Buying first pack

[Elkslut]

I looked at prices on the new badlands packs, they have doubled. So I have to retract my previous statement.
It's hard to check out all the packs before you buy. In theory they all should fit you, and do what they are supposed to. I would suggest digging into the configuration of the pack and determine what style fits you. What features are important and which are not.

 

[jhoff04]

I had the MR Sawtooth 45 for a few seasons. Loved the bag itself and seems very durable. When it came to packing out with a heavy load on... it wasn't great. I just upgraded to a (used) SG and am glad I did.

As others have stated, if it's just a one-off hunt and you don't think you'll be packing heavy loads every year or multiple times a year, find a MR that's 30-40% off and it'll do you just fine. Just know when your back and hips are killing you that you saved $400! Otherwise pay the piper and find a high-end pack that fits you comfortably (SG, IA, Kifaru, and Exo seem to be the crowd pleasers).

 

[nallywacker]

Exo Mtn packs.

 

[Kadelong]

I

I had the MR Sawtooth 45 for a few seasons. Loved the bag itself and seems very durable. When it came to packing out with a heavy load on... it wasn't great. I just upgraded to a (used) SG and am glad I did.

As others have stated, if it's just a one-off hunt and you don't think you'll be packing heavy loads every year or multiple times a year, find a MR that's 30-40% off and it'll do you just fine. Just know when your back and hips are killing you that you saved $400! Otherwise pay the piper and find a high-end pack that fits you comfortably (SG, IA, Kifaru, and Exo seem to be the crowd pleasers).

plan on going every year and hope to pack elk out as I recently moved to Wyoming

 

[Chiledawg]

You likely can't go wrong with EXO MTN packs. I bought the K2 - 2000 after trying Kuiu, MR and Kifaru. Then got the K3 - 4800. Great suspension system to carry heavy loads. Recently got the K4-5000 and love it. Need to sell the 2000 and 4800.

 

[307]

Sure there is. Their rigid frames do not allow for lumbar curve adjustment, meaning you don't get efficient load transfer to the pelvic region unless the curve magically fits your spine right out of the box.

This is false. Often repeated, by the same person, but false every single time.