Western Hunting Journal, Vol. 1, Issue 3 whj013_final | Page 36

GEAR REVIEW Internal Frame Putting the pack puzzle pieces together to find the pack that’s right for you. By Eric Martin, WHJ Gear Editor F to big game, hunting shed antlers in the spring, or doing last-minute scouting in the fall; no matter the weapon, the season or reason, all hunters understand the need for a quality pack. Yet it is precisely this broad-reaching need for a pack that can make selecting one so hard. Everything from your physical size to your usage ap- plications are pieces in the perfect pack puzzle. My intent with this review is not to solve the puzzle for you, but to provide you with the information you’ll need to identify key pieces and how they fit together. ROM BOWS TO RIFLES, PREDATORS There are two main categories of packs: internal frame and external frame. External frame packs are the rigid, tough workhorses many of us have used to transport game from field to freezer. They excel at hauling heavy loads, but their stiff, bulky, minimalistic design leaves much to be desired when worn as a stan- dard hunting pack. For years I would day hunt with a light pack, and then once an animal was down, I would hike back to my vehicle or camp to retrieve the “meat pack”. Since I primarily target wilderness areas, and try to distance myself as far from roads as possible, this extra trip to trade out packs added miles of unnecessary hiking and fatigue, not to mention left meat exposed to the weather and predators. I learned quickly that a pack that could double as a comfortable hunting pack, and a sturdy meat pack, would kill two birds with one stone. Making the jump to an internal frame pack has had a profound impact on my success in the field. I can carry more supplies, be better prepared for changes in weather or situations, hunt farther into remote country and stay out longer. Most importantly, I can switch from hunting to packing as soon as an animal is down, and did I mention do it all comfortably? From extended backcountry adventures to an after-work hunt, internal frame packs have surged in popularity, prompting manufacturers to continually tweak designs and incorporate new materials and manufacturing techniques that push performance and quality to all new levels. Understanding how all these designs, features and materials benefit usage applications is the first step to se- lecting your next pack. PROPER FITTING First things first, you’ll need to determine your torso length in order to find a pack that fits your body frame. Lean your head forward slightly and feel for the bump at the base of your neck. This is the C7 vertebrae. Next, slide your hands down your side below your ribs until you feel the top of your hip bones. Have a friend measure from the center of your back at an imaginary line across the top of your hip bones, up to the bump of the C7 vertebrae. This is your torso length. Some packs may only be available in one size whereas other may have numerous sizes or the ability to adjust the suspension system to custom fit your proportions. 34 WESTERN HUNTING JOURNAL