The hunting backpack "Husarenstück" made of Loden and Waxcotton
There are various demands that a hunter can have for their hunting backpack. In addition to our small Loden backpacks and the two larger backpack models Capreolus and Cervus, we have now implemented another concept. With this backpack, we have achieved our personal masterpiece, which is why we named it that.
The most versatile hunting backpack in our range
You can already tell by the length of the description that we have incorporated more functionality into this backpack than in any of our previous models: 1 main compartment, 10 additional pockets (expandable to 12 via the hip belt), a holder for Modulus cartridge cases, ergonomic, length-adjustable shoulder straps, a removable chest strap, a removable and adjustable hip belt, a padded back, a rain-protected main lid, and extendable side pocket lids made of waxed cotton, securing straps on both sides, a waxed, double bottom for moisture protection from below, a narrow, tall shape with an additional zipper access in the lower area, and last but not least, a truly successful design make this masterpiece an extremely versatile hunting backpack.
But now, let's take it step by step…
No fear of bad weather!
This hunting backpack is made of loden, but at critical points that are particularly exposed to rain, it has been supplemented with English wax cotton, which is particularly water-repellent. The lid of the backpack, as the main target area for precipitation, is completely made of wax cotton. The four outer equipment pockets each have a rain flap that can simply be pulled out of the pocket in wet weather and serves as a canopy or awning over the opening of the respective pocket. Additionally, the bottom above the loden is also equipped with a layer of wax cotton. This protects against moisture from below, and it also provides additional abrasion protection.
Slim, compact and extremely versatile
The basic shape of the hunting backpack "Husarenstück" is slim and tall, similar to a trekking backpack. This not only allows for easy passage through the hunting stand door, but also means there’s no drag in rough terrain. The compact design actually appears less voluminous than it is, as the main compartment alone offers a volume of a good 35 liters, not including the many external pockets!
Bags and pockets that catch the eye
The main compartment of the medium-sized loden backpack is very deep at a good 60 cm. To easily access the lower items without having to empty everything out, there is an extra zipper opening in the lower third of the backpack's front, providing access to this area.
The variety of pockets is so great that one should carefully consider how to distribute their gear and think about what needs to be accessed quickly and what is rarely or never needed. However, there is a well-thought-out place for everything.
On both sides, there are two outer pockets each, one lower and one higher, where items like a cartridge case, game hooks, water bottles, or spotting scopes can be stored. Additionally, there are two tension straps on each side. They allow for securing longer items. For example, a collapsed stalking stick or a lightweight tripod can be placed in the lower pocket and secured with the upper strap. A rolled-up rain jacket can be slid under the straps on the outside. The usage possibilities of these straps are diverse. By the way, we have also had one or two ideas about what else we could do with them.
On the front of the backpack, there are two open, narrow, and elongated pockets, whose openings are protected by the waxed lid of the main compartment. They are suitable for items like a hunting knife, longer flashlights, provisions, or small parts that should be quickly accessible. Inside the wax cotton main lid, there is another externally accessible storage space in the form of a zipper pocket on the body side.
Inside, lined with pocket fabric, the storage options continue cheerfully: A flat zipper pocket on the inner back panel holds the hunting license along with its case and still offers enough space to store a safety vest or a few plastic bags for small game rights or veterinary samples.
On the inner sides of the side panels of the backpack, there are additional open pockets for smaller items that should not be loose in the main compartment. On the inner front of the backpack, there is the known, closable Velcro attachment for our Modulus cartridge cases, as always in a well-accessible location in the upper area of the main compartment.
In addition to the main compartment, there are a total of 10 additional pockets and compartments for storing hunting accessories. If this storage and sorting space is still not enough, one can also attach one of our Modulus system bags to each side of the later described hip belt, thus creating additional space.
Good usability, as one would expect from a hunting backpack
The closure of the main compartment is done internally via a drawstring that "closes the bag." The lid above the opening is secured with an adjustable acetal hook in a leather loop. This makes it easy and quiet to open and adjustable if a sweater is stored under the lid. The lower end of the closure strap ends in two loops, to which additional items can be attached, for example, using carabiners.
Optimal Ergonomics, especially for long distances and heavy luggage
The back area is additionally padded with an elaborately stitched padding, making it particularly comfortable to wear even on longer journeys. The wide carrying straps are made of nubuck leather and lined with 3mm thick wool felt. The ergonomic shape adapts optimally to the shoulder and chest area of the wearer, and the strap adjusters allow for good length adjustment. On top, there are two leather rolls on both sides that serve as slip protection for the rifle sling.
At chest height, there are two pairs of loops at different heights, into which a removable chest strap is hooked. This adjustable strap allows for optimal distribution of pressure on the shoulders, back, and chest, and can be quickly adjusted while wearing. The fact that it is removable has another advantage: if it is not currently in use, the holding clip can be released, and the strap can simply be tucked away in one of the many backpack pockets. This way, it does not dangle annoyingly in front of the body.
In addition to the carrying straps, the hunting backpack "Husarenstück" is also equipped with a continuously adjustable and removable hip belt, which shifts a significant portion of the backpack's weight to the hips, allowing for fatigue-free carrying over long distances – a principle that has been proven for hiking and trekking backpacks for a long time. The hip belt is padded with nubuck leather and felt, ensuring an even fit around the hip bones. It is adjustable in length on both sides (up to about 130cm) and is secured with a high-quality quick-release buckle. The strap partially exposed above the padding can optionally be equipped with various elements from our Modulus belt pouch range. If the hip belt is not needed temporarily, it can simply be removed and re-threaded in a few minutes when needed.
A sturdy leather handle at the top of the carrying straps allows for easy transport of the backpack by hand.
What to consider in comparison to our other hunting backpacks
Even with the hunting backpack, there is no such thing as the perfect all-in-one solution, yet we believe we are close: While we have all the praise for the new backpack that we can honestly and wholeheartedly express, there are also one or two things in comparison to our other models like the Capreolus or the Cervus that should be weighed in when deciding on the right backpack model.
The wax cotton and the buckle on the hip belt are not quite as quiet as our silent connections on the other hunting backpacks. However, if you get into the habit of handling it a bit more carefully and slide the plastic buckles under the first leather straps of the belt at the beginning of a sit, so they can't rattle on the platform floor, not much can go wrong here either. If you are still looking for a solution that minimizes any rattling as much as possible, you might want to take another look at the hunting backpack "Cervus" for comparison.