Preferred saddle hunting bag

[Clarson757]

As noted above, looking for suggestions on a decent saddle hunting bag. I’ve tried several options and nothing seems to check all boxes. I usually wear my saddle into the whitetail woods. Looking for a bag that makes carrying the platform and sticks easily. Also able to deploy the sticks/ platform in order without much fiddle fckin around in the dark.

Anyone have something they’ve found that works well? I have gone back and forth with my Kuiu 1500 divide but I’m never happy when it comes time to climb the tree.

 

[tjarvis22]

Running a cruzr escape pack and it gets the job done.

 

[WI-Carcosa]

I had been using a badlands monster for early season and then the first lite transfer pack for mid-late season whitetail. I sold both and picked up the Latitude Ranger 22 for most of the season use. I have been looking at packs for a few years and this one checks the boxes for me. I will use my exo K4 if I have a long long hike or paddle during late season.

 

[FuddRucker]

Went through the same thing when I got into hunting with a saddle. I found this SOG pack to be perfect for strapping the platform and sticks to the outside: sog pack

If you get a couple gatekeeper straps, you can use the molle webbing on the lower half where the zipper watered bottle pouches are to secure the bottom part of your climbing sticks. Put the platform between the flap and the main bag, then buckle the flap around/through the platform and around the top part of the sticks.

The above way keeps everything super secure and quiet. Then there is still room in the various compartments for other layers/whatever else your packing. I kept lineman belt and tether in the a pouch worn on the saddle.

 

[KY_coop]

Kuiu divide 1200.

 

[JackCrank]

Went to Lancaster to check out bags the other day and was very impressed with the mystery ranch treehouse stuff. The 20 was plenty for what I’m looking to bring. I like that the 38 has a belt and the big side zips that open the front all the way out. The first lite transfer was nice too for how it stored the platform but heavy and expensive same as the treehouse 38.

The latitude bag was interesting but too small.

I’m curious to see a tethrd das pack in person but they don’t sell anywhere I can find one before buying

 

[Afhunter1]

Eberlestock X2 is perfect. Check it out .

 

[Macintosh]

Also carries a quartered deer easy. This is an 18, but they still make the 28l size, I really like these MR popups for the use you are describing.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

I’ve tried a bunch. I’ll dig up a bag and use it until finally getting irritated with the nuances and moving on.


I’m currently using a woodsman bag. I one stick mostly. But, it doesn’t matter because on long hikes in and out, I put the saddle in the bag and strap my one stick or platform and sticks across the face of the bag with the compression straps that compress the bag.

It’s tight. No flop. The bag doesn’t flop from the start. Which is very important and something Kifaru over looked with the declaration the hellbender was a great option.

The woodsman may not be the best choice for holding stock while you climb though. To me it’s a moot point because I hang two sticks off each tether loop when climbing.

 

[Eship]

I used the divide 1500, but it wasn’t enough for pack outs, so next season I will be using a Stryker xl on a 22” duplex tactical frame. Works great as a day pack, and if I actually get something deep in the woods, I much prefer a pack out over a drag out.

 

[tan]

I used the Kuiu venture Divide 2000 all last season. Picked it up on sale for $150. I love the size of it for walking in deep. Not too big not too small. I can fit my sticks, saddle and platform (xl) easily. I even used it through late season when I’m typically packing in my outerwear. It’s surprising how much you can stuff into this pack. When I get to the tree I’m able to access everything without a zipper as well which is a plus. Only concern Id have is if you’re planning to pack out quarters rather than boning out. Otherwise it’s been awesome.

 

[Jonputters]

I used the manimal from kifaru and it worked well