Avail 2200

[Clarson757]

Anyone running one of these for saddle hunting by chance? I’m looking at picking one up for annual saddle hunting white tail in Missouri once a year. Been using my kuiu 1500 but it’s tight to say the least. Mostly will be using for hiking and general day pack for scouting muleys etc.

 

[MI223]

I just got one for the same purpose. I obviously haven't used it in the feild yet. My predator platform fits in the outside flap really nicely and the sticks hang on the side really well.

My biggest concern is the material is really noisy.

 

[Clarson757]

Right on. This is super helpful. Going to get one ordered up and it will serve many purposes but my mule deer kit is astronomically out of place for tree saddle hunts.

Let me know if you get around to running it in the off season for a shake down and/ or any pics of it packed. It’s almost like there isn’t actually a well thought out pack for this. Even the saddle companies don’t seem to have it nailed down.

The closest thing I could find was the Latitude Ranger packs but they aren’t any bigger than the kuiu I’m struggling with now.

 

[roadrunner]

What do you mean by "running" one of these?

 

[Clarson757]

testing it out. Pack it up and hike it in to deploy before opening day to see if you have any feedback. Maybe changes you’d make to how you pack/ organize it before fumbling around in the dark come season.

 

[Tahr]

What do you mean by "running" one of these?

Modern speak. Us oldies say "using". You cant beat plain language.

 

[MI223]

Right on. This is super helpful. Going to get one ordered up and it will serve many purposes but my mule deer kit is astronomically out of place for tree saddle hunts.

Let me know if you get around to running it in the off season for a shake down and/ or any pics of it packed. It’s almost like there isn’t actually a well thought out pack for this. Even the saddle companies don’t seem to have it nailed down.

The closest thing I could find was the Latitude Ranger packs but they aren’t any bigger than the kuiu I’m struggling with now.

I agree. I wish more packs had the flap to strap stuff to the outside like the avail.

Another thought/ complaint. This is for all stone glacier packs. There is not an elastic waster bottle pouch on the side of the bag.

 

[Clarson757]

Definitely a strike against stone glacier for that. I use a kifaru frame pack for mule deer hunting and it’s got nice side pockets. I had the same issue with mystery ranch. The pockets on MR weren’t deep enough for my spotting scope or a taller water bottle.

I do see the advantage for the stone glacier in a way. They upsell you on the water bottle pouch but I guess some guys use a water bladder setup.

 

[Dos Perros]

The Avail is like a basic backpack. Take it to work, take it to the gym, etc. It has an external pocket on top and two internal pockets. Other than that it is a backpack. It holds stuff so you don't have to carry it.

 

[Clarson757]

The Avail is like a basic backpack. Take it to work, take it to the gym, etc. It has an external pocket on top and two internal pockets. Other than that it is a backpack. It holds stuff so you don't have to carry it.

Perfect. I need something to carry something.

 

[MI223]

Definitely a strike against stone glacier for that. I use a kifaru frame pack for mule deer hunting and it’s got nice side pockets. I had the same issue with mystery ranch. The pockets on MR weren’t deep enough for my spotting scope or a taller water bottle.

I do see the advantage for the stone glacier in a way. They upsell you on the water bottle pouch but I guess some guys use a water bladder setup.

Why not get something like a striker XL for the frame you have. Then get a Sherman pocket to add capacity and strap stuff to the pack? That was my plan for a while then I got a good deal on a stone glacier pack and ended up going that route.

 

[Lawnboi]

I use the avail as a shooting bag. It ain’t cool, new or innovative. It’s just a 2000cu pack that works for day stuff. I really like mine. Iv used a little of everything for shooting matches and I keep coming back to the avail.

Today if I were buying I’d have a hard time not buying the Tokeen though.

 

[brca005]

I’ve used mine for weekend trips and hiking with the family. I really like mine, I got an access bag (blaze orange) for it for when I go on weekend camping trips or day hunts during rifle season.

But knowing what I know now, I also would’ve gone with the Tokeen for the minimal additional cost compared to the Avail.