What does everyone have? What brand of what stuff do you pack? Etc.? Mine felt heavy and I'm curious to compare with others to see if I can save weight, or just man up.
X2. Cash is tight for me, so I haven't been able to invest in a more capable pack like a Kuiu. My ILBE ($60 on Craigslist) has worked fine on 3-5 day backpacking missions. I can load it down pretty heavy and it's still fairly comfortable. For 1-3 day outings, my Eberlestock gets the job done too (thanks DanO) and can haul a deboned deer if I need to. Day trips I use the assault pack or simply my Filson vest for birds/rabbits.I'd like to give a plug to what our service guys use- USMC ILBE Marpat pack with assault pack. Used around $150 depending on condition of pack usually on eBay. I've used it and also have a friend who owns one also. No complaints with it-it just works.
Consists of 3 items, Main pack (huge), a removable top pack (one compartment), and the assault pack. The assault pack is a regular day pack with one main compartment and a flat back side which is a compartment also.
It is covered with molle web so you can add more pockets if you want. I use a bow bucket on mine and carries it nicely.
All is designed to be strapped together or used separately. The main pack has 2 side pockets at the bottom which is plenty enough room for buttstock and full size tripod (strapped to sides of the pack using compression straps). The whole pack is designed to go light weight in seconds if your trained for it.
Although I use an eberlestock 80% of the time that I got as a gift, I still love this pack. Not light weight but very rugged. Check out youtube for reviews and specific details.
By no means is it the 'best pack" but I thought it would be another worthy option to check out.
Nice collection LP. something to achieveKuiu 3200 carries more than I want to carry. Loaded going in at 40 pounds. If you get lucky and de-bone a deer your coming out around 75-80 pounds. I've carried more but it sucks.
At 40 pounds I'm carrying a 45° Down quilt, sleeping pad, bivy, pillow, water, (hydro flask with cold adult beverage for the end of the day) food, stove, tripod, rifle, small knife, small saw, first aid kit, game bag, binoculars, flashlight, lantern, camo clothing, and battery pack to recharge the phoneView attachment 33288bag fully loadedView attachment 33289
One of the things I do to pick up space is combine the quilt, bivy and pillow and put them in a compression bag. Really helps shrink them up. Im only using about 80% of the main bag and the spotting scope pocket is still open if I want to take a spotter. Meat will go between the bag and the frame.View attachment 33292