I'm hoping maybe one of you guys can point me in the right direction for a backpack. I'm looking for a expandable type pack that will allow me to sandwich a tree stand between the frame and main bag of the pack. I've tried the molle frame and I'm not real fond of it, needs a larger frame and its not actually got an expandable bag. Thanks !

Sitka Gear Tool Bucket

Mystery Ranch NICE Frame with Crew Cab, Longbow, or Metcalf bag

LL  Bean has one and I can't remember the name.

There is also a fantastic looking pack coming out in April called the Exo that would fit you description.

You can get an Alice pack (military surplus) it has a frame  with a ledage that can be used with or without the rucksack. The rucksack has external straps that can be used to mount a stand on the back. I have carried heavy equipment on those packs and it works great.

Badlands 2200 with the bat wings, can sanwich a stand and climbing sticks and still carry a heavy load.

This might not be what you are looking for but you can still take a looksie. Game plan gear has a a harness for carrying a treestands and it has (what I use) a leech pack that attaches to the treestands.

What kind of stand do you have, I can put my lone wolf assualt and 3 sticks in the bat wings of the 2200 with the pack loaded full of clothes and food and still get around great.

Thanks for all the replies ! I've looked at each that's been mentioned online but was unsure if they would work for what I wanted. But I'd say they will especially if you guys have experience with them. I'm hoping to find one that will pack my little lone wolf climber. The mystery ranch and the sitka tool bucket have caught my interest !

I use a lone wolf hand climber and I put 2 gun slings on it and use the tree stand as a frame. I attach my bison pack to it w/ bungee cords. Pack stays very stable and quiet. I also use a small pack in the same manner for hunts not requiring too much gear.

QuoteOriginally posted by overbo:
I use a lone wolf hand climber and I put 2 gun slings on it and use the tree stand as a frame. I attach my bison pack to it w/ bungee cords. Pack stays very stable and quiet. I also use a small pack in the same manner for hunts not requiring too much gear.

That's pretty much how I've been using mine, but the areas I hunt are rugged and long hikes are the norm. I'd like to find a way to make it more pleasant ! Lol. A good fitting packframe plus the waist belt should make it more comfortable . I'd say the Mystery Ranch crew cab is what I'm looking for. Plus I can use it as a meat hauler when I get lucky !

what if you put your pack inside the climber and strap it in and just put the stand back pack straps on your shoulders?

QuoteOriginally posted by BOHO:
what if you put your pack inside the climber and strap it in and just put the stand back pack straps on your shoulders?

Carrying a load is infinitely more comfortable when you take the load OFF your shoulders and put it on your waist.

Nathan, if you are a tall guy, the Metcalf will work better than the CC; you just put the stand between the frame and bag.

I use the GamePlan Gear harness and it is great! It puts all the weight on my hips and it's very adjustable. Then I just bungee a smaller daypack to my stand and I'm set.

Steve, I'm only 5'8" and just shy of 160#...I'm a little feller ! Lol

BOHO, I'm trying to get away from strapping my pack on my stand, makes for a heavy and uncomfortable load.

Paul, I've pondered on the gameplan rig, but I figure a pack like the MR crew cab it will double as a back country pack as well.

That will be perfect for you.  Here is my son at about that size a few years ago.  He's got my crew cab with a bucket full of bear bait.  A HEAVY bucket...

Steve, you would make a good salesman ! Lol. I'd say I'll have a MR CC in the near future !

How did you manage to get the boy to haul your deer bait? Do you rent him out...LOL

QuoteOriginally posted by lpcjon2:
How did you manage to get the boy to haul your deer bait? Do you rent him out...LOL

He's kinda like a seal; he will do anything for a good meal!  He seems to double in size and stregth each season and is always available for heavy lifting if you have a good hunting spot for him    :D

BTW, we only bait bears...I can't keep track if it is legal or not here in Michigan and I prefer to go without it anyway..


Nathan, it is a lot easier to learn from others mistakes, so I try to pass along mine.  Going cheap on packs is a mistake I made long ago.

Those values you pass on to him will make him a better man.

check out the hunters carry-all pack at ll bean
under $100 and carries everthing you need--stand--sticks--day pack-all at once
I carried #50 bag of corn and a small feeder up on to a site on the side of a ridge

I have no doubt a guy could pack a lot of meat out with it

its a really great pack--and a third of the  price of similar systems

Nathan....look into the Eberlestock X2, It might be something that will fit your needs, internal frame, tons of storage and straps all over the place LOL!!