Alps Traverse EPS Review with Video

Deer hunting in general can require a lot of gear. You need a grunt call, doe bleat, flash light, knife, emergency kit, ammo…etc. If you are bowhunting if might take even more gear like releases and a bow holder. Then if you are crazy like me and decide to self film deer hunts then you have camera, camera arm, remote control, mics…etc.

Getting all this gear to and from the stand can be a chore. For several years I have been using two different bags. A small backpack for my hunting gear and then a small camera bag. Some late night internet surfing lead me to the Alps Traverse hunting backpack.

Alps Traverse EPS has enough room for the kitchen sink

I\’ll try to lay out this Alps Traverse Backpack review similar to the trail camera reviews. We\’ll start with a quick look at the pros and cons. This will be followed by a specs and the full review.

Pros:

• Lots of Room – 3300 cubic inch main compartment
• Zippers are heavy duty with full weather flaps
• Plenty of easily accessible accessory pockets
• Adjustable straps
• Great system to carry gun or bow
• comfortable waist belt
• very affordable

Cons;

• A little heavy for the elk hunters – 6lbs 14 ounces
• Shoulder straps are a little narrow

The price doesn\’t reflect all the options but the Traverse EPS is actually an internal frame pack. It has a rigid backbone which supports even the heaviest load. The load is supporting and distributed to the waist belt which turns a full pack into a feather weight. I have not hiked 6 miles but my .5 mile walk to the stand is no problem. Even with all my camera gear.

Alps Traverse Best Price

I searched around and compared a lot of stores and was really surprised to find the ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS Pack, Realtree Excape, New, One Size

If you are self filming hunts or packing into the back country on a mule deer hunt, the Traverse has plenty of room for all the essentials. I use the 3300 inch main compartment for my camera arm. It could also serve to carry your heavier items like food or dry bag with extra clothes. Big game hunters in the west might use it for large tripods or larger spotting scopes.

More Reviews

EPS is short for expandable pack section. This means you can increase you carrying capacity by 1200 cubic inches just by unzipping the EPS compartment. You could use this section to pack out meat after a successful hunt. It would also work great to pack in bulky clothing, tarp, tent, etc.

Alps Traverse EPS Features and Specs

• Main Compartment Capacity: 3300 in³
• Expanded Compartment Capacity: 1200 in³
• Total Capacity: 4500 in³
• Weight: 6 lbs. 14 oz.

 Comparison Shopping

Like I mentioned earlier I tend to shop around a BUNCH. If i am spending my hard earned money then I want to be sure I am getting the best hunting pack for the money.

I looked at several Gameplan Gear bags and was not very impressed. The cameraman bag was nice but it only worked for camera gear. If I decided to just go for a 3 day elk hunt it was not versatile enough.

I tried to compare the Alps Traverse to the Tenzing and Badland bags but it was no contest. These packs are great but not even in the same price range. I was looking for a hunting pack around $100 and quickly learned the other packs were well over $200. I have been using the Traverse for several weeks now and I am very pleased. It is holding up quite well and seems to be a high quality product.

ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS Pack, Realtree Excape, New, One Size

• Carry heavy loads with expandable 1,200 cu. in. section, unique H-frame design and extension lashing straps
• Drop down pocket and front zippered 'wing pockets' allow you to secure your weapon or other gear
• Enjoy the padded shoulder harness, padded spotting scope pocket with tripod sleeve holder and waist belt with two easy access pockets
• Includes a clip-style holster compatible waist belt, H20 pocket/port and blaze orange rain cover
• Weight: 7 lbs. 12 oz.; Capacity: 74L; Waist Belt Length: 32" - 56"; Camo Pattern: Realtree Edge

$189.99

Buy on Amazon

If you have used the Alps Traverse EPS then please feel free to leave a review or your comments below. If you have a question about this pack then drop a comment below and I will do my best to answer.