Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting budget backpack?

Thanks for all the info, I think I'll throw the Nimrod up for sale and see what I can scrounge.

Used a Polish military combat pack last week with a 38 lb. load. 14 miles overnight hike. No issues.

Can't beat it for the money spent. Made in Poland, better than most of the China made packs under $150.00.

https://colemans.com/shop/pouches-bags/polish-military-combat-backpack/

I like the Alps Pursuit pack--lots of pockets, modest pack weight, good waist and shoulder padded straps.

This is some good advice.

I've got a mint condition Mystery Ranch G6000 that I'm about to post in the garage sales for $400. Pretty much a Cadillac with very low miles, lol. Regardless, don't buy the "cheap" packs for hunting or any other serious stuff. There really isn't much of a forgiveness margin with packs or boots.

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Dana terraplane or alpine. Don't spend more than $100 unless it's mint.

Dana externals are fine too, but they work best borrowing a waist belt from a Dana internal...

There is sizing information online if you look around. Don't buy without knowing what size to get. If it's too long or too short, it won't work well.

I could buy whatever I want, and I hunt with a Dana.

What's different between the internal and external belts? I put a Hill People Gear Prairie Belt on a Loadmaster frame and like it. It ain't cheap but I needed a bigger belt. I thought I saw you post something about straying away from the Danas, no?

I picked up an older Arcteryx Bora 80 for maybe a $100 or $150 a year or so ago. It was pretty much brand new, fits great, and is well built.

I'd hit a REI or similar, get sized, and start looking at Craigslist and eBay.

This. Budget and backpack should not be used in the same sentence....

Backpacks and boots are the last great bastion of you get what you pay for.

Used gear is great because someone else bought quality, and you get the discount.

Also try sierra trading post and backcountry.com for deals on quality gear, mostly last year's models at a discount.

Hill People Gear's Prairie Belt and Shoulder Harness work better than the original Dana pieces.

I have a budget backpack - a Cabelas Alaskan I. I didn't pay much and I got less than I paid for. I didn't get it for backpacking, though. I got it for meat. It's a Freighter frame with a big nylon bag. The bag has a big pocket on each side. The biggest problem is the waist belt. It's too big and bulky and it's made of a very slick nylon than won't stay tight.

No.

My eyes wander from time to time, but I've not acted. Were I to act, I'd be taking a hard look at Stone Glacier.

Mkay. What have you carried that is heavy?

Go to Camofire.com . Register to start getting their daily specials. They have a lot of packs and gear at killer prices.

Sandbags. Training walks with 85#, which is half my body weight. The Dana belt was MOST uncomfortable for me with over 60#.

Exactly this. I have hiked and hunted the schidt out of mine. For your budget nothing compares.

ILBEs are great if they fit. Solid solid solid