I have been wanting a Bison Gear Pack for a while. I like how they look most of all. They look comfortable. I have talked to Angelo at Denton Hill very nice guy. Lets see your packs and tell me why or what you like about them. I like the looks of the First Trip Explorer and the Lost Creek. I have a little concern about there weight being a little on the heavy side. But if they ride well that may not be a problem. I also worry about heating up my back. How is the ventalation on these packs. I have an Eberlestock X2 that I use in the back country and I like it. Its just something about the Bison Gear pack that makes me want one. I just like things that are made by people who care and it is a bounus to get made in America. So let me know good and bad about the packs. I know things can never be perfect and I dont want to hear gripping just maybe something that you noticed that could be improved. Looking forward to seeing cool Bison Gear pictures.
Scott
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I like my First Trip Explorer. It may be a tad bit heavier than other packs, but the quality is worth the weight. The pack rides lower than others, and I think that helps keep your back cooler. I love all the different compartments on this pack. I can always find what I need. I love the expandable game bag. It will hold quite a bit of meat for your trip back. I love the optional back quiver, as I like just a 2 arrow model on my bow. Heck, I love everything about this pack!
My Bisongear "Elk Pack" model in wool. Great function and the build quality is second to none. Angelo worked with me and built the precise features and strap dimensions that I wanted. It's quiet, tough, and can haul a lot of gear or function as a simpler day pack.
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(http://logsdonstudios.com/bisongear.jpg)
That is a great picture!
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I don't have a picture, but I have a lost river pack in buck suede . It is really a great day pack. I have had others, but find this one very comfortable. I can keep it on all day . I have no reason to part with it.
This was my first year hunting with my Lost River pack in bucksuede. I was very impressed with it. Everything right were you need it. I sat 2 full rainy days in KS and nothing inside the pack ever got wet. They are not cheap, but nothing of any quality ever is. Sorry for the trophy pic, but its the only pic I have of it.
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Terry first I just want to say I am glad to see those pictures under 640 :bigsmyl: . Is there a story behind the Green Giant hat? Also I would like to hear your oppinion on the pack.
Thanks Scott
I can't see Terry's pack :laughing:
Scott...there are LOTS of stories behind the green hat. Where have you been? ;)
I love my bison gear....is buck suede and not heavy....sheds water, is quiet and very comfy and well made....Had it for YEARS.
LOTS of stories behind the pack also.....
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Hey great thread!
I'm hoping for the "Outfitter" for Christmas. I like the Lost River, but I mostly need a pack for local whitetail hunts and I don't carry too much stuff. I'm tired of the cheap packs...broke a buckle on one and the zippers going on a second one.
Terry is that a Lost Creek? When You say where have you been? Well I am fairly new to TG. I really did not even have a computer till a couple of years ago. That is when I so happily found TG.
Scott....I was just teasing you....
I think its the Selway....let me check.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/TXS%2007/IMG_2530.jpg)
Here's a pic of my Lemhi Scott.
Had everything laid out drying after a morning hunt through some extremely wet brush.
Ron
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I know you where just teasing. But its true there is a lot of history here and I learn more as time goes on. You need a History Channel on here for new comers!
Here's another pic that shows the pack a little better with a few grouse thrown in for effect. :)
(http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww98/rlbruski/DSCN1007.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/TXS%2007/IMG_2530.jpg)
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I know that guy in the picture with you Terry! They dont make them any better than Jeff. Ron those are great pictures thanks. It sure was nice talking with you yesterday. It will be cool when you make it down to Cody!
Yeah Scott...its the Selway....its not a very big pack...not high as you can see so its less obstructive when going under stuff...not wide either when going through thick stuff....that's why I bought it.
Just wish I could cash in the mileage as frequent flier miles.
This is a neat pic....tree growing right out of that rock.....the pack is there, but not the best angle...
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/cohuttatreerock.jpg)
Likewise Scott. I'll be sure and give you a call when heading your way.
Terry if you read this check your email. By the way do you a have some one that tags along just to take pictures off you?
Scott, just buy one. I have other packs I love, but the FTE is the one I reach for 95% of the time. I may grab a Lost River or Selway for bivy hunts. The FTE rides low and has a padded mesh back that doesn't seem to trigger my incredible capacity for sweat.
Meeting the woman who sews these here just has me that much more convinced...
Yeah....I have folks following me around at times.....hunting partners :D
My Selway has a padded mesh back also....evident in this pic....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wybino.jpg)
I like the looks of Terry's pack looks similar in size to my X2. But I find I dont fill it up unless I put the extra layers in there. Even when I am back country hunting I am not hunting with everthing on my back. Thank god for horses! So I really need a good size for day trips. If I stay out all night it is not on purpose. But I usally carry enough to make it as enjoyable as possible if it happens. But since base camp is with in hiking distance and I return to it every night hopefully. It seems like the First Trip Explorer may be the answer?
Scott- I've used the Bison gear Elk Hunter pack on just about every hunt, big or small, for the last 7 years. Bison Gear just repaired some barb wire rips and strap wear on my pack with re-enforced strapping to make it better than ever. Great service and a great guy that Angelo. I choose the wool covering for quietness. It works great for my camera gear, day-hunting needs as well as extended hunts out west and Alaska. Never leave home without it. Mike
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Thanks Mike have your brothers had any luck?
Scott....me too.....I usually leave the bottom compartment empty unless I need it. I got to where I was switching packs depending on where I was going and for how long....then I ditched that. Seemed I couldn't keep up with everything like when I just used my Selway....and I leave that bottom compartment for extra layers and I know where all my other stuff is....nice to now go back and just grab my pack and throw in it the vehicle...and if I want to hunt out of my pants cargo pockets....I travel lite and just return the stuff to the one pack.
Its a good 'all around' pack....but if you want to haul a lot of stuff and pack out meat, you'd definitely want to get a larger pack.
This one doesn't hinder me at all, and I made my most miraculous shot ever while wearing it.
BTW,,,,I would talk to Angelo directly and tell him exactly what you want to do with the pack and how your are going to use it. He can point you in the right direction.
Selway....
(http://www.bisongearonline.com/i//selway-hr.jpg)
No luck for brothers yet. But Terry is right, practice shooting in which ever pack you get.
You bet I shoot with my pack all the time. 3 D shoots are great you get to have your water with you that way. Terry did you get my email? Thanks for all the photos and info I really appreciate it. Scott
Here is my Outfitter pack. I just bought it this year and it is the best pack that I have ever owned. I don't think you will regret buying one.
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(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Coloradolook.jpg)
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Hey fellas what a great post. I have been considering getting one of these packs for a long while now. I just have a few questions. the big question is do they offer any packs with quivers on them.? also i am a slim guy and most of the time when i try on packs they just don't fit me well. how do they do in that department. I am very exited to hear your responses.
I can't imagine you not being able to adjust the Lost River to your size. The "over the shoulder" straps come up from the center of the pack and adjust to almost any conditions. One word, The Lost River has built in pouches or external (outies) pockets on the waist belt. One on each side. I find that these are great for stuffing a camera and a binocular (small ones)into, but they are deffinately in the way for wearing one of Rod's side quivers. At least for me. Good thing is. . I hear that if you order ahead of time it can be custom altered to fit your needs, maybe even to include a mount for the quiver of your dreams.
ChuckC
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Here is a pic of the Bison Gear quiver attached to my First Trip Explorer. The quivers are on their website. They attach to the shoulder straps. Easy on and off.
I've got a BG Haversack and love it. Use it all the time.
Question about the larger packs. Is there any type of internal frame to help support heavier loads or is the optional external frame attachment the solution? I like the idea of the expandable game bag but boned meat gets heavy real fast.
Angelo can tweak the basic designs some to truly customize your pack. For example, mine has custom sized shoulder straps and modified belt pockets designed for carrying camera accessories. I also had him leave one of the waist belt pockets off to make room for a sheath knife and flashlight.
Yeah Scott....got your email...running 90 to nothing.
Thanks Terry. Thanks for all the help guys. Charlie nice pics but how about your 2 cents worth.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/bisongearpack1.jpg)
Scott... I don't go anywhere without my Bison Gear pack. It is so comfortable I don't even notice whatever weight I'm carrying... mostly just all the stuff I can't seem to leave behind these days.
Calls, compass&GPS, extra clothing, snacks, coffee thermos, cushion, binocs, camera, sharpening kit, spare strings, knife, handwarmers, book, TP, cord, pruners&saw, etc.
I usually use a bowquiver, but when I don't the pack works great with my Asbell style quiver... I use a piece of shock cord instead of leather strap.
How's that? ;)
Perfect thanks Charlie.
Hey Scott,
Bison Gear & Angelo are the best! For hunting whitetails around home my Gopher fanny pack stays packed all season. All I need to do is grab my pack, bow, and safety harness rig. I had Angelo put two side pockets on the strap for my light, compass, deer scent, and hearing aid case so I don't need to go into the pack for these items.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Packs/002.jpg)
For hunting anywhere else I use my Lost River pack...tippit
That is a great picture. Thanks Jeff.
I like the wool plaid ones....... :thumbsup:
I love all the styles all the colors :scared: :thumbsup:
Scott:
No pictures but I have a "Lost River" much like Charlie Lamb's and a bucksuade "Lemhi". Both are well made and worth the money. The "Lost River" gets the majority of the use at 1600 cubic inches with a expandable game bag to boot. The "Lemhi" at 3200 cubic inches is a little large for every day use but comes in handy when you might be out for an extended period of time. No problem shooting with either on your back. Good luck in your quest.
They are with out a doubt the best packs made, period. I have a Outfitter in autumn brown wool camo that I bought last year at the end of the season. Used it all this season here in western N.Y. and love it. Angelo is great to work with and very helpful, all I can say is it is money well spent, and you won't ever have to buy another one.
How much weight can you put in them?
"The Elk Hunter" is a hunting day pack, but I have used it to freight meat and loaded to 90# with no problem.
I am waiting (not so patiently) for my Outfitter with Shoulder Straps.... Bino Case and Canteen Holder , all in Loden . I cannot wait to get it and try her out. Tu Compadres , Sutty
Suty I have a question for you. When are you going to start on the room addition? Your going to need it to hold all your new toys! I love it. Can you feel the jealusy!
Snapped it this AM
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c291/marcbishop/DSC02102.jpg)
I snapped another photo of mine this morning when I was hiking back to the truck. I use an old railroad bridge to cross an area that periodically floods.
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(http://logsdonstudios.com/pack.jpg)
Yes oak leaves its been a long time since I hunted back east. Nice pictures Gary and Bishop.
Gary the Fred Bear Sports Club patch on yours is classic!
Scott I had another outfitter pack just like the one above in bucksuede I bought after meeting Angelo at ATAR in 03 and used/abused the heck out of. I wanted to go to the wool and gave the old one to my brother, where its still going strong. Best packs made IMO.
I don't think I have a picture of just my pack... I have the lost river from Gray wolf Woolens. It is an awesome day pack for the mountains. I think I have 5 seasons on it so far and its going strong. The only wear is the "fuzz" is gone on some rubbed areas.
However, for hauling much meat, I'd probably not recommend that model.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd448/fluffery/elk2011.jpg)
Yeah Marc, I have too of those old patches, one that I received when I became a member of the FBSC and a second patch that Fred gave me in a trade when I gave him a United Bowhunters of KY patch for his museum. That's the one I have on the pack for "good luck".
Great story Gary.
"Little things" mean a lot Marc.
Well Here's my New Outfitter with shoulder straps. It in Loden with Loden webbing and a modified left hip pad. I also got the Bino Pouch and Canteen Holder. Can't wait to try it out, the quality and stitching is awesome. Tu Compadres, Sutty
PS. I took this picture at the Fire Station , so its not as pretty as most of the other " in action Bison Pack pictures" I am jealous and can't wait to put mine in action.
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I want to see that on you as you are putting out a fire. Now that would be a cool picture!
How about some more pictures.
I got this one several years ago and love it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/neven1963/null_zpsce7f2343.jpg)
:campfire:
My Lemhi
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee393/seanb45/FD59A1AD-87AB-4A91-AF7F-A28E854BF431_zpsxdgyntuo.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/seanb45/media/FD59A1AD-87AB-4A91-AF7F-A28E854BF431_zpsxdgyntuo.jpg.html)
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee393/seanb45/6E66F6B3-B0CA-4875-864C-1AB9409B5624_zpsscudte05.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/seanb45/media/6E66F6B3-B0CA-4875-864C-1AB9409B5624_zpsscudte05.jpg.html)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/uphalfmoon.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/hatbackwardsr.jpg)
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I just waxed (paraffin) the zippers on mine. It's heading to the high country within a day or two. Same place the pics were taken. It never seems to wear. Still solid as ever.
I've been lusting for a bison gear pack like Charlie's for some time now. Tradbrew, how does that will pack hold up down south? It doesn't get too hot against your back? I may be moving down south and am torn between the wool and the bucksuede like chuckC's bag. Btw, chuckC, what kind of bow is that? I love the green!
(http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/frassettor/iphonerick180_zpsdfcaa3b2.jpg) (http://s303.photobucket.com/user/frassettor/media/iphonerick180_zpsdfcaa3b2.jpg.html)
I'll never be without mine,best pack hands down in my opinion
QuoteOriginally posted by bunyan:
I've been lusting for a bison gear pack like Charlie's for some time now. Tradbrew, how does that will pack hold up down south? It doesn't get too hot against your back? I may be moving down south and am torn between the wool and the bucksuede like chuckC's bag. Btw, chuckC, what kind of bow is that? I love the green!
Bunyan, due to the fact that there isn't a whole lot of surface are touching your back, and that the backing is actually mesh it is not bad at all. It is actually a little cooler than a Kuiu 1850 that I own as well.
Tradbrew, thanks! That's just what I was wondering about!
Bunyan, the bow is a 66" Big River bow made by a gent in Wisconsin. The colors are spray painted on (removeable camo paint). I often do silly things like that. also...
that pack is actually wool, not the bucksuede. I can't imagine ever wearing it out. Not the lightest thing even empty, but not so bad either and very easy on the back.
That style has a removeable inner stuff bag for carrying loads that exceed the bag capacity, in case you need to carry meat out.
Bunyon: Charlie's and Chuck's packs are Lost River models. No mesh on the backs of them. I have a Lost River wool pack as well. In that model, for warmer southern temps, I'd recommend buck suede. Very tough, lighter and cooler.
The older model Lost rivers may not have had mesh backs but mine does and is listed as a current spec.
Love the pack, couldn't ask for anything more.
I stand corrected. Thanks.
Edit: Had my pack stored. After your correction, TradB, i went and took a look at it. It has the mesh back. It's hell getting old. First thing to go is your memory. Hmmmmm. I can't remember what the second is? :goldtooth:
Thanks guys! When I think of bison gear, I think of the lost river pack. I probably can't go wrong with wool or bucksuede but its fun trying to decide!
Chuckc, not to hijack the thread, but im considering spraying a bow this season. You might just have convinced me!
Bunyan... its not for everyone. I bought that bow with spray paint in mind ( black glass back limbs). Over the years I have done ornate ( a pattern with templates etc, and just simple, like the pic above. I like the simple best.
Jerry (Orion), yup, mine has the mesh.
Charlie.... good luck on your "high country" trip.
Does anybody know.... In Colorado.... can I stump shoot on Federal land while hiking and scouting ? Do I need a license of some sort ? I am heading out there for that high country shoot at the end of the month, and plan to scout out my hunting area for a couple days prior to the shoot. Would be fun to shoot, but likely won't have my hunting license yet..