First Thoughts on the Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green
The Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green promises to be more than just another daypack; it’s designed as a complete hang-and-hunt solution for mobile hunters. Elevation, a company known for its hunting-specific gear, aims to provide a pack that efficiently carries climbing sticks and a tree stand or saddle platform, along with essential hunting gear. This pack immediately caught my eye with its promise of modularity and all-weather construction.
For years, I’ve struggled with cumbersome methods of hauling my climbing equipment. A tangled mess of straps and separate bags often slowed me down and created unnecessary noise in the woods. The Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green offered the potential to consolidate my gear into one streamlined, stealthy package.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the ruggedness of the material. The Ambush Green color is perfect for blending into most hunting environments. The stitching appears robust, and the padding on the hip belt and shoulder straps felt immediately comfortable. It felt significantly more purpose-built than some generic tactical packs I’ve used.
I considered the ALPS OutdoorZ Trail Blazer and the Badlands Pursuit Pack before settling on the Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green. The ALPS pack lacked the specific features for carrying climbing sticks effectively, and the Badlands pack was significantly more expensive. The Elevation pack seemed to strike the best balance of features and price.
My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of skepticism. Could a pack priced at $105.99 really deliver the performance and durability required for serious hunting? Time and testing would tell, but my first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to see how well it would perform in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green occurred during an early-season scouting trip in the Appalachian foothills. I loaded it with my climbing sticks, a small tree saddle platform, and standard hunting essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. The varied terrain and unpredictable weather of the region provided an ideal testing ground.
The pack performed admirably in dry conditions, keeping my gear secure and organized. The dedicated attachment points for the climbing sticks were a game-changer, freeing up my hands and making maneuvering through dense brush significantly easier. However, a light rain shower revealed a potential weakness: the pack isn’t fully waterproof, and water began to seep into the main compartment.
The pack’s initial ease of use was impressive. The adjustable straps and padded hip belt allowed for a comfortable and secure fit, even with a relatively heavy load. There were no immediate issues or surprises, but I noted that the side stretch pockets were a bit too shallow to securely hold larger water bottles. The bungee cords, however, kept a firm grip.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green has proven to be a reliable, if not flawless, companion. It has accompanied me on numerous scouting trips and a few early-season hunts. The pack has shown only minor signs of wear and tear, primarily some slight fraying of the stitching around the climbing stick attachment points.
The durability of the main fabric has held up well. There are no rips or tears despite encounters with thorny bushes and rough tree bark. The all-terrain base of the pack shows no signs of significant wear.
Maintenance is relatively straightforward. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove mud and dirt. I did apply a fabric protector to enhance its water resistance after the initial rain shower test.
Compared to my previous experiences with generic backpacks, the Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green is a clear upgrade for mobile hunting. It provides a much more organized and efficient way to carry climbing equipment and essential gear. While not perfect, its performance has generally exceeded my expectations for a pack in this price range.
Breaking Down the Features of Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green
Specifications
The Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green boasts a capacity of 1100 cubic inches. This provides ample space for a day’s worth of hunting gear.
The pack is designed with a Modular Gear System (MGS) featuring MOLLE Standard Webbing. This allows for extensive customization with compatible pouches and accessories.
It is specifically designed for carrying climbing sticks and a tree stand/saddle platform. This makes it a dedicated solution for mobile hunters.
The pack features one main compartment with two internal sleeve pockets. These pockets are useful for organizing smaller items.
A small front zipper pocket and two side stretch pockets provide additional storage options. These pockets can be used for quick-access items like calls or gloves.
Fold-out lid pockets on both the main and front compartments offer even more organizational capacity. These are perfect for storing small essentials.
The pack includes a hang handle for easy hanging in a tree stand. This helps keep your gear accessible and off the ground.
Load Lifters help distribute weight evenly and improve carrying comfort. This is crucial for long treks into the woods.
The padded ergonomic air mesh back panel enhances breathability and comfort. It reduces sweating during strenuous activity.
An adjustable/detachable sternum strap further improves stability. This keeps the pack from shifting during movement.
The padded hip belt accommodates up to a 60″ waist. The belt is designed for comfort and weight distribution.
Rugged all-weather construction provides protection from the elements. This ensures your gear stays dry in light rain.
Bedroll/Garment Cinch Straps allow for securing extra layers or a bedroll to the outside of the pack. This is useful for longer hunts.
These specifications highlight the pack’s focus on functionality and adaptability. The MOLLE webbing is particularly noteworthy, allowing for a highly customized setup.
Performance & Functionality
The Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green performs admirably in its intended role. It efficiently carries climbing sticks and a tree stand platform, freeing up the hunter’s hands for safer and easier movement. The 1100 cubic inch capacity is sufficient for a day’s worth of gear, provided you pack strategically.
A key strength of this pack is its comfort. The padded hip belt and load lifters distribute weight effectively, minimizing strain on the shoulders and back. The ergonomic air mesh back panel also enhances breathability.
However, the pack is not without its weaknesses. As mentioned earlier, it is not fully waterproof. Heavier rain will eventually penetrate the fabric. The side stretch pockets are also a bit shallow, and could benefit from being deeper.
Overall, the Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green largely meets expectations. It offers a well-designed and functional solution for mobile hunters at an affordable price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Ambush Green color and streamlined design of the Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack are aesthetically pleasing and functional. The pack blends seamlessly into most hunting environments. The overall build quality appears to be good for a pack in this price range.
The materials used are durable and feel robust. The weight of the pack is reasonable, even when fully loaded. The padded hip belt and shoulder straps are comfortable, even after hours of wear.
The pack is relatively user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. The adjustable straps and modular design allow for easy customization.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, the Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green seems likely to last for several seasons of regular use. The fabric is resistant to tears and abrasions, and the stitching appears to be well-done.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and mud. Applying a fabric protector can improve its water resistance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green comes standard with no additional accessories beyond its built-in features. However, its MOLLE webbing makes it highly customizable with a wide range of aftermarket pouches and accessories.
The pack is compatible with most standard MOLLE-compatible accessories from other brands. This allows hunters to tailor the pack to their specific needs and preferences. You can add extra pouches for ammunition, calls, or other essential gear.
Pros and Cons of Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green
Pros
- Dedicated design for carrying climbing sticks and tree stand/saddle platform. Frees hands and improves mobility.
- Comfortable padded hip belt and load lifters. Distributes weight effectively and reduces strain.
- Modular Gear System (MGS) with MOLLE webbing. Highly customizable with aftermarket accessories.
- Durable construction for all-weather use. Provides protection from the elements.
- Affordable price point. Excellent value for the features offered.
Cons
- Not fully waterproof. Heavy rain will eventually penetrate the fabric.
- Side stretch pockets are shallow. May not securely hold larger water bottles.
Who Should Buy Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green?
The Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green is perfect for mobile hunters who use climbing sticks and tree stands or saddle platforms. It’s ideal for those who prioritize organization, comfort, and affordability. This pack is also well-suited for hunters who want a customizable pack that can be tailored to their specific needs.
Hunters who need a completely waterproof pack or require a larger capacity for multi-day trips should probably skip this product. Also, those who don’t use climbing sticks or tree stands may find its dedicated features unnecessary.
A must-have accessory for this pack is a waterproof cover. This will protect your gear from heavy rain. Adding a few MOLLE-compatible pouches can also significantly enhance its organization and capacity.
Conclusion on Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green
The Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green offers a compelling combination of functionality, comfort, and affordability. It’s a well-designed and versatile pack that’s specifically tailored to the needs of mobile hunters. While it’s not without its minor flaws, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
The price of $105.99 is certainly justified, considering the features and performance it provides. It’s an excellent value for hunters seeking a dedicated solution for carrying climbing equipment and essential gear.
I would personally recommend the Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green to any hunter who uses climbing sticks and tree stands. It will significantly improve your mobility, organization, and overall hunting experience. Take your hunting to the next level and give the Elevation Mobile Hunter 1100 Pack Ambush Green a try!