So you want a backpack for PRS/NRL

Haven’t watched yet, but I am always out for a good bag. Subbed to your channel.

How do you like these versus say a duffle type bag for range use. Currently use a duffel style 5.11 patrol bag but am considering switching to a backpack and using the 5.11 for a gym bag (where I know I want to get a duffle over my current backpack).
 
Haven’t watched yet, but I am always out for a good bag. Subbed to your channel.

How do you like these versus say a duffle type bag for range use. Currently use a duffel style 5.11 patrol bag but am considering switching to a backpack and using the 5.11 for a gym bag (where I know I want to get a duffle over my current backpack).

i actually have the Eberlestock range duffel that I used to use, but honestly my range gear doesn’t change much from standard PRS gear so just having a backpack I can grab and go made it a lot easier.
And really appreciate the sub! It helps combat the YouTube anti gunners.
 
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Thanks for the video. Kind of talked me out of the Up Ranger.

I try to get the heavy stuff like my Schmedium and Ammo towards the middle of the bag rather than the bottom since most backpackers that I know suggest running the lightest gear at the bottom and the heavier stuff in the middle and medium weight at the top. Usually run rain gear and/or down jacket at the bottom.
 
Thanks for the video. Kind of talked me out of the Up Ranger.

I try to get the heavy stuff like my Schmedium and Ammo towards the middle of the bag rather than the bottom since most backpackers that I know suggest running the lightest gear at the bottom and the heavier stuff in the middle and medium weight at the top. Usually run rain gear and/or down jacket at the bottom.

thanks for the watch! Yea I do like it for range/local stuff but for traveling to a 2day where I usually fly it may be a little restrictive if I need to bring extras. I’m still using it currently and may try to mess with it a little more. Also, technically by airline specs it’s too large for a carry-on. And since it’s got a hard shell that can’t be compressed you can’t even sorta “make it fit.”

that being said on all the flights I’ve taken to matches, I’ve never been asked to measure my backpack 🤷‍♂️
 
My favorite is still an MR 3DAP but they've kind of priced themselves out of future consideration. Manufacturing some stuff overseas didn't help.

I have a Kifaru X-Ray that's nice but doesn't handle weight very well
 
My favorite is still an MR 3DAP but they've kind of priced themselves out of future consideration. Manufacturing some stuff overseas didn't help.

I have a Kifaru X-Ray that's nice but doesn't handle weight very well

yea I’ve wanted to try a 3dap but I’ve got a pintler I use for hunting. The packs interior wise look pretty similar that I’m not sure I’d gain a lot. Eberlestock packs certainly don’t carry a lot of weight very well for far distances so it’s not something I’d take to a team match, but from stage to stage at your typical match they work just fine.
 
yea I’ve wanted to try a 3dap but I’ve got a pintler I use for hunting. The packs interior wise look pretty similar that I’m not sure I’d gain a lot. Eberlestock packs certainly don’t carry a lot of weight very well for far distances so it’s not something I’d take to a team match, but from stage to stage at your typical match they work just fine.
What pack would you recommend for a team match? I’m looking for something to work for a team match and for classes. I’d think some of these would overlap but I would like some comfort.
 
Well it would really depend on the weight of the rifle you want to carry but for something around 16lbs or less I really like a kifaru frame pack with the Sherman pocket. That’s what I use for hunting currently and have hunted with multiple 16lbs rifles. I think a 22mag kifaru with a Sherman pocket would be perfect.

eberlestock, as much as I love their pack layouts and designs (my favorites tbh), they really suck at carrying a lot of weight. Their load lifters are basically non existent and the shoulder straps are pretty thin.
If you were to take a very light rifle like 12lbs or under, and your total pack weight isn’t above say 40ish lbs I think the Eberlestock’s could carry OK. I like the phantom or gunslinger packs in those situations.
 
I got to agree on eberlestock, I’ve carried the gunslinger 2 with 60-70# and it carried well for me. That’s training for mammoth and soon to be at the match. It’s also small enough I can carry it for PRS matches. It’s gonna have extra space for a match but it would also carry my spotting scope and tripod for a match like involves more walking than a box range match.

Not here to sell their packs but many people have carried eberlestock packs with heavy weight over miles.

Weight in a pack is like boots. Even with a lot of adjustments available one pack may just not work. The mystery ranch beartooth did not work for me, tried and tried but that thing hurt my armpits. This from a guy who carried nothing but a Alice pack for decades so I know how a poor fitted pack feels after long ruck.

For team matches I would encourage competitors train with a few packs and don’t hesitate to just use a Kelly or other civilian pack. Guns can be run crossed the top and you’re not jumping the pack or heading into nasty terrain. So you really don’t need heavy duty fabric and quadruple stitching.
 
Helpful video! Actually helps me with market research. I have seen lots worse, lol.

Guys, I am working on a project, to see if there is a pack design I can make for matches. I am at the early stages of design. I have one proof of concept bag started on the machines, toying with a couple thoughts and working out the technical way to sew up one specific portion of the bag for glass, bags, etc. for quick access. Its different than anything else I have seen.

I have a few ideas from a full pack and frame system, to just a bag to mount on existing frame systems like Kuiu, Kifaru, Stone Glacier, etc.

I don't want to just copy what is out there, I want specific and better designs. The tweaks that are significant enough to make the switch.

I have been sewing my own stuff for years, and making my own gear. I have been making shooting bags for a few years and have decided to expand. I love the business, so do what you love and you never work a day in your life, right?

www.thunderbirdlongrange.com is the company, and I am a new commercial supporter of Sniper's Hide.

I love back country hunting and shooting matches, so this is on my mind. I am launching new lines and developing new products right now.

If you feel like giving me ideas, feel free to PM me. If you have a pack frame system, I am also looking to borrow some to measure. Your help would be repaid.

Stephen
 
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I use a backpack work gave me on my first day... almost perfect design for PRS aside from having a literal cubby section like some range bags.
 
I'm running a Shape Charge right now & really like it. FYI, Kifaru has updated the pack since the model you have... Got the handle straightened out & there's another one on the bottom so you can easily chuck it into the truck. Both internal pockets are zippered now, but other than that the pack is largely the same.

I was actually looking for something with limited internal organization because I always seem to fight with it... This has enough for my small items that are easy to lose (batteries, lens cloth, Fix It Sticks, etc.) but my bigger stuff I just Tetris into the main compartment. Works for me, but obviously not everyone's gonna be into it.

Good video though, dude... And I noticed no 'fuckins', haha!