Rated 5 out of 5Â by kadrik0 Great Hunting Backpack
I purchased this backpack in August for rifle season, but I used it when I went bow hunting for whitetail in Missouri. I really like the backpack. This pack is both cheaper and it has the features of $80-$100 hunting packs. The shoulder straps include a chest trap so the weight is better distributed. The fanny pack can be attached to the backpack as well and not only does it lessen the weight, but it also keeps the bag firmly on your back so it is comfortable, quiet, and feels so much lighter with the multiple straps. It even fits me comfortably and I am 6'3", 295 pounds, and 43" waist. This does come with two water bottles. The water bottles smell on the inside so wash them first. I may use one water bottle, but one of the reasons I picked this bag was so I could put my squirt bottle of deer urine on the side of my pack. The front of the fanny does not have a ton of room. I keep my multi-tool, bone saw, knife, and hand warmers in there. Inside the fanny I keep my deer cleaning supplies. Great for a poncho, deer tags, rags, pens, gloves, butt out, and a first aid kit. I love the idea of having the fanny pack detach so I keep the top of my pack with more expensive gear clean while also having all my gutting equipment right on my side. Removing the fanny pack is a little awkward. It is a little hard to install and remove. You can do it, but it takes a minute or two and you have to lay the pack down to attach it easily. Now for the top of the backpack. The front pouch is fairly large. I keep my scent cover, ammo, and all my orange in the front pouch for easy access. The side pouches I keep my uproar on one side since it is fairly wide and on the other side I keep my small trail flashlight and trusty primos hardwood call in case something happens to my primary uproar. Inside the bag it is fairly roomy. A little over a foot tall, 5" or so deep and about 10" wide. I keep my large rack pack magnum, led lantern, 8x42 binoculars, insulated handmuff, and range finder in there. Inside the main compartment at the back there is a little flap where you can store the hydration accessory (not included). It is a great area to store your masks and gloves since it only has around 1" of depth to it. The bag is easy on the back with plenty of storage for most guys during the rut. I had to upgrade since I was updating gear and I tell you what adding that new rattle and jumping from a small 10x25 to 8x42 (wear glasses now and wanted better glass) I needed something with plenty of room and compartments so I'm not digging around in one large backpack compartment. Now, is this bag perfect, no. The pack is fairly tall so you need to really adjust it. I'm 6'3" and the fanny part hangs over my butt by about 3-4". I kind of wish the bottom of the backpack and top of the fanny pack were solid. Sometimes when you are putting it on or leaning it against a flat surface it bends slightly at that seem. Not a problem when you are walking around but you will have to be watchful of that when leaning it against anything. You can access everything in the fanny pack area while the backpack is attached, but ideally you want your less used items or things you use to gut the deer at the bottom of the pack if you want to remain quiet during your hunt. Zipper wise I have not encountered a problem. My pack is only about 3/4 full and I'm not going to bust it at the seems. The zipper on mine is metal, so I'm not sure where they are getting plastic zippers. Plus if you have zipper problems just move the zipper to starting position and use pliers to pinch down the zipper. Most zipper problems are caused by you pulling too hard on the zipper and you lifted the mechanism out of alignment. It's another story if the teeth or fabric rips. Just be gentle with it and don't overload it. The material is very soft and fairly warm. It's not insulated, but it should protect all you gear against moisture and bumps. I recommend this backpack. Yeah it has bad reviews on some websites, but it worked for me and maybe they fixed the zipper problem with the latest batch. For me it gave me room for my larger new hunting gadgets, quiet, soft, protective, easy access compartments, nice camo pattern, and right in the middle as far as price while maintaining quality. Great rut bag when you have to carry extra items and all your insulated accessories while still having room for snacks.
November 1, 2011
Rated 2 out of 5Â by duckslayer89 Not that great
I used this bag for about 2 years, to include multiple seasons, like both deer and waterfowl. Great pack for multiple uses, but the zippers on both the main compartment and the waistbag aren't working anymore. They didn't break, they just won't keep the teeth locked together, making the whole backpack unusable now. Good for a quick bag use, but don't expect long-lasting durability. On top of the fact, just the other day I was trying to zip up the waistbag, and the whole side stitching ripped.
September 18, 2011