Bow packing

[Bob Frapples]

Ok, I\'ve been slowly gathering my gear for my first elk hunt and am trying not to get unnecessary things to add weight or redundant items. I?m looking for options to pack / carry my bow. As of right now I?ve got a barneys external frame and plan to use an army bag attached to it for back packing in to bivy, but am wondering how you guys pack in your bow. I might bite the bullet and get a Hunter pack for the frame, but would rather spend that $ on other things I still need. If my memory serves me the hunter pack has an integral bow and gun carrier on it, but 400$ would be better spent on other items?

Do you guys tie your bow down to your pack or just carry it by hand? I?ve seen the slings but they look like that is just one more thing to carry?
I would really like to have it easily accessible but don?t want to have to carry it by hand the majority of the time. Any pictures or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[cnelk]

It depends on what Im doing on how I carry my bow.
If Im hiking out on a closed forest road in the middle of the day, I will strap my bow on my pack or use a bow sling.
If Im hiking in/out cross country while its dark, it is also strapped on my pack or in a bow sling so I can use a hiking stick.

Most all other times Im carrying my bow, switching one hand to the other

 

[timberland]

I do the same, but I add a belt bow hook to add a third had while glassing or hiking

 

[TetonStorm]

I pack my bow on my pack or a bow scabbard when I\'m on my horse or quad when going into my camp but other than that it\'s always in my hand. If you\'re looking to pack it into camp any backpack with external straps works great. I\'ve just always taken care to make sure it\'s somewhat protected from an accidental face plant when walking you know, when that stick in the trail gets caught between your feet and it\'s an instant slam!

 

[Zpd307]

I use a sling....

 

[elkmtngear]

I use this: <!-- m --><a class=\"postlink\" href=\"http://crookedhorn.com/cms_ver_03/store/archery-accessories/crooked-hook-bow-sling-detail.html\">http://crookedhorn.com/cms_ver_03/store ... etail.html</a><!-- m -->

If I\'m packing my spike camp in, or packing out meat, I hook it on my Tight Spot Quiver.

If I\'m hunting...I hook it where the cable crossing is on the bow. Stays mostly stable, and is ready to grab and shoot quickly.

I have my SLIP System in the other hand usually as a walking stick, ready to be deployed in a second if necessary.