Tree stand backpack suggestions

nwsg76

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Aug 5, 2009
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Hickman County TN
Have had the same treestand backpack for over 20 years and it is time to consider a new one.
The tenzing hangtime daypack is interesting but not a fan of the price.
Anyone have experience with that pack or want to make other suggestions?
 

fairchaser

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Sep 13, 2011
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TN, USA
I gave up on the backpack years ago and opted for a vest with large pockets. It's too much weight to hang the backpack from the stand. I can get everything I need for a day's sit in my vest including a thermos. I don't have to dig for stuff that ends up at the bottom of the pack either. I know what's in each pocket and can get to it easily. Ymmv.
 

bbuck14

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Jan 1, 2013
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West Tn.
I gave up on the backpack years ago and opted for a vest with large pockets. It's too much weight to hang the backpack from the stand. I can get everything I need for a day's sit in my vest including a thermos. I don't have to dig for stuff that ends up at the bottom of the pack either. I know what's in each pocket and can get to it easily. Ymmv.
Good idea. What kind of vest are you using?
 

Snake

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McMinn Co.Tennessee U.S.
I never used a back pack except when putting up stands I use a fanny pack . Lately though I've been putting everything I need just in pockets kinda like Fairchaser hate to deal with a pack . Haven't been doing any all day sits in a while back just won't let me .
 

TheLBLman

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Knoxville-Dover-Union City, TN
Have had the same treestand backpack for over 20 years and it is time to consider a new one.
Not sure if you're talking about a backpack made to pack in your treestand,
or a backpack to hang on your treestand (or tree) once you're there?

I've experimented with a variety of backpacks & pack frames for the purpose of carrying in & out a treestand & gear. None of these have been "good", as they add so much weight (and time to the process) that I'd rather just use backpack straps on a tree stand, and strap my gear to the stand (with the stand serving as a "back pack").

When doing this, I use a fanny pack, which is strapped to my tree stand, in & out. The fanny pack is much easier to work with up in a tree than a larger backpack. And, should I leave the stand overnight, have the fanny pack for bringing out my gear.

Fairchaser's vest idea works fine as well, but I normally have some long walks, and wear as little as possible walking in, so as not to sweat as much. I normally want nothing beyond a shirt for walking in, with all my outer clothing either packed in or on the fanny pack, plus heavier clothing is simply strapped to my stand being used as a backpack.

If I leave the stand overnight, my fanny pack is large enough I can strap a heavy parka on it for walking out & back in. Large fanny pack works for me better than a vest or larger backpack. I don't sweat as much walking with a fanny pack as a vest or backpack. You also will not seat as much from using a treestand as a pack frame (compared to most backpacks).
 

TheLBLman

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Had same one for years, beats heck out of backpack.
As to the vest idea, I would generally agree over a backpack for most of our TN deer hunting.

The orange vest you're talking about doubles for cargo as well as your orange safety vest. Instead, I commonly wear an orange shirt for walking, then have a very light 3/4 length polyester orange vest (in fanny pack) when needed to place over outwear. These little orange vests are quite, and can be wadded up into a pocket.

I also typically use full mesh orange caps (instead of solid fabric) when walking in/out, as these ventilate much better in most TN hunting weather. If it's really cold, just go to something heavier.
 

Gravey

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Jul 20, 2005
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Christiana (Rutherford County)
Check this one out. It would be hard to beat for the price. I've got two of them. One of them i have used for several years, and it still is like new.

SOG Opord Tactical Day Pack, 39.1-Liter Storage Amazon product ASIN B01346K5JM
I have one of these at somebody's recommendation, maybe yours. I really like it because I tend to carry too much stuff. I do have a smaller pack or two I can use if needed but typically stick with this one.
 

DMD

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Jan 16, 2006
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East TN
I have one of these at somebody's recommendation, maybe yours. I really like it because I tend to carry too much stuff. I do have a smaller pack or two I can use if needed but typically stick with this one.
It probably was me. I've recommended it on other threads. Glad you like it.
 

REN

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Oct 24, 2007
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Wilson County, TN
just depends on your preferences. Badlands has a lot of awesome packs to use if you really like the back pack style and they have a few new ones with a mod system designed for them to add accessories.

Personally I have used the large Tenzing fanny pack with shoulder staps for years. FOR ME it fits what I need better so I can attached it to my stand when carrying one in and I can attached it to the arms of my stand once I get up in it and not be required to somehow attach it to the tree. Plus with it i can use it for hikes and other things and it not be so bulky on me. Granted the trade off is overall space and stuff you can fit in it.

this is the one I use but they also have a bigger version if you need more space https://www.tenzingoutdoors.com/shop/hunting-packs/flex
 

Mescalero

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Dec 4, 2020
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Franklin TN
I gave up on the backpack years ago and opted for a vest with large pockets. It's too much weight to hang the backpack from the stand. I can get everything I need for a day's sit in my vest including a thermos. I don't have to dig for stuff that ends up at the bottom of the pack either. I know what's in each pocket and can get to it easily. Ymmv.
I plan on going back to just the vest. I think I use an older version of that Cabelas vest that you use and used it like you do one season. My problem is I always seem to find something else that I want to bring along. As you point out, a pack is just more weight to haul in along with your climber. But I'm trying to figure out where my Nalgene bottle of water is going to go.

The season that I just used my vest and what it's pockets could carry I did so based on a show I saw where Jeff Sturgis emphasized cutting the weight and STUFF. He doesn't use a pack. His purpose was to cut down on noise. A pack is one more thing to have to deal with during set up. One more thing to pull up into the stand. One more zipper or snap or the pack itself to make a noise.
 

nwsg76

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Aug 5, 2009
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Hickman County TN
You guys are so helpful. Keep the comments coming.
When I get to hunt, it's typically all day sits on tree. I normally hunt a few days in Illinois in November an Iowa in January.
So I need room for plenty of warm clothing and snacks....lol
 

fairchaser

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Sep 13, 2011
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TN, USA
I plan on going back to just the vest. I think I use an older version of that Cabelas vest that you use and used it like you do one season. My problem is I always seem to find something else that I want to bring along. As you point out, a pack is just more weight to haul in along with your climber. But I'm trying to figure out where my Nalgene bottle of water is going to go.

The season that I just used my vest and what it's pockets could carry I did so based on a show I saw where Jeff Sturgis emphasized cutting the weight and STUFF. He doesn't use a pack. His purpose was to cut down on noise. A pack is one more thing to have to deal with during set up. One more thing to pull up into the stand. One more zipper or snap or the pack itself to make a noise.
There's a large pocket on the inside of the vest on both sides you can slip a water bottle or thermos into. It's not comfortable to sit with it there so I slip it between the bottom cushion and back cushion on my climber. I can get to it even sitting and it's not gonna fall out or make any noise.
 

RobDooley

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Dec 11, 2018
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1,645
Location
Hamilton County, Tn.
during cold weather (for me) it is imperative that I have a pack with straps to pack clothing in. Additionally, as stated in previous posts, these packs with side mesh pockets for water bottles suck. Have you ever seen the sun light hit a water bottle. Busted.
 

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