deserthntr Report post Posted July 4, 2011 im getting ancy for hunting season and already have my pack all set up for anything i need, all i need is my camo's and pack. i already have my rifle in the scabbard and bullets in the top compartment, archery all i need to do is pull those 2 things out and am ready to rock and roll. but my pack is the j105, and i love it. it hauls everything i need plus some. so post up your go to pack and why you like it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted July 4, 2011 I like to go light on day hunts, so my go-to pack is the Cabela's Hybrid 2-in-1. I like a big fanny pack with a shoulder harness. I can carry 15x56 binos (10s around my torso on a harness), a slik sprint tripod, a stool, all my field-dressing equipment, food, water, flashlights, layering clothes, emergency gear and even some basic things like electrical tape, knife sharpener, wet wipes, and still not have a big, hot pack on my shoulders. Totally loaded, it's still almost like not having a backpack on at all. I've got a J105, and think it's a good pack, but usually I only go to that pack if I'm turkey hunting and hauling around a double bull blind. When I bought it, I thought it would become my "go-to" pack, but the way I hunt, it's overkill. If I get something down way back in, I'll bone it out and hang it and go in with my J105 to get it. I'm doing a pack-in hunt in NM this year that will require a real backpack. The last time I did it, my "decent" full sized backpack almost broke trying to carry out a deer plus all my backpack hunting stuff - a tent, sleeping bag, stove, ground pad, clothes, food, muzzle-loading stuff, a very heavy muzzle loader, water, etc. So I just bought a Lowe Alpine Saracen pack from Sierra Trading Post. This is a military-grade pack (Dutch Special forces if I remember correctly) that is similar in construction to a Kifaru or Kuiu pack. It's heavy at 9 pounds empty, but tough as nails. When I bought mine, it was marked down from $460 to $249, but now they're $199. For a super-duty pack (5,492 cubic inches) capable of handling really big loads in excess of 100 pounds if needed, this thing is a steal. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/311,2154N_Lowe-Alpine-Saracen-Military-Backpack-Internal-Frame.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
afmalinois Report post Posted July 4, 2011 My go to everyday pack is my Badlands 2200. I bought it right after I moved to Az and have beat the heck out of it. Great pack! I use it now for getting ready for my deployments since it is better than the packs that the AF wants to give us. I load it with about 35lbs of gear, hook my pooch up to the waist belt with a D ring and hit the road. I'm looking at the Mystery Ranch for my "replacement"...not that it need replaced but I had to find something to tell the old lady when she give me crap about having too many packs. I truly believe that if you spend the money on a good pack, it is money well spent. I like everyone else have bought numerous inferior 35-100 dollar packs only to get disappointed and throw it in the pile in the garage. Pay the bucks, once you get over the sticker shock you will be happy with a bag that will last you a long time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oz31p Report post Posted July 4, 2011 I took a j 105 on last years deer hunt. Its a greast pack but I cat get it adjusted correctly for me. So mid hunt I switched to a cabelas alascan guild frame pack with a 1800cc cabelas day pack straped on. As for my rifle I use a eberlystock scabard straped on aswell. It super comfy and it very modular so when I do need to strap a deer on I can reconfigue it on the fly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
youngbuck Report post Posted July 4, 2011 Ebelestock gunslinger. It has a big main compartment foe elk quarters or other big pieces. It holds my rifle with bipod with no issues. I can haul 2 tripods if I don't have a rifle for a spotter or video. It fits me well andit doesn't hurt my back. It isn't as big as the j series pack, but holds plenty. I also have a badlands 2200 and an external frame pack. I pretty much beer use either. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thewileyone Report post Posted July 5, 2011 Eberlestock Blue Widow... at the time didn't think that I wanted a scabbard but now wish that I had gotten the dragonfly. Most of my stuff lives in the pack. Tripod and 15x binos stay with the pack 99% of the time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CUZTAIL Report post Posted July 5, 2011 It would be my sweet Eberly Dragonfly. Scabbard, detachable fanny w/hydration, holds tripod, spotting scope,and 1 very large boned out mulley. I slammed a buckle in the truck door, Eberlestock had me a new 1(free) before the next weeks hunt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deserthntr Report post Posted July 5, 2011 cant beat their service thats for sure. i packed out 2 javelina and an elk this year with my eberlestock. no deer unfortunately. but this year i plan on packing out a bear, an elk, and a deer, cant wait to try it out backcountry style in idaho for elk. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DesertBull Report post Posted July 5, 2011 J104 When you have it all zipped up and straps tightened, it's smaller than my Badlands daypack. I've used it as carry on for several flights and it fits in the overhead just fine. A few quick adjustments and it's a full sized meat hauler. I need to send it in to Eberlestock and get some stitching and a buckle replaced but I've had it for at least 6 or maybe 7 years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Curtis Reed Report post Posted July 5, 2011 I use a badlands 2200. i love my pack Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
youngbuck Report post Posted July 6, 2011 Eberlestock is top notch in customer service. All they ask for with a broken buckles is a model and an address. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
