What makes a hunting pack?

[MTLongdraw]

I often find it interesting how color makes the product. Camo for hunters, black is tactical, and well you get the point. With that being said, I'm not a huge pack guy but know a lot of people on here are. I'll use the Osprey Atmos 65 pack for example. What makes it different from a M.R. or a Stone Glacier? Does anybody use actual backpacking packs while hunting? If so how do they work? Opinions on if this is a smart choice for a hunter to do.

http://www.rei.com/product/828429/osprey-atmos-65-pack

http://www.stoneglacier.com/solo.html

I guess the first thing that jumps out at me is price. Also likely the ability to haul more weight with the load shelf.

[Freebird134]

I've used regular ol' REI packs for hunting, and they work fine. The only real, functional difference I've noticed on a good "backpacker" style pack and a "hunter" style is noise. The material on the packs at REI and similar tends to be noisier.

I also think some of the backpack style packs don't carry heavy loads well. Some do. Some don't. Try before you buy (which goes without saying with all packs)

[Indian Summer]

My day pack is VERY important and has to have the abillity to pack an elk quarter. Those type usually come in camo.

My bivy pack is a Kelty Red Cloud 110 liter in dark blue. Love PINK isn't an option other than that I don't care what color it is..... dark so it doesn't get to looking like a mess.

I'm about to buy a used Barneys Freighter from a guy and that will be my external frame carry as much as you freakin can pack and again.. color doesn't matter.

What makes a pack? Functionality, period. It's a tool.

[elkmtngear]

I often find it interesting how color makes the product.

I love the color of dried blood, if it has that on it, it certainly qualifies

[Vanish]

Comparing my Badlands pack to my friend's backpacking packs, the biggest different is the noise. I can walk through anything and my pack stays quiet, whereas just touching one of their packs makes a loud rustling.

Secondly is color. Many backpacker packs are bright so they can be seen in case of an emergency, but my wife's is a nice sage green that would be fine for hunting.

Third is weight. Due to the quiet material, my hunting pack is heavier.

Edit: Some hunting packs have pockets / straps / guides that are obviously designed for a piece of hunting equipment, like the eberlestock rifle sling. My Badlands 4500 pack claims it is designed for carrying a rifle / bow but what they suggest doesn't work for me.

[WindedBowhunter]

I use a Mystery Ranch Dragon Slayer in OPTIFADE, which is a hiking recreational pack. I primarily use this pack for over-nighters, day hunts and whitetail hunts.

I also have a Mystery Ranch Crew Cab, which I use for my 5-10 backcounty/bivy hunts. This pack allows me the versatility of packing in my whole campsite, packing out game and or quarters. With the functionality of using it as a day pack on the daily hunts.

I look for a pack that is relatively comfortable, I say relative as comfort is subjective, especially if your hauling an elk 8 miles from the backcountry! I look for fit and durability. If I want to "drop" my pack and make a run I can with my MR packs, not worrying if they will rip or not.

I also look for design and functionality for my uses and likes.

Lastly, the pack needs to organize and fit all of my gear to my liking, again this is subjective.

[G Posik]

I run the Stone Glacier SOLO. I also added two external pockets and can carry everything for a September elk hunt of 10 days. This nay when I get to camp the external pockets come off and compress the pack down for the day hunt. This pack is light weight, carries 130# no problem and is quiet. I have hunted out of a few different pack and this by far is my favorite. I think the biggest difference between this pack and a backpacking pack is the weight capacity and noise. Then comes the fit. There are a few other top quality packs on the market in the same price range as the SG. For me the SG is the best fit and most comfortable.

Glenn