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What To Look For When Buying A Backpack
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December 14, 2011
9:33 pm
Bowbarian

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I used to pack everything I could possibly need in case of an emergency.  I just got hot, sweaty and tired.  I now pack to specifically match the hunt, area, and time I plan to be in the area.  I find that I carry much less into the feild, and have enough of what I do need.  I say this, cuz all packs carry differently.  And some may get in the way.  You will learn as you go what works best for you.  Everyone is built differently and no single pack will do everything.  There are a lot of good ones out there today.  Most of them will out live us all.  That being said, dont be as anal as me,  just get out there are start wearing them out.  But, if you do want to pass your pack down to your great-great grandson or daughter,  Crooked Horn fo Show!!!

November 20, 2011
11:09 pm
scarlino
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I really like Dana Design packs.  I have one I  use for ski mountaineering, and mountaineering.  Super high quality made in the USA and a lifetime warranty.  The one I have has a external pocket for all of my avalanche rescue gear, and the padding can come off the pack to make an emergency insulating pad or splint.  I do a lot of powder telemark skiing so a pack that fit well and stays balanced is key as well as being able to carry essential winter backcountry equipment.  A pack needs to fit the user and fit what the user needs.  I avoid packs with gimmicky bells and whistles.  My main backpacking pack is REI brand I purchased in in 1999 and have done hundreds of miles if not thousands with it and it is still in great shape.  A good pack is like boots it is worth the time and money to get one that will work and last and fits you comfortably.

October 13, 2011
9:52 pm
CAhunter

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glad that article is here i need a new pack

July 23, 2011
9:20 pm
millerk420
Longview, TX

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colorado hunter said:

millerk420 said:

When i look for a new pack i usually check for size in comparison to other packs there, ease of storage either inuse or not, and if it comes in digital camo or not.  heh..


Good point – one of the things I've noticed is the difference a good waist belt makes.  I'm still looking for a comfortable day pack and several of the ones I've tried just don't have enough support around the waist to put the weight where it needs to be.  Most of them seem to be mounted so high they defeat the whole purpose.
 


oh and STITCHING i know it sounds silly, but you can tell from the stiching on a pack if it going to fall apart on you in the field, I have damaged packs in the store pulling and tugging on the straps.. and saying "GORSH!  I don't know my own Strength" in my best Goofy voice.. ;)

————————————————– "Welcome to Texas, We Don't Call 911"
July 23, 2011
9:15 pm
colorado hunter
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millerk420 said:

When i look for a new pack i usually check for size in comparison to other packs there, ease of storage either inuse or not, and if it comes in digital camo or not.  heh..


Good point – one of the things I've noticed is the difference a good waist belt makes.  I'm still looking for a comfortable day pack and several of the ones I've tried just don't have enough support around the waist to put the weight where it needs to be.  Most of them seem to be mounted so high they defeat the whole purpose.

July 23, 2011
8:54 pm
millerk420
Longview, TX

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When i look for a new pack i usually check for size in comparison to other packs there, ease of storage either inuse or not, and if it comes in digital camo or not.  heh..

————————————————– "Welcome to Texas, We Don't Call 911"
July 23, 2011
4:10 pm
sl-eye_noyes
Oregon
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jlhunter said:

 Great pack, plus it has blood stains to show character!

You should find out the brand cause it sounds like a good one. One question, who or what does the blood stains belong to you or the game?Wink


July 23, 2011
8:49 am
jlhunter
Idaho

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Not sure what type of pack I use but I've been using it the last five years. It has and internal plastic molded frame that arches the pack away from my back to keep me cool. Thick padded straps and a pocket for my 1.5L water bladder. Contains enough space for five quarter game bags, days worth of food, block and tackle, and various other supplies needed while in the field. When it's all packed it weights in at about 25 lbs and after carrying a 8 lb riffle all day, I hardly feel tired. Great pack, plus it has blood stains to show character!

July 21, 2011
10:04 pm
longwalker
oregon

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elkmuzzleloader said:

Just went to SW to pick up the hard copy of the newsletter and look at some packs while I was there.  I really liked some of the expensive packs but have decided to limit my purchase to $200 and I dont think I need a large overnight style pack.  I really liked the Ebelerstock A1 pack and the Badlands Superday.  I just need to figure out which one will work best.  I tried the Ebelerstock one with some weight in it and seemed like the weight was not there at all.  I also liked the rifle storage on it but could not figure out the bow storage and neither could the sales guy.  The superday was just as described in the review.  I liked the pistol storage but the side pockets were hard to get in to.  Did not try this one with weight as the kiddo was getting to be a handful.  


I have used an Ebelerstock for several years now. I have been very pleased with it. There is really nothing I would change on it. I have found it to be durable, comfortable, and adaptable.

July 21, 2011
4:59 pm
bearhunter

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bearhunter said:

David Anderson said:

My son bought a Badlands pack  earlier this year. He did a lot of research to come to the conclusion this was the one he wanted. He chose this one because of the warranty,capacity,comfort, and price for what he got for his money. The pack grows with a younger person, I even put the pack on and adjusted it to fit myself. I have been backpacking for over 25 years. We also pack meat out when hunting I am looking forward of getting one for myself and seeing what I can put it through



your son wont be disapointed with badlands packs,  I have three and currently looking to buy the ox.  You can never have enough packs to fill the voids

Cool

July 21, 2011
4:54 pm
bearhunter

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David Anderson said:

My son bought a Badlands pack  earlier this year. He did a lot of research to come to the conclusion this was the one he wanted. He chose this one because of the warranty,capacity,comfort, and price for what he got for his money. The pack grows with a younger person, I even put the pack on and adjusted it to fit myself. I have been backpacking for over 25 years. We also pack meat out when hunting I am looking forward of getting one for myself and seeing what I can put it through


July 4, 2011
12:54 pm
Scott Spencer
Pelham, AL

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You all are lucky to be so near to a SW! The closest I have is 130 miles away in Chattanooga, TN. I plan to run by there on my way to Cherokee, NC, for some fly fishing in a few weeks so maybe I'll get a chance to check out some of the packs! I've been using Badlands for about 3 yrs now and would love to give the Sitka Bivy 30 a try as it seems just perfect for Alabama hunting!

July 4, 2011
11:11 am
yotebooter
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Fantastic post. I'm on my way to SW to pick up the latest issue. With family livingin in most of the units I hunt, I haven't had the need for anything beyond a day pack. But hopefully I can find the company and the time to get into the back country in early fall. This pack info will come in handy. I assume the same fitting methods apply to women as well. Any special considerations there? Are there men and women back packs?

July 4, 2011
8:00 am
Bowbarian

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Excellent Article.  Really puts things into perspective for anyone looking to buy.  Like you I have many packs and all serve a different purpose.  They all wear differently as well.  I do love my Crooked Horn Outfitters Master Guide Pack.  It's probably my favorite. I wears like iron and after all these hard hunting years – is still waterproof and looks new – but it's not even close to being new.  I have used the heck out of it, but there are many great packs out there, that's for sure.  I would say, print the article and use it as your guide.  It's very well written and will help you in finding what will work best for you!  Good luck

July 3, 2011
3:14 pm
elkmuzzleloader
New Mexico
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Just went to SW to pick up the hard copy of the newsletter and look at some packs while I was there.  I really liked some of the expensive packs but have decided to limit my purchase to $200 and I dont think I need a large overnight style pack.  I really liked the Ebelerstock A1 pack and the Badlands Superday.  I just need to figure out which one will work best.  I tried the Ebelerstock one with some weight in it and seemed like the weight was not there at all.  I also liked the rifle storage on it but could not figure out the bow storage and neither could the sales guy.  The superday was just as described in the review.  I liked the pistol storage but the side pockets were hard to get in to.  Did not try this one with weight as the kiddo was getting to be a handful.  

July 3, 2011
2:22 pm
m gardner
Mesa,Az

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After seeing all the choices we have today I can't believe I spent the first 20 years of my hunting carreer using a white ash pack basket with no hip belt! I should be crippled! I'm really glad technology has made it easier for old wrinkly guys to participate. Wink

July 3, 2011
11:18 am
David Anderson
southern Oregon

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My son bought a Badlands pack  earlier this year. He did a lot of research to come to the conclusion this was the one he wanted. He chose this one because of the warranty,capacity,comfort, and price for what he got for his money. The pack grows with a younger person, I even put the pack on and adjusted it to fit myself. I have been backpacking for over 25 years. We also pack meat out when hunting I am looking forward of getting one for myself and seeing what I can put it through

July 2, 2011
5:47 pm
m gardner
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I've got an Eagle Becker Molle pack, a Kelty Cache Hauler, Kelty Apache, Kelty Trekker, Sitka fanny pack (orginal) with shoulder harness.

July 2, 2011
2:44 pm
elkmuzzleloader
New Mexico
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I also need to go get the hard copy to read. I read the online article but didnt know there was more to it.

July 2, 2011
12:57 pm
FlattenedGravy
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I really liked reading this article:

http://sportsmansnews.com/2011…..k-wrap-up/

I'm going in today to get my "hard copy" of the Sportsman's News for this month! 

 

The Meat Hauling Packs look cool.  I plan on getting one someday!!! 

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