I received the latest addition of CHS's Huntin Fool magazine and I was surprised to see that the backpacks they now list as "endorsed products" are by eberlestock and blacks creek Bone Collector series.

I'm curious if this is just a case of who'll pay the most to advertise or if these products are really any better. Mystery Ranch had been advertising with them heavily in the past and I'm curious to see if they've been replaced. I have serious doubts that EB and black creek are the best pack companies out there. I looked up the bone collector that they are promoting as a daypack/1-2 nighter (3100 inches) weighs in at 8.13lbs with side pockets.

I'm not trying to be negative and I'm not connected to any company,....just curious how much unbiased endorsement I'm getting for my $100.

thoughts

I think you are on the right track. Garth is a business man and only has so much room in his magazines. I would guess his prices went up and some of the other companies didn't want to get on board with that. There is and never will be just one pack that can do it all for hunting, there are just to many variables.

I wondered the same thing when I saw the "endorsed products" section of the most recent issue. I've seen Mystery Ranch in their magazine so much I was surprised to see them not listed. Be willing to bet it's just as RosinBag described and all about $$. That said, I feel I get more than $100 of value out of the magazine and the resources they offer. I come here for gear advice.

Dux,

I agree with you about not going to carter's for gear advice. I just noticed that this month and thought it was funny. They did a 2 page layout extolling the virtues of the two pack companies w/o really saying anything besides jumping up and down that one of them had pockets for your spotting scope. IMO, outside of the state reviews, the most beneficial things in their magazine is the canadian outfitter's column.

I've been a member now for probably 5-6 years, but I'm not sure if I'll resubscribe with the improvement in Eastmans.

Huntin fool is a business. I have been a member for 8 years. It is well worth the $100 per year price for the state specific data.

years ago they were promoting the Jansens ultimate hardcore. so ya i think that money talks. they will probly be shooting T/C's before too long!

Jason Carter also used that pack for a number of years.
Jeff Janssens didn't pay him to do that.
He did pay for advertising space, just like everybody else.

KC

PACKS?

The best ones do not come in camo....................