I'm in need of a better backpack and wanted to get some ideas from others on what they use and what works well? And do you go with camo or a solid color (eg, black)?
All of my hunting is from a pop-up blind, a box blind, or a climbing stand. I'm looking to carry enough gear, food, and water to sustain me for 1 hr. up to the entire day. I'm not packing meat; I'm not hauling a tent or sleeping gear.
My current hunting backpack is a medium-sized ALICE military surplus pack (no frame). It works OK, but is a bit bigger than I really need, lacks organization, and lacks structure. The original ALICE frame is a boat anchor. All of my small items end up in the bottom of the main bag and pockets and the entire bag lays in a heap (makes it difficult to quickly get in and easily grab something). Also, the straps love to twist when I'm putting it on over a heavy coat.
One option that may make life better is add an aftermarket frame (options are available) and add better pack straps to the frame (already have them). This is the benefit of having a pack system that is modular. However, this doesn't solve the organization issue but should give me the frame structure I want and make it more comfy. My original plan for the better straps was to buy the frame mentioned and use it to carry my pop-up blind (pop-up blind on my back, pack with gear for the day on my chest, gun in hand).
The other option is switch to an inexpensive day/3-day pack. I have some Cabela's Bucks and was looking at this pack:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Red-...gclid=CLOsjereztACFcdLDQodMJQPpQ&gclsrc=aw.ds
The attachment loops would allow me to attach other items or pouches if I ever need more capacity. It could still be worn on my chest and would be a big improvement versus the ALICE pack. I have $55 worth of Cabelas Bucks so this would cost me only a few dollars.
This Elberstock would probably be my ideal pack:
https://www.eberlestock.com/Halftrack Backpack.htm
...but it is not affordable. I'm curious to know what others use and like.
Thanks!
All of my hunting is from a pop-up blind, a box blind, or a climbing stand. I'm looking to carry enough gear, food, and water to sustain me for 1 hr. up to the entire day. I'm not packing meat; I'm not hauling a tent or sleeping gear.
My current hunting backpack is a medium-sized ALICE military surplus pack (no frame). It works OK, but is a bit bigger than I really need, lacks organization, and lacks structure. The original ALICE frame is a boat anchor. All of my small items end up in the bottom of the main bag and pockets and the entire bag lays in a heap (makes it difficult to quickly get in and easily grab something). Also, the straps love to twist when I'm putting it on over a heavy coat.
One option that may make life better is add an aftermarket frame (options are available) and add better pack straps to the frame (already have them). This is the benefit of having a pack system that is modular. However, this doesn't solve the organization issue but should give me the frame structure I want and make it more comfy. My original plan for the better straps was to buy the frame mentioned and use it to carry my pop-up blind (pop-up blind on my back, pack with gear for the day on my chest, gun in hand).
The other option is switch to an inexpensive day/3-day pack. I have some Cabela's Bucks and was looking at this pack:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Red-...gclid=CLOsjereztACFcdLDQodMJQPpQ&gclsrc=aw.ds
The attachment loops would allow me to attach other items or pouches if I ever need more capacity. It could still be worn on my chest and would be a big improvement versus the ALICE pack. I have $55 worth of Cabelas Bucks so this would cost me only a few dollars.
This Elberstock would probably be my ideal pack:
https://www.eberlestock.com/Halftrack Backpack.htm
...but it is not affordable. I'm curious to know what others use and like.
Thanks!
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