Need to pack a lot of gear on the hunt?
Well the Sitka Gear Cargo Box is quite a voluminous pack.
I got the chance to hunt with the Sitka Gear Cargo Box Pack and this is what I found.
While whitetail deer hunting I admit I pack a lot of gear to the hunting location. I plan on staying a long time on location so this includes insulated clothing, meals, deer calls and other various items that make a long wait easier. As most deer hunters can agree with a heavy coat itself takes up a lot of space. Now add other gear and suddenly your otherwise big pack just doesn’t have the carrying capacity you need. Go big or you will be going home quick right? Well how about a pack that has 2200 cubic inches of storage space sound and 24 compartments? Well that’s just the beginning of the features of the Sitka Gear Cargo Box.
First off this pack has the proven Elevated II Gore Optifade camouflage pattern. The extra large bucket style design allows easy access into the depths of this big bag. Unzip 4 zippers to access everything even deep in the main compartment easily. Secure the zippers and put the elastic cable toggle latch in place and loose nothing on the trail. Did I mention there are zippered pockets and slotted pockets just about everywhere on the outside and the inside of this cavernous pack? Just remember what pocket you put your gear in!
The shoulder strap system I found to be very padded and highly adjustable. Adjustments are a cinch for the varying weights of hunting clothes we wear even through out a regular day’s hunt. The pack itself is very padded and quite a comfortable ride without any bumps or hard projections to dig into you or parts to snag on brush. The waist belt is very much the same padded construction as stated above and the chest strap serves it’s job well. With breathable air-mesh back panels the dreaded back sweats are kept under control on the warmer days of hunting.
The below “PULL TO RELEASE” buttons allow for the separation of back frame and pack itself to carry your folded hang on treestand. Ever see a feature like that before?
The Quick-Detach Tree-Stand Carry System allows the pack to separate and contain a hang on treestand. Hidden straps then can be deployed to hold the treestand in place and the pack is assembled back around the treestand for easy packing. Use your imagination and much more can be packed out or into the wilds with this handy transformation also.
Another handy feature is that the pack lid can be unzipped open and used as a hanger for the Cargo Box when in your treestand. The drop-away front panel allows access to all your gear inside of the pack now. The lid also has zippered pockets with one pocket containing a quick deploying hunter orange pack cover for safety when needed. There is also a top lid tangle free pull rope pocket for getting your pack into the heights with you.
The dedicated Climbing-Stick Storage Wing Pockets allow carry of your favorite climbing sticks. They can also secure a number of other gear items such as arrow quivers (I personally carry my extra arrows this way now).
The wing pockets have compartments also inside. Made for bow hangers or camera arms these deep side pockets can both hold many items all secured from loss by sturdy zippers.
Yes there is a drink holder in this massive pack too! Big enough for Thermos bottles the containers are held captive by a quick securing elastic strap. Carry water bottles to those big insulated bottles with ease. A small pocket by the bottle holder is handy for your little wind direction indicator bottle or other smaller items.
A zippered pocket on the left side of the belt is perfect for a range finder. Also handy snacks can be at your fingertips too!
Testing this big pack was quite a joy. Gear that would not fit in any of my previous hunting packs found a home in this beastly bag. I walk into my hunting area wearing my lighter hunting clothes. When I get into position and cool down from the hike in I break out the heavier clothing. The Sitka Gear Cargo Box has plenty of room for even the bulky coats. The internal cargo space is very impressive.
Strap your gun or bow to the front of the pack. There are also accessory straps stashed all around the pack for securing gear. The more you look the pack over the more hidden features and uses come to mind.
The Sitka Gear Cargo Box certainly is named aptly for what it will ultimately carry, pretty much everything. It’s comfortable, blends in well with the environment and the soft material makes no sound when brushing up against branches and brush. Adjust the pack to your dimensions and the Cargo Box is quite comfortable with quite a load of gear. Yes you could just about live out of this big bag!
The Sitka Gear Cargo Box has done double duty for me also. While riding in my Jeep, it has become the “cargo box” for all of my hunting gear. It keeps everything in one place and easy to access when moving quick to get to that buck haven out in the wilds.
As a final thought about the Sitka Gear Cargo Box is that it makes a great hunting investment. It has been engineered by hunters for hunters and is built tough. The few extra bucks you spend on quality will pay you back with many years of rugged hunting life.
Head on over to Sitka Gear’s website and check out not only the Cargo Box but all of the other great products ready for your tough hunts ahead.
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NEXT: SITKA GEAR REVIEW: OPTIFADE ELEVATED II FANATIC JACKET