In some areas, leaving your pack is a problem. First, you may shoot and then, have to go back to the pack, which unless the location of the deer is well-marked, may be a problem. Bringing your pack means you can sit, eat, have some water and wait a half hour if you need to without incident. I just keep mine on unless I'm sitting for a good while.Damn! How big of a pack are you carrying? So you’re running your pack all the way to the shot?