I did a search for this that turned up 15 pages of results, every time I tried to access the list past the 1st page it said search results not available, so if this dead horse has already been beat...kick it a few more times.

I'm right handed, everytime I practice with a back pack, 15-30lbs, I shoot to left mostly, but occassionally all over the place.  What gives?  I also wear my all day transporter fanny pack that has shoulder straps along with a camelbak that is only a water bladder and have zero change in accuracy.  I can only assume the difference in the distribution/location of the weight changes something I do but I can't figure it out.  Any help?

Foot placement? Lack of back tension? Just wild guesses, as I dont generally have to carry a pack. I did for a few years in the Army though, and weight on your back can affect almost anything...

Hopefully this will be seen by one of those guys from out west that carry a pack frequently. Good luck.

I have never seen the need to shoot with a pack on. After I spot whatever I may be after, my pack comes off along with my boots.

Shedrock, You never know when you might not have the time to drop the pack.  I practice this way as a just in case.

I just received my Badlands Diablo (thanks, Whip!), today.  I plan on doing some blank bale, tomorrow.....and hopefully I'll venture onto my range.

I'll report back!

I hope to not have it on my back when/if I shoot.  But, I'll be ready.

Looking forward to seeing what it's all about.

I shot both a mule deer and and elk last fall with a fairly large pack on my back.  No problem at all.  In both cases the animals were close enough that I didn't want to risk dropping my pack, so I was glad that I knew I could shoot with it on.

From my experience a properly fitting pack should not cause problems.  What type of backpack do you have?  Is it limiting getting full extension on your draw?

I find that pack width is the only thing that will interfere with my shooting.  If the pack is to wide up by my shoulders it can interfer with my ability to shoot with proper form.  

I use a Badland Diablo as my day / overnighter pack and I have no problems shooting with it fully loaded.  


My guess is pack location on your back - adjust the straps, or your stance is changing due to the weight and you need to use the same stance with and without the pack.  Also check to make sure nothing at the top of the pack is interfering with your draw arm.

Whip the pack is a camelbak commander and it is nowhere near full when I shoot.

As far as stance, I don't think that'll be it.  I always change my stance and shoot from different angles for better practice.

Forge, you may be onto something.  My straps are tight, but thats the way I like em, I haven't thought about that being problem.  The straps are tighter than with my transporter fanny pack.  Hopefully I can get home in time to shoot today and report back.  Thanks.

I can't tell you how you prefer your pack to sit, but most packs are designed for the majority of the weight to ride on the hips. The shoulder straps are simply there to keep the load stable, but should only support a very minimal amount of the weight. Try adjusting your belt so the pack rides higher on your hips, loosen the shoulder straps some and try again. The contour of the straps and how close they are pulled to the center of the chest can make a big difference too.

I have no problems shooting with my Sitka 14 Ascent pack on. I can do the same with my bison gear, it just takes a bit more adjustment to get it right. Keep tinkering, I think you'll find the setup that works for you.

Problem solved, I loosened the shoulder and sternum straps and shootin is back to normal.  I guess it was too tight.

Yeah, JC is right on the money the hips should carry the bulk and the shoulders should stabilize.  Ben