Backcountry Elk pack?

[D_Eightch]

What do you use?
Why?
What do you love about it?
What do you hate?
Typical trip length?

Looking at getting something this winter/)late fall. Plan is to load it up and do some hiking and workouts with it loaded down with some weight. I live in the flatland and am planning an elk hunt for next fall. Plan so far is a solo.
Wondering if a good option would be a kifaru frame for the hikes and workouts, then add the pack closer to game time. Im not made of money and my wife doesnt hunt, so keep that in mind. lol

 

[lkwoolsey]

So, I used to think kifaru packs were overpriced and there was too much hype from them. That said... I currently own a Kifaru Duplex hunting frame with the EMR II... and I will never go with any other pack company ever again. They are by far the most comfortable packs I have ever used. I used to be a climbing guide, and have used just about every type of pack out there, and Kifaru has them beat. I hauled out a bear on a solo 4 day trip a few weeks ago, and the pack didn't even feel it. Super comfortable, super sturdy. And the quality is top notch. And I can't say enough about the customer service. Between Aaron, Angie, and the other reps, they kept me informed every step of the way, and were always quick to respond. I've never had any issues with my kifaru gear, and in my opinion, you will only have to purchase this pack one time. I would just make the jump. I went through two hunting packs in the last year before I broke down and bought a Kifaru. I wish I would have from the get go!!!

 

[joemulkey]

I'm running a stone glacier sky 5100 and for what I do allot of guys will say it's over kill but I just got back from a 5 day mule deer hunt. It was my first hunt with the pack and I can not say anything but good about it. It's super lite to start with and lots of room for any gear ya need from a day hunt to a week hunt. It compresses down small enough to be a great day hunt bag but then can expand our for what ever you need. It's meant to run without the lid and to compress down for day hunts but I used the lid to carry my food for the say. Most comfortable pack I've ever had. I actually bought a mystery ranch Pintler pack just before this one and used it around home on walks and it was ok but when I put the stone glacier on I knew that the MR was out the window. Can say enough about the the stone glacier I would recommend to anyone


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[hammer0419]

There is no doubt these high end packs are expensive. Some more than others. But they all can make your hunt and or hike that much better. I love the Kifaru frame with Exo packs. That's what works and fits me perfectly. Between Kifaru, Stone Glacier, and Exo Mountain. They will ALL make life better. Just a personal preference as to fit and comfort. Buying, trying, and returning can definitely be part of the process.

 

[oldgoat]

Buy a used Kifaru Duplex frame, then buy a used bag and get started, nice thing about the modularity of them and you add stuff as you go. I have a Nomad and love it, other people are to anal retentive about their gear and can't get over the amount of straps on it. I use mine from turkey season in the fall hauling ground blind and dekes to elk hunting multi day pack in and last night I loaded up my climber for a test run, need to tweak a couple things but it will work like a champ. You aren't really gaining much buying new as long as you make sure the guys didn't hack a bunch of stuff off chasing the ounce fairy! Still have a warranty I believe with used Kifaru gear, somebody correct me on that if I'm wrong. Used duplex are going for less than $300 and then you will need to figure out how much pack you need. And watch for one on here and the Kifaru classifieds.

 

[rodney482]

Prototype Kifaru Timberline 1
Love everything about it!

Except the material can be noisy in brush... but its a trade off, the material is very strong.

Ive used it on day trips and 14 day pack ins.

 

[dirtytough]

I would get a Kifaru hunting frame and buy a bag later. While hunting this year one of the guys had a stone glacier in camp and I wasn't impressed with the frame for actual weight hauling. If your hunting solo you are going to have to pack the whole elk yourself. Better get the most comfortable and strongest pack you can get.

Regards, Branden

 

[D_Eightch]

I am definitely leaning towards the Kifaru frame. Not dead set on a pack but from what I have been able to look at Kifaru seems to be the cream of the crop.

 

[dirtytough]

Where at in ND are you from? I'm in Dickinson.

 

[D_Eightch]

Where at in ND are you from? I'm in Dickinson.

Just saw this. I am southwest of fargo.

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[IdahoElk]

I use a Kuiu Icon pro frame with a ultra 3000 bag and really like the set up.
The pack is very light and comfortable for me.I primarily use it for a day pack and to bring any game back to camp,from camp the horses do the rest.I don't do loads more than 60lbs so the pack is more than adequate to handle it.
To be honest I really don't have a bad thing to say other than I switched out the side pouches with lager Exo's,not a big deal.

 

[Jcberg]

Kuiu Icon Pro 5200. Hauled out 5 elk and 4 mule deer. Does everything you need it to do at an unbeatable price. Other nice packs also but for much more $.


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[D_Eightch]

I did snag an icon 7200 when the 30% sale went up. Hard to pass on thay kind of price

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[Coach529]

I just picked up a KUIU Icon 1850 on the 30% off sale. Too nice of a set up to pass at $279.00.

 

[JollyRoger]

Not sure if you're still looking, but if you are:

What do you use? Kifaru Hunter Frame and Argali bag, generally with a large pocket and organizer on the front. Guide lid depending on trip length.
Why? Seemed like it could do everything from day trips to week+ trips with ease.
What do you love about it? I love that it compresses down small, and I can add or subtract as much add on pockets as I want. I also love the lidless mode for short trips.
What do you hate? I sometimes wish there was a dedicated sleeve for my water bladder inside. Also, I basically have mine set up like a Timberline with the two front pockets, and sometimes that bottom zip would be nice for grabbing a jacket when you stop to glass.
Typical trip length? 1 to 7 days

 

[GraveyardNRSE]

Just saw this. I am southwest of fargo.

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Hey, I live in NE South Dakota. PM me if you ever come through and you can try my kifaru pack on to see if you like it.

 

[Kimber22]

Anyone use an SJK frame pack?

 

[cvanman]

EXO frames and packs are amazing. I just returned from a 9 day elk hunt in colorado. The frame is quiet when walking. I have heard other frames that creak when moving. The pack is built well and moves torsionally with your body which no other pack does. Plus, this pack will last the rest of my hunting life - it is built that well.

 

[wodje96]

I'm using an SG EVO 40/56 or for bigger loads I use a barney's hunter. I'm very happy with both. I've had a few other but these are favorites for now.

 

[SonnyDay]

I also use KUIU 5200 with Pro suspension (circa February 2019--so prior to their recent redesign). I've been hauling 50-70 lbs. loads mostly for conditioning, but a few fourteeners with my boys as well. For a pack designed around hauling elk quarters between the frame and the bag, it's really comfortable.

Backstory: I recently upgraded my mountaineering setup, which included trading in my old Mountainsmith 6500 cubic-inch pack (which probably weighed 7 lbs empty) for an Osprey Atmos 65 AG (<3lbs empty). The Osprey was heaven compared to all previous packs... but it's not designed to carry more than about 45 lbs.

I have found that when I dial in the KUIU pack properly (tighten the hip belt, then lower shoulder strap, then upper shoulder strap, then sternum strap)--it's pretty bomber.