How to Choose a Pack
Not all packs are created equal. Try putting 100 pounds of gear (or meat) on a substandard pack and see for yourself. In fact, many backpackers or hunters spend the least amount of money on their pack. They pour their money into all kinds of other gear and try and just “hack it” with a cheap pack. Big mistake. Here’s what you need to look for when choosing a pack.
Realistic expectations
What do you need a pack for? Wilderness hunting? Extended backpacking trips? Overnight hikes? Your answer to this question will certainly affect the type of pack that you decide to buy or rent. If you only plan to overnight hike, for instance, you won’t need 7000 cubic inches worth of pack space and a heavy duty suspension system. On the flip side, try to cram a week’s worth of backpacking or hunting gear into a pack with less than 3000 cubic inches of space. Or better yet – make that 200 pounds of elk meat. Good luck.
Pack Space
The first and most obvious consideration for a pack is space. Generally speaking, here are some rough estimates of the amount of pack space you’ll need (bear in mind, these estimates are based on quality, lightweight gear for your trip):
- Day Hikes : 1000 – 2500 cubic inches
- Overnight Trips : 2500 cubic inches or more
- Weekend Trips (2-3 Full Days) : 4000 – 5500 cubic inches
- Weeklong Trips (5-7 Full Days) : 4500 – 7000 cubic inches
- Backpack Hunts : 4500 – 7000 cubic inches (depending on length of trip)
Load Capacity
The fact is, some packs are simply not made to carry heavy loads. They are designed to carry gear for the average backpacker or hiker, and are not designed for heavier loads. Some packs, on the other hand, are well designed to carry a substantial amount of weight. Badlands and Dana Designs (unfortunately not in production any more) are two manufacturers whose packs are designed especially for weight carry.
Features:
The final consideration in choosing a pack is features. Some common pack features are side, top, and bottom loading compartments, hydration pouch, hip belt, etc. The features you’ll need for your pack, again, depend on what your outdoor adventure is. If you’re hiking more than a mile, I would highly suggest a pack with a hip belt. Otherwise, your pack will pull away from your center of gravity and make for an unpleasant hike. If you’re hunting, I would suggest a pack with easily accessible pouches, and maybe even a day pack conversion. You’d hate to see the animal of a lifetime and be scrambling through your pack for the gear you need.
This has been a quick overview for choosing a pack. There is also your wallet to consider. A proper pack that will do all of the things mentioned above is not cheap. Still, do not sacrifice on this point. If you can’t afford to buy a quality pack, rent it from us. We carry only the highest quality packs for durability, pack space, and load capacity. For more helpful information, see the video. See you on the trails,
Ben Davis - American Sportsman Outfitters
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http://www.americansportsmanoutfitters.com/
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