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.

 

[wh0cansay]

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

Enlighten us then.

 

[307]

Curved support stays make no difference in axial transfer of load into the hip belt/pelvis. There might be an insignificant difference in center of mass of the pack, but the load transfer will be unchanged.

 

[Chama]

There are probably several packs that would work for what you are planning. If I was doing what you are wanting to do, without question, my Kifaru Hoodlum would be on my back.

 

[taskswap]

It’s like finding a wife - keep your standards high as possible and it will work out better in the long run, even if the first model you bring home doesn’t stick.

Except the return policy is way worse. The restocking fee is MURDER.

 

[TheHammer]

I’ve owned or tested about every pack besides an ark, the exo k4 5000, imo is the easy button. A
Long with the best customer support I’ve experienced. Good luck with your purchase and keep us posted.

 

[Dave0317]

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.

Additionally I find the harness design outdated and lacking, but that goes for pretty much all non-HPG packs these days.

What packs allow lumbar curve adjustment?

I know a couple brands have had versions of straight vs curved frames. Like the Stone Glacier Xcurve vs Krux, but I haven’t seen “adjustable”.
Unless you count bending aluminum stays, or adding padding to that area, like Seek Outside’s lumbar pads.

What is HPG (hill people gear, right?) doing different in pack design, I haven’t really looked at their stuff in much depth.

 

[kcm2]

You didn't mention your budget. Used quality beats new mediocrity. Stick with the good stuff like Kifaru, MR and Stone Glacier. My first elk packout had the belt connected in a way that it snapped loose, so I had to pack quarters out on just my back. Being in a rainstorn where the ground was slippery made that a very slow event. My hunting partner a year or two later had a substandard pack that resulted in hip pain for a month after his packout.

 

[Marbles]

An Exo K2 was my first dedicated hunting pack and replaced a Gregory Boltero. I tried a K3 and Seek Outside, and now have an Exo K4. The K2 was great, the K4 is even better, but I would be fine with just having a K2. The point being, Exo makes great packs, and even if the first one is the right one, you will probably try other packs.

I would say grab a K4 in the bag you like. I'm a fan of the 3600, for me it works well for 1 week trips, but most will find it too small. My big bag is a 7200. The 5000 will probably do what you want.

The K4 is comfortable and sold up to 130 pounds. At 150 pounds it carries it, but is no longer comfortable in my experience.

 

[PST9]

Can't go wrong with Exo Mtn Gear or Stone Glacier.