Backcountry pack advice

[throwdarts]

Looking for advice on backcountry pack decisions.
I usually spend 2-3 weeks out west with 3-5 days minitrips until I return to basecamp/truck to resupply, reenergize or move based on what I'm seeing.
For the past decade I've been using a Dana redirect (think4200) for the 3-5 day range or a Alps pack (think 2800) for the 2 day range. Overall I'm happy with both, although they're both in the heavy side. I wouldn't say that I'm 100% ultralight, but on the edge of that.
When I do kill, the packs only have a beavertail like attachment that puts the meat on the outside back of the pack. This has worked OK in the past, but I usually can't make it all in one trip, especially if it's bone-in, & wouldn't say that it's comfortable.. but I suck it up & revel in the experience. As I age it becomes more difficult

 

[grfox92]

Looking for advice on backcountry pack decisions.
I usually spend 2-3 weeks out west with 3-5 days minitrips until I return to basecamp/truck to resupply, reenergize or move based on what I'm seeing.
For the past decade I've been using a Dana redirect (think4200) for the 3-5 day range or a Alps pack (think 2800) for the 2 day range. Overall I'm happy with both, although they're both in the heavy side. I wouldn't say that I'm 100% ultralight, but on the edge of that.
When I do kill, the packs only have a beavertail like attachment that puts the meat on the outside back of the pack. This has worked OK in the past, but I usually can't make it all in one trip, especially if it's bone-in, & wouldn't say that it's comfortable.. but I suck it up & revel in the experience. As I age it becomes more difficult

Exo K4 5000.

Sent from my SM-S931U using Tapatalk

 

[Justin Crossley]

The Exo is a great pack option and my personal choice.

Kifaru, Stone Glacier, Initial Acent and others also make good packs in the 3500-5000 cubic inch range.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Exo K4 5000.

Sent from my SM-S931U using Tapatalk

This.

 

[mtnbound]

Looking for advice on backcountry pack decisions.
I usually spend 2-3 weeks out west with 3-5 days minitrips until I return to basecamp/truck to resupply, reenergize or move based on what I'm seeing.
For the past decade I've been using a Dana redirect (think4200) for the 3-5 day range or a Alps pack (think 2800) for the 2 day range. Overall I'm happy with both, although they're both in the heavy side. I wouldn't say that I'm 100% ultralight, but on the edge of that.
When I do kill, the packs only have a beavertail like attachment that puts the meat on the outside back of the pack. This has worked OK in the past, but I usually can't make it all in one trip, especially if it's bone-in, & wouldn't say that it's comfortable.. but I suck it up & revel in the experience. As I age it becomes more difficult

EXO K4 is a great pack and my favorite but I have also had Kifaru, Stone Glacier, Kuiu and countless others. Every pack has its sweet spot, if at all possible you need to try different packs with load to see what fits you best.

 

[Marbles]

The Exo K4 is what I use. Have carried 150 lbs in training and 117 lbs coming off the mountain.