Backpack Shootout - 9 Backpacks Go HEAD to HEAD ***Updated 8/5/2020***

[Zach Herold]

I ended up going with the Stone Glacier Sky Talus 6900 with X-curve frame. I also picked up the Approach 1800 since it attaches to the Talus and can be used as a day pack after packing in. They are a great pack and fit well. Your honest reviews of all the packs helped narrow down my decision and appreciate all of your work.

awesome I'm glad I could help.

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

It’s beginning of February let’s see part 2. Hehe.

 

[Zach Herold]

It’s beginning of February let’s see part 2. Hehe.

Almost done.

 

[Okie84]

Almost done.

I was planning on switching from my SO Lanner 5400 to a Stone Glacier 6900 Talus this year, but after reading the results of your first review I began looking into the KUIU packs. I’m looking at the Pro 7800. After testing the packs, do you think the quality of the KUIU is on par with Stone Glacier? Thanks for the review.

 

[NChunter5000]

I will be testing some of the leading packs against each other. I have several tests lines up to simulate hunting and backpacking scenarios.

I Will Be Testing:

• KIFARU
• KUIU
• Stone Glacier
• Exo
• Eberlee Stock
• Initial Ascent
• Mystery Ranch
• Sitka
• Seek Outside

I hope to do a two part test on the packs. Part One: Tests, features, specs, cost etc. Part Two: 5+ day trip taking each pack on a trip and reviewing its performance after the trip. If the people I am with or myself don't harvest on the trip, I will use that pack until I am able to have an actual pack out with it.
I hope to do a two part test on the packs. Part One: Tests, features, specs, cost etc. Part Two: 5+ day trip taking each pack on a trip and reviewing its performance after the trip. If the people I am with or myself don't harvest on the trip, I will use that pack until I am able to have an actual pack out with it.

***Update 8/5/2020*** The Backpack Showdown - Part 1

Please let me know in the comments:

• Questions you have on each specific pack.
• Tests you would like to see performed.
• Anything else that comes to mind.

Thank you!

Hey Zack I am interested in Mystery Ranch packs like Glacier-Wood-XL . Being 6.5 275lb its hard to find a good back pack that will last.

 

[Zach Herold]

I was planning on switching from my SO Lanner 5400 to a Stone Glacier 6900 Talus this year, but after reading the results of your first review I began looking into the KUIU packs. I’m looking at the Pro 7800. After testing the packs, do you think the quality of the KUIU is on par with Stone Glacier? Thanks for the review.

Yeah absolutely! I cover all that in Part 2. Its done! Robby is reviewing it and about to put it up.

 

[Zach Herold]

Hey Zack I am interested in Mystery Ranch packs like Glacier-Wood-XL . Being 6.5 275lb its hard to find a good back pack that will last.

Unfortunately Mystery Ranch didn't get back to me when I started the test so I used the pack of theirs that I already owned so I have not tested the new frame/suspension. I have looked at it and it really looks like an upgrade from the old frame/suspension. If you are having troubles with packs wearing out, I would go with a company that stands behind their products. I think that most of the packs I tested would probably repair or replace within reason which would be a benefit for you. Which packs have you tried?

 

[Okie84]

Yeah absolutely! I cover all that in Part 2. Its done! Robby is reviewing it and about to put it up.

Are we gonna have to shake Robby down to get him to release this review soon?!

 

[Zach Herold]

Are we gonna have to shake Robby down to get him to release this review soon?!

Nope its just about ready to go. I am sending show notes and tags as we speak.

 

[Farmingdale's Finest]

Hey Zack I am interested in Mystery Ranch packs like Glacier-Wood-XL . Being 6.5 275lb its hard to find a good back pack that will last.

My son and I own the Glacier pack. I am 6'2 and 275lbs with a 21" torso. The pack is bombproof! It's roughly the same cubic inches as the Metcalf but IMO it has a better layout to keep your stuff organized. It is rated to over 100lbs and it's a fraction of the cost of the Metcalf. I have trained with it carrying between 40-75lbs. I added a Kifaru Grabit to basically set up the meat shelf in reverse and it has worked great!

One caveat if you have a longer Torso than me I would not recommend it for carrying more than about 40 or so pounds. My son is 6'5" and 250 with a 23" torso and once he gets a load of about 50 or more pounds there isn't enough lift to take the pressure off of his shoulders and he gets pins and needles into his hands.
I bought a Terraframe 50 this year and love it too. It also has enough lift for my son. I got it from Sierra Trading post as a 2019 clearance pack and paid $229 which was even less than the Glacier. I can easily get 3 days of gear and food in there and if I move my sleeping bag outside I am confident I could get 5 - 7 days of food and gear in it.

 

[robby denning]

Nope its just about ready to go. I am sending show notes and tags as we speak.

probably have it up this week.

You’ll all be the first to know.

It’s the most comprehensive review I’ve seen on that number of packs. And several of his top picks will surprise a few people.


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[Zach Herold]

probably have it up this week.

You’ll all be the first to know.

It’s the most comprehensive review I’ve seen on that number of packs. And several of his top picks will surprise a few people.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks Robby, I simply told the truth!

 

[robby denning]

OK Roksliders, video is ready and will premiere today (2/10) at 530 PM MTN time. If you think you'll ever own a backpack, it's more than worth the watch. (Zach worked his tail off on this).

Zach will post the video on this thread after it goes live, but if you don't wanna wait, subscribe to the Rokslide Youtube channel (hundreds of videos on there) and you'll be notified of the premiere (I can't remember exactly how Youtube notfies, but you shouldn't have to wait for it to appear in your feed if you subscribe.)

Here's the link. As I'm an admin, not sure where you actually subscribe (millennials help!) but it's there somewhere:

Rokslide

Rokslide.com is the original gear driven, hardcore backcoutry hunting website.

www.youtube.com

@Tony Trietch @Josh Boyd @Justin Crossley @Brock A @Travis Bertrand @Jared Bloomgren @Jordan Budd @Ross, @les welch @Howard Mee @Jim Carr

 

[Zach Herold]

OK Roksliders, video is ready and will premiere today (2/10) at 530 PM MTN time. If you think you'll ever own a backpack, it's more than worth the watch. (Zach worked his tail off on this).

Zach will post the video on this thread after it goes live, but if you don't wanna wait, subscribe to the Rokslide Youtube channel (hundreds of videos on there) and you'll be notified of the premiere (I can't remember exactly how Youtube notfies, but you shouldn't have to wait for it to appear in your feed if you subscribe.)

Here's the link. As I'm an admin, not sure where you actually subscribe (millennials help!) but it's there somewhere:

Rokslide

Rokslide.com is the original gear driven, hardcore backcoutry hunting website.

www.youtube.com

Hey everyone! Doing it as a premier allows for there to be a live chat. I'll be on to answer questions and bs with everyone. I'll do my best to get to everything in a timely manner. Thanks for tuning in.

 

[Zach Herold]

Hey everyone Part 2 is LIVE!!

Here is the link to check it out:

 

[Mudd Foot]

Great review Zach! Appreciate the effort that you had to put into each portion. Best part? The bloody hands of course!


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[Zach Herold]

Great review Zach! Appreciate the effort that you had to put into each portion. Best part? The bloody hands of course!


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Thanks a bunch I really appreciate that.

 

[PHo]

Thank you for the review!!! Choosing a pack is always going to be a difficult thing to do considering the relative lack of opportunity/practicality of trying on all packs from all major brands in order to make a decision. This two part review really helps a ton in that regard. Thanks again!!!

 

[Zach Herold]

Thank you for the review!!! Choosing a pack is always going to be a difficult thing to do considering the relative lack of opportunity/practicality of trying on all packs from all major brands in order to make a decision. This two part review really helps a ton in that regard. Thanks again!!!

I'm glad you found it helpful!

 

[pattimusprime22]

Thanks for the great review @Zach Herold . When you were carrying out a load using the Seek Outside Lanner, what size frame extensions did you use? Or does the integrated not use frame extensions like the breakaway version of the pack?