First Impressions of Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag
The Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag promises to be a hunter’s best friend when it comes to preserving hard-earned venison. Manufactured by Pete Rickard, this simple bag is designed to protect meat during aging, allowing for crucial air circulation while keeping out unwanted pests and debris. For a seasoned hunter like myself, proper game care is paramount, and a reliable game bag is non-negotiable.
Having lost a significant portion of a buck to spoilage a few seasons back due to inadequate protection, I’m always on the lookout for better solutions. I needed a lightweight, breathable, and durable bag that could protect my harvest from flies and dirt during the aging process. This incident underscored the importance of a good game bag and led me to explore options like the Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag.
Upon initial inspection, the Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag feels lightweight and appears to be made of a decent poly/cotton blend. The fine knit mesh looks promising for keeping insects out. Its simplicity is both a blessing and a potential curse; I hope it delivers on its core promise of breathability and protection.
Compared to the heavier canvas game bags I’ve used previously, the Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag feels significantly lighter and more packable. It also appears less robust than the Caribou Gear Game Bags known for their antimicrobial properties and higher price point. Given the price difference, the Pete Rickard bag seems like a worthwhile experiment.
My first impression is cautiously optimistic. For $6.49, it seems like a worthwhile investment for basic protection. I’m eager to see how it performs in the field and whether it can prevent the heartbreak of spoiled meat.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag to the Test
First Use Experience
I put the Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag to the test during an early-season deer hunt in the Appalachian Mountains. The weather was relatively mild, with daytime temperatures in the 50s and nighttime lows dipping into the 40s. I bagged a young doe, and after field dressing, I immediately placed the carcass inside the bag.
The bag was easy to use; it slipped over the deer carcass without any fuss. The fine knit mesh seemed effective in keeping flies and gnats away. However, the poly/cotton blend felt somewhat thin, and I was concerned about its tear resistance when dragging the deer a short distance to my truck.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during the hunting season, the Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag has proven to be a mixed bag (pun intended). While it adequately protects the meat from insects and debris, its durability leaves much to be desired. The poly/cotton blend started showing signs of wear and tear, especially around the seams.
One bag ripped slightly while maneuvering a particularly large buck out of a thicket, requiring a quick field repair with some paracord. Cleaning the bag is relatively easy; a simple wash with mild soap and water does the trick. Compared to my previous experiences with heavier canvas bags, the Pete Rickard bag requires more frequent cleaning due to its lighter material and greater susceptibility to staining.
Breaking Down the Features of Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag
Specifications
The Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag is designed for aging deer meat while offering protection from insects and debris.
- Manufacturer: Pete Rickard
- Color: White
- Fabric/Material: Brass (Typo in manufacturer’s specifications – should be poly/cotton blend)
- Features:
- Protects meat while aging.
- Allows proper air circulation.
- Tear resistant.
- Fine knit mesh.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the bag’s ability to keep the meat fresh and free from contaminants. Air circulation prevents moisture buildup and spoilage. While the fine mesh prevents insects from contaminating the meat. The “tear-resistant” claim, however, needs further scrutiny given my experience with the bag’s durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag performs its primary function of protecting meat from insects and dirt reasonably well. The airflow is decent, aiding in the aging process. However, the tear resistance is questionable, particularly when dealing with larger game or rough terrain.
The bag’s strength lies in its simplicity and lightweight design, making it easy to pack and use. A significant weakness is the bag’s durability, which can be a major concern in more demanding hunting scenarios. While the bag meets basic expectations for insect protection and breathability, its fragility can be a deal-breaker for serious hunters.
Design & Ergonomics
The Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag features a straightforward design with no unnecessary frills. The white color makes it easy to spot any dirt or contamination, which is a plus for hygiene. The lightweight material contributes to its packability.
The bag is user-friendly; it’s simply a matter of slipping it over the carcass. There is no learning curve involved. However, the thin material feels less reassuring compared to more robust game bags.
Durability & Maintenance
The Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag‘s lifespan is directly tied to the conditions in which it is used. In relatively gentle environments, it may last for a few seasons. However, in rough terrain or with heavy game, it’s likely to show wear and tear more quickly.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning with soap and water. Repairing tears is possible with some basic sewing skills or duct tape. However, frequent repairs may be necessary if the bag is subjected to heavy use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available. Its simplicity is both its strength and limitation. You might consider adding paracord for reinforcement or repair. Alternatively, seam sealer might bolster the stitching to increase durability.
Pros and Cons of Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag
Pros
- Affordable price point, making it accessible to all hunters.
- Lightweight and packable, easy to carry in a hunting pack.
- Effective fine knit mesh keeps out flies and dirt, protecting the meat.
- Allows for adequate air circulation, promoting proper aging of the game.
- Simple and easy to use, requiring no special skills or knowledge.
Cons
- Questionable tear resistance, particularly in rough terrain or with heavy game.
- Poly/cotton blend feels thin and less durable compared to canvas or synthetic alternatives.
- Limited lifespan, potentially requiring frequent replacement with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag?
The Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag is perfect for budget-conscious hunters who primarily hunt in relatively easy terrain and are looking for basic protection for their game. It’s also a good option for casual hunters who only harvest a deer or two per season. Beginner hunters will also find this affordable and simple game bag to be a good starting point.
Those who hunt in rugged terrain, harvest large game regularly, or prioritize durability should skip this product and invest in a more robust game bag made from canvas or synthetic materials like Caribou Gear or Alaska Game Bags. Hunters who demand maximum protection and longevity will be better served by a higher-quality option.
A must-have accessory for the Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag is some heavy-duty paracord or duct tape for field repairs. Hunters may also want to consider a seam sealer to reinforce the stitching and improve durability.
Conclusion on Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag
The Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag is a decent, budget-friendly option for basic game protection. It gets the job done in terms of keeping insects and debris away from the meat. However, its questionable durability makes it a less reliable choice for serious or frequent hunters.
At $6.49, the price is certainly justified for its intended purpose. However, be prepared to potentially replace it more often than a higher-quality bag.
I would cautiously recommend the Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag to hunters on a tight budget or those who only occasionally harvest game in easy terrain. For more demanding hunting scenarios, I would strongly suggest investing in a more durable option. Ultimately, the Pete Rickard Rickards Big Game Bag offers a basic level of protection at an affordable price point, but its limitations should be carefully considered before making a purchase.