Empty pack weight

[AK Troutbum]

I personally believe the pack weight debate concerning any of these packs are simply men wanting to debate. And, not an issue at all no matter how big of one its made out to be. If the difference in weight of a tactical frame from and an ultra light frame keeps you down or impedes your hunting, then something is wrong. Better yet, go vegan for a week and lose that difference from you.

My point is simple. And, I'm not trying to be a wise guy. I just don't understand it. Because, It's how it carries, not what it weighs that means something.

I don't totally disagree, but when your trying to cut your "packing in" wt. down, the best place to start is by trying to cut the wt. of your heaviest items and generally speaking, a lot of times your pack itself is one of those items. If you end up with a pack that doesn't carry a heavy load, or doesn't carry a heavy load well, then you've obviously defeated the purpose (assuming it's a hunting pack we're talking about).
Why carry a 12 lb. (empty), pack around, like my friend did for many years with is MR pack, when you can carry a pack that's basically the same size and carries just as well, if not better, but weighs half as much. Granted, that's only 6 lbs. difference and 6 lbs. shouldn't make or break your hunt or your back, but if you can cut the wt. of everything in your pack (including your pack), in half, why not? It may just make the difference of you being able to hike that extra 1, 5, 10 miles or whatever and fill your tag or kill that monster that the other guy couldn't get to, because his pack weighed twice as much as yours.

 

[Trial153]

The only time I worried about pack base weight is when I have a total weight restriction for a by the book super cub pilot....If I am at 55 pound total ..a 5 pound pack vs a 7 pound pack is a cot, another day of food or some other creature comforts.

 

[Fatcamp]

Weighed my Cabela's Minimalist pack frame and bag with the rainfly. I have stripped this thing down and it weighs 5.6#. I like it well enough, but hate that it is over my shoulders. Maybe a little picky. Never have carried an animal in it but the suspension is waaay better than my older pack frame that carries a whole deer like a champ so I'm sure it's gtg. The Molle set-up I posted on the last page has carried bone in antelope with no problem, the weak link being lack of conditioning on my part last fall.

 

[RBHunter]

Was not trying to start a debate just to debate. The question more stemmed from pictures you see online. Any pac seems to show it loaded. And depending on brand it may be loaded, with pockets attached, and a lid, and a pocket on a lid. As someone stated above it seems to be the pockets or extras that start to add additional weight. We could all get a comfy durable frame. Add a few straps and carry a couple garbage bags with our stuff in it. And run light. But for me I like the organization of having some pockets. And am willing to pay the price for the extra weight vs having all my stuff just stuffed in a sack. I was curious who else was the same.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

AK, I meant within reason which is why I said, “these pack companies”. I understand your point as you make it. No one here is carrying a 12 pound empty pack. Just sayin.....



James, I learned something today. Never thought about that. Great point.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

There is nothing wrong with debate either. Or talking about cool stuff. We all obviously don’t watch much TV. We tinker with gear and come here to look for things and share our interest. So, I meant it as no harm. I was just putting in my two cents since you said you liked the tactical frame.



I will tell you this as it’s a point you made earlier. The new light frames breath so much better. It’s no comparison. I bought one based on that hope and it works great.

 

[juan trueno]

Fully expecting to be humping 80 plus pounds on the way out on any given trip- I don’t really sweat a pound extra of baseline weight if the pack is functional to the degree I want it to be. Starting with pack that’s 1/80th lighter doesn’t seem meaningful. And of all the personality types to Hunt with- the ones who obsess about weight are the worst. You take a guy is obsessed about whether or not his pack is too heavy empty- and try to add 15-20lbs of kit and 65lbs of elk... it’s easier to just carry it all out yourself. Even if it’s his animal.

It always starts “I’m not complaining- but...” about as reliable as posts innthe forum that start “not looking for anyone’s honeyhole, but...”


I always enjoy the discussion- but i think in general guys think a pound of difference in the pack weight is a bigger deal than it is.

Lighter weight, better ventilation, etc are very subtle improvements in overall effect and are absolutely secondary considerations to wieght handling when it comes to comfort. 1-2 pounds will not affect your ability to handle the packout, and the front of your shirt will be sweated through even with no bino harness on your chest- so the idea of not having a wet back is a pipe dream- in other words- I think it’s all about having tempered expectations when it comes to seeing an improvement in your hunt simply by carrying 2-3 less pounds.

I weigh about 215 going in for 3days 2nihjts with contingency for night 3 if i kill one day3.

If i carried 2 lbs less I’d be down to 213- and I have no way of calculating just exactly how much work I would have to do befor that 2 pounds difference started to make a difference- way way more than I do during 3 days of elk hunting all day every day. At that level I’m operating at so far below capacity that 5 pounds either way is transparent in effect- It’s like having a passenger in my jeep or not- it handles the same.

 

[Coveyleader]

I always laugh at the "lose the two pounds" comments. It doesn't even relate to pack weight.

As mentioned above, packing in or out is a given. Its going to be heavy. I want a pack that is light, one I don't feel day in and day out. There is something to be said when you lift your pack up to head out in the AM and it's not heavy with just your basic items inside. A 7+ pound empty pack is getting up there. I'm in the market for a new pack . Ater 20 years, mine has seen better days. If I can't get a pack around 5ish lbs empty, I will keep looking until I do.

 

[Billinsd]

I always laugh at the "lose the two pounds" comments. It doesn't even relate to pack weight.

As mentioned above, packing in or out is a given. Its going to be heavy. I want a pack that is light, one I don't feel day in and day out. There is something to be said when you lift your pack up to head out in the AM and it's not heavy with just your basic items inside. A 7+ pound empty pack is getting up there. I'm in the market for a new pack . Ater 20 years, mine has seen better days. If I can't get a pack around 5ish lbs empty, I will keep looking until I do.

What's the lowest empty pack weight, tha

Thats ^ getting up there for me.

I like my base pack weight as low as possible with the pack itself still capable of carrying 70#-80# of boned out meat [my self imposed limit]

My McHale is just under 6# empty...works as a day pack and a meat hauler without barreling like some of the UL packs will do.

I think a guy can find many good options in the 6# range now-a-days

What are some low 6# empty packs that don't barrel? Thanks Bill

 

[WV Mountaineer]

I always laugh at the "lose the two pounds" comments. It doesn't even relate to pack weight.

As mentioned above, packing in or out is a given. Its going to be heavy. I want a pack that is light, one I don't feel day in and day out. There is something to be said when you lift your pack up to head out in the AM and it's not heavy with just your basic items inside. A 7+ pound empty pack is getting up there. I'm in the market for a new pack . Ater 20 years, mine has seen better days. If I can't get a pack around 5ish lbs empty, I will keep looking until I do.

That is a fact but, if 1-2 pounds of pack weight meant that much to me, getting myself in better shape would be priority number one. FWIW, 1-2 pounds isn't noticeable on my back. Since I'm not special and, I assume everyone is wearing a pack that fits well, I can't see where it would matter to anyone once its snugged down and ready to hump. If that isn't you then sobeit. I just can't rationalize it to the degree that many do.

 

[Billinsd]

z i'v

That is a fact but, if 1-2 pounds of pack weight meant that much to me, getting myself in better shape would be priority number one. FWIW, 1-2 pounds isn't noticeable on my back. Since I'm not special and, I assume everyone is wearing a pack that fits well, I can't see where it would matter to anyone once its snugged down and ready to hump. If that isn't you then sobeit. I just can't rationalize it to the degree that many do.

I completely agree. However, I'm extremely special and OCD. I also tend to overthink think things. I can notice a pound or 2 on my back. I'm a frustrated civil engineer, I'm not sure what everyone else's excuse is.

 

[Coveyleader]

WV,

Question, how many long western hunts have you been on? I'm trying to get a feel for your true experience out here.
I can tell you that after a week of hunting, I find myself dropping stuff like rain gear, splitting game bags, etc from my pack just to save a few ozs/lbs. To say a couple pounds doesn't matter, well In my mind it does.

I'm far from being out of shape, but weight matters. I could care less how a pack feels heavy. They all suck. I want a light pack that can be worn day to day with as little effort as possible. Starting at 7+ pounds (which in alot of cases is still light for some makes and models) and adding just two quarts of water and you're already at 11lbs. Throw the scope, binos, rangefinder, rain gear, food etc. etc and wear that day in day out, it starts to break you down.

 

[Jimbob]

The thing about lightweight is that it gets applied to every item you use. So it is not just about 1-2 lbs it is about 10-20 lbs and that makes a big difference. The guy that is scrutinizing his pack weight is scrutinizing every other item as well.

What is 2 lbs when my pack rides well?
What is 2 lbs when my gun fires better?
What is 2 lbs when I get a better sleep?
What is 2 lbs when I stay warmer?
What is 2 lbs when I have more room in my shelter?
What is 2 lbs of reassurance or just in case items?

At some point you need to start questioning the weight of your items because it has huge effects when you are packing in. Also, remember that not everyone's hunting style is the same. A solo sheep hunt deep in the back country and you better be counting every ounce.

I am going on a back pack caribou hunt with my older Dad and 11 yr old son this summer and we are hiking in. My son will just barely carry his own weight. That leaves me with shared gear for three guys (shelter, cooking, optics etc) and the majority of the bull, my Dad will carry his gear and some meat. On this trip EVERY ounce will count and determine what is possible for me/us to do.

So I care deeply about pack weight because it determines what is possible for me to experience.

In some circumstances ounces count, and they count on every item.

 

[RockChucker30]

I personally believe the pack weight debate concerning any of these packs are simply men wanting to debate.

My point is simple. And, I'm not trying to be a wise guy. I just don't understand it. Because, It's how it carries, not what it weighs that means something.

I see you're from West Virginia.

Highest elevation in West Virginia - 4,863 (Spruce Mountain)
Highest elevation in Colorado - 14,440 (Mount Elbert)

(Edit to add that I'm not knocking one state vs another...I'm from TN with a high of 6644)

There is roughly 25% less available oxygen at 10,000 feet than at 3,000 feet.

Day in, day out, a backpack is nearly always worn. So the weight is multiplied by the time it's on you.

Reducing weight from your most worn gear has a huge effect on how your body feels on the last day of your hunt.

Link to an article on our site I wrote on this:

https://seekoutside.com/blog/how-to-cut-your-hunting-backpack-weight/

 

[AK Troutbum]

I see you're from West Virginia.

Highest elevation in West Virginia - 4,863 (Spruce Mountain)
Highest elevation in Colorado - 14,440 (Mount Elbert)

There is roughly 25% less available oxygen at 10,000 feet than at 3,000 feet.

Day in, day out, a backpack is nearly always worn. So the weight is multiplied by the time it's on you.

Reducing weight from your most worn gear has a huge effect on how your body feels on the last day of your hunt.

Link to an article on our site I wrote on this:

https://seekoutside.com/blog/how-to-cut-your-hunting-backpack-weight/

I’m from Alaska and our highest mountain is 20,320 feet, so I’m sure you can see what I’m talking about.


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[Billinsd]

WV,

Question, how many long western hunts have you been on? I'm trying to get a feel for your true experience out here.
I can tell you that after a week of hunting, I find myself dropping stuff like rain gear, splitting game bags, etc from my pack just to save a few ozs/lbs. To say a couple pounds doesn't matter, well In my mind it does.

I'm far from being out of shape, but weight matters. I could care less how a pack feels heavy. They all suck. I want a light pack that can be worn day to day with as little effort as possible. Starting at 7+ pounds (which in alot of cases is still light for some makes and models) and adding just two quarts of water and you're already at 11lbs. Throw the scope, binos, rangefinder, rain gear, food etc. etc and wear that day in day out, it starts to break you down.

I think you mean "you couldn't care less how a pack feels heavy". I don't have a whole lot of recent experience with new packs that are heavy. I'm been told the reason to get the heavier, beefier, frame is that it sucks much less when fully loaded. I like your mindset and your determination and concur with you, however, I not as educated on packs as you. Cheers, Bill

 

[Billinsd]

I’m from Alaska and our highest mountain is 20,320 feet, so I’m sure you can see what I’m talking about.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Billinsd]

I see you're from West Virginia.

Highest elevation in West Virginia - 4,863 (Spruce Mountain)
Highest elevation in Colorado - 14,440 (Mount Elbert)

There is roughly 25% less available oxygen at 10,000 feet than at 3,000 feet.

Day in, day out, a backpack is nearly always worn. So the weight is multiplied by the time it's on you.

Reducing weight from your most worn gear has a huge effect on how your body feels on the last day of your hunt.

Link to an article on our site I wrote on this:

https://seekoutside.com/blog/how-to-cut-your-hunting-backpack-weight/

 

[Billinsd]

So, with the logic you both seem to use, Troutbum is more of an expert because there are taller mountains in Alaska than Colorado? And WV can not be in the discussion because he lives in West Virginia? Hmmm.....

I'm in California, and our Tallest Peak, Mt. Whitney is higher than any peak in Colorado, but lower than Mt. Mckinley. And I've hiked to the to the top of Whitney.

Carry on.....

 

[AK Troutbum]

Well, beings that you’re from California just means that you’re not allowed to have an opinion!


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