I signed up to compete in the Train to Hunt event at Cinnamon Creek Ranch. I will need a pack that can carry 50# in part of the competition. I am looking for a pack that will do that and double as my hunting pack this fall. I primarily plan on tree stand hunting and packing my tree stand in. I’ll be hunting lake Texoma mostly so I might have to walk a bit. Any suggestions?
50 ponds isn’t much of a load. You’d have a whole range of options to chose from that can handle that. I guess you need to decide on the hunting end if you want to put the stand in load shelf or lash it to pack. If you go load self I would look a an Mystery Ranch pintler, mule or pop up 28 depending on how much capacity you need. The Exo 200 is solid choice as well. If your lashing it to your pack...well then the sky is the limit. I really like the Kifaru 14R or MR scape goat 35.
Sorry but 50# is a load when you’re packing it around all day, humping mountains. I do like the EXO packs, but I went with the K3500. It’ll compress down to a nice day pack but still carry one heck of a load. Give Steve a call and he’ll help you fit one.
Lots of packs will suffice with 50#: Kifaru, Exo and Stone Glacier all in the but once, cry once category and able to haul well over 50# comfortably. And be well over, I mean in excess of 100# which is more than I'd ever want to haul in a trip. For a competition these companies are worth a call. Several others work quite well for hunting/hauling loads with 50# though: Alps, Horn Hunter, Eberlestock, Mystery Ranch, and others all fit the bill for most hunters. What makes the difference is having a bag that truly fits you or one that adjusts. You're looking for ~65% weight on your hips, with a wide and comfortable hip belt. Adjustable shoulder straps and load lifters will help over various terrains. Listen to some Kifarucast or Gritty Bowmen episodes. Aron Snyder (Kifaru) has several episodes/podcasts on the topic.
