I always hunt from a climber - so rarely am I ever walking without the stand on my back.

My way of carrying things is such that I hang my daypack on my stand, and put the stand on my back. I've got all the buckles and straps of my daypack set precisely to fit my treestand, not my back. It goes on there like a glove.

My old backpack has an external strap system that allows you to lash your bow or an extra coat to the OUTSIDE of the bag. If I've got a load to carry, I strap the bow to the bag, where it's out of sight and out of mind. I've used it a few times, mostly to carry my winter jacket when I'm trying not to sweat.

So I say NAY on the bow harness, and YAY to a backpack with a built-in bow carriage system. That way, if you don't like it - or want to use it - you're not lugging extra stuff or stuck with something totally useless.



Something like this guy.