Pack recommendations

[Brad_Gentry]

Looking to pick up an EXTERNAL frame pack for a week-long bowhunt. Was thinking about the Cabelas Outfitter model, but seems a little heavy at around 12.5 lbs. Does anybody have any experience with these, or another brand they think would work better (not looking for an internal frame pack)?
Thanks!
Brad

[lpcjon2]

I favor the ALICE pack a military pack. You can get 2 different size packs a large and x large.They have good storage and the frame is external and easily removes from the pack and the back can be carried without the frame.look at colemans military surplus.

[Brad_Gentry]

I never thought the ALICE packs were that big... maybe I've never seen an XL. I don't think the one's I've messed with would be big enough for a weeks worth of stuff (I tend to over-pack!).

[lpcjon2]

I used the XL when I went to Norway in the Corps it was twice the size of the L and the water proof bag is a great piece to have as well. We would go to the field for two weeks and they would carry all the gear we needed.Some of the commercial packs are way to expensive for my budget.

[lpcjon2]

check this out it replaced the alice pack
 http://www.armysurpluswarehouse.com/product/molle-ii-standard-pack-desert-camo-4856.cfm

[FerretWYO]

The Cabelas Outfitter is a great Pack I have one that I use quite a bit. I recently got a Badlands OX that I really like for its level of comfort with really heavy loads. there are a few others out there that you could look at.

[Steve O]

If you can find an old Dana Designs external, they are awesome.

[Mike Vines]

I have an ALICE pack from my military days, and the last 3 days I have used it, and just decided there has to be something better.  So I drove over to Joe's Army Navy Surplus and bought a 3 day assault back pack, and it blows the ALICE pack out of the water.  I had originally bought (a week ago) a $70 pack from Bass Pro Shop, and couldn't return it quick enough.  Their quality has gone right down the toilet.  You would think that a Corporation that large, would make quality goods with their name on it.  But nope.  For the same amount of money $69.99, I bought this one, and I can tell from holding it, it is military spec.  Here is the link.     http://www.joesarmynavyonline.com/servlet/Detail?category=Bags%2C+Trunks+%26+Packs&no=6634&searchpath=4805280     I bought the Marine Corps Digital Woodlands camo.  Best money I think I have spent this whole year.  I really like how I can strap my fold up tripod stool to the side, and a quick unbuckling, and it's ready to go.  Not to mention, all the different pockets.  There is so much room/pockets, that I will probably put things in there, and forget where the heck I put them.  Oh well, gives me a reason to buy more goodies.

[Brad_Gentry]

Thanks for the responses so far gents...

Tim - That MOLLE pack looks good, but it's only listed as 3000 cubic inches.... I was thinking I'd need more room than that.

Ferret - I like the Ox, but for what (and how little) I'm going to be using it I can't justify the cost. Is that Outfitter pretty adjustable for torso size? I didn't see anything in the description that clarified fit (I'm 6'1"/210).

[lpcjon2]

Brad are you going to be working from a base camp and venturing out each day and then even a sub camp for an overnight excursion?

[Brad_Gentry]

Tim,
We'll just be day hunting out of camp, but we're going to be out for about 7 days. Maybe I'm overestimating how much stuff I'm going to need... never done this before.

[wihill]

Originally posted by Steve O:
If you can find an old Dana Designs external, they are awesome.

Definitely - any of the longbeds are simply fantastic.

Cabelas makes a good frame, but it squeaks.
Badlands has the OX pack.
Kelty makes the Cache Hauler.
Barneys of Alaska packs are bulletproof.
Bullpac frames are also bulletproof.

Then there's "soft frame packs" which are actually  the internal frames with their bags stripped off for carry mode. Examples include:

Kifaru's Longhunter frane
Mystery Ranch's NICE frame
Granite Gear's Hauler frame

All kinds of options for ya!  (I've got an MR NICE frame)

[Montanawidower]

I am a big fan of the Mystery Ranch soft frame.  They're very popular in Montana and western states.  The downside is they are spendy (but awesome).  I use mine on day hunts in the riverbottoms and bone and cape whitetails to cross rivers. A friend of mine shot a small bear and packed it out whole, just gutted with his.  Easily 100 lbs.  I have owned several hard frame packs and none compare in comfort under a heavy load.   My 2 cents.

[frassettor]

Mystery Ranch. Heres my Wolfpack 6500 with the Nice frame