Scott, what pack do you use when you're hiking/camping/hunting?

SHS, great thread idea. Packs are like knives, it hard to own just one. I've had a hard time settling on the 'perfect' pack but I think I may have found it. I've used several different packs over the years. I have a LL Bean Continental pack that has seen some use, a Cabelas large frame pack, a ALICE pack I haven't tried out yet, Camelbak Striker. I use a Maxped Jumbo Versipak for deer hunting.
A pack I recently bought and I'm very happy with is a Kelty Redwing 3100. I think this may be the 'one'. Here's a pic. I used it recently on a Jan. winter trip. It packs great and carries nicely. It has an internal frame.
Let's hear what you guys use for packs.
Scott
 

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Do the make that Keltyredwing in camo? Looks like an awesome pack. Me I am still using a medium alice pack.


Mike
 
Right now, I am only doing 1.5 mile hikes on the local trails, or only up to 5 miles (rare), on gravel or paved trails. At least I am getting out there, and I have rural country roads/trails/parks close by. Usually about three mile hikes, when I can get out. Don't really need a ton of supplies, but I do go through water. Bring along some type of food for energy. A small first aid kit, because I tend to wander off trail ;).

Scott, I really liked that Maxpedition water bottle holder pack you had, great for a day hike, which is what I am doing now. When I was a kid, I would go through backpacks like wildfire. I would always rip them apart with all of the gear I packed in them. Of course, I was covering about 15 miles a day, sometimes more. Leave in the morning, back at night, sometimes late, late at night. I have gotten good use out of my LLBean packs. I've been using my Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon sparingly. Great, comfortable pack, but I haven't used it for more than about 4 miles. I would like to step up to either a Kelty, or a Kifaru, but I will stick with the Falcon for now.

Gonna take a look at the pack next time I go to REI, try it on etc.
 
Packs... I have an Osprey 32L that I use for my winter daypack... a Mountainsmith Tour 8L butt pack for summer day trips... An Eberlestock Halftrack 50L for summer trips... and a monster Malice pack (over 100L) with a Down East frame, this pack is untested as of now but in a few weeks it will be all packed up for a trip into Trail of Tears State Forest in IL.

I really like packs... would have more but I keep spending all my money on knives :eek:

Ski
 
Ive used a ton of packs. Lol. Currently I own an Osprey Daylite that is my biking bag, a Maxpedition Kodiak that is my EDC/woodsbumming bag, and a Snugpak Sleeka 35(love the built in rainfly) that is my overnighter pack. Im in the market for a big pack now, but havent settled on one yet. Im really liking the Karimor Sabre 75 on Ray Mears website. It looks like a nice big pack for multi day stuff. Id love a Kifaru, but they are so pricey. The thing with packs is that there are soooo many great companies, and so many styles it makes it hard to choose......

I spent alot of time under an Alice pack in the Cav. I didnt think they were too bad.

Anyone here use a Leather possibles bag as a woods bag?
 
I have a HUGE variety of packs accumulated over the years. From "period correct" packs for our living history events, packs that I have made, a large assortment of packs for canoeing (mostly Duluth), wool hunting packs to nylon ultra-light packs and a few betwixt those. More packs than I have room to store 'em in. :)

Here in the heavily wooded mountains where we live, I use the Kelty Redwing 3100 because of its generous size and it fits my long torso about perfect. This is my second Redwing in Kelty's long history of building the pack (may be Kelty's oldest model).

Just a few miles east of us (about 5 miles) is the High Desert. Completely different environment requiring a change of gear...head to foot. For our desert adventures, I use the light weight and durable Camelbak Rim Runner.

For bow and black powder hunting, I carry a custom made wool pack made by Idaho Pack Company (now out of business) or, a fleece pack made by Kathy Kelly.

My Kelty and Camelbak.
keltyandcamelbak3.jpg


Anyone here use a Leather possibles bag as a woods bag?
Click to expand...

I often carry this bag that I made out of brain-tanned moosehide. I dyed the bag darker in a walnut bath (period correct). It has a handwoven strap, forged buckle, and a handmade copper button for the closure. It should easily last the next 100 years...I believe.

bagsheath13ee.jpg
 
Gotta love the Kelty. I read so many positive reviews that's why I bought one. 49 bucks at Campmor. Heck of a deal.
Scott
 
Another Kelty Redwing 3100 fan here.
 
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Kelty Redwing was my favorite pack for a long time, then I discovered Kifaru. I have a Navigator for longer range, and a scout for day hikes.
 
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