The ALPS OutdoorZ Pathfinder Pack is a hunting bag manufactured by ALPS OutdoorZ, who have provided hunters with a number of affordable and quality hunting packs over the years. In this ALPS OutdoorZ Pathfinder Pack Review, we shall be taking a detailed look at some of the most prominent features of the product. We will also take a look at some of the top pros and cons of the product as well as some of the most commonly asked questions with regard to the product. Hopefully at the end of the review you will be armed with sufficient information to help you make an informed decision as to whether to consider the ALPS OutdoorZ Pathfinder Pack when buying your next hunting bag.
Before delving into the review, it’s imperative you know that the type of hunting bag you use can sometimes make the difference between a successful hunting expedition or a futile one.
ALPS OutdoorZ Pathfinder Pack Review with Detail Features
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B007U1AAK2″ locale=”US” src=”https://www.besthuntinggearreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/51O42BSeRXkL.jpg” tag=”azhunt-20″ width=”376″]Versatile
One of the major features of the ALPS OutdoorZ Pathfinder is its unique versatility. This pack is designed in such a way that it can be altered with great ease to meet different needs. In its original state, the Pathfinder is a fanny pack. However, upon unzipping its top compartment and rolling it out, the fanny pack transforms into a day pack capable of carrying large and heavy loads. Depending on what you are doing, you can either use the Pathfinder as a fanny pack or as a day pack. For example, if you are only going for a scout then you might need only its fanny pack mode; but if you intend on going on a real hunting trip with your bows and other important gear, then all you need to do is unroll it into its day pack mode to create more space for your hunting gear and meat.
Capacity of the Pathfinder
In its fanny pack mode, the Pathfinder has a capacity of 800 in³. However, when you expand it into its day pack mode, its capacity more than doubles into 1900 in³. When you add the fanny pack capacity to that of the day pack capacity, the Pathfinder has a total capacity of 2700 in³.
Meat Carrying System
The pack comes with an awesome meat packing compartment, which means if you are lucky enough to make a kill during your hunt, you have a good meat carrying system that is capable of containing a substantial amount of meat with ease.
Colors
The Pathfinder is available in two colors: the Brushed Realtree Xtra and the Brushed Realtree MAX-1.
ALPS OutdoorZ Pathfinder Pack Presentation Video
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the pack waterproof?
A: While the pack is water resistant, it isn’t really waterproof. This means that if you take the pack out in the rain, the contents of the pack can easily get wet.
Q: Does the pack make your back sweaty when carrying it?
A: The pack doesn’t really make your back become sweaty thanks to the mesh on the back padding. The meshing helps prevent too much heat retention.
Q: Can it be used to carry a rifle?
A: It was not designed to hold a rifle; it was mainly designed to hold a bow. However, you can set your rifle in the pocket meant for the bow and then strap it to the pack with the straps. It is worth noting that while you can squeeze a rifle into the bow packing pocket of the Pathfinder, the designers did not make that pocket for carrying a rifle. This therefore means that you might end up experiencing slight discomfort or problems while using it to carry a rifle.
Q: What is the actual weight of the Pathfinder?
A: The pack weighs approximately 3 lbs. 5 oz.
Key Features
Safe bow-carrying system
If you are going to be hunting with a bow, then it is highly imperative that you have a pack that properly transports your bow and gives you easy access whenever you need it. The Pathfinder comes equipped with a good bow-carrying weapon system capable of perfectly accommodating different types of compound bows. Once in the bow-carrying system and strapped in by the straps, the bow is totally secure and leaves your hands free while you walk or climb.
Lashing straps for large loads
In addition to allowing you to carry huge loads with great comfort, the Pathfinder also ensures that they are secure thanks to the additional extension lashing straps.
Shoulder harness and waist belt
In addition to being built with a shoulder harness that can be easily adjusted, the Pathfinder also comes with a well-padded waist belt. Both the shoulder harness and the weight belt work together in ensuring the proper and even distribution of the weight of the pack, thereby making carrying heavy loads very comfortable while at the same time avoiding shoulder injuries.
Fits perfectly with ALPS OutdoorZ accessory pockets
One of the highlights of the Pathfinder is its compatibility with ALPS OutdoorZ accessory pockets (Turkey Call Pockets, Binocular Pocket and Camera Pocket). These pockets can easily be attached to the front of the harness of the Pathfinder.
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PROS
- It performs the functions of both a fanny pack and a day pack perfectly.
- It is durable and has user friendly features, which makes hunting more comfortable.
- It is one of the most convenient packs for bow hunting.
- It is very roomy and can hold all of your essential hunting gear, including your bow.
- Whether you have a large or a small frame, the Pathfinder’s adjustable nature makes it so easy to be altered to fit whatever type of frame you have.
CONS
- Unfortunately the manufacturers built this awesome pack without making it waterproof, which can be problematic when you take it out hunting in poor weather conditions such as during a downpour.
- Many find it a bit too large and heavy for game hunting.
Final Verdict
All in all, the ALPS OutdoorZ Pathfinder Pack is a decent hunting backpack that makes hunting very comfortable since its versatility provides you with the important things you need to make your hunting expedition a success. In addition to all that, it is also relatively reasonably priced for all that it offers.
[easyazon_cta align=”center” identifier=”B007U1AAK2″ key=”tall-orange” locale=”US” tag=”azhunt-20″]For a few other great hunting backpacks , read the Top Hunting Backpack Reviews with Buying Guide.
