What Happened When I Tried the Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack
My hunting seasons have always been a whirlwind of preparation and improvisation, but this past fall, I found myself perpetually frustrated with how I was carrying my essential gear. Reaching for a critical item often meant a clumsy rummage, or worse, leaving something vital behind. It was clear I needed a dedicated pack, one designed from the ground up for the unique demands of elevated hunting. After a bit of research, the Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack caught my eye, promising a streamlined solution for keeping everything accessible. It’s a pack that aims to be more than just a carrier, but a true partner in the stand.
The idea of a pack that could securely attach to my treestand, keeping my hands free and my essentials within easy reach, was incredibly appealing. I’d previously tried various generic backpacks and even improvised solutions involving carabiners and extra bags, none of which truly addressed the specific needs of a treestand hunter. The primary issue was always accessibility; when a mature buck steps out, fumbling through a cluttered bag is not an option. I considered a simple hip pack, but it lacked the capacity for optics and extra layers, and a full-blown external frame pack was overkill for a day hunt. This specific pack seemed to strike a perfect balance, offering dedicated features for hunting equipment. My initial impression upon receiving it was one of pragmatic design; it felt sturdy, with a thoughtful layout that hinted at its intended use.
First Use Experience
My initial test of the pack involved a series of late-season scouting trips and a couple of morning hunts. I loaded it up with my rangefinder, binoculars, grunt tube, rattling antlers, extra gloves, and a water bottle. The terrain was a mix of relatively flat forest floor and some steeper, leaf-strewn inclines.
Attaching the pack to my treestand for the first time was straightforward thanks to the integrated bungee system. I found the straps to be quite comfortable even with a decent load, and the neck buffers did a noticeable job of preventing chafing during longer climbs. The pack stayed securely in place, a welcome change from bags that tend to slide or shift.
A pleasant surprise was the quiet operation. The Velcro-free and soft material construction lived up to its promise, meaning no obnoxious ripping sounds as I reached for my gear. This is absolutely crucial for a treestand hunt where silence is golden.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several weeks of regular use, the Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack proved to be a reliable companion. The drop-down gun or bow boot was particularly useful, offering a secure and easily accessible place for my rifle when not in use, and the adjustable, quiet straps held it firmly. I also found the two large side pockets with mesh panels to be excellent for items I needed frequent access to, like my calls or snacks, and the mesh prevented smaller items from falling out.
The pack has endured being set down on various forest floors, brushed against branches, and generally subjected to the rigors of hunting season without showing any significant signs of wear. The stitching remains intact, and the fabric, while not waterproof, has handled light dew and occasional dampness without issue. Cleaning is as simple as a quick wipe-down and an occasional shake to remove debris.
Compared to the generic daypacks I’ve used in the past, this treestand-specific pack offers a significant upgrade in functionality and organization. Those packs often lacked dedicated carrying solutions for hunting implements and were not designed for silent operation. The Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack clearly excels in its niche.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack
Specifications
The Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack boasts a 1212 cubic inch capacity, which is a generous volume for a daypack, allowing for essential hunting gear and a few extra layers. It’s constructed from a durable, likely polyester fabric, and features mesh panels in key areas, which helps with ventilation and shedding weight. The pack is designed in a Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo pattern, offering excellent concealment in wooded environments.
The capacity is ample enough for a full day’s hunt, accommodating optics, calls, a jacket, and personal items. The mesh panels, while aiding breathability, might allow smaller items to slip through if not secured properly within the pockets themselves. The camouflage pattern is a standard for this type of gear, designed to blend seamlessly with natural surroundings.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of the Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack is to provide organized, accessible, and quiet storage for treestand hunters, and it performs this job admirably. The drop-down gun or bow boot is a standout feature, offering a stable and easily managed holster for firearms or bows. Its adjustable straps ensure a snug fit for different weapon sizes.
The front pocket shelf system provides a flat surface for organizing smaller items like calls, rangefinders, or GPS devices, keeping them from shifting around the main compartment. This clever design element truly streamlines access to frequently used items. While the pack isn’t waterproof, its water-resistant fabric and thoughtful design did a decent job of protecting contents from light moisture during my testing.
Design & Ergonomics
Allen has clearly put thought into the user experience with this pack. The soft pack straps with neck buffers are a significant ergonomic improvement over standard, unpadded straps, making longer wear more comfortable. The overall build quality feels robust; the zippers operate smoothly, and the stitching appears strong and well-executed.
The pack’s layout is intuitive, with clearly defined pockets and compartments that cater to a hunter’s needs. The two small top pocket lockers are perfect for keys, a wallet, or essential field repair items, keeping them separate and secure. The bungee system for attaching to a treestand rail or branch is simple but effective, providing a secure anchor point.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, this treestand pack is built to withstand the typical wear and tear of hunting. The fabric seems resistant to abrasion from branches and rough handling. The construction suggests it will hold up for several seasons of regular use.
Maintenance is straightforward; a quick rinse and dry, or a wipe down with a damp cloth, is usually sufficient. The mesh panels might require a gentle brushing to remove stubborn dirt or burrs. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points, but like any pack with fabric components, prolonged exposure to extreme elements could eventually degrade the material.
Accessories and Customization Options
While the Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack comes with its integrated features, it doesn’t come with many additional accessories in the traditional sense. Its strength lies in its purpose-built design. The bungee system for attachment is a key functional element.
The pack is designed to work in conjunction with your existing hunting gear, such as rifles, bows, and optics. Its internal organization and external carrying options are its primary “customization” features, allowing users to arrange their gear according to their preferences and needs for quick deployment.
Pros and Cons of Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack
Pros
- Dedicated treestand design: Features like the attachment bungee and drop-down boot are specifically tailored for elevated hunting.
- Quiet operation: The Velcro-free and soft material significantly reduces noise during hunts, a critical factor for wary game.
- Excellent accessibility: The pocket system, including the front shelf and side pockets, keeps essentials within easy reach.
- Comfortable carry: Soft pack straps with neck buffers enhance comfort, especially during climbs and extended periods in the stand.
- Secure weapon transport: The drop-down gun or bow boot provides a safe and convenient way to carry your primary hunting implement.
Cons
- Limited water resistance: While functional for light moisture, it’s not fully waterproof, requiring additional protection for sensitive electronics in wet conditions.
- Mesh panel limitations: The mesh side panels are great for ventilation but could allow very small items to escape if not carefully managed.
- Capacity might be tight for overnight: At 1212 cubic inches, it’s ideal for day hunts but might be insufficient for extended trips requiring extensive gear.
Who Should Buy Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack?
This pack is an excellent choice for any treestand hunter who values organization, quiet operation, and easy access to their gear. If you frequently hunt from an elevated position and find yourself struggling with a conventional backpack, this dedicated pack will significantly improve your experience. It’s also ideal for hunters who carry a rifle or bow and want a secure, accessible way to transport it.
Individuals who primarily hunt from the ground, require fully waterproof gear for extreme conditions, or need to carry a large amount of equipment for overnight trips might want to consider alternative options. For those users, a larger capacity backpack with enhanced weather protection might be more suitable. However, for its intended purpose, this pack is hard to beat. Consider pairing it with a lightweight, compact rangefinder and a small dry bag for electronics if you anticipate damp weather.
Conclusion on Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack
The Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack is a highly specialized and remarkably effective piece of hunting equipment. It successfully addresses the common frustrations treestand hunters face by prioritizing accessibility, quiet operation, and secure carry for essential gear. The thoughtful design, from the Velcro-free material to the dedicated drop-down boot, showcases a deep understanding of the hunting environment.
At its price point, the value proposition is strong, offering robust functionality that enhances the hunting experience without breaking the bank. I would readily recommend this pack to any dedicated treestand hunter looking to streamline their setup and improve their efficiency in the field. It’s a practical, well-made pack that performs precisely as advertised, making it a worthwhile investment for a more enjoyable and successful hunting season.