Moose Hunting/Backpack

[Onions]

Thanks agian to everybody! It's been a great help. I now have a list of packs to go check out and find the one that is most comfortable.
Hopefully, I can post some pix of a dead moose in the fall of 2010!!!

chris <><

[Herdbull]

Onions- If you would like some other tips or just enjoy some inspirational reading until your trip, my new book is available at brothersofthebow.com (TG sponsor). There is a whole mental side of moose hunting that is quite fun to experience. Good luck. Mike

[Onions]

Thanks Mike,
I have not purchased your book yet, I have it on my list of b-day presents. Hopefully I will have it this month!
What do you think of the Sitka Gear 45 Bivy Pack?

chris <><

[Herdbull]

I have always used the combination of pack frame with a day pack and other gear tied on for carrying in. I got a Sitka 45 last fall, but it came too late for me to test out west. My first gut feeling is that, yes it is narrow and may lend for easy movement through timber, but when fully loaded with gear it seemed like the volume would increase upward. I'm not sure I would like that. It is well constructed and fits nice, although I'm not sure if it comes in different lengths to fit longer or shorter torso. I am on the Sitka pro staff and I am honest in my assessments. The outter shell is watter resistant which is an advatage for me since I carry camera equipment, however it was slightly more noisy than the wool shell of my Bison Gear Elk Hunter. I guess what I'm saying is, for a complete pack that can be used to pack in your camp, it will work great. But to second as a hunting day pack in thick cover or to be used as a whitetail pack for carring my stuff into a cold weather treestand, it may lack the quietness I have been accustomed to. As for Sitka Gear, these guys are very attentive and may have already started to correct some of the minor issues for the new line. It's a fast growing company and they are still making adjustments. If you try something and its not as expected, they have a great warranty and return policy.
Mike

[Onions]

Thanks again Mike!
I have a Bison Gear Lost River pack that is my everyday go to pack. Absolutely love it.
I second the Sitka Gear's dedication to service. I have ahd a few samll issues with there products and they quickly resolved the situation.
I am thinking of buying the Nimbus Rain gear for this moose hunt. Have you used it??? I hear great reviews about it.

chris <><

[Kingwouldbe]

There are two word in the English language that should never be used together.


MOOSE & BACKPACK


       

[Herdbull]

King.... Now you tell us! Ha!

The Sitka Rain Gear is very good and past my test. I hunt out many times all day, but my ultimate test of rain gear is in a treestand. In pouring rain, the upper tree limbs gather water and rush it past you as you lean against the trunk. Usually my arms and shoulders will begin to soak through many of the breathable type of rain gear, but Sitka does not. The Nimbus is not lined, so there is little wicking at the sleeve ends like some other lined rain gear tends to do. It's reasonably quite for rain gear and I like the stretch and durability. I got mine two sizes larger so I can use it over multiple layers when stand hunting. You may be able to find 2008 stock on sale this time of year. Mike