SHORT BLASTS
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The Perfect Pack
The perfect hunting pack is anything but a one size fits all . From fit and features to capacity and construction , understanding the key components of a hunting pack is the first step towards selecting a system that will get you in and out of the woods with comfort and ease .
1 . Fit The first step in selecting a pack is to first determine the size that best fits your body type . Lean your head forward slightly and feel for the bump at the base of your neck . This is the C7 vertebrae . Next , slide your hands down your side below your ribs until you feel the top of your hip bones . Have a friend measure from the center of your back at an imaginary line across the top of your hip bones , up to the bump of the C7 vertebrae . This is your torso length . Many packs will refer to torso length in terms of their sizing .
2 . Internal or External Internal frame packs utilize a support system that is tucked away within the construction of the main pack compartment . This helps to make packs very streamlined and close fitting to the body ; a good option for wearing a pack day-in and day-out in brushy , timbered country .
External frame packs are a lot like flat bed farm trucks . You can attach just about anything to them and they are built to haul . Many are simplistic in terms of bags and compartments , but can be easily customized by attaching the bags or accessories of your choice . These are packs designed for hauling large , heavy loads of equipment or meat , and can be a little more bulky and awkward to wear while day hunting .
3 . Size Packs sizes are most commonly expressed in terms of their internal volume in cubic inches or liters . Day packs are commonly in the 900-1,800c . i . ( 15-30L ) range , while a pack capable of packing enough gear for a multi-day spike camp may be 3,500-5,000c . i . ( 57-90L ) or larger . Packs with modular systems that allow smaller pouches and compartments to be removed are a great choice , as they allow you to carry enough gear into the backcountry for several days , and then allow the pack to be downsized for a day pack to wear while hunting .
4 . Straps and Adjustability Many packs seem like a jumble of straps upon first glance ; however this is a beneficial element of design , as it allows easy adjustment depending on the load being carried . Stabilizing and securing heavy loads is especially important not only to overall comfort , but also to prevent injury . Some packs will also allow adjustment in the torso length , providing a customizable fit , or use with youth hunters who are still growing .
5 . Padding and Support Wide , well-padded shoulder and waist straps will best distribute load and prevent pinching . Generous padding in the lower lumbar area will reduce fatigue and best support your lower back , while also providing some spacing between the pack and the wearer , allowing better airflow and sweat reduction .
6 . Features Packs are available with a wide range of features , but the following are a few that should be at the top of the ‘ what to look for ’ list :
* RAIN FLY Keeping pack contents dry is very important , especially on long , backcountry hunts .
* MEAT / LOAD SHELF Packs capable of securing heavy loads of meat will save you a trip back to the trailhead to retrieve a secondary meat pack in the event you are successful .
* ACCESSORY CLIPS / BUCKLES Look for additional clips or buckles that can allow additional packs , optics pouches or equipment to be easily added or removed from a pack depending on the use .
* MULTIPLE ACCESS POINTS Single opening / top loading packs can be a pain to load and access . Having multiple access points will allow easy packing and retrieval of items without having to dig through the whole pack .
* MODULAR Being able to add or remove bags and features will allow the widest range of use in the field . Cleaning is also easier when components of a pack can be easily removed .
* COMPRESSION STRAPS Stabilizing the load and minimizing slop or movement makes all the difference on a long , heavy pack out . The more compression straps the better for maximum stability . Multiple compression strap points also allows easy stowage of clothing , shed antlers or optics to areas of the pack where they most comfortable .
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WESTERN HUNTING JOURNAL