2019 MR Selway 60 - a single 4-day backpacking trip carrying around 40lbs
Pros:
Relatively lightweight at 5lbs
Decent size bag (62L) and a full-length zipper
two small side pockets and lid pocket for smaller items
GuideLight Frame makes it easier to change out bag for other compatible MR...
The FirstLite corrugate pants are really tough, stretchy, breath very well, and are cheaper. I would take those over the obsidian while hiking in the mountains. The obsidian pants are nice too but are a little more fragile.
On season 6 of Fresh Tracks, Randy is hunting Nevada muleys with a bow right on a fence line separating private land from BLM. I think he ends up wounding a deer in that episode as well. The point I'm making is hunting sometimes (often) doesn't go as planned. It's easy to sit back and critique...
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You have to register by uploading a dd214, but mystery ranch offers a pretty decent discount FYI.
I like vortex for what you get. I ended up going with the viper line because I really couldn’t tell a difference in the clarity from the razor. Go check em out at cabelas or somewhere and see what your eyes like.
Mystery Ranch hauls a heavy load very nice, but will cost ya more than $250. Those army rucksacks are lacking when it comes to comfort but a strong back will get it done. Horn hunter full curl or the alps may be an in between option at around your price.