Ideal Weight and Size for Backcountry Hunting Rifle?

[heathmichael]

I started @ 10 years old with a 10# rifle, 60 years later I still pack a 10# rifle. @10 years old I also had a crappy pack and when we carried elk out we tied 1/4" nylon rope around the quarter and put it over our shoulders and packed it out. The last elk I packed out went on my pack and I hardly knew it was there.

As others have stated, 1) good boots, 2) good pack 3) and leave the kitchen sink at home 4) find a good rifle sling for your pack 5) and when you get home make a list of the good things you had on the hunt and a list of the stuff you did not use or that did not work, and then spend the winter and spring replacing the stuff that did not work with something better.

And a word of advice. Look through the classified ads for your upgrades, no use spending a lot of money on new when you can pickup barely used stuff that has a lot of life left in it. At least until you nail your good stuff list.

Good Luck in your hunt and remember, "A shity day in the woods is still better than any day at work"

Wow! That's awesome. I hope to be still doing this years down the road like you, Lord willing. We don't have many mountains down here in the deep south, so I'm excited just for the experience overall to be in the Rockies. And you make some great points!

 

[EastHumboldt]

The only really good quality pack I have any experience with is the Metcalf. A lot of people swear by Stone glacier, or Kifaru. Get a 75 or 100 liter pack. A smaller pack will restricted to just being a day pack. You could always cinch down the cargo straps to make The big one smaller, but you can’t make the small one bigger. I just jumped over to eBay for a minute, and there’s lots of good deals on the mystery ranch Metcalf. I saw 100 L Metcalf for $259, which is about 250 bucks off of retail. could probably find good deals on any other pack you want.

Mystery Ranch Backpack, hunting, hiking, camping Size - M/L NEW | eBay

Harnessing Style. 35.25"x17"x14.5".

www.ebay.com

 

[elsb0048]

The only really good quality pack I have any experience with is the Metcalf. A lot of people swear by Stone glacier, or Kifaru. Get a 75 or 100 liter pack. A smaller pack will restricted to just being a day pack. You could always cinch down the cargo straps to make The big one smaller, but you can’t make the small one bigger. I just jumped over to eBay for a minute, and there’s lots of good deals on the mystery ranch Metcalf. I saw 100 L Metcalf for $259, which is about 250 bucks off of retail. could probably find good deals on any other pack you want.

Mystery Ranch Backpack, hunting, hiking, camping Size - M/L NEW | eBay

Harnessing Style. 35.25"x17"x14.5".

www.ebay.com

I would second Mystery ranch as a reasonable price option, especially the used market although it may take some searching to get the right back and belt sizes.

75 is probably fine if you have fairly modern lightweight gear and/or not more than 4-5 days at a time.

If your gear is bulkier, late season, or more than 5 day food then the 100 may be good.

I've got ~30 field days and maybe 5 pack outs on mine (previous version Metcalf ~70L) and while not perfect it's certainly worthwhile.

 

[Schmo]

Is there a pack that is still somewhat budget friendly that is comfortable that you would recommend?

A couple of guys have already put you on the trail, but for a tight budget, look at a nice used Mystery Ranch. They’re a pretty solid pack, and will carry loads a lot better.

 

[Traveler]

One filled Nalgene water bottle weighs over 2 lbs. That is the difference you are talking about. I get that every ounce counts and adds up but I have never understood how 2-3lbs of rifle makes a difference. Many cheaper things add up or allow to cut weight. If you end up hunting from a base camp rifle weight doesn’t matter at all.

If you need a reason to buy a new rifle, you don’t - just buy one.