Cabela's Extreme Alaskan Outfiter vs H.H. Full Curl System ?

[Vitals]

Last year I bought the Full Curl System and have been pleased with it. I do have some frustrations with the way it will carry a rifle, being on the far rear of the pack, and not very stable at all.
A buddy of mine just purchased the Cabela's Extreme Alaskan pack and frame and I have read quite a lot of good reviews on it. It seems comparable in size, and I like the idea of an external frame vs internal. When he gets the pack, I plan to try it on and see how it feels.

I just wanted some feedback from you guys on which you would rather have? Especially if there are those who have used both. The Cabela's pack sure seems to be a good deal for the $, and my full curl system is in great shape so I wouldn't have trouble selling it.
All recommendations are appreciated...

 

[colonel00]

I have the Cabela's pack and have used it for quite a few year on hunts that aren't nearly as extreme as some that guys on this site go on. It functions alright for those situations. Overall, it is fairly light and mine allows for most of the pockets to be detached if I want to lighten up. Since you mention the rifle sling, I can say that I have used it while hauling in a rifle and it rides pretty good. The one gripe I do have is how low the rifle rides. It makes it almost impossible to sit down for a break without taking the pack off and if you do take the pack off, you cannot set it up very easily to dig into the pack.

 

[dotman]

Might be worth seeing if the Kifaru gun-bearer will work with th HHFC.

 

[badkneesbro]

Or the gunslinger gun corral.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I liked my HH better than my Cabelas, but definitely recommend trying them out for yourself. As for the gun holder, there are quite a few options out there that will work for either pack....and even more diy options if you feel a little handy.

 

[Vitals]

backpack hunter- other than the gunslinger, what other options have you seen that works for the full curl system?

 

[Vitals]

The gunslinger holster looks liked it wouldn't fit around the large belt of the H.H. I have. Otherwise it looks like a great option....

 

[colonel00]

Looking at pictures of the full curl there are the side straps with buckles just behind the hip pockets. You could attach it around those smaller straps/buckles.

I have been eyeing the gunslinger for a while and really like its simplicity and versatility. It is better than either pack you are asking about as far as quick access to your rifle without taking the pack off.

 

[Vitals]

Are you talking about the straps/buckles that are attaching the waist belt to the pack? I just sort of saw those myself and I'm playing with it. I'll give it a go.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

The Kifaru gunbearer, Barneys, and the Cabelas rifle holder. There are also quite a few different manufacturers out there that make zippered pockets that will more or less fit right on. You put the gun stock in the pocket and use a strap at the top for retention...usually a quick release buckle of some sort.

I can't remember if we tried the Stone Glacier on it or not, but it seems to me that we did....could be my memory though.

 

[Vitals]

I can't seem to find any Barneys or Cabela's rifle holders for a pack.....maybe it's my internet skills haha.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

The Cabelas should be available on their site, it is called the Cabelas Rifle Holder. It attached via a strap and quick release buckle.
The Barney's I purchased a long time ago, and assumed it was still available. Just did a search but did not see it on their site, instead they seem to have an integrated system now. It was called the Barney Rifle Packer, and consisted of a leather rifle butt holder that attached to the pack at the bottom via pins (I adapted to use straps) and more or less a velcro strap at the top.

 

[Randle]

This is what I have done, The pack is in daypack mode Only the frame , I just took the buckle from the right side pocket and buckled it to the lower packframe bukle under the loadshelf. I am going to have an upperstrap made but in the meantime I used a strap I already have to buckle the upper rifle to the wing. This is how I use it if I use the stock hip belt without the Gunbearer.

 

[Vitals]

That's a good set up Randy. I'm going to try this when I'm not carrying my large pack around for a longer trip.

Unfortunately, I don't think the Gunbearer will work for me without the omni belt, and I'm not gunna spend the extra 80 just for that belt when i have other options. It looks like the Gunslinger holster will work without any additional modifications made to the pack....I hope. Did you use some of the extra straps the pack came with for strapping the upper part of the rifle to the pack? I've never been able to find an use for those straps...