What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

I am trying to decide on a new pack for backpack hunting. I currently use a 7000 in3 pack and wanted a smaller lighter one.What size does everyone use and how many days can you live out of it? We pack in for 5-7 days usually.

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

I use the Cabelas Alaskan frame pack. I'm not sure of the cubic space, but believe it to be around 5000. I use it for a week at a time and it has been great. The frame is also very sturdy as it supports a large load of that delicious elk meat. The bigger the pack the more unnessary items you will put in it as I'm sure you know. This pack is also very comfortable, as I have pack 3-4 miles with a 80lb load with no problems.

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

I should think you could make 5-7 days with a pack in the 5,000 cu. in. range, give or take. I have a Gregory pack that runs something over 6,000, and it'll handle gearfor a hunting trip of 7-10 days.

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

I also use the Cabela's Alaskan frame pack. It is around 5000 cu. and I agree with BGHUNTEROO, you do tend to pack unecessery stuff, but the pack is very comfy and I used it on a 4 day pack in last year in Co and was very satisfied with it. Especially the built in rifle holder.

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

I asked a few of my girl freinds.. they all said bigger is better..
It is all in the hips ya know..
And all were quite content with it being 3 in one..
Light is good...Waterproof is a must..And nothing that glows in the dark....:D:D:D
Best part 1 size fits all..:D:D
All joking aside I vouche for the Cabelas Alaskan..
Its a comfortable fit, holds alot of weight,sturdy framework.and most importantly keeps everything dry..

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

Tried about everything and we pack all the time, both gear and meat. Dwight Schuh packs are amazing IMO. Personally think they have the edge of the Cabelas Alaska models for the pure versatility, etc. They are basically 5 in 1 packs with modular pieces around an awesome frame. Look into them if you get a chance. Great pack!

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

You are all talking about external frame packs. We have been using internal frame packs. The only difference is that you have a pack frame and I have to put the animal parts inside my pack. The alaskan pack is near 12 pounds where my current internal pack in only 6 pounds. Can you think of any other advantages to having an external frame pack? I was hoping on going smaller and lighter. I hoped you all would tell me you can do it with a 4500 in3 pack for 7 days.

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

I tried several packs out last year for backpack hunting and ended up liking my Gregory Whitney the best. I have the Cabelas pack and its ok but you give up so much weight on the front end that it just didn't seem worth it. It has lots of cool compartments and the gun carrier was nice but the belt wouldn't sinch down small enough to move an adequate amount of weight from my shoulders to hips and that thing wore me out. If you need a frame Kelty came out with a great little pack frame that weighs almost nothing and I lash it to the outside of my pack. The two are still much lighter than the cabelas guide series pack.
I love cabelas products and satisfaction guarantee but in this case it wasn't the pack for me.

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

Hi Stink:

I have used the Cabelas Alaskan model for severalyears with excellent results. I think the capacity is 5300 cubic in. I carry about 80 pounds and have never had problems, I go in about 7 miles for a week, to about 11,500'. I have always used an internal frame for "backpacking", but would not consider one for hunting. The gun carrier is great and the frame very durable, hence the 12 lbs.I also appreciate the integrated "water bag" with mouthpiece so you don't have to fumble with nalgene bottles/canteens while moving. Lastly, when hauling meat, the pack (sans frame) has built in straps and "becomes" its own internal that is surprisingly comfortable.

Good luck.
CE

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

I've got a small pack from Walmart (it's the only place to shop where I live) - it works good. For packing meat out I've got a large packframe, it holds a 1/4 of an elk.

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

I'm using a Gregory internal frame pack. You can get by for seven days with 4,500 cu. inches, but you may need to really prioritize gear to fit it all in. I'd have trouble fitting seven days worth of hunting gear into a 4,500 in. pack, but that's just me, maybe I'm hauling too much junk.

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

Yes - With a frame, I am carrying a solid multi height gun rest on my back. I carry a frame with a small 2500 in3 pack in the middle. If I want to add overnight gear and food I just strap it to the frame over, under, and/or alongside the small pack.

I have to add that I'm impressed if you can go 5 to 7 days, sleep comfortably, and carry cold weather gear with a smaller than 6500 pack. Like dirt2, I'm not proud of my packing efficiency, nor do I intend to improve on it.

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

We are not going in cold weather. We are elk bow hunting. It ranges from 32-80 F. The only cold weather gear we need is the sleeping bag.

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

Please don't take this wrong, because I'm trying to save your life here. You sort of dismissively said "we aren't going in cold weather... 32-80 degrees" in characterizing your weather expectations in bow season. I would say that any elk country west of the Mississippi where you backpack in to hunt (implying you're going up in elevation) has the potential to be much colder than 32 degrees in September. I went out on a September weekend back in 2000, and had 3 days of 0 to 5 degree weather! I was prepared and so it wasn't a big problem. If you're only prepared for 32 degrees and it drops to single digits, you could be in big trouble. It can happen and you should be prepared for the absolute worst that can happen, and 32 degrees is far from the worst. Again, just a warning trying to keep you out of the newspapers.

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

I will REALLY 2nd what Dirt2 said. I have had temps below 10 degrees every year I have been pack hunting. I always bring a - 30 degree bag and have been happy to carry the extra weight. Last year a friend went with me to hunt grouse and brought a 0 degree bag. He was pretty useless when the temps did get into the 60s later each day. He bought a - 30 degree bag when he got back... By the way, Cabelas is closing out those bags now. They are top notch and 50% off, going for $99 I think.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/horizontal-item.jhtml?id=0006792513498a&navAction=push&am p;navCount=2&indexId=cat20144&podId=000679 2&catalogCode=OF&parentId=cat20144&par entType=index&rid=&cmCat=MainCatcat20075&a mp;hasJS=true

Good Luck,
CE

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

Third.

Even if you think a tragic death might be stretching things (it isn't), just not wanting tobe miserable should beenough motivation forto pack conservatively. It's your hunt, man! There are enough variables to make you miss opportunities, don't let misery be one of them.

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

I use a Alsakan pack from cabela's,it can hold everything I use even my lightweight wool pants when it snow's in September,I freeze my butt off.
I've seen it snow at least once in every month at sometime in my life,in September(September 12 th)I've seen 6 inches of snow on the ground.
I carry a light weight -10 degree sleeping bag,I can always unzip the side if I'm to warm.
BBJ

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

Thanks for reminding me of the ability of the weater to change. I have hunted near the area we are hunting this year for 6 years and it has only dropped to 22°F. This will be the year of the big freeze. I think I will pack a little extra.

thanks

RE: What size pack do you use on a backpack hunt?
 

It's been a long time since I packed in for a hunt, but for 5-7 days you should be looking at the 6500 sq in packs. About the only wayi would go smaller is if I knew much of the gear is provided through the outfitter. That being said for 1-3 day hiking and camping trips I can easily fill a 3500 sq in pack with plenty of extras strapped on.