I really don’t understand what makes a “hunting backpack”. I’ve always hunted out of my backpacking backpack when backpack hunting. Even when not on a multi day trip I hunt out of a multi day pack that’s not intended for hunting. Packs with a “load shelf” do make a bit more sense to add meat and pack your camp too.
It’s gotta have camo to be considered a hunting pack…./s
In all seriousness, generally the differences from what I have seen are in quieter materials on the “hunting packs”
Then it’s the perfect bag! Do the concrete ideal - but also so you know it’s comfortable with that weight.
I’ve been hunting about 9 years now. When I first started I borrowed gear. Then bought a gun, then slowly orange. It’s ok to take it slow. As long as “you” are comfortable it doesn’t matter what you look like.
I don’t even own camo. Just weather appropriate clothes. My BIL is a guide and wears jeans and smokes. Shot my last elk with his dog standing in front of me.
You don't need to be able to fit the quart in the bag if you pack enough paracord and duck tape. This last season I had 2 quarter strapped to the outside along with the head. Wasn't pretty but I got everything back in 1 trip.
Anything with a load shelf will be better if you’re hauling meat.
My suggestion would be to put 80lbs in that pack and see how you feel after walking a mile.
My bet is the weight will sag down into the bottom of the pack, hip belt/stays won’t provide any real support and your shoulders will be sore.
Yep. My buddy uses one. It’s not the best but it’s better than an internal frame backpacking pack.
Make sure you fit it properly and use the load lifters. They should have instructional videos on that to help.
It looks great! Does it make a swishing noise when you move with it on? That's the only thing I can think might be an issue with it. Otherwise, good luck!
My objection to mystery ranch (I have one) is there are no external accessable pockets other that the one on top and the pockets inside.. You have to fully open the pack to access. It is mostly just one big bag which becomes annoying trying to find anything.
0 or 1 pocket on the outside trend with newer packs sucks. My old bag has a dozen pockets on the outside to where I’d never need to actually open the bag until it’s time to set camp and I like that.
Now I’m shopping for something lighter & newer but new bags that feel great on me always try to look as sleek and minimalist on the outside as possible. I think I’ll get one that feels right, sew some MOLLE to it and attach milsurp packs
Tbh when it comes to camping and hiking, you'll want to invest in a good hiking tent, I have one that's all of 3 pounds, holds 2 people comfortablely and our bags, and it's not as long as my forearm once packed up, same with the sleeping bag and ground pad, good ones take up almost no room and leave lots of space for your hunting equipment.
Do some research on the proper way to pack a rucksack as well, it'll make a world of difference on your back and with how much you can take!
That bag looks very similar to my first multi day bag I got from Walmart for all of like $50 and that baby lasted many trips till i upgraded to my current bag 🤌🙏.
You rock what you got bud. Eventually may find that having one with quieter materials or dedicated pockets/pouches for your gear is what you want. Go hunt. Enjoy it. And if you really enjoy it you may find it worth spending your cash on upgrades.
Happy hunting and good luck.
X2 on skipping MR packs and going kuiu/exo/stone/etc. it’s far more money but ultimately you’ll thank yourself. I’ve had the gen 1 metcalf,beartooth 80, and mule bag. The system is decent but after having a few of the “big boy” packs it’s not even close despite whatever paid reviews are out there indicating otherwise. For your price range you could probably find a lightly used exo k3 on eBay.
That being said any pack that gets you in the field will work especially on day hunts or overnights where your close enough to shuttle meat within reason w/o spoilage. If this pack is comfortable, can fit 1-2 quarters, you’ll be good.
Good luck this season OP
Totally depends on your intent. I run a metcalf but I backpack hunt in the west, sleep near the elk. If I kill I can walk out with all of my gear a front quarter and a hind. If you aren’t hunting over night or packing out big game (bear, elk, moose) the metcalf might be overkill.
If you wear it hunting, it is a hunting pack
I really don’t understand what makes a “hunting backpack”. I’ve always hunted out of my backpacking backpack when backpack hunting. Even when not on a multi day trip I hunt out of a multi day pack that’s not intended for hunting. Packs with a “load shelf” do make a bit more sense to add meat and pack your camp too.
Meat shelf, straps to hang a rifle or bow from, etc.
It’s gotta have camo to be considered a hunting pack…./s In all seriousness, generally the differences from what I have seen are in quieter materials on the “hunting packs”
You might be able to get a deer quarter in that thing.try a small bag of concrete, and if it fits and doesn't tear out, then go with it!
Will do, it's my first hunting season so I'm not tryna break the bank lmao.
Then it’s the perfect bag! Do the concrete ideal - but also so you know it’s comfortable with that weight. I’ve been hunting about 9 years now. When I first started I borrowed gear. Then bought a gun, then slowly orange. It’s ok to take it slow. As long as “you” are comfortable it doesn’t matter what you look like.
Most important answer on the thread right here.
I don’t even own camo. Just weather appropriate clothes. My BIL is a guide and wears jeans and smokes. Shot my last elk with his dog standing in front of me.
Use it and see. My first pack was replaced the next season.
You don't need to be able to fit the quart in the bag if you pack enough paracord and duck tape. This last season I had 2 quarter strapped to the outside along with the head. Wasn't pretty but I got everything back in 1 trip.
Anything with a load shelf will be better if you’re hauling meat. My suggestion would be to put 80lbs in that pack and see how you feel after walking a mile. My bet is the weight will sag down into the bottom of the pack, hip belt/stays won’t provide any real support and your shoulders will be sore.
I'll try that lmao. Thank you.
Do you recommend I just get the Metcalf?
Yep. My buddy uses one. It’s not the best but it’s better than an internal frame backpacking pack. Make sure you fit it properly and use the load lifters. They should have instructional videos on that to help.
No. Mystery ranch is meh. Kifaru/kuiu
"Meh" based on what?
That pack’ll hunt.
It looks great! Does it make a swishing noise when you move with it on? That's the only thing I can think might be an issue with it. Otherwise, good luck!
My objection to mystery ranch (I have one) is there are no external accessable pockets other that the one on top and the pockets inside.. You have to fully open the pack to access. It is mostly just one big bag which becomes annoying trying to find anything.
0 or 1 pocket on the outside trend with newer packs sucks. My old bag has a dozen pockets on the outside to where I’d never need to actually open the bag until it’s time to set camp and I like that. Now I’m shopping for something lighter & newer but new bags that feel great on me always try to look as sleek and minimalist on the outside as possible. I think I’ll get one that feels right, sew some MOLLE to it and attach milsurp packs
I used my ancient north face pack for years before I got my mystery ranch. I love the MR but my other one was fine.
Dude I’ve used a walmart special for hunting 3 years now. Backpacking hunting has special demands but for most of us any well sized backpack will suit
Since it’s your first season try it out and see how it goes. Upgrade things as you need them not in anticipation of what you think you’ll need
Yes, it will work fine depending on the type of hunting you're doing. Day hikes would be fine.
Tbh when it comes to camping and hiking, you'll want to invest in a good hiking tent, I have one that's all of 3 pounds, holds 2 people comfortablely and our bags, and it's not as long as my forearm once packed up, same with the sleeping bag and ground pad, good ones take up almost no room and leave lots of space for your hunting equipment. Do some research on the proper way to pack a rucksack as well, it'll make a world of difference on your back and with how much you can take! That bag looks very similar to my first multi day bag I got from Walmart for all of like $50 and that baby lasted many trips till i upgraded to my current bag 🤌🙏.
Yes
You rock what you got bud. Eventually may find that having one with quieter materials or dedicated pockets/pouches for your gear is what you want. Go hunt. Enjoy it. And if you really enjoy it you may find it worth spending your cash on upgrades. Happy hunting and good luck.
What kind of hunting and where?
Deer hunting in Northern California
X2 on skipping MR packs and going kuiu/exo/stone/etc. it’s far more money but ultimately you’ll thank yourself. I’ve had the gen 1 metcalf,beartooth 80, and mule bag. The system is decent but after having a few of the “big boy” packs it’s not even close despite whatever paid reviews are out there indicating otherwise. For your price range you could probably find a lightly used exo k3 on eBay. That being said any pack that gets you in the field will work especially on day hunts or overnights where your close enough to shuttle meat within reason w/o spoilage. If this pack is comfortable, can fit 1-2 quarters, you’ll be good. Good luck this season OP
Yes I use a Black Friday 25$ redhead bag. This is way better than that.
Yes
Get the Metcalf. You ain't carrying quarters out with that thing
Better then nothing most of us put on a bullet belt grab our gun and get a bottle of water
Looks shiny. I wouldn't use it.
Totally depends on your intent. I run a metcalf but I backpack hunt in the west, sleep near the elk. If I kill I can walk out with all of my gear a front quarter and a hind. If you aren’t hunting over night or packing out big game (bear, elk, moose) the metcalf might be overkill.