I'm wanting to get into bow hunting. I have the bow but if I'm on public land and no ATV, do y'all use a back pack designed to carry a bow? What about when carrying both a bow and shotgun? Looking for input. Thanks!

Bo Bo. Bo Bo, where's Bo Bo.

I was able to find a few options at Cabela's. I was mainly wondering how much people liked a pack that can hold a bow when carrying a rifle/shotgun and vice versa. Or just a plain old pack.

Thanks,
JB

I wouldnt think of hunting without a backpack but my hunts arent usually short and I like to be prepared with lots of gear/stuff. I use a sling for a rifle and have not bow hunted enough to offer an opinion on how to carry. If youve got two weapons then I have no experience with that but it seems you would need an extra hand or something like you are looking for. Others should chime in but maybe since its hunting season some are busy.
By the way, it looks like you are new so welcome aboard. Georgetown in a great town/area.

Thanks! I'm not new to hunting, but new to bow hunting and also hunting public land. For example, Granger allows shotgun for squirrels, rabbit, dove, etc., but if I see a hog, it has to be bow. So if I'm having to walk in/out and might be covering some distance, I'm thinking I'm slinging my shotgun looking for that game, but having my bow carried on my pack in case I see a hog. This is my main thinking. Thanks again.

JB

This pack is 50% off today only:

https://www.badlandsgear.com/collections/packs/products/reactor

I believe it is compatible with this for carrying your bow:

https://www.badlandsgear.com/collections/other-accessories/products/bow-boot

Thinking hard about it myself.

Zero experience with a bow, so I can't help you there. I'm assuming you're planning to quarter up and pack your hog out when you get one? If so, I'd look more into something with a much better waist belt if you plan to hike much at all, espeically if you're planning to haul potentially a heavy load. I've never hunted Granger public land, so not sure what kind of distances you'll be covering. You're going to want some sort of framed pack if you're going to be hauling a load.

Oh, and

Ended up reading reviews, checking out packs at the Bass Pro and was about to pull the trigger on a Bass Pro pack for $150, when I came across a Badlands pack the retails for $379 go on sale for $199 as a 2019 model on clearance. I was super excited to grab it. Badlands 2200

Get on Camofire and start l looking for mystery ranch close outs.
.
You want a pack that has a load self(carry meat, climber, etc)

They aren't cheap new but you can find good deals on used packs or year-end close outs

Good brands
Exo mountain gear
Mystery Ranch
Kifaru
Stone glacier
Elberstock

Eberlestock. The Just One Pack.

X2

If you are day hunting on public land I think you made a good choice for the price. You can probably strap your bow on and carry the shotgun or vice versa. Never tried to carry a bow and a long gun on a hunt. I still use my Badlands SuperDay for nearby day hunts.

If you are headed out west, overnight, deep treks or where you will need to be carrying quarters then see Bobo's advice.

My western pack progression went as follows:
Eberlestock X2-- heavy, loud, not super comfortable
Kuiu Icon Pro-- super light!! fabric wasn't super durable, their frames and buckles got a bad rap but I packed out two bulls and two deer with mine over the course of season with no issues. Easy to use-- but wasn't a huge fan of the waistbelt and I really wore down the fabric.
CURRENT: Exo K2 5500--This pack is badass- great mix of relatively light, tons of room, easy to use but very durable material, frame is stellar and so is the company and customer service.

Mystery Ranch gets my vote

I have this. Well thought out. I have a long hike in and out, three miles. It's usually dark so I don't need my rifle at the ready. Using this pack set up the way it's designed is fantastic. Game changer for me.