When is it worth it to upgrade your pack?

rhendrix

WKR
Joined
Aug 6, 2012
Messages
2,101
I hunted hard with my tz5000 this year, maybe not as hard as I'd like , but hard enough to break the sternum strap, and some of the zippers failed on me. It rode comfortably just like it had all summer when I was training with it. I think I didn't utilize all the space in the pack by keeping everything in separate pullouts, so packing 4-5 days worth of food was challenging, but doable. Packing out a deer would've been interesting but could've been a by product if me over packing. Overall though I feel like I got my money's worth out of the pack, I can only reasonably hunt with two weeks every year and I bought it used at a really good price...I'm trying to decide what I should spend my hard earned money on next though and I can't justify spending 500 dollars on a top of the line pack yet. What are some reasons for and against upgrading? I ask because I feel like having a non-biased opinion is helpful since I am historically cheap and hate spending lots of money, but I at least recognize this. ;)
 
It sounds like you are hard enough on mid grade gear to justify it. Question is whether or not it is your biggest need.
 
To me it would be worth it if I was using the mid range stuff hard enough that it failed. If you have to buy another $300 dollar pack every season because you wear it out I would say it is way worth it...two years and you've basically paid for a high end pack that will last as long as you want it to. I had 5 seasons in my mystery ranch before it was stolen and you could barely tell it was used.
 
Have you hauled out any game with the Tenzig? A pack really shows its worth when you start packing over 100 lbs IMHO.

While training this year and waiting for my BT1, I used an old frame pack (which left huge red marks on my back and shoulders); the Badlands sacrifice, which was by far the most comfortable with under 45lbs; and the Badlands 4500, which I just could not get to fit comfortable no matter what the wieght, although it hualed the best.

When I finally got my BT1, I immediately felt the difference with no wieght, little wieght, mid-wieght and most of all, heavey wieght (over 70 lbs). I have already packed out over 130lbs, in one shot, out of the mountains and I would not have been able to do it without my BT1. I also helped haul out my brother moose with the BT1 and once again it was worth every penny I paid.

When training with my buddy, he used my badlands 4500 and me the BT1 - we would switch off and you could immediately tell the difference - night and day!
 
Only you can decide, but ill tell you its always cheaper to buy nice stuff once than to try to keep using stuff that is not adequate and replacing it every couple years.
 
If the zippers and strap broke on the Tenzing then send it back to them . When you get it back unload it and use the cash to defray the cost of a top quality pack. You also need tougher boots if I remember correctly.
 
There are a few pieces of gear that you shouldn't skimp on, and a pack is one of them. Boots are another. If you are breaking your Tenzing after one season, you need a better quality pack.
 
There are a few pieces of gear that you shouldn't skimp on, and a pack is one of them. Boots are another. If you are breaking your Tenzing after one season, you need a better quality pack.

What has been said here by all. And 7mag nailed it. Boots and pack you dont skimp on. Best way to end a trip =-)
 
Man o steel you hit the nail on the head. You put a 100 pounds in a pack and that will tell you whether its worth a darn or not. For me at 58 yrs old I want the best pack and most comfortable pack money can buy. I went with the Stone Glacier Solo a few months ago and hunted 28 days in the backcountry this elk season in three different wilderness areas. When it came time to pack out elk meat that thing was a dream. Honestly 80 pounds felt like 35. It was unreal I have never felt so good packing out meat. So IMO a pack is worth its weight in gold right next to your sleep system as far as value.
 
I agree with the above statement about not skimoing on a pack or boots cant do much without a perfect fitting pair!
 
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