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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Jakeemt on November 25, 2017, 11:39:00 AM
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Hey guys,
I have decided not to put off the spring black bear hunt in Idaho I have been dreaming about anymore. I am planning it for the spring of 2019 which will give me plenty of time to get fit and acquire some gear. The big three bits I need are an ultralight shelter, sleeping bag, and a quality pack. I have decided on the first too but, I have no idea where to start for a pack. It will likely be the most expensive but, easiest to find used. What do you guys recommend for a 5-7 day hunt? What brand and what? External or internal frame. There are just so many choices.
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Lots of good packs out there. My personal choice for a 5-7 day hunt would be an EXO 5500 but you could probably get by with the 3500.
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Crooked Horn Highcountry extreme. There’s 1 and 1/2 blacktail in this pack in this picture... atleast 150 lbs of meat.
(http://i.imgur.com/8Avze8a.png)
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Do you guys always use hunter specific packs or will other companies like Kelty work too?
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Look into the Outdoorsmans Optics hunter or Long range hunter. The frame flexes with your body and is small enough in size to use it like a day pack. I have been using one for 3 years now and I am very happy with it. Packed out 2 meat loads in excess of 100# this year in Colorado. One of them over 4 miles. It strips down in about a minute to a bare frame with a Beavertail bottom and a built in meat securing system. PM me if you want more info or pics. And it is made in the U.S.A.
John
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Originally posted by Jakeemt:
Do you guys always use hunter specific packs or will other companies like Kelty work too?
I don't use hunter specific packs at all. "Hunting packs" are a fairly new market. One of the more well-known brands (Mystery Ranch) is owned/run by Dana Gleason who got started 30-odd (40?) years ago making backpacking and mountaineering packs (and tents as well).
Coming from a backpacking/mountaineering background myself, i was using my mid-size climbing pack (a now-discontinued Jack Wolfskin "Fjell Runner II") as my daily-carry and it is truly awesome.
I've used my primary "big-pack" (a Gregory "Denali Pro") for most of my pack-in hunts.
However, the last 4 years i've returned to using an external frame pack (Cabela's Pack frame with a smallish daypack strapped on) and i really, really like it.
I just looked at Cabela's and the version i have has been replaced by a lighter frame. The frame i have is now used in their "Minimalist Frame" pack (have to buy the pack sack as well - i use a day pack strapped to the frame).
I've not been successful in harvesting game of late, but my pack choice handles some hefty training weights with aplomb.
If you really want a monster-load carrying pack look at Dan McHale's creations. Not a better load-bearing system anywhere. Period.
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Justaguy,
I would prefer to not carry monster loads lol! Unless it’s a boned out bear. I plan on taking in less than 45lbs of gear not including bow and arrows. I think that is totally doable. I was actually wondering about the hunter carry all by ll bean. Have you every tried a system like that? I figure I could pack all my gear in a dry bag maybe. Tanks for the tips guys.
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I'll second the Exo Mountain packs.Excellent products and customer service
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The. Exo mountain gear packs are great.
I 3rd them
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Jakeemt, What shelter & sleeping system did you choose and why? I have no expertise or anything to add to this thread, just curious.
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Well. I am planning on a Hennessy Hammock. Probably the expedition. I am used to hammock camping out of trucks and have used them down to about 25 degrees. I figure a down quilt to save a little weight and money. There are few companies making quilts. Thanks for all the tips guys!
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I have a Kifaru, but for the money a Marine Corp surplus ILBE pack is 95 percent of the Kifaru and can usually be picked up less then $50. And I have to throw a recommendation out for enlightened equipmemt quilts. The Hennessee is good, but I'd recommemd upgrading the suspension to something lighter.
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Biathlonman,
Would some sort hog tensile light weight rope be a decent up grade? With the hammock system I have now I shed the straps and use ropes with a truckers hitch as my suspension system. Thanks for the tip on the surplus pack man! That’s just the thing I am looking for.
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I’ve gone through a few brands of packs still searching for my perfect pack. Notice I said my. Packs are like boots. There are a lot of great brands but some fit better than others. And some are definitely built better than others. Right now I’m running a Mystery Ranch and it hauls a heavy load well but I m going to try a Kifaru next. There is another forum that you can find used packs for a great price. Pm me if you have any other questions. Good luck on the hunt!!
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You really should try a few out if you can, but I will second Kifaru. I use the Reckoning pack on their hunter frame. It's pricey as all get out if you buy new, but I use it all season long for whitetail here in TX, then take it back to Montana for the big mountains in the fall. The frame will handle tons of weight, more than you can probably carry, and do it very comfortably.
I don't think you can say the same about a military pack (comfortably, I mean).
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I don't think you can beat kifaru. I could say all ways it's been great for me but mainly the way it carries weight is awesome. Lots of customer service, and YouTube videos on how to use the packs are really helpful. You won't regret it
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I don't care for hunter specific packs. They can work great and are often capable of carrying huge loads. However, the simple and intuitive designs of backpacking packs often make them much more comfortable and lightweight. I really like the Deuter act lite 65=10. It's super light and can easily be used as a daypack after you set up your camp. I used mine on two Idaho hunts for 7 day packs and it was a flawless experience. My son had a hunt specific pack and was less friendly to use and less comfortable. And perhaps most notable is that these backpacking packs are much much less expensive. For $350. you can get a really nice pack from a variety of manufacturers. Osprey and Gregory are also good.
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So there is two ways to go. Comfort, which generally comes at the cost of extra weight. Or ultra light.
To my mind nowadays extra weight is the real killer. My 90 litre standard pack is comfortable but it weighs close to 11 lb empty and with a weeks worth of equipment and food I'm carrying 50-55 lb
I have graduated to an ultra lite setup with the 4400 by Hyperlite Mountain gear. It weighs 2.5 lbs and allows me to cut my weight close to 8 lb. Careful choice now and a bit of extra spending on quality lightweight shelters, sleeping bags etc and I have reduced my overall weight to around 35 lb. This makes moving and travel so much easier. That weight reduction gives you so much more energy towards the end of a day and quicker recovery time as well. Of course the trade off comes when you have those extra lbs of meat to cart home.
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EXO Mountain 3500 or 5500
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I’ve used an EXO 3500 for 4 years now and couldn’t be happier. A lot of great used deals on western specific forums.
God Bless.
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Originally posted by Jakeemt:
Do you guys always use hunter specific packs or will other companies like Kelty work too?
Kelty frame packs work really well, Just heavier than most.
Gilbert
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ILBE good enuff for the troops will get the job done.I bought a new one on the bay for 75$
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I picked up a kuiu ultra 6000 with a nother ultra3000 bag for some upcoming hunts. I have been hauling 50#bags of corn to the pig feeders all summer,some over a mile walk. Also done some hiking and camping with it. No complaints. My advice is to make sure whichever brand you buy fits you well. They are all designed to carry loads, and they all carry them better if they fit.
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Unlike most opinions I’m seeing I wil only do hunting packs and here’s my opinion why. I’m sure a backpacking pack is lighter and more comfortable than hunting packs. But I plan on hauling meat out sometime. I’m pretty sure those packs won’t be as comfortable with 100# for a few miles for a couple or more trips, at least from what I’ve experienced. I’ll buy a hunting company pack every time. Plus a bonus is supporting companies that support us and our lifestyle. Just my opinion
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Good thread !
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I saw a suggestion for a 5500 cii pack , that's huge ! I have a badlands 2200 that should be good enough . It is rugged enough to pack meat , and loaded full of meat would be more than you could carry . I have found the bigger the pack , the more useless junk you will carry and the experience becomes miserable if not impossible . 40 # of gear is more than you need, and the 2200 will carry that and then some . What won't fit in it will lash to outside , (bulky items)
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PM sent.
Mike
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Originally posted by randy grider:
I saw a suggestion for a 5500 cii pack , that's huge ! I have a badlands 2200 that should be good enough . It is rugged enough to pack meat , and loaded full of meat would be more than you could carry . I have found the bigger the pack , the more useless junk you will carry and the experience becomes miserable if not impossible . 40 # of gear is more than you need, and the 2200 will carry that and then some . What won't fit in it will lash to outside , (bulky items)
There is a little bit of good advice in this thread, I’m sure Wingnut’s PM to you will be as well, but there is a LOT of bad advice like above. The key is the use of the word “should”...
As a person who packed out my day hunting gear and a Sitka Blacktail; meat, horns, and cape I can unequivocally tell you this is a HORRIBLE idea. This load was 93# and was in an American made 2200 (they don’t make them as good today) by a 15 year younger, stronger, and dumber Steve O. I vowed that day to find a better pack. And I have tested and owned a ton over those years.
You will find packs specially designed to do what you want by Stone Glacier, Mystery Ranch, Exo, and Kifaru—good luck with anything else; Sitka, Kuiu, Eberlstock, and Badlands are distant seconds and anything beyond that will just give you pain and suffering and a waste of good money. You will find packs in the backpacking realm to do what to do with a lot of searching and testing; again, good luck. The key is YOU are going to have to decide what you want and YOU are going to have to test them under field conditions and loads. For instance, Kifaru makes great packs and many swear by them. I’ve tried 3 times to make one work for me. No go.
Enjoy the process and your actual experience is going to account for a lot more than internet opinions.
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Oregon Pack Works. Interchangeable pack system. I got my Orion used for half new price. It was perfect for my elk hunt this fall even though I didn't get to pack out meat with it. I am going to add the green gate body next for longer excursions.
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I've had two internal frame backpacks, but always come back to my older Kelty external frame. You should be able to get a used one for around $50-$60. I used one on a goat hunt and on my trip out 8 miles my load was around 100 pounds. You might do better than a Kelty, but you won't go wrong with it.
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So much depends on how far you're going. If it's just a few miles, you can get away with cheaper & heavier stuff than if you're in the 5, 10 or 20 mile range. I've gone back for a second load a time or two if the miles are short. Makes a more comfy camp. But once I'm going over 3 miles, I'll start cutting out the non-essentials & rethink how I'm using what I'm bringing.
Look for multiple purposes for the same gear. Sometimes, I'll sleep in my coat & take a lighter sleeping bag, for example. I can sleep in a coat but I can't hunt in my sleeping bag. Sort of like the kitchen tool rule -- single purpose tools have no place in a working kitchen. Look for as many multiple use items as possible.
If weight is a factor, forget the hammock and the tent and do the bivy sack. My ultralight tent weighs in at 3# with the ground tarp. My hammock & tarp comes in about the same. But my bivy & tarp is only about 13 oz combined. It's from Borah Bivy -- just a guy with a sewing machine & a website from what I can tell. I opted for a tent this year and glad I did since these were short miles. But for long miles, a bivy sack is the way to fly. I was told once that you have to choose your objective. Either you can choose to have a comfortable hike or you can choose to have a comfortable camp. But you can't have both. The bivy is a way to make the hike more enjoyable but at the expense of having a full tent back at camp.
Going in groups helps, too. Shared gear can be spread around. When I hit the trail with a buddy, one of us will carry the bear canister while the other gets the stove, water filter & a couple extras. The more, the merrier. Solo is harder. I only hunt solo but backpack with others a couple times a year.
I've been drawn to the packs that have some modularity. I don't like carrying a full frame pack all day while hunting so I end up taking my daypack. That means I'm actually carrying 2 packs, one of which is taking up space and adds an extra pound or so to the base weight on the way in. I'll probably upgrade to a more modular system at some point. But if I had to start from scratch, I'd go for something more modular where there is a removable daypack or something of that sort.
Food is another area where some weight & space can be shaved. Pre-packaged meals are lighter but take up a lot of space. Home-made is more compact but a little heavier. I tried (and liked) going a little lighter on food on my last trip. Bfast & lunch were pretty sparse but then I had large dinners. That saved a little weight overall. Having a dehydrator helps a lot for making your own stuff.
Water is a huge weight. At 8# per gallon, that 2-liter hydration pack adds a little over 4# (4# of water + the weight of the bladder & tube). If a lot of miles need to be covered, I'll plan my route more carefully and carry only as much water as I need to make it to the next creek crossing. Refill your belly and a small water bottle at each crossing and you can make it a few more miles until the next stop.
Ounces add up to pounds. Pounds add up to pain. Cut a bunch of little things and they'll start to add up to some significant weight savings. Forget the small tube of toothpaste & take a dime bag of baking soda. Wrap just the floss you need around your toothbrush & leave the container. Why take a full toothbrush when you can just cut off the handle? Do you need a full knife or will a box-cutter do just as well?
Little nitpicky stuff like that adds up after a while. I once read about a guy who took the tags & string off his bags of tea. That's a little much for me but it's the mindset that helps.
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I have had a similar experience as SteveO and learned my lesson. His list in order of preference is dead on. I'm the kind of person that likes to spend money well one time and after my bad experience with a borrowed ill suited pack I went with EXO 3500. Cinch straps will pull it down to the size of a 2200 daypack when you don't need to carry a lot. You can carry meat between the bag and frame or drop the bag and add the crib carrier and really load it up. I also have a Bul-Pac and for big loads of meat nothing beats that. You can put the 3500 bag on the Bul-Pac as well. If you are going to be using your rig for hunting and packing out meat I would advise going with a quality hunting specific pack, if they didn't work better then nobody would be making and selling them.
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I have had a similar experience as SteveO and learned my lesson. His list in order of preference is dead on. I'm the kind of person that likes to spend money well one time and after my bad experience with a borrowed ill suited pack I went with EXO 3500. Cinch straps will pull it down to the size of a 2200 daypack when you don't need to carry a lot. You can carry meat between the bag and frame or drop the bag and add the crib carrier and really load it up. I also have a Bul-Pac and for big loads of meat nothing beats that. You can put the 3500 bag on the Bul-Pac as well. If you are going to be using your rig for hunting and packing out meat I would advise going with a quality hunting specific pack, if they didn't work better then nobody would be making and selling them.