Back Pack

[USMCret]

So for the pack.. You guys have been great help so far and I’m narrow things down, What pack SPECIFICALLY? Please don’t just say mystery Ranch or Barny’s. If have use one and discarded for the one you are using now, please add in that and the reasons if you can. Right now I’m leaning towards the SG Sky Guide 7900 w/ Xcurve frame for my body type.

 

[Loo.wii]

look up the akek thread. solid pack

 

[Rowndy]

I have used a majority of the top packs out there including Barney's, MR, Kifaru, Kuiu, Stone Glacier and Exo Mtn Gear. They each have pro's and con's, except the Kuiu and MR - Those two should not be considered with the rest of them. I spent the most time with an SG X-curve 7900, but a couple years ago I tried out the Exo and it was a notch above for me. In my experience the Exo K4 has been the overall most comfortable under load, well built and durable, with a slick and highly functional layout that works well for what I do.

 

[Marbles]

Exo K4.

I started to write more, but packs have been beat to death in other threads, Exo, SG, SO, Kifaru should all be solid choices. Just get the SG you are looking at. If you want light, get an SO. They all work.

 

[cbarg14]

Check out Initial Ascent. I have the 4k but they make larger packs. I've owned MR, Eberle, and others but IA, in my opinion, is the most versatile, well-engineered pack I've ever owned. It'll pack more weight (correctly) than you can haul.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

 

[ReddingArcher]

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the top end packs. Exo, kifaru, SG. I’ve used a Kifaru reckoning for the last 6-7 years. It handles more weight than I like carrying and is comfortable doing it. When this one either wears out or I just feel like a new one I’ll probably try an exo though.

 

[bowhunthard88]

Consideration into bag shape and size? I would say the Kifaru ARK, Stone Glacier, or EXO... I did my research for what I wanted/needed and opted for the EXO K4. The K4 is definitely nicer, and carries better, than any of the Mystery Ranch packs that I've previously owned (and Badlands).

 

[apohlo]

Another vote for the Exo K4. Hauled three elk out over 5 days (40-50mi) and the only thing sore was my feet. The pack is extremely well designed for hauling weight and is easily worth the money.

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[USMCret]

I actually got a lot of help from Kevin at Barney’s in Anchorage and I was able to put on the stone glacier and the EXO AND I HAVE DECIDED TO GO WITH THE STONE GLACIER SKY X CURVED FRAME

 

[AndrewMT34]

You can’t go wrong with exo or SG. I ended up with the strong glacier x-curve as well.

 

[Grassymike]

I have a Stone Glacier 6900 bag on a Krux frame. Awesome pack for me. The bag has more than enough volume for 9 day Sheep hunts. Would reccomend this bag , the two side pockets and center zip access work very well. Pair it with whichever SG frame fits you the best.

 

[adventure907]

I actually got a lot of help from Kevin at Barney’s in Anchorage and I was able to put on the stone glacier and the EXO AND I HAVE DECIDED TO GO WITH THE STONE GLACIER SKY X CURVED FRAME

Kevin is awesome. He won't just push his own packs on you, he wants to make sure you get the best pack that works for you.

 

[ColbyB]

Another vote for the Exo K4. Hauled three elk out over 5 days (40-50mi) and the only thing sore was my feet. The pack is extremely well designed for hauling weight and is easily worth the money.

Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk

Agreed! Best pack on the market

 

[ColeyG]

I have used a majority of the top packs out there including Barney's, MR, Kifaru, Kuiu, Stone Glacier and Exo Mtn Gear. They each have pro's and con's, except the Kuiu and MR - Those two should not be considered with the rest of them. I spent the most time with an SG X-curve 7900, but a couple years ago I tried out the Exo and it was a notch above for me. In my experience the Exo K4 has been the overall most comfortable under load, well built and durable, with a slick and highly functional layout that works well for what I do.

Ditto re: pack experiences and conclusion. Eco K4 system is top notch. Biggest debate for me on my latest purchase (I’ve had K2 and K3 packs) was bag size. I went with the 5000, not wanting the extra weight and bulk of their largest bag, nor do I need that much capacity. I can make it work for warm weather sheep hunts for a week, but it is tight. I wish they made it in the 5700-6000 range instead. As for the fit, frame, and bag, all very well made and thought out. Recommend the load sling so you can drop the bag when just packing meat.

 

[waspocrew]

I read several threads and pulled the trigger on a K4 5000 over Black Friday. Awesome pack, looking forward to using it for Dall in the NWT in 2026.

 

[cbeard64]

I have gone through several packs over the years (Eberlestock, Kifaru, Seek Outside, Mystery Ranch) and have seen everything from the heavy pack craze to the ultralight craze.
The EXO K4 is the best pack I’ve owned. I’m done pack shopping. Mine is the 5000 with the lid. Big enough and I like the front load option.