Best pack under $400

[LJ Buck]

I would do the EXO for sure worth the extra $50

 

[Hunt'nFish]

I don't know, FOR A FIRST PACK, I'd have to recommend a good external freighter pack frame & bag. Like a Barneys or Cabela's Alaskan/Outfitter/Instinct. These are the work horses of packs and I think everyone should have one. No they aren't the lightest choices, but they are usually the most comfortable. And many times these can be picked up cheap on the used market. You can drop the main bag & top bar off at camp and hunt w/ a fanny pack buckled onto the back of it, and still preserve meat hauling capabilities. Save your coin to spend on optics.

Otherwise, I'd hold out and get a Kifaru 26" Duplex frame w/ grab-it & K-hook strap set and just put a big roll top bag on it for now. You can always add a bag down the road.
Hunt'nFish

 

[boom]

I would get a used pack.

Good luck on the hunt OP!

 

[kickemall]

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

I'll throw in a recommendation for Paradox from first hand experience. I have hauled numerous loads of 80-100+ loads (mostly hogs), some a short distance, some a couple miles but all in steep ground and it handled them as well or better than anything else I have used. Prior packs are Mchale, Dana Designs, Kuiu and several backpacking packs and freighter frames. Under $400.00 and under four pounds is a good combination.

Edit - There is one listed on BPL for $300.00 if it hasn't sold.

 

[16Bore]

Dana Design Terraplane will smack an Ultra 6000 silly. Should be able to find one for under 200 clams.

 

[Aron Snyder]

Dana Design Terraplane will smack an Ultra 6000 silly. Should be able to find one for under 200 clams.

Very good advice!

 

[cody6510]

Guys, thanks for all the input, I appreciate the advice. Based on what I'm reading here and elsewhere, I think I may be best served to delay my pack purchase and put a few bucks more towards a kifaru. It's more money then I wanted to spend, but I want a pack that will be durable and be comfortable. Ultimately, I'm planning on this being the first of many elk hunts so I might as well get a good pack out of the gate. Thanks again.

 

[Aron Snyder]

Guys, thanks for all the input, I appreciate the advice. Based on what I'm reading here and elsewhere, I think I may be best served to delay my pack purchase and put a few bucks more towards a kifaru. It's more money then I wanted to spend, but I want a pack that will be durable and be comfortable. Ultimately, I'm planning on this being the first of many elk hunts so I might as well get a good pack out of the gate. Thanks again.

Call me if you wanna chat about your options.

720 937 1418

 

[trophytaka]

REI XT85 for sale in classifieds

 

[fulldraw1972]

Call Aron, best advise I can give.

 

[16Bore]

Dana Longbed in the classifieds, lotsa bang for not a lotta bucks.

 

[arthurvino]

Lots of good choices here. hpg ute is another to explore.

 

[bz_711]

I went with the REI XT85, on sale couple weeks back for $216...was about best I could come up with for a penny pincher. Really like the feel so far, just started loading it up for first overnight trip next week...plenty of space and really like the side pockets and belt pockets.
I'll try to do a quick recap when I return.

 

[Olydog09]

Horn Hunter Full Curl System. You can carry your gear in and then drop the bag and use the frame for a day pack. all at around $250

 

[mrbillbrown]

I agree with Oly...
Horn Hunter Full Curl system has great capabilities, carries 70#'s like a dream, and with the wings and beaver tail the frame can accept any big bag you want to throw on there. For $250-300 (depending where you get it) it's a hard system to beat.

 

[Willow]

Have you looked into Eberlestock packs? They make some awesome gear and have expanded their line extensively into the hunting domain over the past few years.

 

[elkeaterco]

I have the Kuiu Ultra 6000 and love it. Tons of options and rides great. I have 20 plus days in the field with it and am sold. I was running the SG and still might throw it into the mix but the Kuiu bag is hands down better designed. Maybe not as durable but it's tough enough. Even bush whacking through scrub oak, pinion, and 8ft tall sage has had no effect on it. My pack goats have even tried to eat the damn thing when I wasn't looking with no damage. For $350 and extra bags in or under the $100 price range it's the best deal going on IMO.

Jake