Are backpacks worth it?

[Jozsefirst]

The item's descriptions dont make it quite transparent just how much they actually affect your visibility and the noise you make,I'd like to hear what those of you who actually use these things have been experiencing,are they worth it or are they making stalking a nightmare?

[Pinger]

They easily make animals see/hear you, its one feature I wish they would remove from game or change.

Like have a drop backpack option then retrieve it after the stalk, but the noise and visual cost is way too much. Or just remove it completely and just restrict the amount of carry weight they give.

Plus the fact a lot of gear weighs way too much, scopes-bowsights/binos/callers, some of it must be made out of solid gold to weigh as much as it does

[MorbusGon]

Even the smallest backpack rises the sight/noise indicator by one dash if i remember correctly.

It all depends on playstyle. If you like to sit on your tripod and call for animals all day long then a huge backpack with lots of space for equipment and weapons is certainly a blessing. If you like to stalk around and actively look for tracks and animals then definitely no.

For example, I usually only have 2 weapons and a tent with me, just to be able to exchange equipment and weapons as needed. I'm obviously more of a stalker, so I can't risk being seen or heard more easily.

Originally posted by MorbusGon:

Most of the time I try to cover classes 2-9, which already works well with 2 weapons. I don't use a backpack at all, as I prefer to stalk through the area.

Key 1: binoculars
Key 2: low class weapon
Key 3: high class weapon
Key 4-8: different callers
Key 9: tent
Key 0: scent eliminator / first aid kit

My favorite weapons are the 7mm Regent Magnum, Rhino, Grelck Drilling, Whitlock Model 86, Coachmate Lever .45-70, Martensson 6.5mm, F.L. Sporter .303, Cacciatore 12G and any bow. I may take one less caller with me if the weight is a bit too much, but mostly it works out well and including 2 different sights and ammunition I come to a weight of about 19.7 out of 20. If I need anything else then, I place the backpack and swap it out quickly.

[Falcon]

Even the small backpack will let the animals detect you 25-50m further away than they will without it unless you're standing perfectly still in full cover. Not worth it unless you just want to sit in a treestand or something for hours on end

[Eekhoorn]

I don't think I've ever used a backpack. Definitely not worth it.

[Pete Gaimari]

I travel light. No backpack and one weapon. Only the binos and calls the game comes with and i'd dump those if it let me.

[Striker]

Not worth it.

[Lakel]

Originally posted by Pinger:

Plus the fact a lot of gear weighs way too much, scopes-bowsights/binos/callers, some of it must be made out of solid gold to weigh as much as it does

I like my scopes made out of the finest Iridium, thank you very much.

[The Texan Hunter]

Originally posted by Jozsefirst:

The item's descriptions dont make it quite transparent just how much they actually affect your visibility and the noise you make,I'd like to hear what those of you who actually use these things have been experiencing,are they worth it or are they making stalking a nightmare?

NO! Never, I repeat, NEVER equip a backpack. The game has a glitch. Backpacks increase your noise level by about 50%. But even if you unequip them, your noise levels will never go back down. It is a known bug that has been around for years.

Just carry a tent. A tent adds no extra noise, and it has everything in the game. You need something, just deploy it and switch out.

[eagle74]

Carry weight is at a premium if you carry a tent. Backpacks are not a worthy solution in their current state.

[LotteR]

I never use backpacks. My camouflage is paramount. Also, I find I don't need them, traveling light. I don't use portable hunting stands or callers, and usually just two weapons.

[The Texan Hunter]

Originally posted by eagle74:

Carry weight is at a premium if you carry a tent. Backpacks are not a worthy solution in their current state.

Yes, but you have everything with you, all the time. I carry a tent all the time, a bow with two weights of arrows, and a rifle (338) for long shots. They also act as fast travel points, so if you find place you want to come back to, you drop a tent, grab another from the cache and keep going.

[PicSoul]

https://steamcommunity.com/app/518790/discussions/search/?q=Are+backpacks+worth+it%3F&gidforum=152390014798141866&include_deleted=1

[eagle74]

PicSoul, Thanks for reminding us that we have discussed this topic ad nauseam in the past.

Edit: Here is my suggestion from a year ago.
https://steamcommunity.com/app/518790/discussions/2/2253433385463870115/

[RedTide249]

I use the small backpack ALWAYS and I bow hunt a lot of animal. Never had an issue crawling within 15-20 meters... it may increase noise when standing and walking but crawling seems to have no negative impact with the small pack. The large pack however I have noticed animals running away when I'm walking from further out.

[Sleeper C]

Very much worth it, for my playstyle. I am always jampacked. Up to 26 kilo (Including a skill/perks that gives me an ekstra 3 kg). I carry weapons for all animals in the reserve, and a tripod where ever I go. Couldn't do that without backpaks. I have done it like this for a loong time, so I'm used to the effect the extra noise has on the wildlife. I have quite forgotten what it is like to hunt without backpacks.