Backpack Upgrade

[sierrasoloist]

Matt,

I spend a lot of time hunting and backpacking and have bought quite a few packs over the years. I own a Schuh pack and it does an OK job but as with most external frame packs it lacks comfort and adjustment. It isn't that heavy and you can certainly tie a bunch of stuff on it. I've used it a few times on week long trips into the backcountry and it preformed well but I was never very comfortable carrying it. I also own a badlands 2200 which is great for a couple of nights out but lacks the size you would need to go much longer than that. It comes with a great warranty, life time no questions asked, it is comfortable to wear and fully adjustable. I am looking close at the new Jim Horn signature packs especially the Alaskan (www.elkhornhuntgear.com). At 4000 cubic inches it would carry all you would need for a week and it is quite a bit cheaper than the badlands. Hope this helps.

Sierrasoloist

 

[Backcountry]

Originally posted by sierrasoloist@Jul 28 2004, 12:43 PM
I am looking close at the new Jim Horn signature packs especially the Alaskan (www.elkhornhuntgear.com). At 4000 cubic inches it would carry all you would need for a week and it is quite a bit cheaper than the badlands.

Quite a bit cheaper? I should say so!!! These are on sale right now for $129.00! That seems like an outstanding deal; however, the website doesn't say what the pack weighs, nor does it say anything about the frame/suspension system. It's hard to tell from the one picture if the waistbelt is well-padded and how adjustable the pack is for torso length (two critical features). Obviously, there is no external frame, but does the pack have in internal frame made of thin aluminum stays or contoured plastic sheet, or is there nothing at all? They will sell more packs if they produce a more-informative website. Until then, I'll keep my eyes open for them at sports shows as from the limited information on the website I'm interested in learning more.

Backcountry

 

[Orygun]

Originally posted by BOWUNTR@Jul 16 2004, 03:56 PM
They may not be able to serve you but I heard that it's possible to have cold ones and a juicy ribeye in the high country! I'm looking into it. Ed F

Dairy goat farms. Billy goats are pretty bad at producing milk, so the dairy usually sell them after they are weaned. There are also a number of pack goat breeders. I think you can get a dairy goat cheaper. Mr. Google can point you to pack goat sites. they are a big deal in Oregon. They don't carry a lot, but I believe a couple could carry what you need.

They are easy to train on carry packs. And you don't have to bring much in the way of food ass they will eat just about anything. I'm not sure I'd want to be walking lunch on a leash in lion country, CA

 

[SierraExplorer]

I am shopping around for my Christmas presant from the family-

I came across this and it seems to have great reviews also- Has anyone see/had experience with this pack?

http://www.eberlestock.com./J104%20Just%20One.htm

(and I need a new zero bag to go with it- Ebay?)

Thanks,
Dan

 

[firedog]

I have a Nimrod Wilderness Collapsible Pack and really like it. It has plenty of room as a day pack and can be enlarged to haul meat or whatever else. They have a pretty good selection of styles. http://www.nimrodpacks.com/hunt/hunt.html

 

[Backcountry]

Hey there SierraExplorer,

I would be leary of buying any pack sight unseen because they all fit differently. Moreover, you're fairly tall and you want to make sure that the pack you end up with is sized correctly for your torso.

As for sleeping bags, hands down my next backpacking bag is going to be from Big Agnes... the most innovative sleeping bag company in existance, catering to DIY backcountry adventurers, and very reasonably priced when compared to other high-end sleeping bags from the big-name manufacturers (i.e., Marmot, Mountain Hardware, Moonstone, TNF, etc...).

http://www.bigagnes.com/

If you're not planning to do much fast & light backpacking, there are probably other, less technical, and less expensive optionss available... but if you are planning to do a lot of extended backpacking and/or backpack hunting, then the couple pounds you'll save with a top-tier sleep system are worth their weight in gold.

Backcountry

 

[bighorn67]

I just bought the Jim Horn Alaskan and love it. It carries a ton and is fully adjustable to different torso sizes. It has two main compartments with an expandable meat compartment behind, spotting scope sleeve, h20 bladder pocket(a must), side loop straps for coats or mats, bow carrier and either side rifle carrier. It centers all of the weight on the hips. The frame is internal and plastic I think, but seems to support the pack well. I've carried it full on 5 hour hikes with no problem. It is my main pack for all hunting situations. I looked at this one along side the Badlands 2200 and liked it better. I don't think you can go wrong with this pack.

Dave

 

[SierraExplorer]

Thanks Bro's-

When I get the chance I will see what they have in stock at REI- I really need something to hold my rifle- my external frame pack blows in that deptartment

 

[bighorn67]

I checked my Jim Horn pack and it has internal aluminum frame. The meat pocket expands and is HUGE.

Dave

 

[hatchet]

i have the wolf pack main pack, not a single issue yet,warranty for life,cant
go wrong.you dont like it, send it back

carrys the bang stick
extremly secure and well balanced.

 

[easymoney]

Well, this topic can get as personal as what caliber of rifle do you hunt with. There are many good packs out there and most will fill the bill.
I have been a backpacker for most of my 54 years, and a backpack hunter for as long, as well. I use a Schuh pack because it is light, strong, QUIET, and affordable.
If you just want something to carry your beer and chips, then get a internal or external that can haul as much weight as you can bear and don't worry about the plastic and vinyl scraping on leaves and branches. But, if you are backpack hunter get something QUIET, it does make a difference.
Just my two cents...
Backcountry lists some very good sites to checkout...

 

[ozstriker22]

IT'S TIME FOR AN UPDATE

I am looking at the Schuh pack, or one of the Cabela's Alaskan Guide series. But Backcountry made some good points!

So Backcountry, After going on a few hunts, have your opinions remained the same?

Sincerely,

Jesse

 

[SDHNTR]

I take my Badlands 2200 and strap it to my Cabelas Alaskan pack frame. Strap my sleeping bag, pad and tent to the frame and put all my food and knick knacks inside. Then I can set up camp, take the 2200 off the frame and use it as my day pack.

 

[FresnoHunter]

SDHNTR I use the same type of rig, I have a elite scout pack from cabelas is the main diff, but the ideas are the same. Cabelas pack frame is strong and lt wt.
Easily can hadle the load of gear and game that is boned out.

 

[EvBouret]

what about a pack frame, and those lightweight nylon drysacks from cabelas, they weigh not much more than a feather and you can fit a lot of crap in em.

 

[DougH9]

I now use an internal frame pack (Jannd), because they work better for bushwhacking.

I bone out the deer, putting the bare meat right in my pack. I bring a gym bag and rope to hang my camping gear (I do this when out hunting for the day also, so I am carrying essentially and empty pack). When I get home I clean it all up, wash out the pack with dishsoap and hose, then hang to dry. I go back for my camping gear in 2-5 days.

It is taking it's toll on my body (knees, feet & ankles), but some of that was too much bike riding years ago. I like the goat (or mule) idea, have to look into that.

Doug

 

[muskeg]

Barney's packs

Barney's has the best frame ever made.

IMHO

They are spendy at around $500 for frame and pack sack.

But you can just get the frame if you want.

 

[Backcountry]

Real quick (and I mean real quick, because I am out-the-door NOW to go on a backpack hunt on the X8/D5 border).

Yes, I still prefer internal frame packs designed for backpacking, not backpacking and hunting. 90% of hunting packs are too heavy (12 lbs for a pack is real silly) and/or not comfortable enough (for me) and/or too small (I like a ~4500 cu pack). That said, the Kirfaru packs most likely address all those concerns of mine and I'd live to have one, but not for $500.

I noticed Cabelas has a new frame pack model that is being marketed as "lightweight" (I think that means 6 lbs), and that's getting close to an appropriate weight for a pack (my Mountainsmith Spectre weighs 4lb).

By the way, Kirfaru is owned by the same guy that started Mountainsmith.

Happy trails... I'm off like a prom dress to kill my 2nd buck of the summer.

Backcountry

 

[Backcountry]

Originally posted by muskeg@Aug 18 2005, 11:02 AM
Barney's has the best frame ever made.

IMHO

p.p.s. Muskeg, that is a damn fine looking pack... I'm interested... a quick glance at the website didn't tell me what their packs weigh. Any idea on that?

Gotta run, back Tuesday!

Backcountry

 

[easymoney]

As has been stated already, the choices are many and only limited by your budget...