Inevitably, I am search for a better way to pack my gear in / out of the field. I've tried many different packs over the years. I have found several I liked until I get in the tree stand. Is there a pack available that is just as functional in the tree stand as it is on the ground? Anyone have any field use with GamePlan gear products? Specifically the BowBat XL or the Leech... I also have seen a 2012 ATA video of Badland's new Tree Stand pack. Anyone seen this first hand? What were your initial thoughts? Lastly, this is for you ground blind hunters. What do you use to carry all your ground blind gear? Is the Rack Pack still the best way to go? I have heard mixed reviews on the chair. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! -Heck
I just bought the Gameplan bowBat XL a couple months ago. It is a very nice case.. I haven't used it in the field yet.. When i got it in the mail, i spent a good 2 hrs with it putting all my bow hunting equipment in it that i would take on a all day hunt and i ran out of stuff to fill the pockets with. It is made with heavy duty material and zippers. Looks to be very durable. I am pleased with it. Field test to come in sept!
I'll tell you what I use and I haven't found a better pack for my needs. The Badlands Monster Fanny pack. It's a good sized fanny pack with shoulder straps. I put it on first, then throw my stand on my back. It does kick the bottom of the stand out away from you, but honestly, it feels and carries lighter for some reason. What I really like about this pack is how it hangs on a tree. The waist belt is stiff and wraps around the tree and every pocket is right there, easy to get to. There is a big front pocket they call the glove box that when open, provides a great pocket to toss gear in and out of while on stand. I haven't found a better pack for my needs.
I have found that over the years i end up with a shooters dove bags they are 8''x8'' and 4 '' thick made of quite cotton with a snap on all three bags on a wide belt.works well and cheap.
Badlands has packs that fit just about every need imaginable. Check out their backpacks and fanny packs and I bet you'll find one that fits your needs.
the main reason why i went with the Gameplan BowBat XL. Is that i wanted a case that protected my bow in and out of the field. but i was also looking for a new pack for the rest of my gear, and i dont care for fanny packs. So i figured this would kill 2 birds with 1 stone.
I'm glad I could be of help. My list is long. I just have to move things to the bottom or top accordingly... :D
Well the Bow Bat XL never made my list. I found it onsale at Midway for $61.72. I went ahead and ordered it being it was comaprley inexpensive to the other alternates I was looking at. I can't wait to take a look at it. Seems to have received pretty decent reviews on Cabela's website.
Just emailed the midway link to the wife (my birthday is 4-23...we'll see). I'll hold off till the 24th to order if she doesn't.
Just FYI, When I ordered their website indicated there were 3 left at that price. Just two now that I ordered.
I own the Bow Bat XL and there is nothing better for protection of your bow while carrying all the crap in that it seems to take to kill a deer. The thing about the bow bat is that it is a lot to mess with 25 ft up in a tree and almost impossible to be quiet while wrapping it around a tree. Also if one of your stands has a back (like the millennium) then your screwed because you have to find a way to hang it from the tree, open, so you can reach all of you crap. I am not hating on it because it does have its purpose. I love it when its time to go on long walks through thickets. and when im carrying in my muddy for a quick set up it is the best thing to have because of the hands free carry of your bow.
What makes it loud about hanging it? Is it the buckles and such, metal parts clinking or just the stuff in the pockets jossling (sp) around?
Thats still a good price. They are $119.99 at Cabelas without shipping. Hands down awesome experience ordering from MidwayUSA. I ordered my stuff a few minutes before I posted and it was at my door by 10 AM this morning!
My initial thoughts are that it's going to be awesome. It's well made, and going to be great for ground blind hunting. I'll know more when I get all my stuff in it and figure out how I'm going to attach it to the side wall of the blind.
I've found that over the past few years I've really slimmed down on the amount of crap I carry into the woods with me. I used to bring just about every gadget and gizmo I could ever possibly hope to need during my 3 hour sit on stand, until I realized I never used 80% of it. Unfortunately, I've replaced a lot of that useless hunting stuff with camera gear which seems to be heavier, more expensive and easier to break. Go figure. Last year I started using the Blacks Creek 3:16 fanny pack and really grew to like it. Big enough to fit all the junk I actually need, but small enough to pack in easily.
