any reason why it might be dumb to use a hunting backpack for backpacking? (Stone Glacier Sky Guide 7900)

[alpinedisco]

My backpacking pack is on its last breaths and i'm getting into hunting (just got my license and first rifle). Wondering if it makes sense to get the SG Sky Guide 7900 to use for both hunting and on backpacking trips? I know it's about 6lbs and so is my current backpacking pack so that's not an issue. my backpacking weight is anywhere between 30-50lbs (but i'd like to get it lighter eventually) and I hike up to 12 miles a day in mountain terrain when backpacking. Thanks in advance.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Do it all the time. Have fun.

 

[Koda_]

6lbs is heavy for any backpack, super heavy for dedicated backpacking. If you want to get your backpacking baseweight lighter the pack should weigh no more than around 3lbs.

 

[alpinedisco]

6lbs is heavy for any backpack, super heavy for dedicated backpacking. If you want to get your backpacking baseweight lighter the pack should weigh no more than around 3lbs.

yea i'm with you on that. will probably buy an ultralight pack at some point but just want a do-it-all pack for now

 

[passinggas33]

Depends on the scenario for me…but ultimately, it’s no big deal to use your pack for backpacking.

If I’m trying to go lightweight, aka by myself or with my buddies, then I choose something lighter because my goal for total pack weight is 15-25 pounds max.

If I’m going with my family and we seem to be taking the entire house, then I always take my hunting pack. Both for space needs and the ability to carry the weight better. Tough to beat a good hunting pack when the load is 50-60 pounds. IMO very few backpacks can carry that well.

 

[alpinedisco]

Depends on the scenario for me…but ultimately, it’s no big deal to use your pack for backpacking.

If I’m trying to go lightweight, aka by myself or with my buddies, then I choose something lighter because my goal for total pack weight is 15-25 pounds max.

If I’m going with my family and we seem to be taking the entire house, then I always take my hunting pack. Both for space needs and the ability to carry the weight better. Tough to beat a good hunting pack when the load is 50-60 pounds. IMO very few backpacks can carry that well.

cool thanks. out of curiosity, what's your hunting pack?

 

[passinggas33]

cool thanks. out of curiosity, what's your hunting pack?

My hunting pack is an Exo K4 with the Teratorn pack on it.

 

[canyonhunter47]

The only potential downside is weight if you're more or less on the light/UL bandwagon. You’ll get that sub 15lb base weight way easier with a ~2lb pack instead of a 6 lb pack.

But if you’re in the 30-40+ lb territory and you’re comparing ~5lb Osprey type packs, I’m taking the hunting pack. They’re way tougher and carry extra weight well if you end up carrying an injured persons gear, find a cool rock or sheds, or stock up on extra water

 

[alpinedisco]

The only potential downside is weight if you're more or less on the light/UL bandwagon. You’ll get that sub 15lb base weight way easier with a ~2lb pack instead of a 6 lb pack.

But if you’re in the 30-40+ lb territory and you’re comparing ~5lb Osprey type packs, I’m taking the hunting pack. They’re way tougher and carry extra weight well if you end up carrying an injured persons gear, find a cool rock or sheds, or stock up on extra water

would you say hunting packs are about equally comfortable as the 5lb osprey type packs?

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

would you say hunting packs are about equally comfortable as the 5lb osprey type packs?

No.

They are much more comfortable under load, and plenty comfortable for light backpacking type loads.

But they are not as ideal in overall fit/comfort/breathable/weight/sweat wicking/etc as dedicated “backpacking” packs.

The granolas sort of have this nailed down pretty damn well.

I still use my hunting pack for nearly all trips in saying that.

 

[ni7ne]

Hunting packs really shine if the backpacking requires water hauling. Six or ten liter bladder on the meat shelf.

 

[bluetick78]

I have an older Exo 3500, and a Kifaru duplex lite with a Muskeg 7000 and a DT3. I backpack with my family, and always end up carrying a bunch of kids stuff. I tried an Oprey and a Hyperlite, neither of them were comfortable over 30 lbs. I just use my hunting packs now and look at it as training for hunting season. If you want a pack that borders on ultralight, but still carries weight as easily as any hunting pack, look at the Seek Outside Gila. It's on the Revolution frame and is extremely lightweight. Probably checks the UL and load-hauling boxes better than anything else I'm aware of. Add a lid and a Talon and you're ready for a 5 day backpack hunt. Most of the SO packs are waterproof too, which is huge for me. My wife uses one, and when it looks like rain all the electronics end up in her pack pretty quick.

 

[nodakian]

My non hunting friend uses a SG 5900 for backpacking. Plenty light, large enough for many days, and hauls heavy weight if necessary.

 

[JoshOR]

Nope, good to go. Have fun!

 

[LCguy]

I use my Seek Outside for hunting and backpacking. Seems crazy to have $700 pack and only use it for 2-3 weeks a year. I will add that it's pretty lightweight compared to other hunting packs, and I also usually haul most of my girlfriend's gear too.

 

[TaperPin]

I may be the outlier, but keep in mind a dedicated pack for any particular purpose will be incrementally better than one good for a wider range of uses. A heavier pack than is needed is the opposite of cutting handles off toothbrushes - it’s bringing a 10-pack of tooth brushes and one of those big 8-packs of Costco toothpaste to go along with your moderate weight 30-50 lb backpacking trips. I’m the biggest fan of heavy multi purpose gear, but one pack can’t do it all very well.

In the same way, overly large heavy weight hauling packs make mediocre day packs for hunting unless you’re elk hunting and need the beefiness. Even then I’m more likely to use my moderate size mule deer pack and trade off for a larger pack at the truck to get the meat out.

 

[justinspicher]

I use my MR pintler for 99% of my outings. Sure it heavier than a traditional backpacking pack, BUT it hands the weight so much better, especially when I’m not on a trail.

I just did a four day 70 mile hike on the Colorado trail earlier this month with my pintler and it was awesome.

 

[jsb]

I don't use a so-called hunting pack for anything. They are ridiculously heavy. I use a lightweight midsize Osprey pack for hunting, and a larger one for backpacking. For carrying meat I use a frame pack that I keep in my truck.

 

[knale87]

My backpacking pack is on its last breaths and i'm getting into hunting (just got my license and first rifle).

Dual purpose pack will allow for other gear purchases since you’re just getting into hunting.

 

[mrbillbrown]

None of the UL hippy packs fit me as well as my Kifaru does. Zero regrets using my Kifaru hunting pack for backpacking. I can handle the extra 3#


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