Let’s Talk About Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack
The Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack promises to be more than just a backpack; it’s billed as a dedicated hunting companion designed specifically for the treestand hunter. Allen is a well-known brand in the hunting and outdoor space, often providing affordable options for those entering or supplementing their gear. The pack boasts features like a quiet design, weapon carry options, and a bungee system for treestand attachment, aiming to keep your gear organized and accessible while you’re elevated.
As an avid deer hunter who spends a significant amount of time in treestands each season, I was looking for a pack that could streamline my setup. I was tired of juggling loose gear, making noise, and struggling to keep my rifle secure while climbing and sitting. My existing pack, a general-purpose hiking backpack, was simply not cutting it in the specialized environment of treestand hunting.
Upon unboxing, my initial thought was that the Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack seemed lighter than expected. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo looked good, and the stitching appeared reasonably solid. However, the material felt a bit thinner than I had hoped, raising concerns about long-term durability in harsh conditions.
Compared to my old hiking pack and a dedicated bowhunting pack I borrowed from a friend, the Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack seemed to prioritize simplicity and focused functionality over sheer capacity. The bowhunting pack was bulky and over-engineered for my needs, while my hiking pack lacked essential hunting-specific features. I chose the Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack because it appeared to strike a balance between these two extremes, promising a streamlined and practical solution for my treestand needs.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While the material quality gave me pause, the design seemed well-thought-out for its intended purpose, and I was eager to put it through its paces in the field. I was excited to see if the Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack could truly be the organized and quiet hunting partner it claimed to be.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack during an early-season deer hunt in the Appalachian foothills. The conditions were mild, with temperatures in the 50s and a slight drizzle in the morning. I loaded the pack with my essential gear: rifle, binoculars, rangefinder, knife, calls, water bottle, and some snacks.
The pack performed reasonably well in the initial test. The rifle boot securely held my rifle during the climb into the treestand, and the bungee system kept the pack stable against the tree. However, accessing gear while in the stand proved a bit cumbersome, requiring more movement than I preferred.
After the first use, I noticed a few loose threads on the side pockets. This further solidified my initial concern that the materials might not be as robust as I needed for long-term use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the hunting season, the Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack held up, but not without showing some wear. The thin material began to show scuff marks from rubbing against tree bark, and the stitching on one of the shoulder straps started to fray. While it didn’t fail catastrophically, the signs of wear were concerning.
Cleaning the pack was relatively easy, requiring only a damp cloth to wipe away mud and dirt. However, I avoided machine washing due to concerns about further weakening the material. Maintaining the pack involved regularly checking for loose threads and reinforcing them as needed.
Compared to my previous experiences with higher-end packs, the Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack fell short in terms of durability and overall comfort. My old pack, while not hunting-specific, was constructed from much more rugged materials and showed far less wear after years of use. The Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack met my basic needs but didn’t exceed expectations in any significant way.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack
Specifications
The Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack has a capacity of 1212 cubic inches. Its color is Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo. The main material is a mesh fabric.
The pack is designed for unisex adult use and intended primarily for hunting applications. These specifications suggest a focus on lightweight portability and concealment, prioritizing convenience over carrying heavy loads.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack performs adequately in its primary role of carrying hunting gear to and from the treestand. The rifle/bow boot is a useful feature, securely holding the weapon during transport and freeing up your hands for climbing. The bungee system is also helpful for attaching the pack to the treestand, keeping it within easy reach.
However, the pack’s small capacity limits the amount of gear you can comfortably carry, and the lack of internal organization can make it difficult to find specific items quickly. The thin material and somewhat flimsy construction also detract from the pack’s overall performance.
The Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly hunting pack, but it doesn’t offer the same level of performance, durability, or comfort as more expensive options.
Design & Ergonomics
The Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack features a relatively simple and straightforward design. The layout is functional, with two large side pockets, a front pocket shelf system, and two small top pocket lockers. The soft pack straps with neck buffers are a welcome addition, preventing chafing during long walks.
However, the build quality is somewhat lacking, with thin materials and basic stitching. The pack is lightweight, which is an advantage for mobility, but it also feels less substantial than more durable alternatives. There’s not much of a learning curve with the pack, but the lack of internal organization can be frustrating.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the thin materials and basic construction, the Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack is unlikely to last for many seasons of heavy use. Signs of wear and tear will likely appear relatively quickly, especially in harsh conditions.
Maintaining the pack is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. Repairing any significant damage, such as torn fabric or broken zippers, may be difficult or impossible due to the pack’s construction.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack comes with minimal accessories. The drop-down gun/bow boot and bungee system are the primary included features. There are limited customization options available for this pack.
The Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack is not explicitly designed to be compatible with aftermarket accessories from other brands. Due to its basic design and construction, customization is limited.
Pros and Cons of Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious hunters.
- Easy access treestand pack design streamlines gear organization.
- Quiet material minimizes noise during critical moments.
- Drop-down gun or bow boot offers hands-free weapon transport.
- Lightweight and compact for easy maneuverability in the woods.
Cons
- Thin material raises concerns about long-term durability.
- Limited capacity restricts the amount of gear you can carry.
- Basic design lacks advanced features and organization.
Who Should Buy Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack?
The Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack is perfect for beginner hunters or those on a tight budget who need a basic, functional pack for treestand hunting. It’s also suitable for hunters who prioritize lightweight portability over heavy-duty durability and capacity.
Hunters who need to carry a lot of gear, hunt in harsh conditions, or demand high levels of durability should skip this product. A hunter looking for significant organization, advanced features, or a pack built to withstand years of abuse should also explore higher-end options.
Must-have accessories for this pack would include some smaller pouches or organizers to help with internal organization. Perhaps some durable carabiners for attaching extra items.
Conclusion on Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack
The Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack is a budget-friendly option for hunters seeking a basic pack for treestand use. While it offers some useful features like the gun/bow boot and bungee system, its thin material and limited capacity are significant drawbacks.
At $91.49, the price is justifiable for its intended purpose, but buyers should be aware of its limitations in terms of durability and overall quality. It is by no means an exceptional pack; it is merely a basic option for those new to treestand hunting.
I would cautiously recommend it to hunters who understand its limitations and are looking for an affordable entry-level option. If you’re just starting out and need something to get you by, or if you only hunt occasionally, the Allen Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Treestand Pack might suffice. However, investing in a higher-quality pack from a more reputable brand would be a worthwhile upgrade in the long run for any serious hunter.