Thread: Bush Huntng Pack Mod

So here's an option if you have a fantastic backpack and are looking to convert it to a bush hunting. Rusky sensibly inspired me to look at getting a decent pack after my pikau just fell apart under load. And, to be honest, I've realised at my tender age, I can't get away with packs that don't carry weight well, nor bum bags and fold our meat bags that have straps like tooth floss under loads. I needed something that I could compress down, make quiet and convert when I needed to carry out load.

I've got an Exo Mtn Gear back pack which has a meat shelf off the pack frame and a separate bag that straps on. Most of the US mountain packs run this option and we will start to see more brands bring this to NZ. It really is the shiz when it comes to carry out heavy loads as you can strap your meat bag to the pack frame which centres the weight against your back and keep all the blood and mud away from your main bag. Most importantly it carries much better than the traditional meat in the very bottom of main pack. But, it is made of Cordura which is noisy in the bush and has heaps of compression buckles and straps that catch.

So, enter a 22 year old Ridgeline long sleeved top that (a) refuses to die and (b) I refuse to get rid off, and my amazing wife's sewing machine skills. The result, a removable pack cover and waist straps. About 100grams. Took about 20 minutes to design and sew up, with a bit of elastic from Spotlight. I cannibilised the vertical strap and clip from an old pack cover to keep the top section secure.

It's been awesome. It feels stealthy and allows me to use my mountain pack in the deep jungle:

1. Designed with a bit of stretch, the fleece helps compress down and protects my pack from catching
2. It's quiet. It's knocked out all of the sound from rubbing cordur and straps in the bush
3. Dare I say it, it looks mean.

I've used fabric glue and off cuts of fleece to repair old holes (it's incredibly robust fleece). And have subsequently improved the sleeve design for the next sewing session.

Note the old sleeves work really well as sleeves!


Cannibalised pac strap


The pack. Compressed down from 60 odd litres to nothing: