Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

[rrflyer]

I'm looking for a good all around pack for bow/rifle hunting.


I was looking at the Eberlestock X3.

I do some hunting on public land that ends up requiring a lot of walking about and itd be nice not to have to carry everything in your hands when its not needed.

Anyone got anything better?

 

[Gunfighter25]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

Don't know that it's better but I use a Eberlestock X1A1. It's already configured for bow carry with a quick release. It'll also hold my Rem 700 with scope at the same time along with binos, spotting scope, tripod, food and stuff for overnight. I've got the large pouch for the Steiners and the small pouch for the rangefinder mounted on the waist belt for quick access. All the other impedimentia goes in the main bag. There are small pouches on the back which keeps the bow from swinging out that I use for extra ammo or small stuff I won't need until I stop to drop the bag.

Haven't snagged on brush or vines and the pack has a brushed soft finish which keeps everything quiet. Check out the video on the Eberlestock website.

 

[Fisky]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

My vote would be for the Blue Widow!!!

Had the X3, it's a nice day pack for rifle hunting or range stuff, but I liked the Blue Widow much better. Since you want to carry a bow around too, I'd absolutely go with the Blue Widow over the Lo Drag. The compression straps on the BW make it super easy and quick to attach/detach a bow. It carries a spotter on a tripod no problem under the flaps, so you can access that fairly quick too. Also, you can get a rifle scabbard for that pack that works pretty decent too. It's very versatile. Check out the video on Eberle's website.

 

[elk addict]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

If i wear a pack for archery season, I tend to favor a big ass fanny pack. They don't interfere with your draw nearly as much. They also won't snag on brush much. you can find fanny packs with shoulder straps that will carry plenty for day hunts & they're usually not too spendy.
I always keep a big pack (or at least a frame) at the truck for packing out quarters, but big packs are a big pain when I'm trying to get ahead of a herd of elk.
One very important thing- whatever pack you get, shoot every day with it loaded. Your anchor point will change.

 

[Mirnyx]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

Mystery Ranch crew cab. It can be small enough for day hunts and large enough for 21 day hunts. I've packed out moose quarters, elk quarters, and an entire brown bear cape in mine. It's the best carrying pack I've had.

 

[elk addict]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

Lol- I still use an old Dana for rifle hunting after the snow flies. Mystery ranch packs can haul big loads for sure (hard to fling arrows with one on though)

 

[Hookturnr]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

I have an eberlestock x1a1 that I use in rifle seasons and a Badlands hybrid that I use for archery, both awesome packs but the badlands works much better with my bow and quiver etc. in archery and the eberlestock is a natural with the rifle scabbard. I've tried both in both seasons several times and it just shook out this way for me. Make sure you check out the Badlands packs, great gear, great warranty. Not knocking the Eberlestock, just have very positive views of both..

 

[Sowastrong Industries]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

Blue Widow. Been using one for 2 seasons elk hunting bivy style to day trip deer hunts. Rifle or bow. Compresses down very nicely for bush wacking in north Idaho jungles. Opens up for hauling quarters and gear damn well; why waste a trip going for a packboard?. Slim shoulder harness has never affected my ability to shoot rifle/bow. Besides, gotta support a badass Idaho company!

 

[bassani]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

I like those eberlestock packs

 

[Mirnyx]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: elk addict</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lol- I still use an old Dana for rifle hunting after the snow flies. Mystery ranch packs can haul big loads for sure (hard to fling arrows with one on though) </div></div>

Sure, you want to drop the pack if possible but I've managed to let the air out of a few critters wearing my crew cab.

 

[kill_goose]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

Im a big fan of the Blue Widow. One of the more versatile packs ive used.

Just about anything from Badlands, Eberlestock, Mystery Ranch, or Kuiu will work well. Biggest thing is finding one that fits YOU well. I know Eberlestock packs can be tough to get a great fit for longer torso guys. My torso is right around 21" and thats about the max for Eberlestock packs. The load lifters become pretty much non-functional for longer torsos. And you DONT want useless load lifters if youre carrying any heavy loads.

Packs have come a LONG way from the old ALICE packs and similar styles. I cant believe I ever carried anything in those things. They should make Gitmo prisoners carry 50 lbs around in em, now THAT would be torture.





<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mirnyx</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mystery Ranch crew cab. It can be small enough for day hunts and large enough for 21 day hunts. I've packed out moose quarters, elk quarters, and an entire brown bear cape in mine. It's the best carrying pack I've had. </div></div>

Hows the frame?

Ive heard some horror stories about it squeeking quite badly.

 

[FN in MT]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

Take a look at the KIFARU site.

 

[Dynamic Response]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

That Eberlestock is hard to beat. I would go with the Gunslinger or the Phantom.

If you dont carry a lot of gear and just need something to hold rifle, optics, ammo and other little stuff check out the Voodoo Tactical 2 rifle case. It has back pack straps and holds 2 rifles and small odds and ends. They are around $100

 

[Glen Seekins]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

I have collected a few packs over the years and stopped when I found mystery ranch. They are very well made, comfortable and made in the us. They aren't cheap but well worth it. They have a bunch to choose from. I have a longbow with the nice frame. After you buy a frame you can swap out the packs for another.

Eberlestock and badlands both make good packs too and I hav e used or owned many of them. Defiantly not a bad choice

 

[VKC]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

I have a eberlestock dragonfly and X2...great packs.

 

[Mirnyx]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kill_goose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Hows the frame?

Ive heard some horror stories about it squeeking quite badly. </div></div>

I have two nice frames, the standard and a beefed up version for extreme weight. No problems with either of mine.

 

[Mirnyx]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

I'm surprised at how many people like the Badlands packs. I had one before switching to Arcteryx and Mystery Ranch packs. They're brutal if you have to carry anything over 25lbs.

 

[Fisky]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mirnyx</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm surprised at how many people like the Badlands packs. I had one before switching to Arcteryx and Mystery Ranch packs. They're brutal if you have to carry anything over 25lbs. </div></div>

I have the Superday and I loved it right up until the point I had to pack out a deer with it last year. That pack was certainly not designed to haul a load. Think I ordered that Blue Widow a couple weeks after I got home. Haven't had anything dead in it yet but carried a decent load during rifle season last year and it's MUCH better than my Badlands Superday.

 

[1911fan]

Re: Backpack for bow/rifle hunting

Also check out the Nimrod pack system. Basically it's a <span style="text-decoration: line-through">big</span> giant fanny pack with an excellent suspension harness, until you need to pack meat. Then you pull out the game bag, which rides in the cargo compartment folded flat. Install the two aluminum frame bars, clip the bag onto the harness, put half an elk in it and go. Made here in the USA about a quarter mile from where I'm sitting by great folks.
I've got the older (15 years?) version of this: Pinnacle Day Pack and have abused it for years. They make rifle & bow attachment stuff too.


1911fan