Backpacking Packs for Hunting

[bcsquare]

Hey guys,

I'm curious if anyone uses a backpacking pack for hunting vs. a hunting specific pack.

I've got an Eberlestock Lodrag that I like but it's really only good as a day pack since it only has 1800 c.i. of room. My intent is to purchase a new pack that I can use for 3 day backpacking trips and use it for hunting as well.

I've been eyeing the Eberlestock Halftrack and the Gunslinger II but am looking for more space.

[NapalmCheese]

A backpack is a backpack is a backpack.

What hunting specific features would you be looking for? IMO, the only thing hunting specific backpacks have going for them is that they are heavier (which can mean heavier duty is some cases), sometimes made of 'quiet' material (which makes them heavier), have TONS of pockets (which makes them heavier and causes me to lose stuff as I never seem to put stuff back in the same pocket twice), they occasionally have dedicated methods for carrying rifles, dead animals, whatever and usually come in camo.

I dislocated my tailbone mountain biking years ago, to this day most backpacks cause some amount of aching after a few miles. The only exception has been backpacks from a company called Cilo Gear (http://cilogear.com). They are climbing oriented backpacks (light, tough material, minimal pockets, narrow at the bottom wider at the top, multiple methods for carrying skis, crampons, ice axes, etc.). You custom fit the frame to yourself and customize the strap options for every load you will be carrying that day. They aren't cheap, but they work extremely well for everything I've used them for (multi day pack trips, multi day walk up climbs, cragging, carrying lots of beer and groceries, carrying lots of clothes to or from the laundromat, using as a bivy sack, carrying the occasional dog, …). I have yet to carry an animal in it.

I do use an old ALICE pack duck hunting sometimes, it'll carry a few decoys, camo netting, and coffee just fine without having reflective bits or bright colors on it.

[MJB]

Not all packs are the same

I use MR very comfortable with 100lbs on your back. I have the Crew Cab good for 1-10 days for me.

[bcsquare]

Not all packs are the same

I use MR very comfortable with 100lbs on your back. I have the Crew Cab good for 1-10 days for me.

Thats my main concern; whether or not they'll take the weight of meat being packed out. I've been eyeing the Osprey Aether 65 for 3 day trips. I'm wondering I could use it for double duty.

[BillyGoatCrawler]

I have a backpacking rig I use for backpacking when keeping it light, but I don't use it hunting. It's an osprey atmos 65. I don't like loading it more than 35 lbs, it's frame and materials are super flimsy for that. Hell I backpack with it loaded just under 17 lbs.

For hunting I use a more sturdy Alice pack with a different frame. I'm confident to load that thing with 100lbs.

[glockman19]

For hunting/backpacking I prefer my ILBE pack. It can hold 120 lbs. is comfortable, and was only $75.
Otherwise I have an Osprey 85 and a Gregory Palisades.
Amongst many other day - 3 day packs.

[bcsquare]

For hunting/backpacking I prefer my IBLE pack. It can hold 120 lbs. is comfortable, and was only $75.
Otherwise I have an Osprey 85 and a Gregory Palisades.
Amongst many other day - 3 day packs.

I've thought about that too. I carried one for six years in the Marine Corps; I've lived out of one for two weeks at a time. The most I've loaded up on that is 90 lbs.

I've heard the Osprey 85 does fairly well for hunting according to some of the guys a rokslide.com How do you like it?

[glockman19]

I've thought about that too. I carried one for six years in the Marine Corps; I've lived out of one for two weeks at a time. The most I've loaded up on that is 90 lbs.

I've heard the Osprey 85 does fairly well for hunting according to some of the guys a rokslide.com How do you like it?

I think the ILBE is more durable...definitely heavier. I prefer it for hunting where I will likely be carrying off trail.

My biggest issue is do I want to rip or damage a $300+ pack or a $75 one. I bought the Osprey to do the PCT. The Osprey is definitely a great pack. I love it.

I prefer the Osprey for backpacking/fishing, but not hunting, although I always carry a sidearm and lever action in .44mag when doing either.

The Gregory Palisade is my sentimental favorite as it was my first real framed pack.

If I were rock or ice climbing I would prefer a CiloGear pack.

[MJB]

http://www.mysteryranch.com/hunting/hunting-expedition-packs/nice-crewcab-pack

It's more than weight it's about comfort, flexibility, balance and durability......I like to hunt/pack smarter even if it cost more but once cry once.

If you look at MR they cover it all......I have the daypack which is great as your day pack when hunting and use the CC to get me and my kill out. Another nice design your game doesn't have to go in the same compartment as all your gear.
I use a Glad Contractors bag for my deboned game and lock it down out side the pack or split it into the middle and put my other gear above it.

They even have a Load Sling for game if you want to go that way.

Only complaint no internal pockets with in the pockets like other hunting packs.

[NapalmCheese]

If I were rock or ice climbing I would prefer a CiloGear pack.

Mine has been every bit a do-all pack, though I initially got it for climbing.

The Mystery Ranch packs look nice as well, as does Kifaru, so far as hunting designed packs.

[Hugga Nugga]

http://www.eberlestock.com/Just%20One.htm

I did a ton of research and have been very happy. Best pack for longer range. Day pack not so much.

[D.carden]

^^^ What he said^^^
I'm a Eberlestock J34 'just one' user..... Its about as good as it gets..!!!

[CL&RR]

I have a Eberlestock V69 Destroyer and it's perfect for a backcountry 3 to 4 day hunt. It's also the perfect price point per performance pack I can get for my high country hunts. I looked long and hard at a Mystery Ranch but couldn't get myself to pull the trigger on that price range.

[drutledge79]

To answer the OP: yes, I do. Gregory Palisade. It's lighter than a dedicated hunting pack. Cheaper. NOT as durable for sure. Not camo.

Don't over-think it. A pack is a fabric pouch that holds your crap. Use whatever for awhile and quickly you'll know what you want in the future.

[Tanner68]

I have been backpacking and hunting all my life. I have never owned or used a "hunting backpack" and never thought of any of my backpacks as "three day backpacks". The only tradeoffs between any of the too many that I own are weight, capacity, and durability.

My two cents, hunting or tactical or specialty pack will be loaded down with undesirable features like extra zippers, pockets, dividers, compartments, that cost more money and make the pack heavier and less useful.