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External Frame Backpacks
When it comes to guns, gear, and gadgets, there are many things that hunters like to debate about
among themselves.
Backpacks are no exception. This hunter is willing to compromise on many things. However, elk hunting in remote areas without a strong, sturdy, and reliable external frame backpack, isn't usually one of them. That is, if I' not on a horse or mule.
I have 4 pack frames and packs. My favorite, is a medium to large size external frame, multi-pocket,
top-load pack, with a rifle carrier mounted on the right side. Anyone who has tried to carry a medium to large backpack and a rifle at the same time, has experienced the frustration of having to
carry the rifle all day in your arms. A six or seven pound scoped rifle feels like a thirty pound rock in short order!
The rifle strap becomes all but useless, and clanging your rifle against the frame or the gear inside the pack doesn't exactly lend itself to hunter stealth. Most retail sporting goods shops and catalog sellers carry pack frame rifle carriers.
I bought a well-made aluminum and leather carrier from an outfit in Alaska many years ago, but have since, never seen
their ads again.
Too bad.....mine's a dandy. I can get to my gun in an instant, yet by carrying the rifle on the pack, I free up my arms to swing freely. This comes in real handy when climbing or descending steep areas, and helps avoid fatigue. External packs can carry a huge load, have many tie-on points for gear, and unlike rucksacks or internal packs, allow cooling air circulation between your back and the pack. They also make it a lot eaier to get that first elk quarter out on the first trip!
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