EXCELLENT VERSATILE PACK WITH A FEW SUGGESTIONS
Excellent pack, but several suggestions for next version.
SUGGESTIONS FOR SITKA:
1. Please ditch the side pocket on the left side belt and the windicator pocket the right side of the belt, and replace with large molle attachment grid on both sides. The current pocket is too small, and the windicator pocket is too small for anything else (flashlight) if you don’t use a windicator. A molle webbing grid will greatly enhance the versatility of the pack, allowing for owners to place any current or future equipment holders, pockets, etc on the pack.
2.Change the shape of the bow hoist rope holder pocket on the upper front flap from right side access to a full U-shape (access from both sides) or straight across the top with 2 zipper pulls to allow access from either side. I (and I suppose others) use the pocket to store essentials that require easy and quick access. Having a primarily right facing flap limits access to a critical pocket.
REVIEW:
I purchased 5 different high-end packs from major makers, and this is the pack I am keeping. It is also the heaviest and most expensive, but read on. This pack is a great size, and useful for most hunting types. Fit, finish, materials, layout, quietness, and quality are excellent. It has more pockets than you will likely be able to use (because as you fill them, they limit the space in the associate compartment, such as the side wings). However, they are great for organizing and finding things in the dark. I primarily whitetail hunt from a saddle, and rarely pack a stand in. I typically strap my bow to my pack to keep my hands free, and may also attach my sticks. I was looking for a solid pack with a waist belt and frame to the distribute weight of my bow, sticks, equipment and clothes. I addition, I was hoping to find a way to place my bow against my back in the “lock on stand section” of this pack for protection and stability — quick answer: even with some mods, it was not worth the effort, and remained better to strap my bow to the front of the pack. I was initially concerned that the pack would be too large, bulky, and heavy. However, the size works very well and is not too bulky to wear in or hang from a tree. In addition, even though this pack is the heaviest of comparable packs (measured 7.35 lb empty), the internal frame and belt make it feel much lighter and more comfortable / nimble than my older Sitka Tool Box (3.9 lbs) without a frame. I can’t stress enough, that unless you are going minimalist and carrying you bow and sticks, having a pack with a frame and sturdy belt is the way to go. If the pack and side wings are not full, the straps and buckles are arranged in such a way that they can act as compression straps, and allow the straps from the wings to reach across the back of the pack and be utilized to hold a bow in place. In this configuration, the wings reach up and offer additional protection to the bow string. If the pack is full, I use a 1” tubular webbing material with buckles threaded between the back of the pack and the main frame for optimal stability. (The straps on the front of the pack allow too much sway from a bow attached in this position.) The side wings are actually quite large, and surprisingly allow me to carry a full size set of Leica 10x42 rangefinder binoculars inside them with room to spare for other items. In addition, I placed a 1” thick piece of memory foam in the thin pocket on the inside of the front of the pack, and use this to lean my knees against while saddle hunting so I don’t need additional knee pads. My only concern is that the material used for the internal “see-through” pockets feels very thin and fragile. I trust Sitka that they researched this and would not put poor material in such an expensive flagship product, but only time will tell. In summary, this is a high quality pack that allows plenty of options. Rating: 4.5/5. Hope this helps those trying to decide. Best wishes. Mike D.
Height: 5'9'' - 5'11'' · Weight: 161 lbs - 190lbs
Fit: True to size