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Thread: Backpack + frame/Backpacking pup tent

  1. #1
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    Sep 2021
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    Backpack + frame/Backpacking pup tent

    Hey guys,

    First I just want to thank everyone that chimed in on my last post here about Boots, got really good recommendations and got some in mind i'll be trying on in the new year for next year.

    There are 3 things I have to buy next year before scouting or hunting season, boots (+ cramp ons or microspikes), a new backpack+frame, and a good backpacking tent.

    What would you guys recommend for backpack? It would be nice to have one that you can just attatch to the frame for a day, then one if you wanted to stay back there for a week and somewhere I could attatch my Bow/Gun to so I don't have to hold it the whole time. I was thinking of stone glacier, mystery ranch or kaifaru. I know this is something a guy can't afford to cheap out on.

    Then hard core backpacking tents, I really haven't looked into this one much yet but don't mind paying for top quality, waterproof of course and really durable.

    If you guys got any recommendations and first hand experience and can let me know I would appreciate it!!
    Last edited by TheObserver; 12-02-2022 at 10:23 PM.

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    1,009

    Re: Backpack + frame/Backpacking pup tent

    Check out Durston Tents. He’s a Canadian. It’s a bit of a wait to get one but the reviews are fantastic. I run a Mystery ranch metcalf. It’s got a load shelf, which is nice. Means I can get a mulie out in one trip. Great pack and you can swap out the bag in five minutes and just go with a load shelf. Kifaru gun bearer is also great. Hands free and faster to get up to the shoulder than most of the others.
    Your asking in the wrong place. This is the tinfoil hat capital of the internet

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Posts
    5,000

    Re: Backpack + frame/Backpacking pup tent

    On the bag.

    I use a mystery ranch Marshall with guide lite frame. One thing I’ll say about this bag is it gets more comfortable with the more weight I put in it, up to a limit. but empty it seems to ride high and not very comfortable. It’s designed to pack heavy loads and that’s what it does best. They tend to be on sale quite often too and might be on sale at great west right now.

    There’s more but I have to go to work for a brief bit.
    Last edited by Bustercluck; 12-03-2022 at 02:18 AM.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Posts
    4,368

    Re: Backpack + frame/Backpacking pup tent

    I now use a mystery ranch 60L Selway, has the guide light MT frame. I went by MR guidlines for pack fit but have already switched to a shorter yoke and smaller waste belt. Fits great now and no issues with it when I packed out a blacktail. I also have the daypack lid, snaps on/off in seconds, adds another 10L if I need it.

    I loaded all my gear in it for a 7 day backpack goat hunt and I have room to spare and everything secures down nice. It is however a (strappy) pack pag. But once your gear is in it and you adjust the strap keepers to suit your load, its not an issue.

    All that said, I didn't have access to very many different packs. If you do, try them all.
    I would of liked to try on a few different packs but at the end of the day, you don't know until you get weight it in and hit the trail.

    I used a North Face Rock 22 Tent for years but have switched to an MSR Hubba Hubba. Definitely not top of the line or the lightest option but a good tent. I prefer freestanding and often leave the tent body home and just the fly/footprint when I want to really trim weight. Huge amount of room when running like this.

    For rifle carry, I use a Slick Sling. Love it! https://greatnorthprecision.com/prod...-slik-sling-5/
    Last edited by Ron.C; 12-02-2022 at 09:02 PM.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
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    Re: Backpack + frame/Backpacking pup tent

    For a pack SG all the way. You don't even have to think twice about it, it really is that easy of a decision. Lightest pack on the market. Low profile, but can definitely expand quite a bit (I've got the Sky 5900) and easy to load meat. Definitely the most comfortable I've ever worn and I think you hunt like I do (lots of hiking/walking up and down hills chasing blacktails), you might also appreciate something that's waterproof (or pretty close to it). No brainer

    The only backpacking tent I have experience with is a Hilleberg. Very good tents but not the cheapest
    "It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority." - Benjamin Franklin

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  7. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    East Koots
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    1,426

    Re: Backpack + frame/Backpacking pup tent

    Add Seek Outside to your research list. Lightweight (3-45 lbs.,depending on pack) comfortable, waterproof, and versatile (daypack to meat hauler). Much prefer my SO over previous Mystery Ranch and Kifaru packs.
    Last edited by Elkaddict; 12-04-2022 at 12:05 AM.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
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    Golden
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    652

    Re: Backpack + frame/Backpacking pup tent

    I have a Mystery Ranch NICE frame with the Crewcab bag for day hunting and the Metcalf for overnight trips. This pack is rock solid and performs very well under a load. The NICE frame is a fair bit heavier than the guidelite, but I think it is more robust. Most of my hunting partners have mystery ranch packs.
    As far as tents goes, I’m a fan of Luxe tents. I have two of them and they both serve me very well.
    "A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children." John James Audubon

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    Chilliwack
    Posts
    227

    Re: Backpack + frame/Backpacking pup tent

    Check out mindful hunter on YouTube. He’s done extensive reviews/comparisons on packs and tents.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Victoria
    Posts
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    Re: Backpack + frame/Backpacking pup tent

    Real men use the Bull Pac with the Lochsa bag- big $$$ though.

    I have the MSR one person hubba hubba- a very nice tent.
    When in doubt, just pin it.

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Posts
    5,000

    Re: Backpack + frame/Backpacking pup tent

    Tents, I own a few….

    Depends on your needs. A free-standing 3 season tent will cover almost all of your needs, unless you want to run a stove. Depending on where you hunt the free-standing can be more or less important. Buy a 2 man for yourself or a 3 man for two guys. There’s lots of good brands out there, but top quality tents are lightweight and less durable. I’ve had both of my msr (3 man elixir and 2 man hubba) In pretty crummy weather and both stood up well. Most msr tents can be pitched in less than a few minutes and you can just use the fly and groundsheet to lighten the load, or pack the whole tent with bug screen. I find 3 season tents a bit warmer during the night, I’m guessing it’s because of the tub that probably blocks a bit of the breeze.

    Tipi style. Not free-standing. You may have a problem pitching this if there’s no soft ground around to drive a stake into. I can think of a couple times I’ve been in the alpine and had to get the tent up fast and if I’d been packing my cimarron I would’ve been in trouble. Not a huge deal, but you do have to plan where youre sleeping before it’s dark. Ive used this tent quite a bit, but haven’t tested it in extreme wind yet. Lots of floor space and almost enough room to stand. If two guys need to get out of the weather you can hang out very comfortably in a Cimarron making coffee or lunch. Standing up to get changed is a game changer when you wake up with seized legs and can barely move. Tipis have problems with dew on the inside, but it’s not a big deal. Some guys can’t get over the idea of spiders and bugs climbing around in their tent while they’re sleeping either.

    If you’re going to own one tent than I’d suggest a 3 season free-standing. Once you start backpack hunting you’ll figure out exactly what works and what doesn’t. I haven’t had the same experience as others with my luxe tent. Other guys seem to like them, but you should know they don’t honour any warranty so you’re stuck repairing it if anything goes wrong. I really don’t like fiddling with stuff and trying to tweak things when I’m in the backcountry, I just want my stuff to work and not fail me. The last thing you want to be dealing with is a shitty tent or backpack when you’re days away from your truck.

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