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The Perfect Pack

bowhunter1023

bowhunter1023

Owner/Operator
Staff member
48,916
274
Appalachia
I've been obsessed with packs since I was a kid. I like to do back dumps and reorganize them, and I have a multitude of packs with specific applications. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about Gameplan Gear and how well they did before selling out to XOP. They were on the right track, but needed some more R&D to perfect they best deer hunting packs on the market. I'm yet to see the perfect pack and have dreams of designing that very pack and becoming a millamolinaire. 😂

Anyways, what's the best pack you've ever own for an all day deer hunt? What features are a must? What don't you see in most mass market packs that you'd like to have in your current pack?

The biggest thing for me right now, which the First Lite Transfer Pack hits on, is synergy between a stand/sticks and a pack that will support an all day sit in cold temps. Because I walk in practically naked, I need to carry 2-3 layers. I'll have lunch, a thermos of coffee, and all the other shit I haul on a regular deer hunt. My main day pack is a Gameplan Gear Full Rut pack and it's really one of the best packs of all time. However, it's hot (doesn't breathe well) and is hard to strap over my sticks and stand, so I carry it on my chest.
 
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jagermeister

jagermeister

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
18,082
223
Ohio
For the last couple of years, my go-to pack has been the Sitka Tool Belt. It comes with shoulder straps that are removable, and meant to assist with packing in extra layers, but I don’t use them. I simply wear it around my waist. Admittedly, it is a minimalist style pack. It gives me room for the bare essentials, and that’s it. Knife, rubber gloves, a couple grunt calls, bow hoist, rangefinder, yeti rambler for coffee, and a bit more space for chew and a sammich. I can also tuck a set of rattling antlers into it when needed. I have pulled many all-day sits while using this pack, however I do obviously have to pick and choose what I take to the woods. The small size works for me because I tend to carry more gear than I need to when I use larger packs… and that extra weight is no bueno. If I’m packing a stand and sticks into a spot, the stand goes on my back and the Tool Belt spins around to the front of my torso instead of the back. The Fanny pack style is nice because I can easily wear it as I ascend and descend a tree, all the while being able to access things from the pockets if need be. The main downfall is the inability of this pack to accommodate multiple layers of outerwear.

The Gameplan Gear Full Rut, in my opinion, is one of the best all day packs ever made. It is a bit bulky and it is hot to wear… totally agree with that. But the layout and pockets are very well thought out and very functional. My favorite thing about that pack is the cinch straps on the outside. Those straps are absolutely perfect for binding down and packing in extra layers of clothing. I’ve even used them to pack in extra climbing sticks. It’s a great system.
 
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LonewolfNopack

Junior Member
1,505
127
The woods
I use the serious hunters knapsack from heater body suit. Its designed to carry their suit, but I use it regardless. I love the huge main compartment, and the other 3 big compartments as well. Im not really into the packs where there are 15 pockets made for a specific purpose. I like to carry a bunch of shit in to stay comfortable and this is the perfect pack for it.
 

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LonewolfNopack

Junior Member
1,505
127
The woods
Before I switched to the above pack this year, I used a pack made by Rocky that I bought at their direct store in Nelsonville 15 years ago. Its beat to hell but still functional. That thing could tell some stories. Almost all my camo, gear etc is old.
 
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Concordmeadowsfarm

Concordmeadowsfarm

Junior Member
360
91
SE Ohio
Have Alps Big Bear. Like the accessories(Turkey call set up) binocular set is junk- made my one that attaches to the clips- works great. Expandable pack for layers, etc. And attaches to climber or hang on stand for hiking in. Has plenty of accessory clips. Other pack I considered strongly but haven’t jumped $$ wise is the LL Bean Maine Warden pack. Looked at and really like.
 
giles

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
44,789
228
The real Amish country
tacticalgear.com

Condor 3-Day Assault Pack | Tactical Gear Superstore | TacticalGear.com

The high functionality and easy accessibility of the Condor 3-Day Assault Pack make it an ideal combat companion. Made from durable nylon, the exterior boasts massive amounts of modular webbing for attachments. Have to carry heavy loads for long distances? It's no problem for this pack. The...
tacticalgear.com tacticalgear.com

I also have this one
 
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hickslawns

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
39,772
248
Ohio
You are all a bunch of subliminal-spend-Phil's-money-message-sending-sons-a-guns.

Yeah. My $2 flea market bookbag type backpack has been a little small lately. Now you all have me falling down the rabbit hole of pack shopping. Not sure if I should cuss you and thank you guys. 🤪
 
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Hedgelj

Hedgelj

Senior Member
Supporting Member
7,190
178
Mohicanish
This one is my go to except when I have my younger kids OR a ton of layers to schlep around.

milspecmonkey.com

MSM Adapt Pack

NOTE! Latest 2022 batch includes updates of double slider zippers on front compartment and loop on front side main compartment interior.The MSM Adapt Pack is our first pack design in collaboration with Tactical Tailor. The general design concept to be a lightweight pack that is ready for...
milspecmonkey.com milspecmonkey.com

It's perfect for most of what i carry until it gets truly cold.

Then I use this one is almost double the capacity.

sandpiperca.com

Bugout® Bag - Coyote Brown

Our flagship product line, with well over 1 million units sold since its 1998 introduction. Rugged construction and quality materials for dependability. Design features for convenience, comfort and organization. Versatility is what sustains the Bugout® Bags popularity. Great for business...
sandpiperca.com sandpiperca.com
 
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Bigcountry40

Bigcountry40

Member
4,577
127
Durable and cheap, available on Amazon for 40.00, I would compare in to any cabelas pack that is same size m, only a quarter of the price. If I want to upgrade I’ll make my boys use it
 

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