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Comments on Packs
Posted by Michael Strahan on Feb 23 2006
Josh,
I'll tell you straight out that I have not used either of the packs you mentioned. What I want to do is give you and other readers a few things to consider with this. I don't know where you're at on these things, or what you've already looked at. So I don't want to insult your intelligence at all. Anyway, of course you don't have to read this if you don't want... but I think lots of other folks are looking at packs too, so maybe it will be helpful.
The Cabela's pack is essentially a Barney's knock-off at a fraction of the price. But the Barney's pack is FAR superior. I spend part of my working hours teaching airline baggage handlers proper lifting techniques, and how to manage back injuries. When you put over 100 lbs. in a pack (and you certainly will, when you're packing meat), you better make absolutely certain that the pack will properly support the load, and secure it to your torso in such a way as to minimize the chances of a back injury. The Barney's pack does this extremely well. Yes, you will pay about twice what you will pay for other packs, but if you can save the money to make this purchase, I can just about guarantee you that you'll never have to replace the pack or frame. I have two of them I've used for many years and both are fully operational after packing literally thousands of pounds of meat, gear and rafting equipment. Bob is using superior materials and craftsmanship on these packs and frames; there's a lot of good reasons why the professional hunting community in Alaska sings the praises of this setup. Almost all of the guides I know use them, and those who don't are usually new in the business and are working their way up to it.
People think nothing of spending $500 on a rifle that will hopefully be fired only once on a hunt, $500-$600 on a tent, etc. but they always seem to short themselves when it comes to a pack. You will wear this thing for most of your hunt. You owe it to your body to purchase something that will treat you right, and fit like a glove. Have a look at Barney's if you haven't already. Here's the link: < http:www.barneyssports.com >
Whether you decide to go with Cabela's or Barney's, either way, get rid of that riser bar that sticks up on the top of the frame. It will just hang you up in the alders. I took the ones off of both of my packs.
Also, make sure the main bag is one solid bag all the way to the bottom. Some have a zippered "floor" in them, to create a compartment in the bottom. The flange on this zipper will hang up when you're trying to slide meat in and out of the bag. Just a simple main pouch is all most of us need (keep it simple, in other words).
Well, hopefully there is something useful in this for you. I'm sorry I couldn't comment on the two packs you're asking about, but this is a very common question here and I think most folks are making the decision with their wallet rather than thinking of where they want to be in ten or fifteen years with this. Don't know if that's you or not, but there's no insult intended by it; just a desire to see you end up with something that you won't have to replace later.
Best Regards,
Mike
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