Ruck building advice

[N4CDLAW]

Disclaimer: joined the site to ask this after seeing little to no opinions on this elsewhere in the forum. That seems odd to me, link me if I missed it.

Anyway, I'm a handgun shooter looking to learn the longer range discipline. Putting together a training rig that might double for hunting at some point. I have developed a question I don't see many folks discussing much, which I find odd. Maybe I'm overthinking things (which wouldn't be the first time).

Many experienced shooters like resting on a pack/ruck in lieu of a bipod and I like their rationale and like to try it. Thing is, I like versatility. If I'm putting a pack together I'd like to do more that stuff blankets in a school backpack; I'd actually like the kit to be widely useful. I'd like to put together a pack that I can grab that contains my normal range gear I'd use, and that contains all shooting/maintenance items I'd need on a hunting trip. Basic questions are:

1) What features am I looking for in a decent pack? I'd like to use it as support for a variety of prone/seated positions and not be expensive. Ability to mount a shooting mat and beanbag to the exterior seems convenient, but I'm not gonna pay a ton for those features.

2) What's in your pack? Eyes/ears/ammo, rain gear, and IFAK are set aside for when I pick a pack. Anything else ever come in handy?

 

[EchoDeltaSierra]

This is an very broad subject and you tossed out some very arbitrary requirements; e.g. “decent pack” and “not gonna pay a ton”.

That said, a good place to start might be looking at loadouts for multi-day events like this: https://www.itstactical.com/warcom/firearms/survived-2017-mammoth-sniper-challenge/

Tailor as suited for your game. My kit for a walk in the hills versus a day at a match has several consistent components and several variables. More specific questions would be helpful.

 

[wyld3man]

Although not the cheapest bags out there I like Eberlestock bags. They have a lot of different configurations and also sell a rifle rest you can attach to the outside. Minus what you listed I also keep a small tool kit with lube and a rag, something to put brass in, water, spare batteries, couple of granola bars and Copenhagen.

 

[MountainHunter]

First off, if you go cheap on anything when it comes to long range precision shooting or hunting you're likely pissing money away. It either wont last or you'll hate it and end up losing money when you upgrade.

I've ran damn near every hunting style pack out there from nearly all the big manufacturers and I like and dislike different aspects of all of them. It really comes down to the details of your endeavor. Give us some specifics on the type of shooting/matches and hunting you're interested in and that will help us guide you a bit more.

With that said, I've been running panel loader style packs the last 2 years for both matches and hunting. It's seriously convenient to open the whole front of the pack up giving you access to everything versus digging in from the top.

I'm currently running a Kifaru 22mag on their lite frame but if you aren't interested in the heavy load carrying capabilities I would look at the Kifaru Tarryall. It'd serve you great for range trips, matches and all types of hunting scenarios that don't involve carrying out heavy loads on the first trip out.

 

[Novak77]

Not sure how big or small you’re trying to go?

There’s day packs and then there’s full size sustainment packs and everything in between.

I own several packs and they’re all for different shit.

The USMC ILBEs are / were based off an Arctyrex design. If you’re looking for a larger ruck, that can sustain you on multi day hunts get a surplus ILBE.

 

[N4CDLAW]

Hm, some clarification is tough because I'm not even sure where I'm going with this discipline. For sure planning at least 1 LR shooting course and enough range trips to learn my rifle out to 1000 yards. Hunting plans haven't been narrowed down as I'm new to that too, but this pack would be grabbed alongside a .308 bolt gun.

Pack I'm envisioning is a day pack under $100, but am open to suggestions. I'd love to buy good gear that'll hold up, but since I'm not sure what I want I don't want to buy something expensive that ends up being a poor fit for me. Figure by the time I wear out a cheap pack I'll know better what niche I'm trying to fill.

 

[regnar375]

First off, if you go cheap on anything when it comes to long range precision shooting or hunting you're likely pissing money away. It either wont last or you'll hate it and end up losing money when you upgrade.

I've ran damn near every hunting style pack out there from nearly all the big manufacturers and I like and dislike different aspects of all of them. It really comes down to the details of your endeavor. Give us some specifics on the type of shooting/matches and hunting you're interested in and that will help us guide you a bit more.

With that said, I've been running panel loader style packs the last 2 years for both matches and hunting. It's seriously convenient to open the whole front of the pack up giving you access to everything versus digging in from the top.

I'm currently running a Kifaru 22mag on their lite frame but if you aren't interested in the heavy load carrying capabilities I would look at the Kifaru Tarryall. It'd serve you great for range trips, matches and all types of hunting scenarios that don't involve carrying out heavy loads on the first trip out.

UppmI
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By once cry once. Saves you enough to buy another rifle in a year or two.

 

[cpekz]

The mission drives the gear train - knowing what pack you're going to need is heavily dependent on what you're doing. While your description of what you're looking for is a little vague (and understandably so), based on what you're saying you'd likely to be able to get by with a decent day pack like you mentioned. Depending on how much you're taking with you, these are typically large enough to carry range essentials (think range bag but in a backpack format). In addition to the things you mentioned:

Water
Basic tools/cleaning supplies for the weapon(s) you're carrying
Food (depending on how long you're out/away)
Rear bag
Range finder/binos/Kestrel (you may not have/need any of these, at least for now)

While outside of the budget you mentioned, I use a Mystery Ranch ASAP for this very purpose. The tri-zip system makes for easy access to everything in the pack, and has some extensibility via MOLLE. There are probably some cheaper alternatives with similar design out there.

That being said, weight is also a factor in what bag you need - if you're carrying a lot of weight the ASAP won't really cut it - if you start sticking a bunch of extra crap in and on it you will overload the pack which isn't fun to hump around for miles. The internal frame that the ASAP uses is nothing like a full-blown frame system you'd see on a larger pack (ruck).


TL;DR
If you see yourself getting involved in hunting trips that will require true load-bearing capability and extra equipment, look for ruck that has a real frame and offers true sustainment capabilities. If the reality of the matter is it's going to be a range bag to carry to and from your vehicle and occasionally used as a rest for the rifle, look for something closer to the ASAP.

 

[Srikaleak]

The pack I run is way too lumpy to use as a rest. It is a 5.11 Rush 12 that I have all my range stuff in. Binocs, slings, magazines, ear and eye pro, water bottle, gloves, bipod, Borka tool kit, mag holsters, and the like. The contents make using that pack as a rest no way near optimal. I much prefer throwing a jacket on an ammo can and using that.
That pack is dedicated to range use only. I don't have a hunting pack yet but that'll be its own separate system. But I will probably end up with multiple packs (work, range, camping/hunting).
If you want to use only one pack, grab some plastic totes to store your gear based on category then fill your pack based on task at hand.

 

[ShtrRdy]

The pack I run is way too lumpy to use as a rest. It is a 5.11 Rush 12 that I have all my range stuff in. Binocs, slings, magazines, ear and eye pro, water bottle, gloves, bipod, Borka tool kit, mag holsters, and the like. The contents make using that pack as a rest no way near optimal. I much prefer throwing a jacket on an ammo can and using that.
That pack is dedicated to range use only. I don't have a hunting pack yet but that'll be its own separate system. But I will probably end up with multiple packs (work, range, camping/hunting).
If you want to use only one pack, grab some plastic totes to store your gear based on category then fill your pack based on task at hand.

I can see how the Rush 12 can be lumpy, but what is it about other packs that make them not lumpy?

 

[Srikaleak]

Contents of backpack and exterior of backpack will make it less lumpy. If you buy a plain jain Jansport with no straps or webbing with very few pouches, that'll probably be your smoothest pack. If you stuff your pack with a bunch of soft goods then it'll be easier to manage the lumps. Maybe purchase one of those survival wool blankets and always have it in your pack to smooth out the lumps.

 

[regnar375]

Why hasn't a good old fashion ALICE pack been mentioned

 

[sabrecross]

I second the Eberlestock bag. I've owned a couple of them and they are well built and smartly designed. I definitely wouldn't cheap-out on a ruck. The internal or external frame will make or break your hike.

 

[regnar375]

I second the Eberlestock bag. I've owned a couple of them and they are well built and smartly designed. I definitely wouldn't cheap-out on a ruck. The internal or external frame will make or break your hike.

How far do you guys hump? I admit I'm new but being from the NE, I Can't imagine more than a mile or two. At that distance you should be able to carry everything you need and the picnic table with no issues

 

[wyld3man]

Here is an Eberlestock for sale on the forum, just FYI

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/eberlestock-j34-just-one-pack.6919473/#post-7534288

 

[sabrecross]

How far do you guys jump? I admit I'm new but being from the NE, I Can't imagine more than a bike or two. At that distance you should be able to carry everything you need and the picnic table with no issues

I don't understand what you're asking?

 

[bigdaddydmd]

For range days I find I just grab my camelback bakcpack. Its basically a 3 day assault pack. works well for all the odds and ends I drag with me, but when I'm hunting I always seem to gravitate back to an old large Alice pack. Maybe because I've humped that damn thing everywhere for the last 20+ years and am partial to it. Don't need to overload it but the frame and way it rides works for me while scouting and humping into remote areas. I don't feel bad throwing a hind quarter in it and getting blood all over it. It works well as a rest, but I prefer my bipod. Garbage can full of water and some dawn soap, scrub it and hang to dry and its ready to go next time. I actually prefer the old alice to the newer plastic framed Molle rucks.

 

[regnar375]

I don't understand what you're asking?

I can see why. dam voice to text!!
Corrected.

 

[wyld3man]

How far do you guys hump? I admit I'm new but being from the NE, I Can't imagine more than a mile or two. At that distance you should be able to carry everything you need and the picnic table with no issues

I am not familiar with bike as a unit of measurement, but i jump 6-12 inches then gravity takes over

 

[wyld3man]

For range days I find I just grab my camelback bakcpack. Its basically a 3 day assault pack. works well for all the odds and ends I drag with me, but when I'm hunting I always seem to gravitate back to an old large Alice pack. Maybe because I've humped that damn thing everywhere for the last 20+ years and am partial to it. Don't need to overload it but the frame and way it rides works for me while scouting and humping into remote areas. I don't feel bad throwing a hind quarter in it and getting blood all over it. It works well as a rest, but I prefer my bipod. Garbage can full of water and some dawn soap, scrub it and hang to dry and its ready to go next time. I actually prefer the old alice to the newer plastic framed Molle rucks.

The Alice pack sets the standard in my opinion, and the only pack I completely trust. With that said I think there are better options for the OP’s intended purpose.

 

[Lkwoolsey]

I use a 5.11 Rush 72 for my range bag, day hikes, etc. Kifaru Duplex with EMR II for hunting, rucks at work, stuff where I'll be out for more than a few days and need to be able to carry weight, ie, hunting. On a hunting trip, you're going to need to pack out the meat (at least, western hunting, unless you're using horses) and those packs more suited to the range are not going to be very comfortable for that.
If you're not sure where you want to go with it, I'd just use whatever pack you have already, and see how you like it. I've gone through a lot of packs, read, a lot of money, and wasted time and effort trying them out. As has already been said on here, buy once cry once.
Alice pack is great too, though not as comfortable for truly heavy loads, but you can usually find them for quite a bit less that a Kifaru pack.