Which pack to buy and why?

Hunt4fun96

Hunt4fun96

Member
Messages
27
I'm buying a new pack for a backpack deer hunt this year. I will be hiking in with a buddy and hunting for 5 days at a time. I wanna know what pack you use for multiple days into the high country and why you like it!
 
I have done several backpack hunts and I use the Eberlestock JUST ONE pack. I absolutely love this pack. It is just the right size for me. One of the biggest reasons is that the pack can expand to include a ton of gear and you can even add the Spike Duffel (zips on) for even more room for gear to haul to where you are going to camp. Then once at camp, you can compress it down and have a nice medium size day pack. From my experience, a lot of the new packs are big and stay big so when you are hunting after you have arrived at camp you are packing this huge pack around with hardly anything in it. The JUST ONE is an older pack though so it is a tad heavier than the newer brands but it is a heck of lot cheaper and has worked awesome for me. It also has a built in rifle scabbard. Good luck in your choice and deer hunt.
 
I've been using a Badlands 2200 and I really like the pack, but for a multi-day trip its too small. I'm doing my first multi-day hunting trip this year so I'm trying to gear up for it now. I ended up ordering me the KUIU Icon Pro 5200. There's a lot of reviews and opinions on packs out there, so I did as much research as I could and ultimately decided on the KUIU. Time will tell if it's everything I'm hoping for. There's several other good options out there as well.
 
Check out the new pack system from Rokman, it's got everything!
I just wish it came in a lighter color or camo.
 
If you want to haul a heavy load get a kifaru, if you want to swallow a heavy load get a badlands.
 
LAST EDITED ON Feb-22-19 AT 11:06AM (MST)[p]Packs are a personal preference and also somewhat hard to recommend. The main thing is finding a frame that fits your back and contour. Also getting the correct frame height. Measure your torso length and buy accordingly. There are many good choices and if you have the means I'd order a few brands and try them or try to find some locals near you that have packs and try them on. Can?t go wrong with a Kuiu, Stone Glacier,EXO, Seek outdoors, Kifaru.
I run a Kuiu Icon Pro and would use the 5200 bag for 5 day hunt.
 
1+ Jhuntdeer. I bought an eberlestok this year, and I love it over my jim shockey frame pack, and my badlands pack. It is super comfortable, and versatile.
 
I run the Exo Mountain 3500. I can get 4-5 days out of it, and have no problems packing out heavy loads. I prefer it over Kuiu packs I've had the Ultra light 6000 and the Icon pro 7200. Even though the Exo is rated at 3500 it seems to hold what I need and the fit is better for me. It also compresses well for a day pack. I also own the Exo 5500 it only weighs a few ounces more but I don't use it unless I'm planning on 6+ days. I've packed over 200 lbs per load without problems (at least pack problems, it beat me up plenty). That's my 2 cents.
 
>I have done several backpack hunts
>and I use the Eberlestock
>JUST ONE pack. I
>absolutely love this pack.
>It is just the right
>size for me. One
>of the biggest reasons is
>that the pack can expand
>to include a ton of
>gear and you can even
>add the Spike Duffel (zips
>on) for even more room
>for gear to haul to
>where you are going to
>camp. Then once at
>camp, you can compress it
>down and have a nice
>medium size day pack.
>From my experience, a lot
>of the new packs are
>big and stay big so
>when you are hunting after
>you have arrived at camp
>you are packing this huge
>pack around with hardly anything
>in it. The JUST
>ONE is an older pack
>though so it is a
>tad heavier than the newer
>brands but it is a
>heck of lot cheaper and
>has worked awesome for me.
>It also has a built
>in rifle scabbard. Good luck
>in your choice and deer
>hunt.

What he said. J107 for me.
 
>I run the Exo Mountain 3500.
> I can get 4-5
>days out of it, and
>have no problems packing out
>heavy loads. I prefer
>it over Kuiu packs I've
>had the Ultra light 6000
>and the Icon pro 7200.
> Even though the Exo
>is rated at 3500 it
>seems to hold what I
>need and the fit is
>better for me. It
>also compresses well for a
>day pack. I also
>own the Exo 5500 it
>only weighs a few ounces
>more but I don't use
>it unless I'm planning on
>6+ days. I've packed
>over 200 lbs per load
>without problems (at least pack
>problems, it beat me up
>plenty). That's my 2
>cents.

200 lbs? I'm calling BS
 
LAST EDITED ON Feb-22-19 AT 03:41PM (MST)[p]Maybe 200 maybe not. I didn't weigh it but I have a decent feel for weights and I felt like that was accurate. I packed an Alaska moose out 2 miles in 4 trips. It was the hardest 2 days of packing I've ever had. For the first trip I also had my rifle and misc hunting gear. In that area you are allowed to quarter but not debone the moose except for the rib meat. I did get checked by the game and fish and they accepted that I recovered all edible portions. I've also packed a camp, my muzzleloader and 1/2 a bull elk in one trip. On the exo website they have vids of 200 lbs load testing they have done as well.

But I will backpedal a little and say I should have stated loads approaching 200 lbs.
 
>LAST EDITED ON Feb-22-19
>AT 03:41?PM (MST)
>
>Maybe 200 maybe not. I didn't
>weigh it but I have
>a decent feel for weights
>and I felt like that
>was accurate. I packed an
>Alaska moose out 2 miles
>in 4 trips. It was
>the hardest 2 days of
>packing I've ever had. For
>the first trip I also
>had my rifle and misc
>hunting gear. In that area
>you are allowed to quarter
>but not debone the moose
>except for the rib meat.
> I did get
>checked by the game and
>fish and they accepted that
>I recovered all edible portions.
> I've also packed a
>camp, my muzzleloader and 1/2
>a bull elk in one
>trip. On the exo website
>they have vids of 200
>lbs load testing they have
>done as well.
>
>But I will backpedal a little
>and say I should have
>stated loads approaching 200 lbs.
>

How much do you think a boned in Alaska moose quarter weighs? I know, I've packed out 10 AK moose.

Your pack wasn?t even near 200 lbs and that's a fact. Most guys have a hard time with around a 100. A few can do 120, very very very few can do 130.


Deerlove nailed it.
 
Guarantee half a bull elk, camp, hunting gear, and a muzzy weigh more than 130. Unless its a spike. Mature bulls are around 700 lbs. I know your losin some weight not packing the rib cage and guts, but you aren't losing 500 lbs of it. A half a bull elk in one trip is 150 lbs easy and thats not countin the other crap. No need to call someone else out just cause you can't do it.
 
>Guarantee half a bull elk, camp,
>hunting gear, and a muzzy
>weigh more than 130. Unless
>its a spike. Mature bulls
>are around 700 lbs. I
>know your losin some weight
>not packing the rib cage
>and guts, but you aren't
>losing 500 lbs of it.
>A half a bull elk
>in one trip is 150
>lbs easy and thats not
>countin the other crap. No
>need to call someone else
>out just cause you can't
>do it.

Hahahaha you're not packing 150 lbs in one trip farther than a couple hundred yards. Fact. He?s not doing it and neither are you.
 
I Do Know I've Had Loads on My Back that I Swore must of went 500 lbs!:D:D:D








I know so many people in so many places
They make allot of money but they got sad faces

It Ain't Easy being Me!:D:D:D
 
Thanks wired....I once shot an elephant in my pajamas....


497fc2397b939f19.jpg

GOODWIN: Dems really do love Republicans -- when they're dead...
 
I run a 5000 ci plus for most everything now, even on day trips. I have used Eberlestock, Kuiu, Badlands, Kifaru, Mystery ranch and am trying an exo now. I would stay away from Badlands unless you are packing under 40 pounds. Eberlestock is less expensive and I like it up to 50 pounds. Over 50 pounds I like the Kuiu, Kifaru, and Mystery ranch. I have heard the Exo is right there with the best and I am giving it a go this spring. My Mystery ranch is a little heavier than the other 3, I have an older version, not the Metcalf. I dont like the belt pockets on the Kuiu, hard for one hand operation. The top lid on Eberlestock and Mystery ranch can get a loosey goosey if you put to much in and not much in the main bag.
The Kuiu, Kifaru, and Exo don't seem to be as floppy and easier to manage. My Mystery Ranch does not have a strap that runs horizontally across the back to cinch things up. Some guys dont think Kuiu can handle the real heavy loads, mine has been just fine, but I also have never packed over 75 pounds in it.The compartments and accessiblity vary from different brands and models in those brands. I like 2 deep outside vertical pockets for spotting scope and tripod. Find one that fits you. Some are more adjustable to different body types than others.
 
For multi day, the Stone Glacier Sky 5900. Hands down the best hauling pack I've ever used. You can separate the pack from the frame and use the meat shelf without getting any of your gear bloody. Plus your meat can be more exposed to the cool fall air during your packout. I've had 5 days worth of camp equipment and a fully deboned muley in 1 trip. It was a heavy 3+ miles, but I didn't have to go back for a second trip. I've been using my Stone Glacier for over 4 years now and it's been a champ.
 
You should definitely try out any of the big names before buying. At a minimum Exo, Kifaru, and Mystery Ranch.

As said above, load lifters are a must.

The Eberlestock bag is great. The suspension is not great for heavy loads. I did one trip a mature muley and camp in mine 4 plus miles, but it was not a pleasant experience.

I currently have a Kuiu Pro 7200. It is okay. The fit is not good enough for me to carry heavy loads comfortably. I am a tough fit, not the packs fault.

I will have a Kifaru next just because they have 26" frame length.
________________________________________

If Hunting and Angling Ended
There is no alternative funding system
in place to replace the potential lost
funds for conservation. If hunting and
angling end, funding for wildlife
conservation, including enforcement of
all wildlife laws, will be jeopardized.
Hunters, anglers and shooters actively
support wildlife conservation through
tangible actions such as buying licenses
and paying taxes on hunting, fishing and
shooting equipment. Why are hunters and
anglers so willing to support
conservation through their pocketbooks?
Because people place added value on ?
and are willing to pay for ? what they
can use.
 
LAST EDITED ON Feb-24-19 AT 11:26PM (MST)[p]I own the Mystery Ranch Metcalf. It held all my food, most of my water and other supplies for a 5-day hunt last year in the wilderness. They did a great job designing the pack to ensure that almost all of the weight sits on your waist versus your shoulders. I also appreciate that the pack comes with a removable lid that you can detach and carry with you when you head off on your stalk. There's compression straps everywhere ensuring extra areas to tie down your bow, rifle and/or sleeping bag and tent.

Whatever brand you go with, make sure the pack is fitted properly to your body.

It took me a couple of trips to different stores trying out various packs before settling on Mystery Ranch. Their Metcalf sizes run from XS to XL. Great customer service too. The guys in Bozeman are more than willing to talk to you about their gear with no pressure.
 
ive had the badlands 2200 and used that for a couple years. it seems like any more than 2-3 days is too small. the pack alone is heavy. this pack worked best for an over night pack with minimal weight. i have packed some heavy loads, but it wasn't the best. the belt seemed to be too big. i had to send this pack back twice for repairs. they do have a good warranty, but you have to use it.

i tried the eberlestock pack and it just isn't comfortable, shoulder straps suck, pack is heavy and any load on it wasn't as comfortable as the expensive packs.

the exo didn't fit me well and wasn't comfortable with a small load. i don't know if it gets better with a little more weight in it.

i upgraded to the KUIU icon pro 5200 a couple years ago. best pack ive used so far. ive packed a couple deer out by my self with it. one load that i weighed was 120lbs. it was grueling, but comfortable enough to make it out. ive used it in alaska, wyoming, idaho and utah. making 5-7 day hunts a breeze. there isn't much with it that has bothered me at all. its been an awesome pack. my hunting partner has the 3200 and he loves his too. they both have preformed great!

im yet to use a stoneglacier or kifaru. but ive heard they are awesome. the price tags are pretty steep for them two though. i would definitely find a pack to try out for a hike with a 50lb load or so. fit is everything with them so if it doesnt fit right it wont work well for you.

"Shoot Straight"
 
HH I've had the same results with the same packs. Love my Kuiu Icon only problem my hip belt in fraying.
 
I have a Kuiu Icon 5200 and a newer Ultra 3000 that both work great for hauling 3 - 4 days and or a few elk quarters.

Not going to say some folks can't carry 120 or even 150 lbs but I will say they are idiots for doing it regardless.

Here's a front and hind cow elk quarters on the bone on an Ultra 3000 with my umbrella, spotting scope and camera gear. It does an incredible job if you ask me for a sub 4 lbs pack.

My 57 year old back thinks this kind of thing is idiotic too and it's nowhere near 100 lbs.

65497wp20181130165253prohighres.jpg


Cheers, Pete
 
I've carried a weighed 125lbs for 1.9 miles, and anyone saying they have carried more than 150lbs is luny unless they put it on the scale. That's stuff of legends. the pack that can do it comfortably probably doesn't exist. That doesn't really matter because no one should try that. Budget unlimited: get a stone glacier or kifaru, maybe kuiu, at least 5000 cu in (80-ish liters).
Budget limited: get an osprey aether 85 on sale from a backpacking company/website

Ultimately, backpacking packs are REALLY good at carrying 40-70 lbs, which should be all you need. More than that and you better be in awesome shape unless you're in gentle terrain at or below the altitude you live.
Unless you like to be miserable...
 
Things I looked for/at when investing in an expensive pack:

1. Load lifters
2. Waist belt
3. Frame design
4. Meat in the bag vs.
not for packout
5. Overall empty weight

I went with Stone Glacier, camo availability is just a color preference and irrelevant to me.
 
LAST EDITED ON Feb-26-19 AT 07:09PM (MST)[p]I've used horn hunters and badlands in the past. They are great day packs for lighter loads. But put some weight on them and they were miserable (I just didn't know it at the time). I got a Kuiu icon pro 3200 3 years ago and never looked back. I can fit an entire boned out Muley, cape and horns in one load. Boned out spikes and smaller cows in 2 loads. They are incredible packs. Of course for that size of pack better options as far as bag size goes, long back country hunts where you are packing in for 4 or more days I'd imagine you'll need a bigger bag, but for an all around pack the 3200 simply can't be beat. This last December on our last trip of packing out a bison on the Henry?s, I swapped my brother packs for the last half of the trip. He had a badlands 2200. I didn't realize how miserable those packs were with a very large load on them. Made me appreciate the pack I am currently using. Not bashing on badlands at all, I own several of their packs and still use them. Just not when I expect at some point during the trip to be carrying a lot of weight
 
Kifaru. There really is nothing better. Ran ever pack out there now excluding stone glacier and wish I would of got a kifaru sooner.

Coloradoboy
 
I've been using the MountainSmith Lariat 65 for a few years now. I like the pack. It doesn't have a bunch of pockets like some of the others, so it comes in at a good weight. I don't like all the darn pockets anyway, that's part of the reason I got it.
Most of my backpacking trips are 3 days, and I do think it would be loaded tight for a 5 day, colder weather hunt, but I believe it would work fine even for that.

Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
@mm_founder on Instagram
LIKE MonsterMuleys.com
on Facebook!
 
I upgraded from the Cabelas pack to a Stone Glacier this year, best move I've made. It has an expandable load shelf to keep heavy loads of meat closer to your body while keeping your main bag a little cleaner.
 
Not to rain on anyone?s parade but a mature bull elk (6-9 years old) boned will not hit 200LBS.
I cannot imagine backing out bones unless your dog likes them. Outdoorsman makes a great pack for the money.
 
>Check out the new pack system
>from Rokman, it's got everything!
>
>I just wish it came in
>a lighter color or camo.
>


I looked at the Rokman pack at the sportmans expo in Wenatchee a few weeks ago, and again at the Boise Hunting and fishing show a couple weeks ago. Seems like super solid gear, but a little on the heavy side and extremely pricey. I ended up buying a bino harness from them. I am going with a Mystery Ranch pack for multi night hunts. I have not used it, but my nephew is a big game guide and loves the Mystery Ranch stuff.
 
I carried out a 88lb pack of elk, we weighted it on a packsaddle scale and I would of bet money it weighted 160lbs plu. The steeper it got the more it weighted.


"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
>[Font][Font color = "green"]Life member of
>the MM green signature club.[font/]
 
on a more serious note, go check out gohunts youtube page and watch their pack review/torture test on a few different packs.
 
The fit of the pack makes all the difference. The best one I ever used was an internal framed backpackers pack (not a hunting pack). No idea the brand or model. It did the best of putting the weight where it was needed, conforming to my back, and supporting the load.

Beyond twenty or thirty pounds, I don't pack any more. I've a couple of vertebrae bone-on-bone (the results of packing too much weight when I was younger). Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should. A fair warning to you strapping young guys. Ten foot tall and bullet proof wears off eventually.


FYI, based on times when I did weigh the meat I packed out, the most I got off an elk was 225 lbs. You can add ten pounds for what I lost shooting it through the shoulder. That was just meat, well trimmed, and I don't tend to leave enough to make the crows happy. It was a mature 5x6 and probably a fair representation of an average mature bull for size.
 
LAST EDITED ON Apr-04-19 AT 08:13PM (MST)[p]I really like my ox pack. I use it as my main pack but also have others from badlands. The ox is definitely heavier them most frame packs but it's in my opinion maybe a little heavier duty then most to. I've packed many load with it and I gotta say it's comfortable. I use it all season because I wanna be as light as I can not filling my pack full of unnecessary items. Also I don't have to go back to camp to get my frame at camp. pack.
7930614132.jpeg
87991img20180902143325167hdr.jpg
couple of pics I've got on the phone.
 
Packs I've used: (I'm a gear junkie)

Mystery Ranch 6500
Mystery ranch Dragon slayer
Mystery ranch metcalf
Badlands Ox and super day
Eberlestock just one and dragonfly
KUIU 6500, 5000, 3200, 1850
Exo mountain 3500 and 2000

I sold them all except the mystery ranch 6500 for 6+ days, the Exo mountain 3500 for 1-5 days and the mystery ranch dragon slayer for day hunts.

My favorite of the three is the Exo 3500. If I were to own one pack that would be it.
 
I packed out an elephant once. Boned out of course. I can't recall the pack name. But I think the weight was like 800 pounds each trip. Exhausting....I don't recommend it.

On a serious note, I usually use an REI XT85 pack. It's hauled a lot of heavy loads without any problems. Probably the heaviest load that I officially weighed was a boned out deer that I packed approx 2 miles and came in at 76 pounds.
Another pack I've used is a Kelty Bridger 4500 that has carried most of my big game meat and can fit 2 hind quarters of elk. But I only had to hike a few hundred yards with.

I don't think I will ever pack more than 100 pounds at time if it's more than 2 miles. That's my personal limit which is still harming my back due to my body weight.









"Wildlife and its habitat cannot speak. So
we must and we will."
Theadore Roosevelt
 
If you want to buy 1 pack and frame for a lifetime I would take a close look at Kifaru. You'll likely find no one that has used Kifaru that has a complaint! The new frame and bags are super light and are capable of 100+ lb loads. What's also nice is they cinch down super tight and are still light and comfortable for day hunting. Another nice thing about Kifaru is you can customize them with lids, pouches, and other accessories that meets your particular needs. If it were me I would seriously consider a bag that is capable of 6,000+ cu inches. That way you can pack super hefty, bulk loads....and if not loaded cinch everything tight.

I will actually use my Kifaru in a couple weeks turkey hunting. I can carry all my decoys plus a couple toms from super remote locations. It's nice having an oversized bag for bulky loads! I've carried out entire bighorn, dall sheep, and mtn goat capes plus boned meat and gear.

If you are pinched for $ keep an eye on the classified section on Rokslide.com or possibly Craiglist. I bought mine almost new on Craigslist for about 1/2 price!
 
I have personally used a few different brands from North Face, Kelty, Badlands and Osprey. I used them for general packpacking and also hunting. Hands down the Osprey outperformed all of them. The Badlands my dad bought for me and was the most uncomfortable pack ive ever strapped on my back it was a true disappointment. I used my Osprey caribou and sheep hunting in Alaska for a couple years and was lucky enough to pack my ram out about five miles weighing a little under 100 lbs. I also used it to pack out my bull caribou but it was a shorter distance at three loads. It was by no means enjoyable but i had no sore spots at the end. Ive left Alaska now but i still have buddies who use their Ospreys year after year. They also have a great lifetime warranty. Good luck and hope you find one that last many years and leaves no nasty rubs on you
 
I use the Slumberjack too. Found it works well for hauling meat but minimal pockets and nowhere to store water bottle! I have it rigged on some straps. I use 6o L sack for everything.
 
KUIU and pick you kind. I went to the store, they fitted me and showed me how to utilize every nook and cranny on that mofo. I love it.
 
I use the Eberlestock Blue Widow. I am 6'1" and weight 220 lbs. I use it to day hunt too but it is bigger than needed. I would not recommend this pack to someone that is a smaller build - just to big and bulky. It fits me fine and has performed pretty well. Eberlestock has really good customer service. I have used it on three wilderness (5+ day) hunts and a couple roadless type hunts. It performs best when carrying a heavy load but it a little too big for daily use - but I use it that way and it is OK.
 
I think there's a lot of good packs out there that will work fine for many people but to me, its important (but not the only factor) to acknowledge how much load are you capable of packing. I have a buddy that 60 lbs would max him out and he only hunts a couple times a year so he's probably fine to not buy a top end expensive pack as others would be a workable pack for less money than a top end pack. I've looked at lots of "experienced" hard core reviewers online which is sometimes hard to know if they had a vested interest of a particular pack (ie. their website/store carries certain brands). I've also talked to several "serious" backpack hunters and usually find there's about 4 maybe 5 top backpacks. Not to say that other lower priced brands won't work. I personally went with a Kifaru as they were in the top category and are local to me and are known for excellent customer service and durability and can handle way more load than I can manage. (most reviews seem to rate them the "best" pack under very heavy loads.) I have used several others and the Kifaru is just way more comfortable and versatile to me. 100 lbs is still 100 lbs and saying it's "comfortable" doesn't really seem like quite the right adjective! Not cheap for sure but I don't plan to every have to buy another pack.
 
>I have personally used a few
>different brands from North Face,
>Kelty, Badlands and Osprey.
>I used them for general
>packpacking and also hunting.
>Hands down the Osprey outperformed
>all of them. The
>Badlands my dad bought for
>me and was the most
>uncomfortable pack ive ever strapped
>on my back it was
>a true disappointment. I
>used my Osprey caribou and
>sheep hunting in Alaska for
>a couple years and was
>lucky enough to pack
>my ram out about five
>miles weighing a little under
>100 lbs. I also
>used it to pack out
>my bull caribou but it
>was a shorter distance at
>three loads. It was
>by no means enjoyable but
>i had no sore spots
>at the end. Ive
>left Alaska now but i
>still have buddies who use
>their Ospreys year after year.
> They also have a
>great lifetime warranty.
>Good luck and hope you
>find one that last many
>years and leaves no nasty
>rubs on you

Which Osprey pack do you run?
 
Mystery Ranch Metcalf

I was in the market for a pack last year and looked for a few months before deciding on one. There are many successful companies that make packs because there are many different backs and they all fit a little different. Try on as many as you can, it would be very hard to spend $500+ (and you probably should start there) on a pack you haven't tried on.
I hunted 12 days in Alaska this last month and made a few overnighters and good hiking trips with my pack before going. I was able to pack 12 days worth of food and gear into it, using the meat shelf. My hunting partner had the same pack and we put them through hell. Strapping firewood on, hauling meat, day hikes, antlers, weapons, etc. We strapped everything and anything we wanted to carry on those things and they took it all like a champ. Check out GoHunt, they have a pack test video, it will help you out. Best thing is to go try as many as you can get your hands on. Get onto forums and groups and ask who has the different packs close by and you'll find people are very helpful. I did just that and was able to try on quite a few. I was surprised at what I thought I would like and didn't and vice versa.
Good Luck!
 

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