hassle than it's worth. But I've not used one, so I wasn't sure.

Polishrifleman, I agree that bigger is not always better. I need a quiet pack that will store all of the items you mentioned, be comfortable to carry, and that is well made/durable.

Some days I cover enough ground whereby leaving a second pack in another location isn't practical, and I'll spend the entire day from dusk til dawn in the woods.

But there are also days when I go back to private land and only need a small pack as I do not spend the entire day in the woods. I'm already covered for those instances.

Also I'm interested in hearing people's experience with Cabela's brand gear. Is it durable, or junk with a fancy name stitched to it?
 
Cabela's is usually a pretty good value for the dollar and usually has a couple of "grades" of gear. stay away from the low end for better quality and durability.
Badlands packs are great hunting gear, pricey but durable. Before I looked the Badlands packs over close I had purchased a MadDog Gear hunting pack and it's not bad- certainly cheaper cost. quiet and comfortable and just the right size for a daypack. it has the internal hydration option. I used it constantly on a 5 day wilderness elk hunt last year in some brutal Utah high country. I've used it for dove hunting and alot for my passion- whitetail archery. sometimes it stays in my truck when stand hunting nearby and sometimes I have it with me but it holds everything I need and helps me keep it all organized. It is still in good shape.
 
Doing the same bit of shopping right now, and that same Cabela's catalog got me thinking. The rifle/bow pack looks nice but seems to be a gimmick (but the free hydration bladder is nice), so who knows. Myself I need to haul a good amount of gear being diabetic, carrying gatorade and other sugar supplies...

I wish I had jumped on this one bag I saw last year on gunbroker's charity auction, looked like a nice combination of a standard pack and the Cabela's Run n Gun turkey bag with a built in seat.

So, sadly no suggestions from me, but I think I'm going to go with one of the bags from Cabela's, and find out for myself if the quality lasts more than one season.
 
Last year, I picked up a Camelback Striker. It's a day-pack with hydration bladder. The nice thing is that it's specifically designed for hunting. The cloth is soft and brushed, so it doesn't make too much noise. Also, the shoulder straps are flat and free of buckles, with a non-slip texture where you would shoulder a long-arm.

The various pockets and compartments are perfectly suited for hunting. I keep a small pair of binos and a range finder in the top outer pocket, a bunch of "survival gear" (matches, first-aid kit, spare batteries, compass, GPS, etc...) in another outer pocket. The larger compartment can be used for other gear. There are also a number of attachment points and a couple of water-bottle pouches.

I've used it goose hunting, deer hunting and for day-trips while hiking. For one day trips (even with a possible emergency overnight), I think it works very well. There is no provision to carry your firearm on the pack (unless you just strapped it to it with some cord), but I prefer to use a sling anyway.
 
That Camelbak is lookin' better and better - especially the Striker. I like the low profile design, reservoir capacity, and the fact that the Striker comes in quiet material. I also like how they thought to make the strap non-slip where it would contact a rifle sling. That's a hassle I have with my current pack.

Not to mention it's extremely affordable... I was willing to pay 3 times that amount, but if I don't have to for a quality pack - that's a big bonus.

There appear to be enough compartments to handle most gear utilized during a day afield. One last concern would be comfort. Are the straps wide enough to where they don't feel as if they're digging in your shoulders? Also, when the waiste belt is secured and everything is sinched down tight, does this piece feel secure on your back? The darned thing looks like it would mold against the curves of your back and between your shoulder blades quite comfortably.
 
Trip20 - Frankly, I've not loaded it heavily enough to have to use the waist strap. That particular one is pretty narrow, but the shoulder straps are wide enough to prevent digging in. I find it very comfortable with a normal 15-20 lbs of gear and water in it. There are plenty of cinch straps to tighten up the load and keep items from wiggling around and making noise.

One of the best features, IMO, is that there is an "open pouch" which doesn't close, but easily holds things like a rainjacket or a couple boxes of shells. I've even used it to carry a dead grouse or two.
 
i found a Fieldline Glen Canyon internal frame pack at Wal Mart, including 2 liter camelbak style holder, for $20. Adding the Fieldline buddylock fanny pack with included accessories for $20, and this is what it looks like. I like it for short trips, and such. If I could afford high end stuff, I'd buy it, but for now, this will do.
 
Last edited:
armoredman,

Thanks for the suggestion. That certainly seems to be a value for the price. But unless the person in the picture is vertically challenged :D , that pack seems to be a bit large for what I'll be doing. On an extended trip, I might give that pack some consideration as it appears to have enough storage to take most anything I'd need on a longer excursion.
 
I used to carry backpacks and fanny packs, but now find them to be a little uncomfortable on my hips and back. I now use my 10X Turkey vest, and stuff it with all my things, and just carry a canteen on my pistol belt.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

B
  • Locked
Small hunting backpack
Replies
20
Views
1K
X-Rap
X-Rap
A
  • Locked
Hunting backpack?
Replies
19
Views
1K
paintballdude902
P
M
  • Locked
Hunting gear and tree stand
Replies
10
Views
557
Sheeptex
S
bsparker
  • Locked
Climbingstand and Gear
Replies
19
Views
725
Captcurt
Captcurt
Armored farmer
Hunting daypacks.
2 3 4 5
Replies
102
Views
4K
Armored farmer
Armored farmer
Back
Top