This is our first year elk hunting, we're going to southern colorado in September for 2 weeks. Looking for a good pack that's not $400. I know you get what you pay for but it's a lot of gear to buy in one year. I almost bought the TZ5000 but I figured I'd post on here and see if I can't find something a little cheaper that will work
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Good spike camp pack?
- Thread starter Jweav308
- Start date
Mountain Bowhunter
New member
- Jan 2, 2013
- 608
It depends on what you are going to be hauling. I'm assuming you are going to be backpacking in/out and not using horses.
The thing is cheaper packs are not built to withstand the loads you will be packing out after harvesting an elk. Better to save up and get a decent pack designed for this purpose than to waste money on a pack that will fail at the most critical time, and it will be much easier on your body. You will be much happier with something built to haul heavy loads.
Two things you never cut costs on are your pack and your boots. Those should be at the forefront of your budget as they are what will make or break your trip and get you back happy.
I would say shop around for used packs. Rokslide and Archerytalk classifieds are great places to find deals.
The thing is cheaper packs are not built to withstand the loads you will be packing out after harvesting an elk. Better to save up and get a decent pack designed for this purpose than to waste money on a pack that will fail at the most critical time, and it will be much easier on your body. You will be much happier with something built to haul heavy loads.
Two things you never cut costs on are your pack and your boots. Those should be at the forefront of your budget as they are what will make or break your trip and get you back happy.
I would say shop around for used packs. Rokslide and Archerytalk classifieds are great places to find deals.
cowboystl1
New member
- Dec 16, 2013
- 864
keep an eye out on here someone is always looking to trade up another site to watch is Camofire they have packs on there all the time you can get a great deal if you know what your looking for
Thanks a lot guys I'll have to keep my eyes open. So if a pack and boots aren't a good place to save money, where can I? I've also heard optics aren't something to cut corners on. Any good recommendations there? And I've also been looking at a Garmin Rhino but would love to not have to spend $500. Is there any good budget GPS
Welcome to elk hunting and congrats on your trip to CO. As has been said there are some areas where you do not want to scrimp on equipment.
Since you asked about a pack I will start there. I have 3 Tenzing packs and they have been awesome. The TZ5000 would be a great pack for your needs. It has plenty of space for everything you would need for a multi week spike camp hunt. Corey has them on sale till 6-1 for $349.00. http://www.elk101store.com/servlet/the-15/Tenzing%2C-TZ5000%2C-TZ%2C-5000%2C/Detail
Here is also a link to one listed on ebay for $299.00
www.ebay.com/itm/Tenzing-TZ-5000-Pack-Realtree-Max-1-/301179791995?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item461fb6ea7b
When it comes to boots buy what fits your feet and will hold-up to the way you want to hunt. I like to cover a lot of ground. So I want somewhat light and waterproof that has good support when I am carrying a heavy load. Asolo's just fit my feet right out of the box and fit my needs so that is what I have worn for the past 15 years. But try on as many as you can. Look at www.sierratradingpost.com for some good deals on boots. Here are some great boots that will not brake the bank.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/asolo-neutron-gore-tex-hiking-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~5486y/?filterString=mens-footwear~d~11%2Fsalomon~b~19510%2C1120%2C12038%2C3648%2Fsizefamily~shoe%20size%3B11%2F&colorFamily=02
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/asolo-power-matic-100-gore-tex-hiking-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~5487a/?filterString=mens-footwear~d~11%2Fsalomon~b~19510%2C1120%2C12038%2C3648%2Fsizefamily~shoe%20size%3B11%2F&colorFamily=01
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/hanwag-tibet-hiking-boots-for-men~p~7379p/?filterString=mens-footwear~d~11%2Fsalomon~b~19510%2C1120%2C12038%2C3648%2Fsizefamily~shoe%20size%3B11%2F&colorFamily=01
Yes there are budget GPS that will work while hunting to find way points. I have a Garmin Oregon 450T I bought in 09 that is a great GPS. However this year I upgraded to the Montana 650T because I wanted to take a picture and have it saved as a way point. Here is a link to a Garmin Oregon 450 with the Colorado State Topo and private land chip for sale for $225. The chip alone is $100. http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?17723-Garmin-Oregon-450&highlight=garmin+oregon
However you mentioned the Garmin Rino. If you are looking at that unit because you want a GPS that is also a 2 way radio. Here are 2 listed for $300 for both. http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2251752&highlight=garmin+rino
I hope some of this info helps.
Since you asked about a pack I will start there. I have 3 Tenzing packs and they have been awesome. The TZ5000 would be a great pack for your needs. It has plenty of space for everything you would need for a multi week spike camp hunt. Corey has them on sale till 6-1 for $349.00. http://www.elk101store.com/servlet/the-15/Tenzing%2C-TZ5000%2C-TZ%2C-5000%2C/Detail
Here is also a link to one listed on ebay for $299.00
www.ebay.com/itm/Tenzing-TZ-5000-Pack-Realtree-Max-1-/301179791995?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item461fb6ea7b
When it comes to boots buy what fits your feet and will hold-up to the way you want to hunt. I like to cover a lot of ground. So I want somewhat light and waterproof that has good support when I am carrying a heavy load. Asolo's just fit my feet right out of the box and fit my needs so that is what I have worn for the past 15 years. But try on as many as you can. Look at www.sierratradingpost.com for some good deals on boots. Here are some great boots that will not brake the bank.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/asolo-neutron-gore-tex-hiking-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~5486y/?filterString=mens-footwear~d~11%2Fsalomon~b~19510%2C1120%2C12038%2C3648%2Fsizefamily~shoe%20size%3B11%2F&colorFamily=02
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/asolo-power-matic-100-gore-tex-hiking-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~5487a/?filterString=mens-footwear~d~11%2Fsalomon~b~19510%2C1120%2C12038%2C3648%2Fsizefamily~shoe%20size%3B11%2F&colorFamily=01
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/hanwag-tibet-hiking-boots-for-men~p~7379p/?filterString=mens-footwear~d~11%2Fsalomon~b~19510%2C1120%2C12038%2C3648%2Fsizefamily~shoe%20size%3B11%2F&colorFamily=01
Yes there are budget GPS that will work while hunting to find way points. I have a Garmin Oregon 450T I bought in 09 that is a great GPS. However this year I upgraded to the Montana 650T because I wanted to take a picture and have it saved as a way point. Here is a link to a Garmin Oregon 450 with the Colorado State Topo and private land chip for sale for $225. The chip alone is $100. http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?17723-Garmin-Oregon-450&highlight=garmin+oregon
However you mentioned the Garmin Rino. If you are looking at that unit because you want a GPS that is also a 2 way radio. Here are 2 listed for $300 for both. http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2251752&highlight=garmin+rino
I hope some of this info helps.
cowboystl1
New member
- Dec 16, 2013
- 864
tell ya what i have the original rhino 110 everything functions but the radio 50$ and its yours send it to garmin and they will refurbish it for 100 it will be like new good optics vortex diamond backs 10 by 42 right here on elk 101 great price! if you want the rhino in box me we can work it out
Mountain Bowhunter
New member
- Jan 2, 2013
- 608
I would say out of all the things you mentioned definitely cut cost on the gps. Study up or take a class on land navigation. All you need is a map and a compass. The gps will spit out coordinates so you can double check yourself.
About the pack/boots etc., just remember these are not purchases they are investments that will last you for years. And make sure whatever pack/boots you get go out and hike around in them, break the boots in well, and see how everything work/feels because your trip is the last time to find out something doesn't fit/work right. I have kenetrek mountain extreme 400s which are like ski boots when you first get them. kenetrek recommends 50 miles of break in before you do any real hiking, look up the skinless heels horror stories of those that didn't.
About the pack/boots etc., just remember these are not purchases they are investments that will last you for years. And make sure whatever pack/boots you get go out and hike around in them, break the boots in well, and see how everything work/feels because your trip is the last time to find out something doesn't fit/work right. I have kenetrek mountain extreme 400s which are like ski boots when you first get them. kenetrek recommends 50 miles of break in before you do any real hiking, look up the skinless heels horror stories of those that didn't.
You can save on the GPS if you have a smartphone. I have an iPhone I downloaded an app called Motion-X GPS. It works off the satellites not cell towers to give you grid coordinates. My Magellan now stays in the pack as a back up. I would say have a map & compass & use the GPS to check yourself. Bread crumb your coordinates on the map every hour if you're on the move in case something happens to your GPS.
Many places to find deals on packs as mentioned.
Also talk to the makers/dealers.
I used to use my Alaska freighter pack (great backpack) and carry a day pack for dayhunts,no more
I got a deal on a Eberlestock J-104 years ago and I love it. Older model from Kenetrek,they sold it to me below their price. Got a deal on some snowpacs too.
Removable camp bivy bag is great,unzip it and dump your camp,retighten and your good to go hunting.
Rifle scabbard is bonus.I use it for spotter/tripod too.
I use mine as daypack and for scouting besides hunting.
I find it carries everything I need and then some,yet is very comfortable in the ride. More comfortable than most daypacks I have used, even tho it weighs more. It rides great hunting,which many packs don't,IMHO.
Also talk to the makers/dealers.
I used to use my Alaska freighter pack (great backpack) and carry a day pack for dayhunts,no more
I got a deal on a Eberlestock J-104 years ago and I love it. Older model from Kenetrek,they sold it to me below their price. Got a deal on some snowpacs too.
Removable camp bivy bag is great,unzip it and dump your camp,retighten and your good to go hunting.
Rifle scabbard is bonus.I use it for spotter/tripod too.
I use mine as daypack and for scouting besides hunting.
I find it carries everything I need and then some,yet is very comfortable in the ride. More comfortable than most daypacks I have used, even tho it weighs more. It rides great hunting,which many packs don't,IMHO.
cowboystl1
New member
- Dec 16, 2013
- 864
you do not have to spend 400 on boots or 400 on a pack you can find deals they are out there. There are lots of places to find top quality gear for blue collar prices it just requires a lot of looking and patients. if your hunting this year i hope you already have your boots and are breaking them in. your pack you should be useing and breaking in asap as well start with 25 -30 and be at your pack weight plus 10 by at the least two weeks before you hit the brush.
I absolutely agree that there are great deals out there on packs that you will be very happy with for years. The thing is, just like your boots. You NEED to go and try packs on before you just jump in and buy one. There are so many different packs out there from the $300-$600 range you have many options. If you find the pack that fits you like a glove then you can start your search for a good deal.
I know it is hard to find retail stores that stock all the different packs but you can ask around if there is anyone that has your same build/height and see what they are happy with and start there.
I am 6'2" 210lb and I absolutely love my Horn Hunter Full Curl System it holds up to 5000 cu/in and I can put a serious load to it without any shoulder strain or having to hunch over like an old man trying to support the weight.
Horn Hunter really attracted me due to their warranty and customer service. Then when i tried on their packs I was sold.
This is what works for ME though. Make sure that you get out there and try on some packs and try your best to put a load to them before making your decision.
You can pick up a HH Full Curl System for around $300 brand new if you shop around.
I know it is hard to find retail stores that stock all the different packs but you can ask around if there is anyone that has your same build/height and see what they are happy with and start there.
I am 6'2" 210lb and I absolutely love my Horn Hunter Full Curl System it holds up to 5000 cu/in and I can put a serious load to it without any shoulder strain or having to hunch over like an old man trying to support the weight.
Horn Hunter really attracted me due to their warranty and customer service. Then when i tried on their packs I was sold.
This is what works for ME though. Make sure that you get out there and try on some packs and try your best to put a load to them before making your decision.
You can pick up a HH Full Curl System for around $300 brand new if you shop around.
