FIELDCRAFT Expeditionary Alpha Pack: A Hunter’s (and Hiker’s) New Best Friend?
ReviewYou know me, always knee-deep in the woods or trekking across some windswept range. That’s why I’m constantly hunting (pun intended!) for gear that can actually keep up. I’ve wrestled with enough back-breaking, shoulder-numbing packs to know that a good one is worth its weight in gold – or maybe a freezer full of venison, depending on the season. So, when FIELDCRAFT offered up their Expeditionary Alpha Pack, I was all too happy to drag it through the mud and see what it could do.
First Take:
The name doesn’t lie – this thing really is “Expeditionary.” Forget your flimsy daypacks; this is a serious piece of kit clearly designed for some serious outdoor adventures. The build quality is top-notch, the stitching is clean and tough, and the whole design just screams “I’m ready for anything.” I went with the camo version, and it blends into my usual hunting spots like a chameleon on a… well, you get the idea.
Jack-of-All-Trades (and Master of Some):
What really grabbed me was how adaptable this pack seemed. FIELDCRAFT wasn’t kidding around; they built this thing to handle just about anything you can throw at it. I’m primarily a rifle hunter, but I love to chase a few deer with my bow during the early season. The fact that I can haul both weapons comfortably and securely? That’s a major win in my book.
That padded center channel with the MOLLE webbing? I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first. But it really does the trick! My rifle sits rock-solid, even when I’m scrambling over fallen logs and navigating some seriously gnarly terrain. I even used it as a makeshift shooting rest once – talk about a happy accident! And I’m betting my crossbow-toting buddies would find it just as handy.
Comfort is King (or Queen):
Let’s be real: a pack can have all the fancy features in the world, but if it feels like you’re carrying a bag of bricks strapped to your back, forget about it. Thankfully, the Alpha Pack doesn’t skimp on comfort. The padded waist belt and that adjustable sternum strap? They work wonders, distributing the weight like a champ and preventing those awful pressure points that can turn a great hike into a torture march. And the breathable mesh back? A lifesaver, especially when you’re sweating it out during those early-season hunts. I recently took this thing on a solid 10-mile trek, loaded down with gear, and I was genuinely surprised at how comfortable it stayed the whole time.
Storage Savvy:
The storage layout on this pack is seriously smart. The main compartment is roomy enough for all my essentials, and the internal dividers keep everything organized instead of turning into a chaotic jumble. Those multi-sized front pockets are perfect for snagging my rangefinder and binos in a hurry.
And those waistband pockets? Genius! They’re sized just right for things like powder tubes (for the black powder crowd), bullets, or my trusty game calls. Plus, the elastic bands for those little lubrication tubes? A nice touch for the archery folks.
A Few Minor Quibbles:
Okay, if I’m being super picky, I’d say the included water bottle sleeve feels a little basic compared to the rest of the pack. And I wouldn’t mind seeing a few more external loops for clipping on extra gear when I’m really loading up.
The Bottom Line:
All in all, the FIELDCRAFT Expeditionary Alpha Pack is a real winner. It’s a versatile, comfortable, and well-thought-out piece of gear that’s perfect for hunters, hikers, and anyone who spends a lot of time exploring the wild. Sure, it might be a bit much for a casual stroll in the park, but if you’re serious about your outdoor adventures, this pack is definitely worth a look. It’s become my go-to pack for almost everything I do, and I can’t recommend it enough.