- Banned
- #1
JWP58
WKR
Commander X + Pack / ALPS OutdoorZ
I have put this pack through the paces for a season, and figured I'd give some feedback.
I bought this in August because I saw it on sale at a discount website for "gubment" employees. I took a chance because at $240 (I think I paid that) it wasn't too expensive, and I just wanted to try it out. For reference I've used a Kuiu Icon 5200, Ultra 6000, and Outdoorsmans Optic Pack previously.
So far this year while wearing this pack I archery elk hunted, rifle antelope, and rifle deer. I have hiked who knows how many miles with it, and packed out two deer (split between two guys), and a whole doe antelope. The mule deer were large and healthy. I took both rear quarters, a front shoulder, and neck trim on the first (a 160" buck), and both rears and a front on the second (actually bigger in body size than the previous). I would guess the weight of my pack in both instances was around 55-65lbs (which includes all the crap I was carrying and the meat). The antelope I would guess was 40 or 50lbs. Who knows, I could be way off, but based off of 50lb training hikes I think im kinda close. First deer was about a 3 miles out and the second was around 2 miles, give or take considering elevation lost/gained. The antelope was about a 2 mile hike out.
The pack has worked well for me. It carries weight fine, its adjustable for torso length (or height, however you describe it). I like the fact you can separate the bag from the frame to carry meat. The load lifters are functional for me.
If you are looking for a functional, less expensive option, I think this pack is a decent route to take especially if you get it on sale. Would I pay full retail (350.00) for one? Probably not, just because I could get another Outdoorsmans for 50 bucks more but for in the 200 range? Yep.
If anyone at Alps is reading this, make the freaking hip pouches bigger, and ditch the spotting scope pocket. Those are my only complaints.
For day hunts I think I'll get a Kifaru e&e to strap to it and ditch the main bag. Im hopefully going to be hunting aoudad again in January and this pack will be going with me.
I have put this pack through the paces for a season, and figured I'd give some feedback.
I bought this in August because I saw it on sale at a discount website for "gubment" employees. I took a chance because at $240 (I think I paid that) it wasn't too expensive, and I just wanted to try it out. For reference I've used a Kuiu Icon 5200, Ultra 6000, and Outdoorsmans Optic Pack previously.
So far this year while wearing this pack I archery elk hunted, rifle antelope, and rifle deer. I have hiked who knows how many miles with it, and packed out two deer (split between two guys), and a whole doe antelope. The mule deer were large and healthy. I took both rear quarters, a front shoulder, and neck trim on the first (a 160" buck), and both rears and a front on the second (actually bigger in body size than the previous). I would guess the weight of my pack in both instances was around 55-65lbs (which includes all the crap I was carrying and the meat). The antelope I would guess was 40 or 50lbs. Who knows, I could be way off, but based off of 50lb training hikes I think im kinda close. First deer was about a 3 miles out and the second was around 2 miles, give or take considering elevation lost/gained. The antelope was about a 2 mile hike out.
The pack has worked well for me. It carries weight fine, its adjustable for torso length (or height, however you describe it). I like the fact you can separate the bag from the frame to carry meat. The load lifters are functional for me.
If you are looking for a functional, less expensive option, I think this pack is a decent route to take especially if you get it on sale. Would I pay full retail (350.00) for one? Probably not, just because I could get another Outdoorsmans for 50 bucks more but for in the 200 range? Yep.
If anyone at Alps is reading this, make the freaking hip pouches bigger, and ditch the spotting scope pocket. Those are my only complaints.
For day hunts I think I'll get a Kifaru e&e to strap to it and ditch the main bag. Im hopefully going to be hunting aoudad again in January and this pack will be going with me.