The Mule Deer Project

[david long]

Evan and Becca.....we will be setting a target weight of 50 lbs. We will be going into detail on the pack later this week once we start talking about the equipment. Cindy will also be talking about how she is hiking with different wrights in order for her to determine her max weight.

 

[david long]

Once we get Cindy's current equipment list posted up, we will pick several items to talk about each week and really look forward to getting input from everyone. Since the topic of backpack has already been brought up, let's keep the conversation going. We would love to get input from everyone.

One of the first things we need to do is have Cindy measure her torso length.

Cindy, when you get time, will you have someone measure your torso length?

If you are unsure how, I explain how to do it in my book, either that, or you can simply Google it on the Internet. There are tons of articles explaining how to do it. I would post it up, but I am on the road driving and had better stop posting while driving

 

[Foldem]

This is great! I can't wait to see the results in September.

 

[Cindy Wamsley]

Becca,

You bring up some very good points and have some great advice. I'm hoping to be able to carry the 50-55 lbs Evan mentioned. To do that, I'm currently hiking with lower weight 15-20 lbs and working up from there.

 

[Cindy Wamsley]

Sponsor Recap

I want to recap and thank our sponsors up to this point and make sure they know how very grateful we are for their sponsorships. Following is the company name, product sponsored and contact person.

1) Sight: G5, The G5 Optix XR2 Sight, Nate Grace

2) Rest: Schaffer Performance Archery, Schaffer Opposition Rest, John Schaffer

3) String: Winner's Choice Custom Bowstrings, 24 strand, pink/black string made from 8190 material, Mike Slinkard

4) Stabilizer: Ktech Designs, Tech 5 Twin Gridlock Stabilizer, Kerry Verran

Thank you!!

 

[Nick Muche]

This will be very cool and entertaining to follow! Best part is, I am missing the early season this year because I am in Afghanistan, so I will be able to watch this entire deal unfold! Good Luck, you are in good hands, that's for sure!

Nick

 

[Outdoorsman3830]

I love trying out new packs, but they are a bit expensive. There are numerous packs on the market that can handle 55 pound loads comfortably. I do not have any first hand experience with Kifaru, but it is hard to beat the weight of the Kifaru UL 3700 or 5200. It shaves off close to 5 pounds as compared to many other popular packs on the market, but has the ability to handle some insane loads. It seems like the UL series offers the perfect pack for the backcountry bowhunter who wants to get an edge on minimizing weight.

In the end, it comes down to choosing the pack that is most comfortable for you. Many people love the Mystery Ranch NICE Frame. Personally I am not a huge fan of it and would not buy another one, but I love the fit and design of the Eberlestock J-Series Packs. I'm sure David will help you find a pack you are extremely comfortable with.

Good Luck on your Hunt,

 

[les welch]

Hi gang, looks like things are falling into place. I have numbers put together and a plan for Cindy...

That said I have been having a lot of computer problems since late last week. Hope to get everything back from IT, and get some stuff posted here and sent to Cindy.

 

[Rick Seymour]

DL asked for input so ...If she is coming to Colorado to get the Bow set up Kifaru is just the ticket being located in Denver and a sponsor here at the Rok. I am happy with my Kifaru LH, with 6 screws to rods and a plate in my lower spine, I found the pack and have not been more comfortable during a hike AND after I take the pack off.
My 2 cents

 

[cmeier117]

I would say a KU 3700 or 5200 from Kifaru with 24 inch stays would be a good option for her. Or a Timberline.

 

[les welch]

I would say a KU 3700 or 5200 from Kifaru with 24 inch stays would be a good option for her. Or a Timberline.

My thoughts would be the KU 5200. Lightening up anywhere she can would be the way to go. Should be the perfect pack for her.

 

[Becca]

My thoughts would be the KU 5200. Lightening up anywhere she can would be the way to go. Should be the perfect pack for her.

I'm certainly sold on mine. The 5200 isn't that much heavier than the 3700, you can always cinch it down if it isn't full but once you have a critter down it sure is nice to have the extra space. Cindy, if you go with the KU5200 make sure you get the power pull belt option. They didn't offer it originally, and I just had it added--it's a must have!

 

[les welch]

Cindy and I have been working together and got her nutritional information hammered out. With this being a long distance venture a lot of what we are working with is based on commonalities among people in general and using educated guesses. It will be a little harder as we won't be able to have any "hands on" interaction with one another.

Armed with bodyfat percentages and a knowledge of how the body works, we are going to try and lose 1-1.5# per week of bodyfat while increasing here LBM. Her actual weight and bodyfat numbers are irrelevant to the project itself. Like any client we will maintain a certain level of privateness. That said we will share some basic numbers to show her changes.

Along with losing fat and gaining muscle we are going to start conditioning her body to pack weights, increasing her endurance, strengthening her legs, and overall just getting her ready to punch that tag

Being a "farm girl" she has a great start!

 

[Evan Williams]

I am most interested in what Les and Cindy will be doing. I am still working on getting my legs back after re-injuring my torn quads.

 

[Cindy Wamsley]

Nick,

Glad you're following the project, thank you for your service, stay safe and May God Bless you in Afghanistan.

 

[Cindy Wamsley]

Thanks to all of you for your posts on the backpack. Becca, thanks for the heads up on the now available option. What functionality does it provide for the pack?

 

[Cindy Wamsley]

Evan,

That sounds like a very painful injury!

 

[Becca]

Thanks to all of you for your posts on the backpack. Becca, thanks for the heads up on the now available option. What functionality does it provide for the pack?

The power pull waist belt option allows you to tighten the belt easily with a heavy load. My only complaint about the KU pack when I used it last season was that it was hard if not impossible to tighten the waist belt yourself while wearing the pack. With all packs I find I often have to tighten the waist belt to keep the weight on my hips, I usually tighten once when I first put the pack on and then cinch up a little more after I walk awhile and see how the load rides. Without the power pull, I either had to stop Luke and have him give the belt a hard yank, or stop and take the pack off, tighten as far as I guessed it needed and then put it back on. The power pull makes it super easy for me to tighten and readjust myself, and adds very little weight.

If you are serious about the KU pack, I would also recommend a few additional pockets--either from Kifaru or another aftermarket company. Part of what keeps the weight down on these packs is that there are zero external pockets or zippers. While this is nice for weight savings, I find I like having a few things stored outside the main compartment where I can easily reach them. I added waist belt pockets by Mountain Laurel Designs (for access to things like gum, Chapstick and trail snacks without taking off the pack) and then some KU long pockets to store my raingear and other items I might want quickly while I hike.

 

[chippewawarrior]

I'm certainly sold on mine. The 5200 isn't that much heavier than the 3700, you can always cinch it down if it isn't full but once you have a critter down it sure is nice to have the extra space. Cindy, if you go with the KU5200 make sure you get the power pull belt option. They didn't offer it originally, and I just had it added--it's a must have!

No worries... The power pulls are standard now, so you don't have to add it!

 

[Becca]

No worries... The power pulls are standard now, so you don't have to add it!

Even better! I knew they were available, but not that they were standard...thanks!