Horn Hunter backpacks

[SilverDollars]

Howdy. Has anyone used or do you own a Horn Hunter backpack? What do you think?

[ElkNut1]

Jim, I just picked one up here from Packfitter.com -- I've yet to try it but will be doing my best to test a few loads with it this week, so far it appears to be a real decent pack with lots of pockets! First impression, I like it, we'll see what the 2nd ones hold! (grin)

ElkNut1

[Ridgernr]

I have the Fullcurl but I have only used on a dayhike small load. I find it comfortable with 40 lbs, no heavy load yet.
I will be using this weekend if I get an elk with my smokepole, so we shall see.
sorry not more help at the point.


Randy

[Olydog09]

Has anybody with a shorter torso 17-18" had success with this pack?

[ElkNut1]

Not exactly sure what my torso length is but I'll bet it's pretty close to 17"-18" as I'm no more than 5'-7" tall. I finally did get some workout with the Full Curl & I am happy to say this thing does extremely well! I had 92# of weighed wt in this pack & it carried it awesome! No shoulder pull at all with that wt & no side to side uncomfortable shifting. I had the wt in the pack frame with the bat wings & on the seat, the frame weighed 5#, I did not use the 5000" or 2000" bag as it was not needed. I used it exactly as I would hunt with it. Two thumbs up!

ElkNut1

[Olydog09]

Not exactly sure what my torso length is but I'll bet it's pretty close to 17"-18" as I'm no more than 5'-7" tall. I finally did get some workout with the Full Curl & I am happy to say this thing does extremely well! I had 92# of weighed wt in this pack & it carried it awesome! No shoulder pull at all with that wt & no side to side uncomfortable shifting. I had the wt in the pack frame with the bat wings & on the seat, the frame weighed 5#, I did not use the 5000" or 2000" bag as it was not needed. I used it exactly as I would hunt with it. Two thumbs up!

ElkNut1

That is interesting Paul. I was looking into the Horn Hunter Full Curl set up awhile back and heard some people saying that it was a great pack for taller people or longer torso guys but not so great for shorter guys. I liked the price tag and available options but never went any farther as I have had issues with some packs for those same reasons. I have no butt and a lot of one size fits all packs end up dropping real low in that area.

How is the adjustability of the pack Paul? Does it have adjustments for torso length?

[ElkNut1]

Scott, I measured my torso the best I could. I did it from the top of hip bone to top of shoulder, it was 17". This pack fits just awesome, here are a few photos of how compact it really is. Notice it's 5"-6" from top of my head, I could adjust it a bit less than that if I wanted too but I like the fit best right where it is now for me. When I loaded it up with 92# all I did was raise the frame up a couple of inches by pulling/tightening the lower shoulder straps with pack on as seen in the photos, this function will raise or lower the pack a good 5" either direction & it's so easy to do, takes 5 seconds. Notice also the room between my shoulders & padded shoulder strap, you can see the load lifters are high enough so even with heavy wt I can keep the wt off my shoulders with no problem. 92# on this pack was a breeze to putt around with. Too, this pack has 3 nice usable pockets on each side of waist-belt, this pack is a hunters pack not just a back-packers pack.
I picked this one up from Packfitter here on the Forum, he's a Sponsor, click on his Banner or name in Sponsors list for more info.

ElkNut1

[>>>---WW---->]

I always look first at the negatives before I consider the positives in any equipment I purchase. So forgive me if I ruin your party. But if you like it, that is the main thing for you!

Two things strike out at me from looking at the pictures. First of all, I could never wear that pack because it is just too tall. Looks like the frame would be hitting me in the back of the head sometimes and that in itself just bugs the crap out of me. But it does look like the load lifters would work pretty dang good. Also, the way it sticks up that tall, it looks like a real brush catcher when you have to bend over to get thru the thick stuff. The other thing is those belt pockets stick out too far and interfere with normal arm movement. That's one of the main reasons I got rid of my MR Crewcab. It was a great pack until I added the belt pockets that stuck out too far.

However, like I said, "If you are happy, I'm happy for you"!

[Swede]

I have no issue with the pack, but what caught my eye is the wood pile. I can't be sure, but it looks like Western Larch. Sometimes I miss having a wood stove, especially when it gets really cold.

[ElkNut1]

Yep swede, that's Idaho Tamarack, awesome stuff! I have near 6 cords of it that my son & I cut up together.

WW, I hear ya bud about the style of pack that this is. I know you don't pack meat or a lot of weight these days so a low cut simple day pack will suffice your needs. I on the other hand need a pack that serves as a dual purpose pack. It needs to be flexible & light enough for wearing on all day hunts as this pack is & pack out 90#-100# comfortably when called upon. Packs as this sit a bit higher so the load lifters will perform as desired with the heavier loads, a good load lifter must be several inches above ones shoulders to perform correctly as this pack does. Surprisingly this pack is very comfortable & it stays snuggly to your back even when bent over to go under things, it works really well. The pockets on the side actually are very comfortable in their positioning, yes they stick out a hair but not a an issue, I like them because I have many of my important items at a hands reach without having to remove the pack. There's always a few trade-offs & no pack that fits everyones desires or needs! (grin) Thanks.

ElkNut1

[Ridgernr]

I dont care for the large hip belt pockets myself so I replaced the hip belt with a kifaru belt it fits right in and I can add pockets, pistols holster, or whatever I want to the belt to make it mine.
I have only used it a couple times but have not packed meat yet.
The only time that bothered me about the height is that grab handle on top so I cut it of I my add a smaller 1 later.

[Swede]

Larch, AKA tamarack, is the best as far as I am concerned. A lot of BTUs per cord and splits so easy. Paul, I can see that your wood is perfectly dry with checks into the heart. It looks like you are well prepared for the winter.

[SilverDollars]

Howdy all. Elknut, it looks like you just have on the Full Curl Frame Only. Because I started this topic, I thought I'd give ya'll an idea of what I have in mind.

From Horn Hunter, the following pack are of interest to me.

As I understand it, the Full Curl Pack has 5000 cubic inches total, weighs 8.2 lbs total, and has the following:
* Hybrid Curl Frame @ 600 cubic inches. Weight 5.4 lbs.
* Full Curl Bag @ 3000 cubic inches. Weight -> unknown
* Forky Day Pack @ 1400 cubic inches. Weight -> unknown
Approx $335

The Curl Combo Pack has 2000 cubic inches total and has the following:
* Hybrid Curl Frame @ 600 cubic inches. Weight 5.4 lbs.
* Full Curl Day Pack @ 1400 cubic inches. Weight -> unknown
Approx $245

The Mainbeam Pack has 2800 cubic inches. Weight -> unknown
Approx $180

The Mainbeam XL Pack has 3800 cubic inches total and has the following:
* Mainbeam Pack @ 2800 cubic inches. Weight -> unknown
* (The name is unknown) and adds another 1000 cubic inch cargo compartment. Weight -> unknown
Approx $200

AND NOT TO THROW TOO BIG OF A KINK IN IT ALL, HOW ABOUT THIS PACK?

The Badlands pack called the "Sacrifice" which has the following:
* 3450 cubic inches @ 4 lbs 0 oz
Approx $270

Thanks everyone for your input!!! It looks like http://www.packfitter.com can get any of these for me when I decide to make the jump.

BTW: Elknut, you have been providing some great pictures here and on your tripod photos.
__________

[ctdad]

I had a sacrifice a couple years ago. Not much of a Pack with 50lbs or more in it imo. Hunting partner has used full curl for two years and has been happy with it but I've never even tried it on. this pack will probably work better on a shorter torso than longer bc load lifters will function better.

[ctdad]

This pack meaning full curl

[ElkNut1]

The pack I have & am displaying is the Full Curl model that is the 335.00 one. The main bag is 5000" I'll put a photo up of it installed & compressed so you can see it on the pack. I didn't add a photo above of it because I was showing it as I will be hunting with it, I do not need a bag, the pack as shown has all my gear already in it for all day hunts minus the food.

ctdad, this make is torso adjustable, I would venture a guess & say it will fit someone in the 5'-4" range to a 6'-5" range, there's that much adjustment in it. The 92# I had in this pack did not even phase it & the load lifters still had plenty of adjustment.

Ridgernr, I too thought about removing the rubber grab strap but so far I'll leave it on, I like having the loop to grab & move around, time may see it otherwise but for now it's been OK. Most my packs have a grab loop so I'm used to them. I carry my pistol under the waist-belt on a hip holster, done it this way close to 20 some odd years, no issue with it there. If you remove your loop in place of something else please let me know what you do, I'd be interested, thanks!

ElkNut1

[ElkNut1]

OK, here are photos of the Full Curl Pack opened up, it's on the right in 1st photo, the other two bags are the larger 5000" bag with built in meat shelf inside, the smaller bag can also attach to that big bag or frame, all depends what you desire for your hunt, all this comes in the Full Curl System. The 2nd & 3rd photos are of the 5000" bag installed inside the batwings, you can see it's still very slim line. This bag opens up large enough to put an elk hindquarter on the bone inside & more, it has meat shelf in it so the meat only goes down 2/3 the way, this keeps weight elevated, there is an outside zipper under meat shelf of bag where you can store another 1000" of misc stuff, sleeping bag & pad, etc. This is a great setup for the bivy hunter! Personally I will use the Pack without either bag as there is plenty of room & pockets in the Batwing frame itself.

Notice the 1st photo where there are horizontal zippers on left & right wing, those zippers open & a pouch unfolds so you can put a spotter on one side & a tripod on the other, they are very secure there once batwings are closed & buckled, again, great setup & thought into this pack & it's a weight hauling piece of gear.

ElkNut1

[MontBison]

So does this mean you won't be using the kifaru anymore?

[ElkNut1]

That is true, it is for sale right now!

ElkNut1

[Ridgernr]

Paul , Any particular reason you are selling the Kifaru pack?

[ElkNut1]

Simply put, it does not fit our style of elk & deer hunting! Loading this pack with downed quarters is not convenient! There are other features too that are not conducive to our style. The Kifaru is a nice pack but there others out there that I feel are much better for the elk hunter. The Kifaru is a nice back-packing pack but for us it ends there. Good luck in your search!

ElkNut1

[Ridgernr]

I agree with you there, our style is the same up here in N Idaho, I just finished packing the HH Fullcurl for elk shed hunting and then added the Eberlestock spike duffel I already have just to see how it fits. With it loaded with 3 day camp, I can then just drop it if Backpacking in for the hunt.
Otherwise I will usually just have day hunt gear in the fullcurl frame, I packed it for the shed hunting with all I should need less my kill kit so it is packed all the time ready to go.

[ElkNut1]

Your setup sounds good! I too will hunt with the basic frame & no bag attached since I will not need anything additional. I can get all of my all day gear, food, water bladder & elk bags in the frame & the provided pockets with no problem & be around 14# -- This will allow me to put as much meat on it as I see fit for the trip out from the kill site! The load lifters work very well with pack, I've 92# pounds on it with no issue & it packs wt securely without additional tie downs in less than a minute! This is truly a sweet affordable pack!

ElkNut1

[pointysticks]

the rock-work around that hearth is amazing!

nice digs elknut!

[ElkNut1]

Cliff, thanks, the boys & I built it years ago, being a Masonry Contr. for 32years has its perks! (grin)

ElkNut1

[Madison COunty]

Can you carry a hunting rifle with that pack? It looks like a nice one

[ElkNut1]

Yes you can. The smaller of the two pack bags that come with it has a built in carrier for a rifle!

ElkNut1

[Blackhorn]

Here's mine getting used with about 50 lbs of elk. I know it's hard to see it with this pic. It is a very functional pack and I do enjoy it. Had an issue with it squeaking at the waist belt. I called hornhunter and they sent me a fleece sleeve which remedied the problem. Very good customer service.

[Ridgernr]

I replaced the hipbelt with a Kifaru belt that has stay pockets, now I can use the Gunbearer. I like to have my rifle acessible.
Or I can add a pistol holster for backpacking in the summer.

[Ridgernr]

Here it is closed up ready to go

[Madison COunty]

How does your rifle fit in that?

[Ridgernr]

I added the kifaru gunbearer to the belt. http://store.kifaru.net/gun-bearers-p30.aspx

[Madison COunty]

How do you fill the water bladder on packs? Do you ever have to worry about it rupturing or popping?

[Madison COunty]

Here's mine getting used with about 50 lbs of elk. I know it's hard to see it with this pic. It is a very functional pack and I do enjoy it. Had an issue with it squeaking at the waist belt. I called hornhunter and they sent me a fleece sleeve which remedied the problem. Very good customer service.

The pack looks good with some elk in it:) In Pauls picture his is very tall behind his head and yours does not look tall. Is there something different about yours or am I missing something?

[ElkNut1]

I've never had a water bladder break, they are pretty tough. Water bladders are removable to fill or empty. They are not sewn into a pack orpart of the pack, you can interchange them from pack to pack if you had a desire.

Yes, the shoulder straps are easily adjusted to raise or lower the height of a Full Curl pack, I like mine higher up because it rides so nice but I could also lower it if I wanted too. It is not above my head it's a good 6" below my head. There is a soft rubber strap on top of pack that you see & that may look taller. That pack fits the body well, if I bend over to duck things the pack follows the contour of your body it does not separate from your head or neck, if your head gets through the brush & low hanging branches so will the pack, that's what I like about it!

ElkNut1

[Blackhorn]

It usually does sit higher. But, as I recall I had my rain gear on and since my rain pants are a little to big for me I wear suspenders (the ones that have those metal clasps) well those clasps dig into my love handles pretty hard if I have my waist belt in the right spot. So, my pack is sitting low to accommodate the clasps. -

[Madison COunty]

It usually does sit higher. But, as I recall I had my rain gear on and since my rain pants are a little to big for me I wear suspenders (the ones that have those metal clasps) well those clasps dig into my love handles pretty hard if I have my waist belt in the right spot. So, my pack is sitting low to accommodate the clasps. -

Its funny cause he fat...hahaha (the hangover)
Just kidding, thanks for the information. I'm going to order my pack soon.

[Morrison4375]

Great packs and great company to deal with and prostaff for. Blackhorn is that a oregon rosie bull your packing out ?

[Blackhorn]

Nope, Washington cow. Buddy of mine was the killer.

[ElkNut1]

You can adjust the Pack to sit high on your shoulders or low, that's a good feature! If under 20# for day hunts relax the shoulder strap where it connects to lower portion of the pack, there's an adjustment there. If loaded with meat & gear now pull those lower straps tighter & raise the pack up so loads are now higher & tighten load lifters by simply pulling them to take the bite off your shoulders. They work pretty darned good, I've had 92# on mine & no problem.

ElkNut1

[Chukarhunter]

I went to the ISE show in Sacramento this past Saturday, hoping to see some of the Horn Hunter packs. But if they were there, I couldn't find them. I was hoping to get hands on that full curl pack. That frame looks pretty good!

[Madison COunty]

Are these packs waterproof? If it rains or snows how do you keep the things inside of it dry?

[Blackhorn]

I wouldn't say they are waterproof, but they do a good job at keeping my stuff dry. But I need to explain. ..when I hunt I am only using the frame and the small pack, the bat wings enclose the small pack keeping 90% of it dry just by sheltering it... the top of the pack does get a little damp on the inside. Keep in mind I hunt western Washington were it tends to rain a little However, the large duffel type bag does not do so well with the wet stuff..what I mean by that is my s$!* got soaked. I think a good coat of waterproofing would fix this but I haven't tried it yet. It doesn't really matter to much to me that the big bag isn't waterproof though because it stays in camp, I just need to remember to put it in the tent before I leave to hunt on wet days.

[ElkNut1]

It's as good as about any pack on the market in the rain. I've owned at least a dozen different packs in the last several years such as Badlands, Eberlestock, Kifaru, etc. all have leaked as much as the other. I have not had the Full Curl in any hard rains but am pretty sure it will eventually get as wet as the rest. I will say though that most packs when wet don't effect the inside gear too bad, it's not a big deal really!

ElkNut1

[Still Hunter]

I didn't realize packs cost that much today. I think mine was made during WW2. I could use a new one.