Brendan
WKR
You didn’t read what I wrote. I never mentioned anything about prehung sets.
Sneaking in tight on bedded whitetails is a fine art. Heavy cordura, America made zippers, and loud buckles aren’t really conducive to that. 15 straps to undo to get up the tree isn’t conducive to that. Having to hang a gigantic frame and bag in the tree with you is yet another issue. Not to mention having the stand sticking up well above shoulder height while moving in (look at the new striker, the stand is over a foot above your head).
I’ve yet to find a whitetail hunting application where I wished I’d had my mountain warrior and frame. Unless you’re backpacking but that’s apples to oranges.
You didn't read what I wrote either, I wasn't talking about pre-hung sets.
I hunt with everything on my back going in and going out every time.
If you're already carrying a hang on and everything to go up a tree, the material and size of the pack isn't a significant factor in noise for me.
And, the stand doesn't go over my head at all. It will protrude to the sides, but that is the same no matter how you carry it unless it's in Your hand.
Again, it all comes down to knowing your kit, but it works damn good once you figure it out.