ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Lite + Pack vs ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS
Quick take: The ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS carries more (74 vs 47 liters); the ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Lite + Pack is lighter (6.7 vs 7.8 lbs).
Which one to buy
Same $230 price, same maker, same lifetime warranty, and neither publishes a load rating. What separates them is how they haul meat. The Commander Lite + Pack is an external aluminum frame with three extension straps for lashing a quarter outside a 47 L bag. The Traverse EPS is an internal H frame whose bag grows from 54 L to 74 L when you open the expandable section, so the meat rides inside.
Torso range is the second decider, and it may settle it for you. The Commander Lite adjusts from 17 to 23 in; the Traverse goes from 15 to 20 in. Tall hunters fall off the top of the Traverse, and short ones are better served by it than by most hunting packs.
The Traverse is the more complete day pack, with a hydration sleeve and bear-canister fit the Commander Lite lacks, at the cost of an extra pound or so. The Commander Lite has a removable lid and a drop-down gun boot. The Traverse's tubular frame isn't built for freighter-style loads, so for heavy, awkward quarters the open-frame lashing design is the better bet, even without a published rating.
ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Lite + Pack
Best if your torso is over 20 in, or you'd rather lash a quarter to an external frame than stuff it inside the bag.
ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS
Suits shorter hunters (down to a 15 in torso) who want one pack that works as a day bag with a hydration sleeve and expands for a modest pack-out.
| Spec | ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Lite + Pack | ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $229.99 | $229.99 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Hunting Pack | Hunting Pack |
| Frame Type | External Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 47 L | 74 L |
| Weight | 6.7 lbs | 7.8 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by the manufacturer | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | Adjustable, 17-23 in; waist 31-53 in | Adjustable, 15-20 in |
| Material | Not stated by the manufacturer | Not stated by the manufacturer |
| Back Panel | Padded straps and belt on a lightweight aluminum external frame | Padded back panel on a tubular aluminum H frame with a three-layer waist belt |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | Yes | Yes |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | Yes | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | Yes |
| Warranty | ALPS limited lifetime warranty (defects in materials and workmanship) | ALPS limited lifetime warranty (defects in materials and workmanship) |
Pros & cons
ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Lite + Pack
- ✓An external frame with lashing straps for under $230.
- ✓Torso adjusts across 17-23 in.
- ✓A drop-down gun boot holds a rifle.
- ✓Raincover and hipbelt pockets included.
- ✓The lid adjusts and comes off.
- ✓Costs $170 less than the Hybrid X for similar volume.
- ✗No load rating or fabric spec published.
- ✗47 L limits overnight use.
- ✗6.7 lb is still heavy for the volume.
ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS
- ✓The expandable section adds 1,200 ci for meat without a separate frame.
- ✓Under $230 with a raincover included.
- ✓Torso adjusts from 15 in, shorter than most hunting packs reach.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets, hydration sleeve and weapon carry included.
- ✓Three-layer waist belt.
- ✗7.8 lb empty is heavy for the volume.
- ✗No load rating, which matters on a pack sold for hauling meat.
- ✗Tubular aluminum frame is not built for the loads a freighter carries.
- ✗Torso tops out at 20 in.
ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Lite + Pack vs ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS: common questions
Which one carries meat better, the Commander Lite + Pack or the Traverse EPS?▾
They do it differently. The Commander Lite lashes meat to its external frame with three extension straps, while the Traverse expands its bag to 74 L and carries it inside. Neither publishes a load rating, and the Traverse's tubular frame isn't built for the heaviest loads.
My torso is longer than 20 in. Does that rule one out?▾
Yes. The Traverse EPS adjusts only from 15 to 20 in, while the Commander Lite + Pack covers 17 to 23 in.