| Every hunter knows that having the right gear | | | | the best hunting packs have proprietary materials |
| can make or break a successful hunt. One of the | | | | and coatings, making them highly durable and long |
| most important pieces of gear is the Hunting | | | | lasting. Provided that the owner uses the proper |
| Backpack. When you're on a hunt you should be | | | | care and cleaning techniques. |
| concentrating on out witting your prey, without | | | | In addition to great material, a durable hunting |
| any distractions from your gear or pack. One | | | | pack needs to have reinforced stitching around all |
| way to insure this is to use a good quality hunting | | | | the edges. Many hunting pack manufactures |
| pack that suits your hunting needs. | | | | employ double or triple stitching on all sewn |
| There are three things to look for when buying a | | | | seams. Be sure to look for these qualities in your |
| quality hunting pack: comfort, durability and ease | | | | next pack purchase. |
| of use. | | | | A good hunting pack will be durable enough to |
| Comfort - A great hunting pack will be | | | | withstand being in the wilderness in all types of |
| comfortable to ware. Make sure that the pack is | | | | conditions. That can mean anything from wet and |
| adjustable to your body shape and size. The | | | | cold, to dry and hot conditions. Knowing that your |
| shoulder straps, chest straps and waist band | | | | hunting pack is keeping your gear and provisions |
| should all be adjustable and fit your body type | | | | dry and safe will help keep your mind on the prey. |
| and size. Good packs will adjust in all these areas | | | | Ease of Use - As with any hunting equipment it |
| so that the pack is held firmly on your back, and | | | | must be easy to use. Consider the type of |
| the weight load is carried mainly on your hips. | | | | hunting you do most often and purchase the pack |
| Choosing an internal frame vs. external frame is | | | | accordingly. |
| largely a mater of preference, as there are great | | | | An easy to use pack is one that holds all the gear |
| hunting packs in both these configurations. | | | | you need, and is designed so you can access it in |
| Also, keep comfort in mind when you think about | | | | the field. Most hunting packs (pack systems) have |
| those popular 'add on' gear bags used to carry | | | | external compartments that will carry all types of |
| tri-pods, bino's, and other types of gear. When | | | | equipment. Try making a list of your essential |
| loaded these gear bags can throw off the balance | | | | hunting gear before you shop. Then use the list |
| of the pack, thus causing it to ride awkwardly on | | | | while you shop for the hunting pack. Check each |
| your body. This can cause unsteady balance as | | | | item off the list as you determine where the item |
| you walk resulting in blisters on your feet, | | | | will be stored in the pack. Be sure that the hunting |
| shoulders and hips. No hunter needs this kind of | | | | pack you choose will hold all your gear from the |
| distraction and pain from their hunting pack and | | | | list and that you can get to it quickly in the field. |
| gear. | | | | There are times that you need to remove your |
| Durability - Durability starts with a hunting pack | | | | pack; make sure that you can do this quickly, |
| that is made of quality material. Most modern | | | | easily and quietly. Test the zippers and other |
| hunting packs are made from materials that | | | | fasteners to be sure they operate easily without |
| include leather, canvas and synthetic fabrics. The | | | | excess noise or strain. It doesn't matter if you're |
| best packs have materials that are coated for | | | | on a short day trip or a long multi-day back |
| water and UV-Ray resistance. In addition these | | | | country hunt, choosing the right hunting pack will |
| fabrics are breathable and tear resistant . Many of | | | | help you bag your prey. |