Best first pack for my first backcountry hunt

[Bowshot]

Awesome yet again a ton of info I hadn't found yet.

 

[Xtreme007]

I have a Exo 3500 and love it. I use it for everything from packing in my stands and climbing sticks , bags of corn and trail cameras, and even as my day pack for bowhunting. It handles a load very well.

I have never used one but had herd nothing but great things about kifaru and stone glacier packs also.

 

[CA Karen]

I have a Stone Glacier 5100 and it works well for up to 9 days treks and it carries weight well. Packed my cow elk out with it this year and was impressed with how well it handled it. Eblestocks Dragon fly will handle about 65 lbs.... but it performed miserably in packing out a small 4x4 buck, the pack bag sagged and the hip belt rolled down...not good.

 

[Bowshot]

Has anyone ever used tenzing? I can't seem to find any reviews or anything bad about them? Specifically the tz 6000 even?

 

[COlineman78]

I bought my first high dollar pack about a year ago and had never used a pack that cost more than $100. I was skeptical on whether it was worth it and made the decision that I would go with a Kuiu as I could get both a 7200 and 3200 for less than a Kifaru. Well, long story short that was a bad decision because the Kuiu couldn't be adjusted correctly for my height even though the tall frame was supposed to support my height. So even though this didn't work out I began to see the benefits of a high dollar premium pack. So I then turned to researching the top 3: Exo, Kifaru and SG. Well, Exo wasn't going to work for me cause I carry a ton of volume on my summer fishing trips so the Exo was out at 5500 for the biggest. Now I am not an ultralight wienie especially when it comes to packs and if you're the type than Kifaru may not be for you. Both companies have great customer service and great packs, so really it comes down to preference. There are 3 reasons I went with Kifaru: camo options, proximity (20 min drive), and Aron's customer service.

Kifaru is a little intimidating at first because there are so many options. There are 5 total frames: old duplex, bikini, hunting duplex, UL duplex and tactical duplex. The last 3 are very similar with really one main difference: the thickness of the plastic sheet in the frame (tactical being thickest, UL lightest). They all can have either arrow, aluminum or composite stays and come in 3 lengths 22 (limited packs work with this), 24, and 26. As far as packs go I would think you need at least 6000 and maybe more. There are 4 options that fit the bill: DT1, AMR, EMR2 and Highcamp. The Highcamps are currently on sale, so it might be worth trying. I have the DT1 that I am currently selling cause it wasn't big enough for me and think the posted 7200 size is quite generous. I got an EMR2 to try out next year. I also just bought a 22 mag for use day hunting next week.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Has anyone ever used tenzing? I can't seem to find any reviews or anything bad about them? Specifically the tz 6000 even?

I had a Tenzing pack literally fall apart on me. Perhaps their newer offerings have changed, but I haven't looked at them since.

 

[7mag.]

I don't think I've ever read a good review for Tenzing.
We are fortunate to have a lot of quality options for gear these days, so it makes decisions harder. I use and prefer Kifaru. I don't think they can be beat for quality and durability, as well as customer service. I suggest you call Aron Snyder, he will set you up, and answer all your questions.

 

[Grunt-N-Gobble]

This is all great info as I too will be shopping for a backpack for next year.

Keep it coming!!!!

 

[yardwork]

I was in the same boat looking at Exo, SG and Kifaru and could not decide among them as they are all great packs. I went with Kifaru because of all the good reviews on here, very helpful Kifaru phone staff and mostly the large number of options and accessories. As I've hunted with my new Mountain Warrior I'm learning how I use it and if I want I can order what I need to fit it out for my needs. For instance, bladder hoses freeze so I should get to ordering up a Nalgene holder for late season hunts.

 

[twall13]

Well, Exo wasn't going to work for me cause I carry a ton of volume on my summer fishing trips so the Exo was out at 5500 for the biggest.

Just FYI, the Exo 5500 is really a lot bigger than that as it doesn't count the volume of the side pockets or top stretchy pocket. I'd guess it's closer to a 7000 pack but it compresses down really well. Check out the EXO comparison for more information.

I'd also agree with the posts above, for what you are looking at I'd go with Kifaru, EXO, or Stone Glacier. I went with EXO as the bag configuration was the perfect level of organization and minimalist features for me. At a 22" torso length I'm about at the max for the frame but I've loved the way it carries weight. Kifaru will have more organization options but weigh a bit more (it will also be a bit more robust). Stone Glacier is more of a minimalist pack in general.

 

[oldgoat]

I was in the same boat looking at Exo, SG and Kifaru and could not decide among them as they are all great packs. I went with Kifaru because of all the good reviews on here, very helpful Kifaru phone staff and mostly the large number of options and accessories. As I've hunted with my new Mountain Warrior I'm learning how I use it and if I want I can order what I need to fit it out for my needs. For instance, bladder hoses freeze so I should get to ordering up a Nalgene holder for late season hunts.

The nalgene holder and bottle are an awesome addition to warm weather hunting, much easier to get a good drink from the nalgene when your huffing and puffing and need to hydrate well. It's all we used this year and then refilled from camelbak. Other thing is, order a mini belt pouch to pair with the nalgene holder

 

[ams]

I would spend some time trying to get your hands on one of each. There are a lot of great people on here that know how hard it can be to test gear and we all like to show of our toys! It is hard to go wrong with the packs mentioned and kinda comes down to what you like. I have a Paradox Evo 6300, a Mystery Ranch something, and a Kifaru Mountain Warrior.

The Paradox is adjustable enough to fit anyone, has survived just fine for 3 seasons, is incredibly light (5# for the frame, 6300, multi-lid, and day talon) and accomplishes everything mentioned. I really love this pack and have come to prefer the 1 piece belt design. It has been comfortable day hunting with 15-20 lbs or 100+ lbs. The drawbacks for me are there are a lot of straps and there is no frame sheet so you have to pack carefully. I have had things slip and start poking me in the back or shoulders.

The Mystery Ranch packs 6500/7500/marshall are all kind of similar in design and have been working for hunters for quite a few years now, ever since there was Dana design Terraplanes. The Terraplanes and Terraframes are still on ebay and a fraction of the cost of some of the new packs. I haven't used mine a lot as I personally prefer the others. You would probably want to purchase a load lifter kit. Also, it seems like Mystery Ranch maybe going through some design or frame changes but just rumors right now. If I was just getting started I wouldn't hesitate to buy a terraplane or astraplane and hit it with a roll-can camo paint job.

Kifaru- the evidence on this site speaks for itself and everything said about Kifaru/Aron has been true in my experience. You can even tell Aron "Can't afford a Kifaru" and he would probably still offer some suggestions. The timberlines are nice bags as they come with all the pockets you would need. The mountain warrior is plain easy and simple to use and it is one of their cheaper bags. These are the only two styles of Kifaru bags I've had experience with but both are great. The size of the MW is more comparable to a DT1 in my opinion and would be closer to that 6000 ci pack especially with a guide lid. If you want a Kifaru I would just wait and watch the classifieds and other sites. If you are quick you can pick up some retarded deals from guys who buy too much junk or got caught by the wife. Drawbacks, (Gen 2 frame) stiff at lower weights but appreciated at heavier weights, heavier than the Paradox, and they will come out with a something new as fast as Apple does with I-phones.

I would stay away from the Tenzing packs. In all honestly the CF13 was comfortable with 80+ lbs but the design, pockets, and connections make no sense. It was also much heavier than listed and they haven't changed the info yet..... its been 2 years.

 

[Ben]

I was in the same boat as you last year. I could not decided between expo, kifaru, paradox and stone glacier. Kuiu was out because I had their 5200 and even though I loved the pocket configuration, I could not get it adjusted to where to would not cause pain after a few miles. I ended up going with stone glacier based on weight, reviews, small MT based company, and the fact that it was difficult finding used packs for sale which meant people were not willing to part with their SG.

 

[7stw]

Buy what you can afford and go hunt. As funds allow upgrade if need be. I started with a eberlestock and it worked. (Not very comfortable). Upgraded to a Kuiu icon. Liked it until I packed out an elk and realized I couldn't really adjust it to carry comfortable. Also the waist belt power pulls and load lifter straps constantly slipped with weight. I finally bit the bullet and bought the new ultra light duplex and for 5-7 day hunts I opted for the dt2 bag with a guide lid and two top zip long pockets a Nalgene pocket and two small belt pockets a grab it and the gun bearer. A frame that fits is amazing and I tested it with 100 lbs before I hit the mountains. Carried great no rubbing or hotspots. Furthermore all the youtube vids make fitting the frame and knowing the best way to attach all the pockets and accessories to your system simple. and the modularity makes me wish I'd have went with a kifaru over the Kuiu but I thought I was saving money (Kuiu was cheaper) but packing out that elk I would have paid the difference gladly to not have been miserable ! Don't discount mystery ranch either know some guys who love theirs. Also osprey and a few other "backpacking" companies make awesome packs here's my setup after four days in the backcountry headed out. One buddy has a sitka pack (small was his only complaint) and the other can get a Kuiu to fit him properly and he was happy with it. (We didn't kill on this trip so none of us had to carry really heavy loads) there's a reason kifaru gets as much respect and admiration on this forum. Quality gear that's built tank tough ! Even better people to deal with awesome staff !

 

[Bowshot]

Is Aron really that easy to get ahold of? Does anyone have his number?

 

[kodiakfly]

Is Aron really that easy to get ahold of? Does anyone have his number?

Yes. He often posts his phone number on here for people to call. If you search some old Kifaru pack threads, you'll see where he posts it. I called him and never having met him before, dude talked to me for 45 minutes like good friends about what pack he recommends for my use and where and how I hunt. He's not trying to sell you the biggest or best, he tries to get you the pack you need. And Aaron isn't the only good guy at Kifaru. Call their office line and ask to speak to someone who can help you with pack selection. Their customer service alone is reason enough to get one, nevermind the quality of the pack.

A lot of these "small business" US-made pack companies have that. They make their money on quality and CS.

 

[COlineman78]

Is Aron really that easy to get ahold of? Does anyone have his number?

Very easy to get a hold of. He posts his personal cell phone number, not a work number. Don't be surprised if he answers from a mountain top and has been known to return calls from a sat phone if he doesn't have service. His number is 720-937-One 418.