Backpack + frame/Backpacking pup tent

[TheObserver]

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!!

[Treed]

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.

[Bustercluck]

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.

[TheObserver]

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.

Thanks man! Where is great west?

[Bustercluck]

Thanks man! Where is great west?

Sorry, great north precision.

[Ron.C]

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/

[TheObserver]

but at the end of the day, you don't know until you get weight it in and hit the trail.[/URL]

That's just it! Why I don't want to buy it online straight from the company.

Right now I usually use a safari sling, good for quick shots but it can be a pain on the shoulder if your on your feet all day

[Harvest the Land]

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

[TheObserver]

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

I definitely need waterproof, I see some of those bags to put over your pack. But if they got really good waterproof ones I shouldn't need to make the additional purchase and carry that extra bag to put over pack, but we hunt some pretty brutal rain so idk if the most waterproof packs out there can stand up to Blacktail torrential downpour?

[Elkaddict]

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.