Very soon, our new site will begin to write hunting backpack reviews for packs that we believe are worth considering when choosing your next pack. We will be judging each pack by the criteria outlined in this article.
When it comes to hunting packs, there are as many opinions as there are packs available. Everyone wants a particular size and pockets in just the right size in just the right place. But you can only carry one pack at time! So what features and benefits should you consider important if you could only own one pack to hunt everything in the west? We have developed this list of criteria by which we will judge all packs. Of course, we reserve the right to change our minds if some company comes along and redefines the market. Here you go:
Carrying Capacity: What is the perfect amount of space for a big game hunt? After interviewing dozens of experts we have come to the conclusion that a pack must be able to handle 4500 cubic inches for a five-day bivy, but not be a sloppy mess if you are only carrying about 2000 cu in of gear on a day hunt. Though we have heard stories of guys loading up to 200lbs of elk quarters and hiking back to camp, I think we can all agree that is a little extreme. In our opinion, a pack should be able to carry a minimum of 150lbs without busting out at the seams. Whether you can pack that weight or not is another story, but it would be nice to know that your pack can.
Suspension System: The suspension system must be sturdy enough to handle the 150 lbs carrying capacity, while comfortably shifting the weight off your shoulders to the hip belt. The suspension needs to be adjustable to fit a wide variety of human torsos. Seriously, look around you, there is a lot more variations in size of the upper body than there are shoe sizes. Yet, even a cheap shoe store will stock a dozen sizes of a single shoe style and your typical big box sporting goods store will have a wall full of jumbled packs without any sizing marks at all. So check it out, confirm that the hip belt can be moved up and down, in and out. The same goes for the shoulder suspension system, you have to have the ability to make adjustments.
Weapon Carrying System: Ten years ago this we were not even talking about weapon carrying systems. Back then we thought a “J” hook duct taped to the frame to hang the sling on to was a cool idea. Times have changed. Today you better have a well thought out carrying system for both bow and rifle or you just are not in the game, and for good reason. When you are traversing a talus slope, scrambling up through a rock face or poling your way up a mountain, you need both of your hands-frees. Besides if you are not getting ready to shoot your rifle, it is always more protected in a carrying system on your back instead of constantly slipping off your shoulder and smacking hard ground. Last but not least, when you rifle is in a pack it is, by default, always pointed in a safe direction.
Durability: You want to know what depressing is; try having a pack strap rip out on the first load of elk meat going back to the truck! Durability is beyond critical, you have to be able to depend on your pack to get you and your gear in and out (hopefully with the extra burden of meat). This is a broad requirement that applies to all the materials in a pack from the buckles, to the straps, to the bag material itself.
Frame type: Basically what we are talking about here is the difference between and internal frame and an external frame. 20 years ago external frames ruled the world, but then the internal frame came along and offered a more flexible fit with the load riding closer to the hunters back. Recently there are a few external frame packs that have come along to challenge the rule of the internal frame monarchy.
Convenience/ pocket and creature benefits: Once you have a pack that can handle a load, now it needs to help organize that load. The location and size of pockets are a personal preference but there are some absolutes when it comes to western big game hunting. Like, can you get to your tripod fast, where is your GPS when you need it, how about your flashlight?
Remember we are talking about hunting packs here. We don’t give a crap how cute the color schemes might be or the fact that the straps match the buckles. It needs to carry a load to start the day… and hopefully it is heavier on the way back.
When it comes to hunting packs, there are as many opinions as there are packs available. Everyone wants a particular size and pockets in just the right size in just the right place. But you can only carry one pack at time! So what features and benefits should you consider important if you could only own one pack to hunt everything in the west? We have developed this list of criteria by which we will judge all packs. Of course, we reserve the right to change our minds if some company comes along and redefines the market. Here you go:
Carrying Capacity: What is the perfect amount of space for a big game hunt? After interviewing dozens of experts we have come to the conclusion that a pack must be able to handle 4500 cubic inches for a five-day bivy, but not be a sloppy mess if you are only carrying about 2000 cu in of gear on a day hunt. Though we have heard stories of guys loading up to 200lbs of elk quarters and hiking back to camp, I think we can all agree that is a little extreme. In our opinion, a pack should be able to carry a minimum of 150lbs without busting out at the seams. Whether you can pack that weight or not is another story, but it would be nice to know that your pack can.
Suspension System: The suspension system must be sturdy enough to handle the 150 lbs carrying capacity, while comfortably shifting the weight off your shoulders to the hip belt. The suspension needs to be adjustable to fit a wide variety of human torsos. Seriously, look around you, there is a lot more variations in size of the upper body than there are shoe sizes. Yet, even a cheap shoe store will stock a dozen sizes of a single shoe style and your typical big box sporting goods store will have a wall full of jumbled packs without any sizing marks at all. So check it out, confirm that the hip belt can be moved up and down, in and out. The same goes for the shoulder suspension system, you have to have the ability to make adjustments.
Weapon Carrying System: Ten years ago this we were not even talking about weapon carrying systems. Back then we thought a “J” hook duct taped to the frame to hang the sling on to was a cool idea. Times have changed. Today you better have a well thought out carrying system for both bow and rifle or you just are not in the game, and for good reason. When you are traversing a talus slope, scrambling up through a rock face or poling your way up a mountain, you need both of your hands-frees. Besides if you are not getting ready to shoot your rifle, it is always more protected in a carrying system on your back instead of constantly slipping off your shoulder and smacking hard ground. Last but not least, when you rifle is in a pack it is, by default, always pointed in a safe direction.
Durability: You want to know what depressing is; try having a pack strap rip out on the first load of elk meat going back to the truck! Durability is beyond critical, you have to be able to depend on your pack to get you and your gear in and out (hopefully with the extra burden of meat). This is a broad requirement that applies to all the materials in a pack from the buckles, to the straps, to the bag material itself.
Frame type: Basically what we are talking about here is the difference between and internal frame and an external frame. 20 years ago external frames ruled the world, but then the internal frame came along and offered a more flexible fit with the load riding closer to the hunters back. Recently there are a few external frame packs that have come along to challenge the rule of the internal frame monarchy.
Convenience/ pocket and creature benefits: Once you have a pack that can handle a load, now it needs to help organize that load. The location and size of pockets are a personal preference but there are some absolutes when it comes to western big game hunting. Like, can you get to your tripod fast, where is your GPS when you need it, how about your flashlight?
Remember we are talking about hunting packs here. We don’t give a crap how cute the color schemes might be or the fact that the straps match the buckles. It needs to carry a load to start the day… and hopefully it is heavier on the way back.
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