Hmm, let's see if I can give you an accurate description.

Of course as you already know there is a pretty good picture of it in Cabela's Archery catalog on page 159. Underneath the removeable"padded compression pod" are two velcro straps (the picture shows three. Perhaps the bigger pack has three or the newer versions now have three.) that run horizontal on the back of the pack. These two straps are the ones used to secure the bow or gun to the back of the pack. On the bottom of the pack as you can see by the photo there is a third point of contact, in the form of a strap with a "pocket" attached to the end of said strap that fits over the cam or gun stock to keep either from sliding down. While I have not used it for a gun, it has held my bow in place just fine, freeing my hands up in case I had to climb, carry a stand, or some other needed accessories. I find myself disconnecting the "pod" and using the velcro straps (on the back of the main pack) to carry my rattling antlers to and from my stand during whitetail hunts. In cold weather it will hold a lot of clothes so you can walk in wearing a minimum of clothing, in an attempt to keep from working up a sweat on a long hike to the stand.

Is it worth the money? Being that any type of back pack is expensive, I would have to say for me it was money well spent. This will be my third season elk hunting with it. It is still in excellent shape. I bought the smaller of the two and I found it is still generously put together. It distributes the load well on my body for a modest (by comparison) priced pack which in turn means less fatigue on those long mountain hikes. The padded back is very comfortable, however you do have a trade off with the heat factor if you hunt in warm climates.

Any gripes I have would be nit-picky on my part. But for good measure here are a few. There aren't a lot of small compartments for all of my whitetail gadgets and do-dads. The padded compression back makes my back sweat more than a regular day pack. They don't include a bladder for water in the system however it is advertised as hydration compatible. It is a huge pack to hang in a tree.

Good luck I hope this helps on your decision. Sorry it took me so long to reply. Every now and then life gets busy.