AZ hunting

Awesome ! I love getting up close and personal with javelina!
Much respect for those critters in such a harsh environment!
Good luck when heading out this month.
I would love to get out in Dec but running out of time.
One of these days I'll have to head down south and glass for some bucks.
I like unit 33 killed my first buck there.
First pig too.

 

Like your pack setup! What sling do you use? I have tried 3 so far and haven't found one I like or that lasts.

 

Thanks. I’m running the KUIU Icon Pro pack system. Carbon Fiber frame where you can interchange the bags. I have 1850, 3200 and 5200 cubic pack bags which you can remove in minutes, pretty nice and versatile system. I change out the bags based on the animal I’m hunting: javelina, deer,elk, bear.


The Sling I believe is the butler creek V-grip with brute force swivels. It’s a rubber compound that doesn’t slip when you are hiking up and down steep terrain, where the rifle wants to usually pull you downhill ( this is where you need the rifle to move with your body) because it’s tough with full pack, gun and everything else trying to shift around, especially on the downhill with a critter on your back in steep country. I used to use leather or even nylon slings but this has been the best. It was like 25.00 at Walmart.


I’ve learned over the years that pack organization is key since at a minimum to glass big country you will at least be carrying : Tripod, 15 power binocs, Water, food, First aid, Game bags, Knives and extra clothes if it’s winter hunt conditions. Now throw 10lb rifle on there. I’m always looking for ways to save weight, but in the end it’s difficult to know what to leave behind. Lol.

 

I would be curious to see what everyone is using for backpacks and what you guys carry as your minimum items?
Say a full day away from the vehicle.
Baby wipes #1.

 

Thanks!
I just got a new pack prior to my deer hunt this year. I have the Badlands Sacrifice LS, I like it but still getting used to were to put things that I want to get too quickly. We only did one long day out in the field this year since we stayed closer to camp. We had plenty of gear as we glassed on top a ridge most of the day. So far I like the pack.

The sling/pack combo did not work very well. The sling did not grab on my coat or shoulder straps so it kept following down when were climbing. Cannot remember what sling I used this year. The one you posted I had one a couple of years ago but I some how cut the strap. Will have to pick up another one or two for that price.

 

Good to know ! I'll check mine . Thanks

 

If you had it to do again, would you buy the kuiu again? I've been eyeing one for OTC black bear next year. I'm debating between that, which I would consider the buy once/cry once option, or going the cheapest way possible and buying a basic frame pack with a meat shelf and just strapping my normal day pack to it. There's no shortage of packs to choose from, even in the $400-$600 range, but I liked what I read about kuiu so I kinda started leaning that way over stone glacier and a few others

 

One piece of gear I've really come to appreciate having with me is the klymit v seat. Its cheap and it keeps your ass off the cold/wet/rocky ground while glassing. I've been surprised at how much abuse it has taken. I weigh around 200 lbs and I use this thing on rough granite outcrops while glassing and it shows no signs of wear. Makes life in the field ALOT more comfortable and it folds down to nothing. Takes no space in my pack to speak of.

https://www.amazon.com/Klymit-V-Sea...ocphy=9030249&hvtargid=pla-349295154680&psc=1

 

Yea, I dig javelina. They're kinda adorable in the same way that an English bulldog with a smashed in nose and nasty underbite can be adorable. They're tough little bastards, which I respect. I was reading an article that was saying that in Texas the javelina herds will run off feral pig herds- that takes some serious grit considering the size difference.

If you're planning on heading to 33 let me know. I live in Tucson so that's right in my backyard.

 

I picked up a mystery ranch metcalf pack on Black Friday. My size/color combo was back ordered so haven’t got it yet but will report back on how I like it. Tried one on in the store and have a good buddy that absolutely loves his... figured I’d give it a shot

 

KUIU


I would definitely do it again. For me I do a lot of backpacking along with hunting. So I wanted the ability to change out the pack for hiking in addition to hunting. Some people would say , why not just have 2 separate packs? But really with the 3 different bag attachments, I have 3 options on a solid carbon fiber platform. The Kuiu also has the meat sling which allows you to carry meat outside of the pack (between the frame and the pack itself). I really like that feature as well. Stinky Javy no Bueno on my Sitka Kelvin Down Hoody - LOL


Pros: Versatility, Build Construction, Quality materials, Adjustability


Cons: Small learning curve to move one bag off and put another on (Youtube videos helpful)

No accessories included : need to purchase separately (gun/bow holder) , pouches etc.

Accessories are not very expensive.



I’m going on 3 years with the pack now – 2 deer and 1 javyhauled out and 30 mile pack through the Superstition Wilderness, the pack is in great shape (minimal wear).


If it was me, I would start with the 3200cubic or close to that size and see what that will cover in terms of your gear and hunting situations. I use the 3200 the most, 1850 next and occasionally 5200 cubic pack bags.


I’ll let you know if I head down to 33 and you can check out the pack in person.


I’ve also noticed on this group on Face book: KUIU Gear Only buy sell trade . With this group there is stuff popping up on thereeveryday (packs included) . I just don’t think most people get these full packs and use them as intended and end up selling (lightly used) , especially Midwest tree stand type hunters.

But I can understand buying “new” and know what you are getting too.


Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.

 

Thanks for the thororugh review. What I'm really looking for is something that will allow me to pack out a shit ton of weight, within reason, (bear/elk) without injuring myself. And I definitely don't want to have to put meat inside the pack. Bad for keeping the pack and my other gear clean and also bad for the meat to be piled up inside a hot pack. I also like the modular design of the kuiu system. It's nice to hear from a real person who has experience using one that you like it. You never know who's writing online reviews. Thanks for you input.

 

Anyone going out for archery pig New Years Day? I'll be up in 23.

 

I'll be in 38m

 

24b
Let's do this !

 

A little challenging yesterday

 

What a way to open the season. Best of luck on a rapid snow melt.

 

Thanks man.
They were all huddled under a big tree keeping warm and a big buck spooked them up and over the next ridge . But hey that's hunting.
I'll be back at it this weekend!

 

The worst part of javelina hunting is getting one! I unfortunately got one opening day about noon. There's about 6 on the hill in 1st picture.

 

Nice Javelina. What GMU are you hunting?