Horn Hunter Mainbeam XL Review
Editor: Mike
Overall Rating
[rating: 2.5/5]
Basic Description:
Hunting Pack, made for 1-3 day hunts. 1 size fits all design.
Just the Facts:
Mainbeam XL Pack Features:
3800 Cubic Inches
27 seperate compartments to organize your gear
Unique air flow belt
Streamline design
Gear grippers for gun or bow
Removable orange safety wrap
3 hydration locations
Dual suspension frame
Custom molded back panel and straps
Quiet zip slides
Removable organizer
Bungee cord tie down
Story:
I used this pack on 2 different short scouting hikes. I packed about 25 lbs each time. I did like the way it held my spotting scope. I carried it in the medium sized far back area during the snow storm, then moved it to the side pouch when it cleared up. I also on each outing kept my tripod strapped to the side pouch in one of the netting sinch areas, that was quite handy.
These side pouches are very unique. They have a netting at the bottom which is common, but they have a material that wraps around whatever you put there, and then straps down. It is quite cool and very functional.
I did ignore the many pockets and pouches, and just stuffed my extra clothes in the main area. I was really intrigued by the many spots to hold stuff, but really just did not use them.
I also used the pack on 2 different all day winter archery deer hunts. I had the pack on all day. It just did not ever feel comfortable, mainly due to the bent frame. I did get several comments on the pack…wow that pack is cool. Try it on I would say “ok cool but uncomfortable” was the usual response.
I think Horn Hunter is onto some good things with this pack, the many places to hold things is very cool. The ability to strap lots of stuff on the outside of the pack is a real plus.
I really really wanted to like this pack, but I have been unable to get it to work for me.I am taking it back next week to see if they can adjust the frame again, but I am not very hopeful.
What they could do better:
Get that frame to quit bending!
Work on the comfort of the shoulder straps.
Really focus on making this thing more comfortable.
Star Rating per rating criteria:
Functionality: [rating: 4/5]
Value: [rating: 3/5]
Ergonomics: [rating: 1/5]
Durability: [rating: 2/5]
Horn Hunter Mainbeam XL Review
-
Functionality
(4)
-
Value
(3)
-
Ergonomics
(1)
-
Durability
(2)
I have had this pack for 4 yrs and have packed out 3 blacktails and a bear hide and the frame never bent . I was just wondering how the frame was bending ? The mainbeam xl has been the best hunting pack I have ever owned . Cant wait to try out hornhunters new curl pack.
Hornhunter switched to a metal frame in the xl this yr so that solves the frame bending problem,
Great! We are going to get a new one, and do a full review, thanks for the heads up.
I have both the Horn hunter mainbeam & the XL, and absolutely love both packs. On the mainbeam pack, I use it for 3 day bivouac hunts and put a full platypus bladder in each side mesh pocket then secure the load straps. This not only gives you alot more room inside the pack, it stabilizes the pack perfectly. I have never had a single problem with either pack. Very lucky this year, killed a Wyoming antelope and a very nice Wyoming bull elk, then drove to Arizona and killed a great bull there as well. These two packs carried out the boned out elk without any problems. Thank you for making a quality USA product. The packs also hold my bow in place nicely when I have a long hike to hump.
Got one for Christmas (I picked it out) have been using it as a day pack to hike in to new bluegill spots to ice fish. Working well, holds a lot of gear, but just a word for everyone. It fell forward the other day and bumped the front of the radiant heater in the shanty. Immediately, meaning like 1-2 seconds max., it burst into flames. Barely had time to grab it and toss it outside in the snow. Thank goodness the door was open. Hard lesson and a destroyed pack, rubber handle gone as well a big hole and melted zipper. Clumsy on my part but I was really shocked at how flammable this thing was. Nice backpack but please beware.
I came across this site by accident, just surfing around. But I must say it’s been a great read so far.
Hey, this looks like well designed pack. The one question is, is the material quiet?