PURSUING THE WILD LIFE
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Pursuing the Wild Life

ALPS Pursuit hunting pack review

12/9/2014

6 Comments

 
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The Hoginator started the quest for a hunting pack that would serve us through bow and gun season, was reasonable in price yet with above average features. If you have a fat gear budget there are other choices but if you are looking for value and performance or if you are cheap like the Hoginator, read on.

Being a scientist, Hoginator made quick work of the research and emailed me his results. Of course I was very skeptical but after a couple conversations and a quick review of his compilation I agreed that the ALPS Pursuit pack was a good choice.






Fast forward 4 or 5 months and this is what we think:

  • We like the water bladder compartment (bladder not included). It’s great to be able to drink discreetly while on stand or walking, dragging game, etc.

  • Main compartment is generous

  • Smaller organizer compartment is decent and the way it folds down to form a kind of shelf that works great when in a tree stand.

  • Shoulder straps and waist belt are comfortable and the side pockets on the belt are useful. I typically carry my GPS in one waist belt pocket and a flashlight in the other.

  • Side compression straps are helpful in tightening the load although one or two more compression straps would be an improvement.

  • Carries a compound bow and quiver fairly securely. 

  • Top carry handle is nice for loading the pack in and out of the truck, placing it on the climber and strapping it to a tree.

Through archery season the pack performed well with no complaints except the interior organizer pocket material is wimpy and I experienced a small tear in one of the compartments. We carried these packs on long and short excursions and they have performed very well. As far as durability goes we can’t judge that yet. For about $100.00, this pack is a solid value.


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The ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Bowhunting Pack is usually available through Amazon for right around $80:
ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Bow Hunting Back Pack - Brushed Realtree Xtra HD, 2700 Cubic Inches
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Back view
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Pack strapped to a tree during archery season and  a climber tree stand for the walk in and out

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Basic contents

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To give you an idea on what I typically carry in the pack:
  • Small roll of camo blind fabric
  • Binos
  • lens cleaner
  • Thermocell, fuel and pads
  • Camera
  • Rangefinder
  • Spare reading glasses
  • Granola bars
  • Lighter / fire striker
  • Roll of twine
  • Rain poncho
  • Compass
  • Strap
  • GPS
  • Water bladder
  • Grunt calls
  • Flashlights
  • Survival knife
  • First aid kit
  • License
  • Spare water bottle


6 Comments
Riley link
1/2/2018 03:35:22 am

Actually I prefer my Eberlestock Elk Pack. Nice pack anyway.

Reply
Greg
1/12/2018 10:53:51 pm

I have a couple Eberlestock packs and I agree that are excellent quality, top notch.

Reply
writersperhour link
12/9/2018 05:01:53 pm

Hunting is a really challenging activity. Whenever I go hunting, I always conduct some thorough research about the place. What I do is I ask local residents of the place for some tips on the landscape, the environment, as well as the animals inhabiting the terrain. After doing some research, I carefully pick the equipment I will be using. Having an efficient hunting pack is very important, since you cannot really bring any unnecessary things when you go out hunting.

Reply
here link
8/16/2018 07:58:56 am

This bag seems to be a good option to be used for taking all the gears that you are sure to need in the deer hunting time. Also the color of this bag seems to be related with the place where we are making the hunting.

Reply
best camping tent australia link
11/19/2018 10:34:17 pm

I have a couple Eberlestock packs and I agree that are excellent quality, top notch.

Reply
things to do link
4/17/2020 03:58:30 am

Nice to be visiting your blog once more, it has been months for me. Well this article that ive been waited for therefore long. i want this article to finish my assignment within the faculty, and it has same topic together with your article. Thanks, nice share

Reply



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Repair notes:
  • This was a fast and relatively average to poor, bordering on redneck quality job.
  • All materials were purchased at Lowes and Home Depot.
  • Total time spent: a few hours.
  • Total cost: approx. $50.


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 A marine grade filler was applied
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Then sanding and multiple coats of cloth, resin and sanding
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Then a final light sanding and spay can / palmetto paint job

The first trip we put in near Cedar Key and worked our way up a couple creeks that would have been inaccessible in a larger boat. We found 15 or more Redfish and a couple nice trout.
Gear used:
  • ​Old 1980’s Gheenoe, classic model purchased at a garage sale for $150.
  • Trailer assembled from parts
  • Yamaha 6 hp purchased new
First Impressions:
  • ​Gheenoe’s are excellent backwater boats. Their shallow draft, excellent stability and maneuvering are boats you can take just about anywhere in relatively protected waters. And you can pull, push or paddle them if needed.
  • The Yamaha 6 hp 4 stroke is a good balance between weight, portability, economy and power. The engine is not yet fully broken in, so it hasn’t been run a full throttle but I’m guessing it will move the loaded Gheenoe between 10 and 15 mph. The 6 hp is not a speed demon but seems fast enough and in the rocky backwater creeks, speed is the last thing you need. Easy to tilt up, shallow draft, and easy pull start are more important to me. As far as fuel economy goes, I don’t know how many hours I can expect from the 3 gal. remote tank because after a two or three hours running time the gauge hadn’t budged from full.
  • The ride of the Gheenoe is great in smooth water and fair in a chop. The boat and motor are sensitive to load distribution and the loads should be adjusted to be when heading into the wind and waves to keep the boat dry. I expected and did notice some hull cavitation when in rougher water. The hull could be strengthened in some areas but I doubt I will make many hull modifications.
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Paul with a couple nice trout from the first trip
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