Backcountry pack choice

[Will_m]

For those of you who hump camp in on your back, do you prefer a smaller pack to make day hunts with out of camp or do you just lug around your empty camp hauler?

 

[mcseal2]

I like just one. I like the Exo for anything elk or smaller, the Kifaru with the Nomad 2 bag for awkward or big loads.

Lots of the packs now hold all you can carry and shrink down nicely for daypack use, no need for 2 bags.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I actually carry 3 packs in, one to haul camp in, one to hunt with then a spare in case one of the first 2 breaks. It’s heavy but worth the piece of mind.

 

[Newtosavage]

Just bought a MR pop-up 28 for this chore. Plan is to have camp in my Eberlestock spike duffel which will sit in the overload shelf, and the hunting gear in the pop-up. Then when camp is made, I can put the pack into day-hunt mode and go from there.

That's the plan anyway. If there is one thing I've learned so far is that the mountain is gonna change your plan. LOL

 

[cmahoney]

EXO 5500 for everything


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[twrob18]

Exo 3500. If you are doing trips over a week go with the 5500

 

[RockChucker30]

One pack. Big pack that compresses small is lighter than hauling two, and you've always got your hauling pack on for the first load of meat.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

I prefer one pack in the 5500 cu-in range

 

[mwebs]

I have done the two pack system and will never go back to it, using the EXO 3500 for everything is 1000 times better. I suppose the right two pack combination could be alright, but why go through the trouble? I only did because I had already had a backpacking pack and some day hunting packs and didn't want to spend the money. If your starting from scratch I strongly suggest running one pack. I have day hunted with the EXO 3500 and a Mystery Ranch larger pack, there is no noticeable difference between them and a day pack besides the EXO riding much better . When you carry layers, food, water, kill kit, first aid, etc you need a decent sized day pack anyways.

 

[Will_m]

I'm pretty surprised by the guys hunting out of one pack. I have a KUIU 5500 and I can't see where hunting with it would be easier than the cheap, nylon 20 dollar pack I use to carry grub, water, a light coat and some miscellaneous accessories. I do like the idea of already having the pack for the first load, though.

 

[P Y Buck]

Kifaru Timberline. Very versatile.

 

[Rob5589]

One pack. Last year was the EXO 2k, this year 3500. Would suck to kill something 3 miles from your pack and have to hoof it back to get it.

 

[NstihL]

I had the same question when I went on my first backpack archery elk hunt in 2016. I bought an external frame pack and a smaller daypack with the intention of dropping my frame pack at camp and using the small pack for day trips. Ultimately, I ended up buying an EXO 3500 based on input from others that one pack was the way to go. I'm glad I went that route as I shot a cow closer to the truck than to camp, so we loaded up and packed out straight to the truck.

 

[Smtn10pt]

I prefer one pack for everything. I have a SG Sky Talus 6900.

 

[Sourdough]

I use the "Alaska Range" frame, with their Sheep Hunter bag. And remove the bag when not needed.

 

[tttoadman]

One pack. Other than the weight savings, I consider it a safety item for me. All of my “stuff” like spare parts, med kit, etc is always in the same place. I run a kifaru grabit on all my packs. Helps finch up small for hunt mode. Some of the big bags are just bulky to wrap up for hunt mode. I replaced all the buckles on the side of my mountain warrior with ladder locks. It compresses the bag quite a bit better and cuts a little weight too.

It may seem a little odd for some, but when I am in the woods with a sore back and sore bones after a number of days, I find the almost empty full size frame and belt to be very comfortable.

 

[Will_m]

What about for running a pistol holster? My belt on my pack prevents my hip holster and while I can certainly keep it on my pack belt, I'd rather have it on my person for a number of reasons.

I wear a binocular chest harness and I'd rather avoid a thigh rig if I could just to save my pocket space.

Any experience/ideas?

 

[Jimss]

With the advent of new, lighter weight, less bulky, and comfortable materials I think it's a no brainer to go with 1 large pack. You will save yourself 1 trip hauling out an elk and find that the additional weight and bulk really doesn't matter. I use Kifaru and it's possible to cinch down the larger volume bag with light load tight to the frame with straps. It's super nice having the large lid and pockets for quick, and easy access to gear (rain jacket/pants, spotting scope, tripod, water bottle, etc). You'll likely find that the Kifaru is so comfortable when loaded light that you hardly notice that it's on! It's also capable of 100+ lb loads your first trip! You'll also save yourself hauling the weight and bulk of a 2 to 3 lb daypack to your basecamp. Do yourself a favor and buy 1 large do-it-all quality pack. I would strongly recommend a 6,000 cu in or larger bag for hauling large size critters such as elk. If you haul out a cape, large antlers, plus meat it will save you a trip or possibly 2!

 

[5MilesBack]

What about for running a pistol holster? My belt on my pack prevents my hip holster and while I can certainly keep it on my pack belt, I'd rather have it on my person for a number of reasons.

I've used a paddle holster for the past several years. With my daypack, the thin belt goes behind my G20 when it's on my hip. With my Stone Glacier and the thick padded waist belt, I just put the holster on the waist belt. If I were to take the pack off for whatever reason, the holster can easily be moved back to my hip.

 

[Will_m]

I've used a paddle holster for the past several years. With my daypack, the thin belt goes behind my G20 when it's on my hip. With my Stone Glacier and the thick padded waist belt, I just put the holster on the waist belt. If I were to take the pack off for whatever reason, the holster can easily be moved back to my hip.

I've got the same set up and was thinking the same thing.

I noticed you differentiated between daypack and hauler -- you not of the one pack mind set?