Best pack under $400

[cody6510]

I'm planning my first DIY elk hunt and am in the process of obtaining the necessary equipment. The hunt will probably last 5-7 days. I have been looking at packs now for a while but am having trouble making a decision since there are no stores near me that carry this type of gear. I think I have narrowed my search to a tenzing 6000, kuiu 7200 and outdoorsmans optic hunter (I'm trying to say under or near $400). Are there any pros or cons to these specific packs that I should be aware of or are there any that should be avoided completely? I'm sure a lot of it is about personal preference but it's difficult to make a decision without having the ability to try one on. Also, I'm about 6'1" 200lbs. Thanks in advance for any information.

 

[realunlucky]

Look into the new exo pack people are starting to put them through the paces. Should be more reviews in the next couple months. I'd also keep an eye out for a used kifaru they are slightly more than your budget but hold thier value so you could sell it after the season and not be out much

 

[stephen b]

Con on the outdoorsman optic pack is that it weighs over 9 lbs empty. Had a friend that had one and he was quite disappointed when we weighed it on my accurate scale. So for me that would be a deal breaker.

I will mention a pack that is not on your list that is a good pack and will cost less than $300. It is the REI 85 XT. You can order it from REI and they should ship to you for free. You will need the (L) size most likely. IMO, the 85 XT is a pack that works well and compares well to packs above its price point. You can take it on your hunt and I am sure it will do all that the above packs will do. And if for any reason you do not like it after using it, getting it bloody etc- you can send it back to REI for full refund. I understand some people do not like REI because they are a bit liberal on their stances; but I have got a lot of stuff from them over the years and have found them to be good to deal with.

Just a thought.

 

[stephen b]

Also the EXO mentioned above should also be a good pack.

 

[Aron Snyder]

Arcteryx Bora, Dana Design Tplane, Used MR or Kifaru.

These packs are ALL tested in the field and are PROVEN work horses.

I'm planning my first DIY elk hunt and am in the process of obtaining the necessary equipment. The hunt will probably last 5-7 days. I have been looking at packs now for a while but am having trouble making a decision since there are no stores near me that carry this type of gear. I think I have narrowed my search to a tenzing 6000, kuiu 7200 and outdoorsmans optic hunter (I'm trying to say under or near $400). Are there any pros or cons to these specific packs that I should be aware of or are there any that should be avoided completely? I'm sure a lot of it is about personal preference but it's difficult to make a decision without having the ability to try one on. Also, I'm about 6'1" 200lbs. Thanks in advance for any information.

 

[Aron Snyder]

This pack is a great option as well.

Con on the outdoorsman optic pack is that it weighs over 9 lbs empty. Had a friend that had one and he was quite disappointed when we weighed it on my accurate scale. So for me that would be a deal breaker.

I will mention a pack that is not on your list that is a good pack and will cost less than $300. It is the REI 85 XT. You can order it from REI and they should ship to you for free. You will need the (L) size most likely. IMO, the 85 XT is a pack that works well and compares well to packs well above its price point. You can take it on your hunt and I am sure it will do all that the above packs will do. And if for any reason you do not like it after using it, getting it bloody etc- you can send it pack to REI for full refund. I understand some people do not like REI because they are a bit liberal on their stances; but I have got a lot of stuff from them over the years and have found them to be good to deal with.

Just a thought.

 

[stephen b]

Arcteryx Bora, Dana Design Tplane, Used MR or Kifaru.

These packs are ALL tested in the field and are PROVEN work horses.

Also all great packs- and coming from a fella that knows what he is talking about.

 

[dotman]

This pack is a great option as well.

I have one of these in like new condition in the classifieds, shameless plug.

 

[Aron Snyder]

I have one of these in like new condition in the classifieds, shameless plug.

Yep....I'd buy dot man's.

 

[PA 5-0]

For new, total cubes and lightweight, I don't know if the Icon 7200 can be beat. I know some guys on here talk smack about anything Kuiu, but I have been beating the shit out of my 3000 and 5200 for a couple years now and couldn't be happier with them. FWIW.

 

[gobbler1662]

If your budget is under 400.00 it would be hard to beat the Kuiu Ultra.

 

[Kevin_t]

Certain paradox pack combos are under $400. The combinations I use most frequently are sub $400

 

[luke moffat]

I have used Arcteryx Bora as well as Osprey Argon (which is basically the Zenith now) and I prefer the Osprey due to its belt design is more akin to a Kifaru than the Arcteryx...or atleast that is how it feels for me. But everyone is different

That said how far are you going in? You can use just about any off the shelf backpacking pack from Gregory, Osprey, Arcteryx and some others even the REI 85 XT to get in and hunt out of and have a Cabelas Outfitter frame to do the heavy hauling as well in the truck to swap out after the first load. But you can get an Osprey Zenith pretty easily for right around $300.

 

[cody6510]

I think the idea of two packs is a good one for sure, but I think I would prefer one pack just for simplicity and convenience.

 

[mattstanton]

Rei XT 85 served me well. But I will say that all the money I spent on packs added up to more than my kifaru. May be worth putting a couple hundred more and bite the bullet.. Buy once , cry once.

 

[gwl79902]

have you looked at hill people gear

 

[NVCHUKAR]

Exo for 50 more or a used kifaru

 

[Brent1321]

Think I sold my G2 Longhunter complete package for $375ish. It was clean, and in perfect shape. Used Kifaru stuff is out there, just need to find your size. When the Nomad came out, there was a lot on the used market. Now, you might need to look a bit harder, but they are out there.

Brent

 

[HardcoreHunter]

I know a guy selling a Tensing 6000 in the brown, only 300 tyd. He only used it on a day hike once, but then went with Kifaru. Perfect condition pack.

 

[hunting1]

Horn Hunter Full Curl and Mainbeam XL are US made and great packs as well if they fit you.Used Kifaru is always going to be a good bet. The Kelty Cache Hauler has hauled many loads of elk meat before I could afford others and my old one is still in use with a newer hunter.