Sitemap

Become a Member, It's Free!

Fishing Guide Reviews

Forums

Free Email Newsletter

Free JHO Decal

Gear Reviews

Hunting Guide Reviews

Horn Hunter Mainbeam Pack Carries the Load

Dave Blake - JHO ProStaff - Southern California
September 26, 2005

The Horn Hunter Mainbeam
Author Dave Blake put this bag through its paces, and found it to be a great solution for the hunter who needs a good day pack. Available in the JHO Store.

One of the most frequent topics of conversation among hunters is the qualities of a good hunting day pack. Each hunter has his or her own idea of what makes a great pack.

Comfort, capacity, pockets, frame, weight, fabric, H2O compatibility, and durability are features that I look for in a hunting pack. For my last few hunts I have been carrying a Horn Hunter “Mainbeam.” This pack has a lot of features that would appeal to most hunters.

The first thing I noticed about the “Mainbeam” was its molded, foam back-padding which is reinforced by a one-piece plastic frame. The frame is shaped to the contour of the spine creating a very high comfort factor. I have carried the pack all day for several days and have not felt any fatigue due to the pack yet.

The shoulder straps are wide, well padded and contoured so they don't dig in and chafe during a long hike. A chest strap connects them to distribute weight evenly across the torso. It is definitely easy on the shoulders.

At 2050 cubic inches the “Mainbeam” can carry a lot of gear. The main compartment is roomy and deep allowing plenty of space for larger items such as first aid kits, food and drinks. It is not so deep, however, that gear drops out of sight. Everything is easily accessible.

If there is one thing I hate about some of the packs I have used it is the lack of pockets. Without pockets, I find that all of my smaller items end up rattling around in the bottom of the main compartment. Digging for them means more movement, and more movement means spooked game.

The “Mainbeam” has more pockets than I have ever seen on one pack. Unlike some other packs I have used, these pockets are of normal shape and have easy pull zippers that don't bind up when I have to close them with one hand.

Pockets on the waist flaps, back and interior of the pack make it very easy to stow smaller items for easy access later. The H2O pocket in back carries up to a 3 liter water pouch for those long hot days.

In addition to lots of pockets the “Mainbeam” has “Gear Gripper” straps on the side and back for carrying a rifle, bow, knife, tripod, or spotting scope. These straps are heavy duty and have pinch clips for easy release.

Fully loaded the “Mainbeam” weighs 18 pounds. This probably isn't the lightest day pack ever, but with the foam back pad and molded frame it doesn't feel like 18 pounds.

The lightweight and quiet “bucksuede” material helps keep weight down while providing a durable, water resistant surface that resists cuts and burs. It also provides concealment with its Predator Brown Deception camo pattern.

The Horn Hunter “Mainbeam” is a well thought out pack with features that will appeal to most hunters and I plan on carrying it for many more hunts to come.