Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Recommend modestly priced backpack?

Just getting started in backpack hunting. Have done some backpacking with an old external frame Coleman pack several years ago. Would like to get a new internal frame pack and cannot spend a bundle. Can anyone recommend a modestly priced 4000-5000 c.in. bag? I realize I need to try on whatever bag for ideal fit. Would I be better off looking for a "non-hunting" bag, ie-traditional backpack to start with? Main interest in hunting bag is some way to carry rifle while hiking in. BTW, have some Cabelas gift certificates if they carry any good ones.
Thanks
Jed

Keep your eye out for an older Dana Designs Alpine or Terraplane. There's enough information floating around the internet that you can figure out what size you'd need. Watch ebay and craigslist.

I'm selling my Arcteryx Bora 95 if you are interested.

This is a pretty big pack. Plenty capable of a solo sheep/goat hunt as I have used it on several sheep hunts. Its about 5500 cu in. I'll let it go for $200 shipped.

Here is some more info on it:

http://www.rei.com/product/747133

Here are some pics of it:




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$200 for a Bora 95 is a great deal. I bought a new one last year for close to $400.

Internal frame packs, as a rule, go by torso lenth to fit you. But, for a proper fit, you really need to try them on w/ a load. Don't, whatever you do, settle for something that doesn't fit you. There is no such thing as "getting used to" an internal fame pack that doesn't fit.
The Kifaru Gun Bearer will fit almost anything out there. The best way to carry that rifle when under load. E

I also agree that the bora is a great pack. I paid $400 for mine and it handles medium weights just great.

That Bora is a great deal but you didn't define modestly. $100? $150 $200? $250? Heck, $300 is modest compared to Kifaru and Mystery Ranch packs. I don't think you'll do better bang for buck than alaska lanche's Bora, but if you're looking to spend even less there are many great deals on used packs out there on Craigslist and ebay but you are on your own as to judging and adjusting fit. I haven't looked at packs since I bought my Kifaru Predator on closeout in Sidney many years ago so I don't know if they off anything that is worthwhile or not, nothing the quality of that Bora though.

I just learned of the Kifaru Universal Gunbearer that I'll be adding to my son's Mountainsmith shortly. You can add that to just about any pack to allow for carrying your rifle comfortably.

Thanks CCH. I don't doubt the Bora deal is a good one but I was really only starting to shop/educate myself now. With Christmas coming and 3 kids, I kinda have to plan it out a bit.
Thanks Again,
Jed

You ask about a moderately-priced, internal frame, 4-5000 ci pack.

I agree 100% with Vek, above: used Dana Design Terraplane (or other Dana pack) on Craigslist or ebay. The only trick is finding the right size frame, belt, and straps. You can find fit guides on the web and the Terraplane at least was a hugely popular pack so you will find one in the right size.

I used a Dana Design Astralplane (a larger version of the Terraplane) for my sheep hunt this year.

+2 on the Dana's. I have 2, a longbed and a shortbed at 4900 cu and 6000cu respectively. The frame/ suspension is the same on both and the shortbed comfortably handles summer trips well. The longbed has a bit more room and goes on most hunting excursions. Both have managed 75lbs+ with meat. With persistence they can be had reasonably on ebay.
Good luck!

The Dana and Arcteryx packs are a good bet. I use a Gregory Robson Pro (now discontinued). I would look at a Gregory Shasta. I think Gregorys handle a load better than any others I have tried.