Quoted:
Perhaps I'm stupid or uninformed, but I have never understood the concept of having a pack which had a seperate compartment for one's firearm.
What are the practical advantages for such an arrangement? Obviously, in a tactical environment, such an arrangement is highly inadviseable, but tactical environment also includes possible animal attacks, does it not?
The most I can make of it is shielding the firearm from the elements during an approach to shooting area. If the conditions are such, I, in mu admitted ignorance, figure that game hunting will be curtailed until conditions improve, at least for most hunters.
NOT knocking the quality of the packs, just asking just how useful such encased rifle capability [b]really[b/] is.
I suppose there are some other folks out there that will feel better if firearms are not openly displayed, and perhaps that is part of this pack mfr's philosophy. OTOH, the size and configuration of the rifle case pretty much displays itself to those in the know.
Last, but not least, the extension of the rifle case above the user's shoulders, even if empty, might interfere with assuming a good prone shooting position.
Maybe I'm all wrong on this subject, so please educate me.
It’s a niche pack. Many have used them to carry that second, mission-specific rifle (or shotgun). Being an avid backpacker, I’m leery about having a heavily-weighted pack standing an extra 3-4 inches off my back; but I haven’t had that issue with a moderately heavy Eberlestock pack (GSII or Operator).
For me, I like the option to somewhat conceal a rifle. As a bug-home-bag where the worse case is to depart your vehicle where the situation doesn’t lend itself to open-carry, it’s nice to have the option of packing your rifle in a pretty accessible fashion without drawing attention. I would agree these aren’t for everyone or every situation; it’s another option for those that feel the need or have the requirement.
I wouldn’t consider packing my rifle in the scabbard if I felt the immediate need of a long rifle. I would still have quick access to my sidearm (concealed inside my HPG Kit Bag or IWB CCW), but even with easy access to the rifle, it wouldn’t be a consideration for packing “at the ready”. I’ve simulated it, but never did it for real however you could quickly “store” your rifle in the back-scabbard, leaving your hands free from minor climbing or traversing terrain needing both hands. Of course a quality sling could still be used for that, but as mentioned, it’s just another option. Of course options are aplenty and a much less expensive and very effective “hands-free” storage of your rifle is the Kifaru Gun-Bearer. Although this is an open-carry method, it is extremely effective along with still being fast to put your rifle back into action.
The only way I would go prone with a pack is if I’m being shot at. If your pack has any significant amount of weight, you’re going to struggle in the prone and your ability to move would be hindered greatly.
What’s an integrated scabbard-pack good for:
Carry a second long gun
“Concealed Carry” of a long gun (which is debatable to some)
A very expensive rifle bag with plenty of storage
ROCK6