Very much appreciate this thread. I’m just getting in to backpack hunting, but have extensive experience backpacking and in other outdoor endeavors where an efficient, weight/space conscious gear loadout matters.
My backpacking base weight is less than 10lbs all in, which Includdes a tent, an all season pad, and a 20deg bag. But I understand, this type of set-up is made for trail hiking and may sacrifice durability for weight savings, although I haven’t had issues.
I’m trying to incorporate the lessons learned when building out a hunting set-up while adding durability/reliability knowing off trail movement will be hard on the gear and having the ability to pack out meat is the goal. But it’s hard knowing my new Exo Pack weighs more than my current Big 3 combined!