$300-$400 backcountry pack?

[HellsCanyon]

Hey all, had a buddy call me last night asking about packs in this range for him for backpack hunting. He's about 6'3" and 220 lbs and is a very in shape guy for that weight. He's not going to be able to spend a ton of money and $400 is definitely his upper range. I was thinking about an Oregon Packworks or something similar for him? What do you guys recommend?

Mike

 

[dotman]

I know everyone wants a big bag but if it was my buddy I would say get a Kifaru duplex or bikini frame, lash kit and grab-it. Then either get an hpg bag or 85L dry sack. But that will come out just over $400. He could easily make his own lash straps.

Other then that a Full Curl or REI xt85.

 

[jmez]

Full Curl or Badlands. Eberlestock isn't going to fit him well. Should be able to pick up a Badlands 4500 for a decent price since they are a closeout.

 

[Hardstalk]

I think if you shop hard enough you can hit ebay and some other forums and find a kuiu used maybe a 2011 model with a good size bag. Or have him tough it out with a cheaper model this season and save for next season. You guys dont have any older packs laying around?

 

[blb078]

I've seen some used MR in that price range recently. Think there was a new TZ6000 on AT the other day for like 300 if you want to go that route. I'd hit up the classifieds and try to find the best used one he can. With a little dealing and wheeling should be able to get a MR in that range though.

 

[Rucker61]

Kuiu has the 3000 cu in bag on closeout, and with a frame and adapter kit that's about $420.

 

[seand]

What dotmans says.

Also , you can attach a wilderness pack specialties handi pak ($25, think cheaper and lighter version of the cargo panel) to use the frame to haul a drybag, or anything.

Wal mart has straps with buckles for $2.

An hpg bag is $45.

He could haul a drybag, hpg, or a rip a bag off a cheap secondhand pack from goodwill for now. Spending money on a lesser pack is really only giong to cost him if he will eventually upgrade.

 

[bounds]

You can find a used Arcteryx Bora in that range easily. You may even be able to still find a new one for right around $400. They aren't making them anymore so you'll have to do some searching to find a new one.

I've had one for about a year and love it. Packed a bear and elk out with it last year and it was awesome. I haven't used all of the hunting specific packs in this range, but the Bora is a way better pack than the one's that I have used. I cut a lot of excess off of mine and have it just over 6 lbs. Its almost 6,000 cubic inches fully expanded.

 

[Wrongside]

I'd probably look for a quality 'backpacker's' pack as opposed to a 'hunting' pack on that budget. Arcteryx Bora80-95s definitely come to mind as a great, well designed pack that handles weight well, for the dollar. A clean used one should easily beat your friends budget requirements. I've seen them go for $200ish up here and, IMO, they beat the pants off the Badlands, Sitka, Eberlestock, etc. of the pack world. IMHO.

That, or if he has some time and patience, a used MR internal. I got my Grizzly for ~$350-400 and just love it.

Good luck to your bud!

 

[Rizzy]

I would go with the Bikini frame idea. Then just stick whatever you guys have or can get on the frame for this season. If he likes backpack hunting, then he can get a bag next year, if not he can sell the frame for near what he paid. He will lose a lot more money trying to sell or upgrade one of the OTC packs.

 

[keep]

I know I was looking at a REI XT85 a coupe years back and Aron's reviews were pretty good on them. You just need to understand hauling 100# isn't realistic although he had some pretty good weight in it if I remember right.
A buddy just bought one for under $300, plus REI will probably run another sale on July 4ish

 

[chippewawarrior]

A new Bikini is $376 + shipping, so that's over the mark when you add a bag. If you already have a bag, then that's probably the way to go. Otherwise, find a used K Duplex frame (+/- $300 shipped or so), and fashion a way to lash whatever bag you get for it. It has been mentioned, but a HPG bag ($50) would work well. I am using one for my Bikini this season until funds are available for a HC. I have to say the HPG bags fits really well! Anyway, that should keep you under $400.

 

[dreamingbig]

I used a cabelas alaskan frame with an eberlestock x2 lashed to it along with a few dry sacks for the rest of the gear. Not the best for bivy hunting but it works if you are packing into a spike camp.

That said if you can spend $400 then you should be able to make $450 work and get a duplex or bikini frame plus a HPG bag.

 

[cmeier117]

The best option is probably the Kifaru frame and HPG bag option. But if you want a complete pack for under $400 I would look at the Eberlestock Destroyer or battleship depending on needs. If you order from Steve over at S&S archery he gives a AT or Rokslide discount and if you waited till July 4th I think he does a 10% off sale around that time and that would get you under $400. I like the pack because it has functional load lifters, and has a decent suspension system.

 

[UPnorth]

I've got a 26" Duplex frame, HPG C25M, grab it , and a lash kit. I'm not really that happy with the fit of the HPG bag on a 26" frame. I think it was designed with the 24" version in mind. A guy 6' 3" is going to want the taller frame, so I might skip the HPG bag and just use a dry bag if he goes that route. The C25M would fill up very fast for any kind of an extended hunt anyway. I would probably only go this route if he intends to get a bag eventually that works well with the frame. (That is my plan)

The Full Curl system and XT85 always seem to get good press here on Rokslide...

 

[Justin Crossley]

The Eberlestock packs will not fit him. Get him a used Bora for around $150.00 and he will be good to go until he wants to upgrade to a Kifaru. I used one for seven years without a single problem and I would still be using it if it weighed the same as my Timberline.

 

[cmeier117]

The Eberlestock packs will not fit him. Get him a used Bora for around $150.00 and he will be good to go until he wants to upgrade to a Kifaru. I used one for seven years without a single problem and I would still be using it if it weighed the same as my Timberline.

The only two eberlestocks that will fit him are the battleship and destroyer. The battleship uses 28 inch stays and the destroyer uses 24.5 inch stays.

 

[HellsCanyon]

The only two eberlestocks that will fit him are the battleship and destroyer. The battleship uses 28 inch stays and the destroyer uses 24.5 inch stays.

He did mention the battleship as a possibility... I think the full curl system, a used MR or a Bora is likely what we'll start looking for. Might have a lead on a used kifaru we'll see how that turns out!

Thanks guys!

Mike

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Why not take a look at a used Kifaru Longhunter?

 

[HellsCanyon]

Why not take a look at a used Kifaru Longhunter?

That would work and had crossed my mind. Need to keep an eye on the kifaru classifieds...