Anybody rocking a lumbar pack?

[bobcattin]

I keep a fanny pack inside of my main pack for still hunting and stalking while archery hunting. It works but I would prefer something just a tad bigger and designed as an actual lumbar pack with more support.

I'd like to carry in it: kill kit (game bags, knife, etc), headlamp, small survival kit, water, and maybe my handgun.

Amy suggestions? Id be using this in conjunction with my bino harness. I've tried small backpacks before and I just prefer the lumbar pack...I think it is more streamlined and when low crawling a lumbar pack works great because I can sling the bow on my back too.

Bonus points if its something I could also use for small game hunting or even upland bunting with a bird vest.

 

[justinspicher]

That’s a pretty solid idea. I have a couple, from Mountainsmith and they are pretty big. Not sure they would be worth carrying inside of a pack. The lid on my pack converts to a pack and that’s probably what I’d use if that scenario came up.

 

[Jpsmith1]

I had the Kifaru Hellcat for a minute. It was a nice pack, but just didn't fit for me.

I'm fiddling with a Rogan, but it's not working as was I'd hoped, either.

 

[TaperPin]

I tried two of different sizes and in theory would work well, but I could never get used to the way they ride back and forth unless walking slowly.

 

[bobcattin]

I tried two of different sizes and in theory would work well, but I could never get used to the way they ride back and forth unless walking slowly.

Good point. Maybe since I have only been using them for still hunting and stalking I haven't had that issue.

I was also thinking maybe something with a yoke system would be good so it doesn't move around as much?

 

[RadialJett]

Marsupial Gear and Hill People Gear both make what you’re describing. I’ve been happy with HPG stuff for general hiking etc. lots of options to get the volume you want, and their belts are comfortable.

 

[TaperPin]

Good point. Maybe since I have only been using them for still hunting and stalking I haven't had that issue.

I was also thinking maybe something with a yoke system would be good so it doesn't move around as much?

There are a couple versions of Mystery Ranch heavy duty fighter fighting lumbar packs with shoulder harnesses. Many crews carry 20 to 25 lbs in these. I wore one of an earlier design for so many years it felt natural, but if you’re fast walking they do swing side to side a bit. For us the advantage is the lower weight distribution while bent over digging fire line, the upper body is less restricted, and the back breathes a little better.

If you don’t mind how they ride, I think the design is more comfortable than a pack that comes up to shoulder height. For bow hunters it would work better than many popular designs.

Big lumbar packs are hard to describe to someone - you really need to get one and take it out for a test drive on a long hike.

 

[WyldGoose]

I’m a big lumbar pack fan. Used a bunch over the years. Until recently the best I’d found was using an old Kifaru Daystalker G2 rigged up to an HPG Prairie Belt. But HPG just came out with the Bookcliff which blows everything I’ve tried away. It’s essentially a chopped down Umlindi, with delta straps(crucial) and a frame stay you can bend/customize to your back shape. You can use it with a shoulder harness for stabilization but I don’t. The delta straps allow you run it belt-only and anchor the load into your lumbar so it doesn’t flop around.

 

[tony]

My opinion, anything pushing a 1000 cubic inches and above, needs a set of shoulder straps.
The mountain smith strappettes especially the evo set are great. Small, take em off if you don’t need them, they really make a difference.

 

[Te Hopo]

Im a big fan of my Maxpedition Octa fanny pack, its working great for short hunts where I'm just out for a few hours.
Some food and water, kill kit, comms and PLB, first aid kit and a windbreaker jacket.



Although lately, I've been looking at the Helikon Foxtrot for cooler weather day hunts where some extra layers would be appreciated

 

[Wolfshead]

This was just released recently.

Scout 1000 | Valo

KUIU's Scout 1000 hunting waist pack with shoulder straps in Valo is made for hunters who demand stealth & efficiency, especially if you're in a blind or stand.

www.kuiu.com

 

[BreechFace]

I’m going to be trying out a few packs That should be of interest to what you are thinking. I’m a light hunter that day hunts typically out of camp. I’ve been using a nice pack from Sportsman’s but feel it is unnecessary in size for my needs.

My desire is to have first aid, 3 ways of making fire, food for the day and a way to heat it, poncho, knives and field dressing and game bags, water and extra ammo. All of that easily fits into a lumbar pack, but I do want the means of packing out some/all of the meat out after quartering/deboning depending.

So this leads to needing a lumbar pack with a good waist belt, and a yoke over the shoulders that is designed and meant for weight carrying beyond what fits into the pack itself.

The Mystery Ranch Popup 18 was exactly what I want to try but they are out of production I’m trying to find one used. As I continue to try and track one down to purchase I’ve also found another that I purchase to try. This one I have coming and will use this year hunting is the Blacks Creek Cure.

The main difference and perceived deficiency of the Cure as compared to the MR Popup 18 is that the Popup 18 has a collapsible/expandable frame that connects the yoke at the shoulders back down to the waist belt. This should help distribute the weight of the pack with the additional weight of a load of meat between the shoulders and the hips.

The Blacks Creek Cure has a meat shelf like the Popup 18 but no framework that ties the yoke/shoulders to the waist belt/hips. It is simply load straps that will pull the weight into the back.

Just some options, sounds like we are on the same path of less is more.

 

[Macintosh]

Badlands had several models like this a while back, although I havent looked in a while. I have one of the big mountainsmith hip packs from the early 1990’s, which works well. I replaced all the metal zipper pulls with cord so it wasnt so loud. Its a bit strappy and overengineered, the one strap that really helps is a load adjuster that keeps it from flopping, but I use this all the time. As far as a pack, my bestest, most absolute favoritest hunting pack is an 18l mystery ranch popup. Its a tiny day pack with the advantages of a lumbar pack, but it can carry a quartered deer in the load shelf. Its mind blowing to me that they dropped this pack, Id buy another in a heartbeat.

 

[Wolfshead]

This is what I run.
I have the Stagr Trac pack which is the same dimensions as the Kuiu Stalker 500. I just like the pocket layout better on the Stagr Trac pack. Also, the material is much more quiet than the nylon on the Kuiu’s pack.
I attach the Stagr Ranger pack to the bottom with two compression straps. I have the Ranger pack with the removable waist belt, and have taken that off.
For me, I have found, while still hunting all day, that just the waist pack on a belt to get very uncomfortable and strained on my lower back area.
Attaching it to my backpack it takes that away.