New Pack question

[backyardsniper]

I have an eberlestock gunslinger2, but I would like to get another larger pack too.  I am looking hard at just getting a mil surplus pack.  I have a lot of miles under an alice pack, I was looking at the new molle pack as well.  My question is are these suitable or would they "just work".  I also looked into the cabelas brand frame pack.  They do have a rifle carrier which is a big plus. I like the Idea of an external frame pack having used them in the military ie;the alice pack.  What are yalls opinion.  Do I need to get something specialized, does it really matter or will a surplus pack be just fine.  I'm looking at this as a general do it all from hauling gear to the duck club and blind, to using as a suitcase on vacation with the wife.  On a side note the wife loves it when I do that, seems to really embarrass her when we show up at the airport to go on vacation and I'm hauling some type of camoflage bag or pack.  Hauling out game, hauling in camp  gear if I ever get the opportunity to do any pack in style hunting.  Let me know yalls opinions, does anybody use a mil surplus pack for this type of hunting, or should I look into something like the cabelas.  I don't plan to spend more than say $250 but I can get a molle pack for about $80 and a large alice for around $40.  So I could get both of those for half of what one of the cabelas packs cost.  Thanks for the help guys.


Justin

 

[cowboystl1]

forget the ALICE pack no way will it suit your needs you can get by on the military pack but if your in this for the long haul like most of us and if you are any kind of diy hunter at all your gonna have to buck up and dig deep. sorry bro as x military i got by on my mole pack but i now am on my third pack buy this one will not be a cheapy im hunting elk till i cant anymore im gonna spend 400 atleast so if your gonna do it do it right. if your just testing the water you can get by on the mole

 

[backyardsniper]

That's the kind of thing I was needing to know. You got any recomendations?  Stay with eberlestock?  The cabelas?  External frame a must?

 

[ElkQuest]

Lots of options and lots of opinions on the subject of pack needs. I think your choice will come down to your hunting style and intended use. I have been using an external frame Kelty pack for more than 25 years to haul meat off the mountain as well as some long camping/hiking outings in several western states and it has served me well, but I do not hunt with that pack on- I only haul with it.
In most cases I use a smaller 2-3 day sized frameless pack for the daily elk hunts. It is enough to hold the appropriate gear and make the initial pack-out if I get an animal down.
That being said, I am seriously looking at "upgrading" to a carbon fiber framed hunting pack such as Kuiu or Tenzing. The materials and designs based on a hunters needs are impressive and they would reduce the weight of your "luggage" as well!
Good Luck 

 

[cowboystl1]

Honestly its like boots you should go and check some out see how they fit you i love an external frame my hunting partner likes an internal frame. it seems to me to be a matter of preference. There are a lot of good packs out there Badlands makes a great pack eberlistock tenz they all have there good points and draw backs


  https://outdoorsmans.com/outdoorsmans-optics-hunter-pack-system/


if your asking what i prefer this is my choice of pack but, im also a fan of the ox pack by badlands. a newer pack out is exo  pack system i liked it too. this is the fun part expensive but fun dont get in a hurry take your time and find what fits you and your needs and what is comfortable for you as well after you get it use it and break it in like a pair of boots.

 

[backyardsniper]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the help. I ha e to say the gear is expensive but it is fun to get new stuff

 

[cowboystl1]

lol huntin aint cheap. iv tried the cheap stuff its better to make one big purchase than have to buy new gear every time. and man its sure worth it. if you have any other questions just ask lol i do.

 

[Montana_BackCountry]

I just went through this same predicament and the group consensus has it.  You get what you pay for.  I tired lots of routes... looked at discount sites online (fieldsuppy.com has some good deals on tenzing packs, but I don't know how reputable the site is) and i looked at a lot of general backpacking packs (most aren't rated for the kind of weight even one quarter off an elk takes).  Best bet is to either find a good lightly used pack for discount or bite the bullet and spring for a quality new pack that will last for years.  I'd be willing to bet if you go cheap on this one You'll find yourself back in the market for a new pack next year.

 

[usmcvet]

I'm cash strapped right now so spending high dollars on a pack/frame couldn't be justified at this time.  This may sound a little unorthodox, but I use an Allen Mesa pack frame with a military seabag strapped to it.  I had plenty of experience with the seabags in the Marines.  They are durable and can hold a lot of stuff.  I use it to carry my stuff in the backcountry to set up camp then.  The seabag and packframe then stay at base camp.  If you want it for hiking around and getting in & out of all the time it's probably not the set up you want.  I still have a Badlands daypack I strap to the outside of the seabag and then use when hunting.  If I'm fortunate enough to get an elk I've got the packframe back at the spike camp.  The pack frame is plenty sturdy.  I strap on my 50 lbs sandbag and do my hiking with it, and it handles it no problem.  The seabag & packframe combo cost about $100.

 

[cowboystl1]

I'm cash strapped right now so spending high dollars on a pack/frame couldn't be justified at this time.  This may sound a little unorthodox, but I use an Allen Mesa pack frame with a military seabag strapped to it.  I had plenty of experience with the seabags in the Marines.  They are durable and can hold a lot of stuff.  I use it to carry my stuff in the backcountry to set up camp then.  The seabag and packframe then stay at base camp.  If you want it for hiking around and getting in & out of all the time it's probably not the set up you want.  I still have a Badlands daypack I strap to the outside of the seabag and then use when hunting.  If I'm fortunate enough to get an elk I've got the packframe back at the spike camp.  The pack frame is plenty sturdy.  I strap on my 50 lbs sandbag and do my hiking with it, and it handles it no problem.  The seabag & packframe combo cost about $100.

lol thats awesome! But if anyone gets that strapped i have an old boyscout back pack ill let go for dirt cheap that would work it will hold over 100 pounds of gear so if its a cash bind someones in i can put ya in the for under a hundred bucks thats including shipping

 

[hank4elk]

I used many backpacks thru the years, Kelty,Trailwise. Then got a Alaska pack from Cabellas in bargain barn,use it still as back-up hauler.  Bought and sold many mil. surplus.
I was placing an order with Kenetrek for some snow-pacs(excellent cold weather boot) a few years  ago and asked about specials on hunt packs. They carry E-stock packs and I got a J-104 with the bivy/camp attachment for $120,old model,etc.. 
I use that pack all the time now,even daytrips. Very comfortable and can haul more weight than I can carry....or as little as needed. Only problem ever has been rodents chewing, but that goes with the territory.
My advice is check with companies for last years model or bargains they have,Cabellas,REI,Kenetrek, Gander Mtn.,etc... I have some real good gear that I have paid less than half-price for. Most will outlast me.

 

[ElwoodUT]

I would strongly recommend looking in to the Horn Hunter Full Curl System.  I absolutely love mine, it breaks down into a frame pack then you can strap on the big bag and day pack.  I use the entire system to pack in and then take off the big duffle bag and haul just the frame with the day pack for going out on the hunt.  This pack will also carry your rifle or bow, is hydration compatible and has load lifters that really take the weight off of your shoulders and put it all on your hips like it is suppose to.  Also these packs have an amazing warranty and are Made in the USA!  They really aren't bad on the wallet either

 

[nateysmith]

I would take a look at http://exomountaingear.com/.  They have some pretty great stuff that is coming out and if you pre-order before March 23, they will give you $50 off right now.  It is causing quite the stir and for good reason.  They are new to the game, but they are offering a lifetime warranty on their packs.