Even small packs can be ex-
tremely efficient when paired
with a secondary cargo web or
meat shelf.
Now that you’ve found a pack
with the size and bag configura-
tion you like, be sure to look at
access and organization within
the bags. Models that only open
at the top should be avoided,
as they are difficult to load and
keep track of bag contents. I like
multiple entry points into the
main compartment, and packs
with smaller external pockets
keep frequently used items
handy, as do internal pouches
and organizers.
CONSTRUCTION
Last but certainly not least is
the overall construction. The
best frame and size are worth-
less if everything else falls
apart the first time you take a
tumble through some brush.
Fabrics are commonly different
types of nylon, Cordura, canvas
and high-tech spectra mate-
rials. If a bag is designed to be
ultra light weight, it probably
won’t have super heavy-du-
ty fabric, so a little more care
must be taken to prevent dam-
age. Conversely, a bag designed
to be bomb proof, is probably
going to be a bit heavier. Rip-
stop materials, often identified
by a textured checkerboard
pattern, are great for prevent-
ing pokes and snags from de-
veloping into large rips. For
materials rated with common
Denier specifications larger
numbers are heavier weight.
Remember, Denier refers to
the weight of the fabric, not
necessarily the strength. How-
ever, lighter weight materials
are less abrasion resistant, so
areas of wear may fail. Be sure
to look for reinforcement in
areas that are prone to wear.
If you really want to break out
the fine-toothed comb, look
also at the stitching. General-
ly, stitching should be spaced
6 to 10 stitches per inch. More
stitches per inch can weaken
the material, while fewer can
provide inadequate strength.
Double or cross stitch methods
can add strength and prevent
a broken stitch from unravel-
ing. Some people also place too
much importance on the mate-
rial being waterproof. Rain cov-
ers are readily available for low
cost, and are far more econom-
ical than paying for high priced
waterproof construction.
ZIPPERS
Zippers can be metal such as
brass or aluminum, solid plastic
tooth, or plastic coil. Plastic coil
zippers are small, smooth and
quiet, and stuck fabric can be
pulled from the teeth without
damage to either. Solid tooth
zippers are larger and more du-
rable, yet rougher, and harder
to free from fabric. Metal can
feel coarse, and will also chew
snags in your down jackets and
sleeping bags if the fabric gets
caught, not to mention they can
corrode and stick.
STRAPS AND BUCKLES
In my opinion, the more straps
and buckles, the better. Having
more available, the better able
you are to cinch and compress
packs, thereby giving you a
more stable and comfortable
pack to carry. Lots of buckle
and strapping points also pro-
vide more options for adding
additional pouches or custom
configuring a pack. Having bro-
ken my fair share of small buck-
les, I also prefer models with
larger, heavy-duty buckles even
though they add a bit of weight.
I’d rather have an extra couple
ounces of weight in buckles if
it prevents me from having to
MacGyver something in the
middle of the backcountry.
Picking a quality pack is a
pretty simply process once you
start breaking them down and
evaluating them by their com-
ponents and features. Take
a little extra time to do your
homework and invest in a qual-
ity pack, and you’ll save money
and headaches down the road.
With a good pack, that weight
on your back from a successful
hunt will remind you that only
in hunting does success come
before hard work. WHJ
Determining
Torso
Length
Torso length is the distance along
the curve of the spine from the
base of the neck (point A, C7 vertebrae)
to the center line at the
top of the hips (point B, iliac crest).
A
B
PACK SIZE TORSO LENGTH/INCHES HIP BELT/LATERAL LINE
x-small ≤ 15.5 —
small 16 - 17.5 22 - 27 inches
med/reg 18 - 19.5 28 - 34 inches
large/tall 20+ 35 - 39 inches
x-large/tall — 40 - 45 inches
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