I am looking into doing some DIY backpacking hunts and was looking at a way to carry my 2 piece longbow on the side of my pack, so it would be fairley protected. I was thinking about making something out of PVC pipe.
What do you guys do? Any pictures of your setups?
Is having it put together and caring in your hand not an option?
If you need to have it in some kind of case I would try and figure our something lighter then a big thing of PVC. Maybe Not sure on your tent/shelter setup, but If you were to use say something like a para tarp you could roll it up in that. It would keep it from getting beaten up as long as you don't fall, and would not add any additional weight to your pack.
I would try to figure out a system like what I mentioned above or just carry in your hand so that your not adding unnecessary weight for you to carry.
I have takedown recurve and always just have them put togeather and carry in my hand. If you go in on horses thats a diff' story.
I think that would work well if you covered the outside to keep it quiet and probably inside as well.If you pack up your bow,you will have to do something with your arrows as well.
It is always nice to be hands free,especially in steep country but you also have to ask yourself if you may need the bow while carrying your pack.
I bought my first takedown recurve in 1972 when I was an avid backpacker.I soon found that it was just as easy to carry the bow,strung,and there was always the potential of running into game on the trail.
I have been working on a setup to carry that same bow in my cat quiver pack for lion hunting.
I found a large,padded,zippered knife case(19")that my riser fits in.I got a fleece long bow sock for the limbs.I cut the bottom out of the sock and tied a knot in the center of it.One limb goes in each half of the sock and I can shove them all down in the pack.The curves of the limbs have to stick out of the top of the pack zipper but they lay across the top of the pack nicely.
I do like the idea of having my hands free in the steep country where we have been lion hunting and the bow won't be needed till a lion is treed and many days it won't be needed at all.
since you will be watching your weight, try using a piece of the foam like what they use on hot water pipes. you can cut 2 lengths to fit each piece and then use some velcro lashes to attach it to the side of your pack. if you are worried about the bow slipping out you could then put it in 1 of the canvas cases like you find with those folding camp chairs. just a though....
If I am on horse back or on my motorcycle or taking it in the vehicle for a long trip I carry it in this bag I got with my old BOB LEE TD recurve.
It's 28" long and sits behind the cantle nice.
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg163/jerbearyukon/YUkon/IMG_4681.jpg)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg163/jerbearyukon/YUkon/IMG_4683.jpg)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg163/jerbearyukon/YUkon/IMG_4684.jpg)
Mostly I leave it strung though incase I see some game, but even if I do - it only takes a few minutes to put her together.
Jer Bear
I have a Eberlestock pack that has a gun saber on it that a two peace long bow would fit in real nice. They make a great pack, you could pack out a quarter of and elk and you bow would still be protected in the saber. A take down recurve fits in it with the gun saber tucked in and a two piece long bow fits nice when folded out. The saber is 33" long when folded out and could fit a tube of arrows in it too. It has lots of tie down spots too. They do make a attachment to carry the bow whole but it's more for a compound. Here is an recurve put in loosely in the saber while folden in and one of the sable folded out. (http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss248/barebow13/IMG_0129.jpg) (http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss248/barebow13/IMG_0131.jpg)
On several trips I use a walking stick so I take my recurve apart and placed it in my sleeping bag all rolled up nice and safe. With my gfa quiver tied on to my pack on the back.