Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Scabbards and Slings for Back Packing

Search function didnt yield what I needed.

Ive googled the offerings from Mystery ranch, Kifaru, KUIU, and Eblerstock for scabbards and slings.

I sure wish I lived where I could try these out first hand, but not many back pack hunting merchants here on the gulf coast.

How do you pack your rifle and what opinions do you have? Ill be using it on hunts at or near the treeline so lots of sitting and glassing.

Do you like across the chest, on one side, or completely on your back? Brands?

Thanks.

I bought a Kifaru gun bearer last year and I will never use anything else. I love it

thanks laker. for the price, they are definitely worth trying out.

Second the Kifaru gun bearer. I have been using it hooked to my the belt of my pack. My new pack will allow me move it from my belt to the back of my pack when I don't need quick access to my rifle.

I've used several different Eblerstock packs and really like the built in scabbard when I don't need quick access. For walking in before daylight, especially uphill, I really like Eblerstock.

Picked up a Kifaru gun bearer to try on a non-Eblerstock pack and see how it goes this year. Haven't had it out yet but when setting it up on the pack it seems like it will be pretty good, especially for quick access.....also won't be behind me so I won't land on it when going down steep spots and I end up sliding into second base.

I used to shove my buttstock into an open belt pouch on my shooting side of my pack, and use the compression straps to secure the rifle to the pack. Worked just fine but getting quick access wasn't easy.

Now I have a Kifaru gun bearer but only use the "saddle" or "buttstock holder" or whatever you call it. I have it on my pack belt, and still use the top compression strap to hold the barrel and rifle in place. If I need it quickly, I lift the buttstock out of the holder then lower the rifle quickly and slip the barrel out of the top compression strap and I am ready to shoot.

I barely even use slings anymore.

Sounds like a good way to go, I'll have to try that.

Another + for the Kifaru gun bearer.

Another Gun Bearer fan here... Not sure how I ever backpacked 5 plus miles in without one... Both hands free for treking poles or just grabbing something when heading up a steep slope, yet the rifle can get into play very fast and quietly.

Kifaru Universal Gun Bearer on my EXO 3500 pack. Both are fantastic pieces of gear.

I can't stand the gunbearer in "rifle in your face" mode. Could certainly make it work the way tinman describes.

I use the stone glacier version when backpacking. Just the buttstock holder, with barrel in a compression strap. I'm willing to sacrifice some speed for more positive retention.

Thanks a bunch fellas. For the price, and reviews here I'm giving the Kifaru a trial run. Thanks.

I love the Gunbearer, it takes a bit of adjustment and getting used to the barrel in the field of view, but works well. My rifles tend to hang “scope down” and I adjust so the bolt handle is at the top of the waist belt. I also made a fastex buckle strap for the top with fat shrink tubing to keep it stiff. One note, if you fall in the rocks like I tend to, the buttstock slams into the ground. Getting rid of the sling screws helps with snagging.

I haven't tried it yet but the Safari sling gets a lot of high reviews. It's supposed to work very well with back packs. It's worth a look anyway.

I either use a gun bearer up front under my arm pit or strap my rifle to the side of the pack. No problems with either. I like the GB up front when hunting in big bear land, makes it a lot quicker to get into battery.

Tanner

When's the next big bear hunt, sign me up!!

2020 for me...

I really don't like the Kifaru gun bearer, but I haven't found anything that works better so I will continue to use it.

The Franken stud works good also and just started to use it last year. Not as stable as the gun bearer, but I have to use it more.


Lefty

Still working with Steve?

possibly!

Tanner