Need advice from the ladies on a pack

[bmarc69]

Looking for recommendations for a backpack for a very small framed woman. 5'3 115 pounds. Big enough to carry match gear, food, and water for a long match day. Looking for comfort and load distribution since it will be used for 3-4 mile hikes between stages. Not sure if a rifle scabbard will be necessary. I'm thinking slung in case I need to carry both rifles. What do you lady shooters use? If you can remember price range please include that as well.

Thanks

 

[farmchick]

Hi there. I compete in multiple matches a year (we also host them) and am 120 and 5'3. I use Eberlestock's X3 Lo-Drag both with the scabbard loaded and with my gun slung across (mostly at the end of matches when my arms are sore and I don't want to heft my match rifle). It works well and allows you to sort ammo/food/hydration/tactical gear without it getting badly shuffled. Eberlestock Tactical Products There is also the X4 High Speed without the scabbard, although I have not tried it personally. One advantage of the X3 is that the scabbard can tuck inside when it isn't used - allowing for more versatility. My pack is set to the smallest torso adjustment and it fits correctly (I led trail crew for a year and a bad fitting pack is not something you want to deal with, especially when our weights are so low compared to the weight of the gear). Before that, I used True North's Fireball Pack designed for wildland firefighters. It balanced the weight well and let me get used to carrying a gun before messing with a scabbard. http://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.aspx/productId/1309/True-North-Fireball-Pack/ Ideally, you never have to use the flares......

 

[rjacobs]

While I cant say for sure the Gun Runner was VERY impressive although the gun scabbard was a bit narrow and might not fit some of the larger scoped rifles with mags because its designed for a lighter weight hunting rifle. Its a more minimalistic pack.

 

[triceratops3]

I'm a guy but at 5'6" and 125 I'm on the smaller side. I'm using an eberlestock X3 Lo-Drag and it is usually enough for a day long match. It's nice having the scabbard for longer hikes with everything. Very comfortable and seems like a large range of adjustment.

 

[bmarc69]

Sounds like I need to have her try on my x3 lo drag.

 

[NICETRY]

I use a X3 lo drag and have let my sister use it for hunting but she found it a bit much for just a day. She is 5'4" maybe 120lbs. I bought her a H2 and she uses it to pack her 338 Win mag or shotgun for day trips. If you're both competing man up and carry a bit more.

 

[TheGerman]

Just for food, water, range finder, data book, rear bag, ammo, etc - tactical tailor removable operator pack.

It's fairly lower profile and shorter than most rucks yet can get a 3L bladder in it, has enough cargo room for everything you need, straps on the side for a tripod/spotter, etc and molle on the rear incase you need to add a pouch or 2.

This is my pack for when I need more than I can carry on my modular belt but don't need a 3-day ruck.

 

[bmarc69]

I use a X3 lo drag and have let my sister use it for hunting but she found it a bit much for just a day. She is 5'4" maybe 120lbs. I bought her a H2 and she uses it to pack her 338 Win mag or shotgun for day trips. If you're both competing man up and carry a bit more.

I have a feeling I will be carrying the bulk of the gear and possibly both rifles. However, if she CAN carry her own then that's the way she wants it!!!

 

[Redmanss]

Look into something comfortable for her with specific sizing and builds for women. My girlfriend uses a Gregory pack for our mountain treks and is able to carry a fairly heavy load with no problems to her back (including a persisting injury), shoulders or hips. They're priced fairly well, especially if you have access to Promotive, and are lightweight, well built (for women too) and have all the right padding in all the right places. Not tacticool or anything, but they certainly do the deed.