Hunting packs

[Machiavelli]

Just like to know what packs people are using to hunt high altitude alpine hunting?

 

[D.B. Cooper]

Yay! A hunt pack discussion. I love these!!!!

 

[LoonWulf]

Im running badlands 2200 for pretty much everything these days.
Its a great pack if you need to carry alot of gear in, or meat out, otherwise its a little bulky.
Ive removed the supports on mine since it gets run thru the washer alot, but it does a good job of distributing the weight without them, and much better with

 

[troy fairweather]

Been using the large alice pack gifted from loonwulf the last few years. More then I need but I can put a wool blanket in it for really cold days and other bulky things. Some day I'll try packing a deer out with it, I'd like to set it up more for camping and shtf use as well. For not much stuff I have a small pack I got from dsg like 10-12 years ago that works fine tho it's on its last legs.

 

[H&Hhunter]

I use a J-34 Just One by Eberlestock for just about everything. There are better packs for high altitude hunting however. I’d look at Kifaru if I was getting serious about a long range pack in high alpine hunt.

Frontier Gear of Alaska also has some serious packs.

https://barneyssports.com/product-category/default-category/packs-bags/

I just noticed from the rifle page that you are planning on carrying your 16Lb rifle on your hunt. Make sure and get a pack with a rifle attachment system of some kind. A 16 lb rifle will be murderous to carry on a sling in steep, hard terrain.

 

[Chuck R.]

I use an Eberlestock X2 as an all-around pack:

https://eberlestock.com/products/x2-pack





It's about a day-pack + size, carries all my chit, tripod spotting scope etc. It can also act as a meat hauler. It's comfortable and the external frame allows me to shoot sitting off the top when need be.

It weighs in at close to 5lbs empty, so that might be a consideration. For truly lightweight stuff I'd look at Mystery Ranch, Kuiu, and Kifaru. Agree that with 16lbs of a rifle, you're going to want to attach it to the pack somehow... I've hunted Chamois with a 9+ lb .270 at that just about pegged out my fun meter.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

I just noticed from the rifle page that you are planning on carrying your 16Lb rifle on your hunt.

OMG. I can't imagine what the reasoning for that might be. The hike in sheep hunters up here are counting every ounce. I doubt any of them use a rifle over 7 lbs, and most are closer to 6. Yikes.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

I'm in the process of changing up packs, which is why I love pack discussions.

My mainstay for yearrrrrrs has been a now discontinued Black's Creek lumbar pack, but I'm "outgrowing" it. I've added a compression dry sack to the top of it, and it's starting to be a yard sale. Still, I'm not really finding a traditional day pack to replace it.

The other packs I've used are a Kelty Storm and Gregory Baltoro. Then Kelty I carried on the AT and the Gregory I've packed around AK a lot. We've used the Kelty to pack game quarters and ribs out short distances.

One thing I notice about backpacking packs vs hunting packs is that hunt packs have better organization with pockets zippers etc., where as my Kelty and Gregory are really just giant mary poppins bags. Everything goes into one main compartment. The extra pockets and zippers add weight to the hunt packs.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

Frontier Gear of Alaska also has some serious packs.

https://barneyssports.com/product-category/default-category/packs-bags/

I just noticed from the rifle page that you are planning on carrying your 16Lb rifle on your hunt. Make sure and get a pack with a rifle attachment system of some kind. A 16 lb rifle will be murderous to carry on a sling in steep, hard terrain.

Those are very popular and highly respected packs up here. I live like 10 mins from that store. It's a small shop with great customer service. If they don't have it, they'll get it for you. They're just up the road from a huge REI as well as AK Mountain Hardware (locally known as AMH), so they have a lot of competition, but they're well known for those packs (I think they make them themselves-or used to) and have carved out a niche for themselves.

 

[courtgreene]

I, too, am getting ready for a high altitude hunt. I had nothing, so I also researched everything. Went with the kelty Asher 85L for two reasons. 1. I tried it on and it fit me well. 2. The Colorado got great reviews and it seems to be the Colorado without pockets inside. Pockets would get in the way of quarters. If I’d have gotten the Colorado I would’ve probably guaranteed a successful hunt though given my luck. I tried it today under load on my lunch break. Felt good.

 

[Robert]

I will give the Eberlestock J34 another vote. For a good all around pack it is extremely hard to beat.

 

[H&Hhunter]

I will give the Eberlestock J34 another vote. For a good all around pack it is extremely hard to beat.

I use mine for everything from a day pack, to a meat hauler and in the summer with the zip on duffle I do multi day back country hiking trips with it. The J-34 is truly one if the most exceptional multi use packs available. For straight up high country, steep and deep pack I’d look for something lighter and more capable of hauling high weights for long distance.

The J-34 while an exceptional pack is NOT the best pack for hauling 100+ pound loads long distance. That’s where a Kifaru or an FGA pack starts to shine.

 

[Nature Boy]

I use my old issued 3 day assault pack

 

[Ugly Sauce]

Picked this up at a guns show, have no idea what it is. Very sturdy and lots of pockets, three main compartments. Side pockets too. I added that old Brit canvas bag to the rear, it carries a small fold up stove and pot, and some misc. utensils and small items inside the pot. And toilet paper. Fast access to toilet paper! You don't have to hunt high altitude to realize the connection between comfort, weight, and fatigue. The main compartment is usually empty so that if I need to peel off a layer or two I have an fast and easy place to stuff extra clothes.

My style of hunting would require separate trips to pack out the meat, so I've never considered a meat-packing or frame type pack.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

Smaller lighter pack for mild weather, shorter distance, and summer time exploring and hiking. Good for hunting when I'm not straying too far from camp. When I want to go lighter, this will discourage me from taking the kitchen sink, just can't fit too much stuff. Lots of inside sub-pockets, good pack for organizing. Same British surplus bag on back for eating gear or kitchen kit. Two main pockets and two small outside pockets.

With both packs I can strap my poncho or light weight tarp on the bottom of the pack if I think it could rain.

 

[FL-NC]

I mostly use this camel back compatible thing I got issued to me in the mil. When I'm turkey hunting I put everything in my vest and just bring some water in a sports bottle.

 

[daniel craig]

I should start by saying that I don't do a lot of alpine hunting but for hunting (and backpacking/camping in the ADK mountains) I use a medium ALICE radioman pack I sent to tactical tailor for some...uuuuhhh...customization as a birthday present one year.

Added a DEI 1606 frame I got from a buddy.

Added some surplus MOLLE ruck steps I got cheap.

It's a bastard and not super light but she's a beast for sure.

 

[daniel craig]

Been using the large alice pack gifted from loonwulf the last few years. More then I need but I can put a wool blanket in it for really cold days and other bulky things. Some day I'll try packing a deer out with it, I'd like to set it up more for camping and shtf use as well. For not much stuff I have a small pack I got from dsg like 10-12 years ago that works fine tho it's on its last legs.

ALICE buddy!

 

[jmr40]

I don't do backpack hunts anymore and try to keep things as simple as possible. I DO spend a lot of time year round doing day hikes and I volunteer with a SAR team so I have a few packs that I do use fairly often. I can't justify a hunting specific pack, but try to choose something in a subdued color that works for day hikes and hunting.

Keeping weight down is a consideration. Many packs, (the military issued ones in particular) can be quite heavy. Often the empty pack weighs more than what I carry inside of it. I have a couple of GI surplus 3 day assault packs that I picked up cheap at a gun show. The are tough and durable but I don't use them anymore except to store gear in that stays in the truck or at camp.

My minimalist pack is a Hill People Chest pack. Often that is enough.

Hill People Gear | Real use gear for backcountry travelers

For warmer weather I can get what I need in a pretty small daypack. I like the Mystery Ranch series due to the way they open.

The Coulee when I don't need to pack much

MYSTERY RANCH Coulee 25 Pack - Men's | REI Co-op

The Scree when I need to carry more gear. During colder weather I usually walk into my hunting spot in my shirt sleeves and carry jackets in the pack to put on when not moving. Rain/wind shells are needed too.

MYSTERY RANCH Scree 32 Pack - Men's | REI Co-op

 

[627PCFan]

Kifaru 357 Mag here.

 

[daniel craig]

I don't do backpack hunts anymore and try to keep things as simple as possible. I DO spend a lot of time year round doing day hikes and I volunteer with a SAR team so I have a few packs that I do use fairly often. I can't justify a hunting specific pack, but try to choose something in a subdued color that works for day hikes and hunting.

Keeping weight down is a consideration. Many packs, (the military issued ones in particular) can be quite heavy. Often the empty pack weighs more than what I carry inside of it. I have a couple of GI surplus 3 day assault packs that I picked up cheap at a gun show. The are tough and durable but I don't use them anymore except to store gear in that stays in the truck or at camp.

My minimalist pack is a Hill People Chest pack. Often that is enough.

Hill People Gear | Real use gear for backcountry travelers

For warmer weather I can get what I need in a pretty small daypack. I like the Mystery Ranch series due to the way they open.

The Coulee when I don't need to pack much

MYSTERY RANCH Coulee 25 Pack - Men's | REI Co-op

The Scree when I need to carry more gear. During colder weather I usually walk into my hunting spot in my shirt sleeves and carry jackets in the pack to put on when not moving. Rain/wind shells are needed too.

MYSTERY RANCH Scree 32 Pack - Men's | REI Co-op

I dont mind the weight of the military pack and like knowing it'll withstand anything my dumb brain can put it through. That's worth it to me.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

I don't do backpack hunts anymore and try to keep things as simple as possible. I DO spend a lot of time year round doing day hikes and I volunteer with a SAR team so I have a few packs that I do use fairly often. I can't justify a hunting specific pack, but try to choose something in a subdued color that works for day hikes and hunting.

Keeping weight down is a consideration. Many packs, (the military issued ones in particular) can be quite heavy. Often the empty pack weighs more than what I carry inside of it. I have a couple of GI surplus 3 day assault packs that I picked up cheap at a gun show. The are tough and durable but I don't use them anymore except to store gear in that stays in the truck or at camp.

My minimalist pack is a Hill People Chest pack. Often that is enough.

Hill People Gear | Real use gear for backcountry travelers

For warmer weather I can get what I need in a pretty small daypack. I like the Mystery Ranch series due to the way they open.

The Coulee when I don't need to pack much

MYSTERY RANCH Coulee 25 Pack - Men's | REI Co-op

The Scree when I need to carry more gear. During colder weather I usually walk into my hunting spot in my shirt sleeves and carry jackets in the pack to put on when not moving. Rain/wind shells are needed too.

MYSTERY RANCH Scree 32 Pack - Men's | REI Co-op

I kind of operate the same way, and use three packs, small, medium and larger. I have a large backpack-pack, but I think my backpacking days are over.

When I hunt, I stay out all day, so I like to take plenty of food. I also carry a small cook kit so I can make coffee or even hot meal. Then I don't like to leave camp without first aid stuff, and a poncho and tarp, so I wind up packing a lot of stuff. More than most people would hunt with. Always take a saw, para cord, survival stuff like that. As long as I know the area well, I'll leave my pack in different places, and clover-leaf around that location. (imagine not being able to find your pack again!!) I always have my most basic necessities on my pistol belt, fire, water, and knife. (and pistol of course)

I've never done a backpack-hunt, my MO is to go back to camp and get help dragging it out. If there is no help I just plan to drag it as far as I can and spend the night with it. Cook some back-strap on a stick over the fire, and keep the wolves awake. I've spent the night in the wilderness before, and it kind of taught me to carry more "stuff".

I seem to use my larger pack more for reasons somewhat like yours. In colder weather I dress or over-dress in the morning, and then peel off layers during the day, and can leave lots of room in a bigger pack to put those shed clothes. As it gets cold again at the end of the day, I can put stuff back on. During the summer in real nice weather when I'm exploring, scouting, playing with the map and compass, I'll use my medium pack more. My little pack I use for short hunts at the end of the day, close to camp if it happens I came back for some reason in the later afternoon.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

When I hunt, I stay out all day, so I like to take plenty of food. I also carry a small cook kit so I can make coffee or even hot meal. Then I don't like to leave camp without first aid stuff, and a poncho and tarp, so I wind up packing a lot of stuff. More than most people would hunt with. Always take a saw, para cord, survival stuff like that.

Prudent. I'm much the same way. My go-to day pack weighs in at about 25 lbs, but I could be out 2 days with it. I hunt in very remote areas-30 miles from a road and my truck, but I tend to stay close to my UTV. Camp may still be several miles away from that. We've taken game in areas the machines won't go, so I keep a larger pack in the machine for that. I can hike back to the machines for that.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

The replacement for go-to, Blacks Creek All-American Lumbar pack just arrived an hour ago. 5.11 Rush 24., this weekend, I'll be transferring everything over. It's either a replacement for, or an addition to, my current pack. It may be possible that I leave my current pack as is, and I use the new pack for stuff I don't want on every single trip and/or stuff that just doesn't fit in the old pack. I'll be playing a lot o backpack tetris this weekend.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

ALICE buddy!

You won't be so excited when you're on a 20 mile road march and that ALICE pack frame breaks in the middle at about mile 10 and digs a hole in your back for the next 10 miles. Don't ask me how I know that.