Search

Backpack ENVY!

Boss Crewmember Wade Richards
Aug 13, 2015
3 min read

What pack is right for you?

Recently I was shooting the Idaho State Bowhunters 3-D archery course in Stanley ID. I was in a group of 5 shooters (and avid hunters) and I noticed that there were several packs in the group that I liked. I had been shopping for a new pack for the last few months and it was great to run into a group of packs this diverse.

The first pack I saw was the new EXO made in Boise ID. It was a nice pack, looked very durable. The guy wearing it mentioned that he was demo-ing the pack that day to see if he liked it. I liked the size (3500CI). It looked perfect for a day hunt that might stretch into an overnight excursion. Here are pics and specs from EXO website https://exomountaingear.com/shop/exo-3500-backpack/

One of the other shooters was wearing a Mystery Ranch pack. It was a couple years old but he was adamant that it was the best pack made! It was a smaller pack, closer to 2800CI. It was also a very well made and rugged back pack. I like that they are made in Bozeman, Montana….you can find them and details about their hunting packs at www.mysteryranch.com.

There was a small day pack from Badlands. I know people who swear by them but I am not sure how well they stack up for longer hikes with 3-5 days of stuff in them. I personally prefer a larger pack for all of my gear and unfortunately they are making these packs in Vietnam now.

The forth shooter had an Eberlestock Team Elk pack. I used an Eberlestock Dragonfly last year and it was an exceptional pack that just didn’t fit me well. He was quite a bit smaller than me and the Team Elk pack fit him great. He said that in his opinion "for the money Eberlestock was the way to go." The only complaint was that they had moved all of their manufacturing overseas.

Blacks Creek Solution shown w/Grip frame

I had just bought my Blacks Creek “Solution” pack and we discussed the pros and cons of each pack throughout the day. There are lots of great packs out there and many people feel strongly about which one is better, but comes down to this:

- Does the pack fit you well?

- Does the pack fit your needs?

I am 6 foot 3 inches tall and weigh 350lbs. I have a very long torso. The lady at Blacks Creek made a pack to fit me! She made custom shoulder straps and a larger waist belt. I didn’t really like the colors she was offering so she made a custom colored pack from some samples she had. She did all of this in only 5 days! They won me over with their service. And the BONUS to all of that is that they are made in Caldwell Idaho!

Features of the 'Solution' as listed

from the Blacks Creek website:

FEATURES:

– 4,800 Cubic Inches – 9 lbs – 1,000D Cordura – Military grade hardware – YKK zippers – 14 pockets – External optics pocket – Sleeping bag compartment – Detachable lid – Detachable day pack

– Main compartment access in front and top – 6 compression straps – Draw string weather collar top

Know what you need and want in a pack, write it down if you have to! Then spend some time and try on lots of packs! It is great to have buddies who recommend what pack they are using and take those recommendations to heart, but in the end YOU have to wear the pack so it has to fit YOU!