Packing in using load shelf

[canyonhunter47]

I am shopping hunting backpacks right now and am debating between a pack that fits my needs most of time vs sizing up for potential longer trips.

Now most new packs have a load area between the frame and the bag, usually for meat, but does anyone have an opinion on using that area for a dry bag for extra gear when packing in? Other than killing something early and having packed food still taking up too much space (good problem to have), are there any other concerns with this approach?

 

[bozeman]

I have considered just a new frame and a load sling, which, in theory, provides an opportunity to use 2 dry bags, 1 smaller and 1 larger without a true 'bag' from one of the major companies. I see no issue with this, it just limits some of the features available.

 

[manitou1]

Mystery ranch has a video on this. A dry bag between the pack and frame can change a Metcalf (or similar) from a 4 day pack to a 7 day pack +/-. I think Randy Newburg has a video on it too. Drop the bag at camp, along with the supplies in your pack, make a day pack out of it and go hunt. This would apply to many of the hybrid systems today. Lots of good packs to choose from.

 

[Backyard]

This is exactly what I do. I have a Kuiu 3200 and use an XL Kuiu dry bag to hold my camp gear putting it in the meat shelf. I hike out, set up a spike camp, then my pack is cinched down to daypack size for hunting. Works great for me.

 

[Osubuck]

I recently purchased a MR Mule to do the same thing. Once dry bag full of gear is dropped at camp I am left with a light weight day pack capable of hauling meat.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

I used to do that with my "day" pack prior to making my self a larger pack. When bringing in a back country spike camp I'd use a large bag on the shelf with most all the gear, the actual pack gets rather rearward at that point so nothing or just sleeping bag, etc. in there is best. I've also used a 4" thick haul bag with just heavier camp stuff on the shelf to augment a smaller bag. But that all said I much prefer using the correct size bag when possible as it keeps the load nearer to the back and vertically stacked.

 

[canyonhunter47]

I used to do that with my "day" pack prior to making my self a larger pack. When bringing in a back country spike camp I'd use a large bag on the shelf with most all the gear, the actual pack gets rather rearward at that point so nothing or just sleeping bag, etc. in there is best. I've also used a 4" thick haul bag with just heavier camp stuff on the shelf to augment a smaller bag. But that all said I much prefer using the correct size bag when possible as it keeps the load nearer to the back and vertically stacked.

Very useful feedback. My biggest concern was the experience with the weight loading. I was between a few different mystery ranch/exo/SG/etc packs and this helps narrow it down

 

[fngTony]

It works if you don’t go too far extended off your back. I played around with the rectangular Sg dry bag for camp and food then different day packs. I wouldn’t want a meat+camp+daypack load though. So not something I would do if you need to get everything out in one long trip.

 

[mrbillbrown]

I tried it a few times and the fiddling round to get everything strapped in tight and just right was maddening. Much prefer my AMR bag for the simplicity. 3 side straps and it goes from huge to flat and back in seconds. Personal preference I guess.


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[jnordwell]

Stone glacier has a minimalist set that is just that. Frame and load cell. Have heard guys with a smaller bag use it like this for food and camp stuff then drop the load cell and attach your bag and go hunting.

 

[mcorbeille]

I was considering the same thing with the Initial Ascent IA4k bag. Dennis over are IA talks about the their pack system being used like this here:

That said, I am waiting for the IA6k bag being released here in June so I don't need to do that.