Carrying the 3030 in a Backpack - Advice?

**ptaylorc** · 30-10-2012, 04:41 AM

Hi Everyone,

My first post on here. I'm looking at getting the CTX soon but I get around on a motorbike (or bicycle sometimes). My current detector comes apart in 3 pieces and fits in a backpack along with all my gear, but the CTX doesn't seem very compact at all.

I'd love to hear how everyone carries theirs around. If you have any photos that would be great too.

Thanks!
Paul

**Steve Bowles** · 30-10-2012, 07:23 AM

I carry mine around in the back of a Land Rover. Fits fine.

**stewart73** · 30-10-2012, 08:19 AM

Hey welcome aboard! I am also interested to see how people carry their CTXs around as I walk/bike/backpack to all my detecting spots and also need to use a backpack. The Etrac fits fine but I was also wondering how the CTX would do in a backpack.

**EOS** · 30-10-2012, 08:19 AM

I often use my bicycle for MD trips.Etrac and Xterra is easy to take apart whilst a CTX will be more bulky and difficult to fit in my backpack.Correct me if Im wrong.

Michael

**dave9** · 30-10-2012, 08:22 AM

Welcome to MLO,Sorry i don't use a CTX and Steve i don't think your post is of much help.

**whigsvolt** · 30-10-2012, 09:21 AM

I am sure if you find a good 40 litre Mountaineering or hiking ruck sack and put the Ctx control box in to the back pack first with the Coil sticking out then it will work fine.
The Ctx slides down to quite a compact unit in my opinion.

**mal** · 30-10-2012, 01:59 PM

I just use the Minelab standard detector cover carry bag slung over the shoulder.

For a backpack the CTX breaks down into two with the coil disconnected so will fit a backpack with the stem sticking out the top I would think.

**ptaylorc** · 30-10-2012, 11:54 PM

Har har, Steve.

From reading your responses it sounds like its doable but not easy. I hope I can work something out, no point having a detector that I can't take anywhere.

Thanks everyone.

**earthmansurfer** · 31-10-2012, 08:58 AM

I got the CTX into the Minelab pack but it stuck out quite a bit, unlike the E-Trac which fit nicely. The weight in my pack seemed a lot on those further rides. I missed the portability of the E-Trac so much (and the sounds a bit too) that I sold the CTX and bought another E-Trac, which I am modding. Loved the performance of the CTX though - great machine but I got no Land Rover to put the beast in.

**ptaylorc** · 31-10-2012, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by earthmansurfer

I got the CTX into the Minelab pack but it stuck out quite a bit, unlike the E-Trac which fit nicely.

Hi earthmansurfer, do you mean that the machine physically stuck out of the pack? Or the pack stuck out when strapped to your bike?

Follow-up question: I assume the pack you used is the standard blue Minelab detector bag? I think this is the one that comes with the detector: http://www.minelab.com/usa/products/...ctor-carry-bag

Thanks!!

**earthmansurfer** · 01-11-2012, 06:29 PM

ptaylorc - I am talking about a backpack, not the long carry bag. The latter is a bit problematic on long bike rides. Note - The Minelab back packs come in different sizes and are all advertised as being the same, but their sizes vary. I know because I sent one back to get the larger - they paid as the picture in the ad showed the larger pack - but they look similar.

When the CTX is in two pieces, the lower rod sticks out the top of the back pack by quite a bit. Not a huge deal, but the weight sort of was.

**therelichunter** · 06-05-2013, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by ptaylorc

Hi Everyone,

My first post on here. I'm looking at getting the CTX soon but I get around on a motorbike (or bicycle sometimes). My current detector comes apart in 3 pieces and fits in a backpack along with all my gear, but the CTX doesn't seem very compact at all.

I'd love to hear how everyone carries theirs around. If you have any photos that would be great too.

Thanks!
Paul

Same problem here. Minelab made a stupid mistake designing a unit that can't be broken down for transport. I love the machine but can't take it with me to most places I go. Sometimes I have to take a mountain bike part way, then hike through the woods another mile or two. Even with that long lower stem sticking up through the top of my largest backpack, it snags on every brier bush I try to "duck under" and pulls that brier branch down and across the back of my neck. The darn thing is quite heavy too. Wished I had seen one before buying it (I would have passed on it). So for those "long haul detecting trips", I picked up an XP Deus. The Deus sees a lot more more use than the CTX 3030. I'll not bother trying to compare them performance wise suffice to say the Deus does work exceedingly well after a little learning curve. I ordered the CTX 3030 Carry Bag 3011-0248 this morning. I am hoping I can somehow attach it to one of my older backpacks but let it hang lower below my waist. At minimum, maybe Minelab can come out with a 2 piece lower shaft. Naturally they'll soon hear all the complaints about the size and weight and come out with a lighter weight collapsible version or keep on losing market share to the Deus. Next time, I'll shop a little smarter.