Daypack with Rifle Carry

[tilltheend]

Currently I run an Exo K4 pack and can't say enough good things about it or the guys at K4 to help me set it up. But next year we booked a guided drop camp and won't need the K4. But talking to the guide and buddy that has done the hunt, we still need to cover ground. So, I'm looking for a 2000ish daypack with all-day comfort and some rifle carry/sling set up. So far Im looking at the packs below....

Kifaru Shape Charge w sherman - Great setup but spendy and with no back channels it looks hot and its heavy? We'll be in South Colorado in mid September muzzleloading.
Kifaru Minikeg - Lighter but bigger, almost 3000 and a roll top on a daypack seems like PIA.
Kuiu Venture or Venture Divide - Anyone have input on sizing on these? I'm build like a middle linebacker and generally Kuiu and I don't get along size wise.
Stone Glacier Avail- Seems light and great but no side pockets or rifle carry?

Or has anyone dropped the 22" stays in a K4 with the 2200 daypack and ran that on a hunt like this? Id be going from the 26" and would need the upper..

Far as slings go, I have no idea what to look at, I would run the Kifaru Gun Bearer but not sure it works on these smaller internal frame packs? FHF sling looks like it might be a good option but open it ideas. Thanks for the help.

 

[wapitibob]

I use a Stone Glacier frame, Rugged Stitching small custom bag, and the Slik Sling. Sling was a pita for a cpl days, fine once I got used to it, and a godsend when packing out.

 

[bozeman]

Shape Charge & Sherman, choice #1.
Seek Outside has a couple offerings as well. I have a Flight 2, I believe and it’s a great day pack with some structure/support.

 

[Jpsmith1]

Gunbearer will work on any pack, Kifaru or not. They make a universal belt adapter

 

[camelcluch]

Why not an EXO 2200?

 

[croben]

What K4 pack do you currently have? Why not just buy the 2200 and put it on your current frame? I have the 5000 and 7200, but primarily run the 5000. I use it on both multi day and single day trips and have no issues as it cinches down extremely small. I measure out for the 26.5 inch stays, but switch to the 25 inch stays sometimes if I’m going into thicker country knowing I’ll be going through/under more brush and trees. I’ve also dumped the lid to get an even lower and smaller pack profile. I don’t think you can switch to the 22 inch stays in the larger frame so you would have to buy the shorter frame. I also have the avail and love that pack! No hip belt pockets and no side pockets though.

 

[tilltheend]

What K4 pack do you currently have? Why not just buy the 2200 and put it on your current frame? I have the 5000 and 7200, but primarily run the 5000. I use it on both multi day and single day trips and have no issues as it cinches down extremely small. I measure out for the 26.5 inch stays, but switch to the 25 inch stays sometimes if I’m going into thicker country knowing I’ll be going through/under more brush and trees. I’ve also dumped the lid to get an even lower and smaller pack profile. I don’t think you can switch to the 22 inch stays in the larger frame so you would have to buy the shorter frame. I also have the avail and love that pack! No hip belt pockets and no side pockets though.

I have the 2200 bag for the K4 but the whole thing seems like overkill since the outfitter will pack out if we score. And your right I would have to get the 22" stays and the smaller upper to make them work. I like the belt pockets, nalgene and inreach holders on the K4 .

 

[tilltheend]

Gunbearer will work on any pack, Kifaru or not. They make a universal belt adapter

Does it carry good on the smaller internal frame pack or is it off balance?

 

[bowhunthard88]

Get the 2200 (and the shorter stays, if you will)! Also, EXO has a rifle carry attachment.

 

[Jpsmith1]

Does it carry good on the smaller internal frame pack or is it off balance?

I don't have a ton of miles with it but it carried well with my Antero.

 

[Steve300xcw]

Man its a pack with straps on it. Hang the thing on the side or where ever and lash it down. It doesn't need a fancy rifle pocket or whatever.

I run a SG 1700 serac. bought their fancy quick release rifle sling doodad. Yea..if its not in my hands, I just have a couple of straps on it...

 

[camelcluch]

If the K4 is comfortable to you and the 2200 works, what’s overkill. It’s still a bag you are hunting with and need to be comfortable. I’d wear my 2200 over my shape charge every time if given the choice.

 

[trophyhill]

Currently I run an Exo K4 pack and can't say enough good things about it or the guys at K4 to help me set it up. But next year we booked a guided drop camp and won't need the K4. But talking to the guide and buddy that has done the hunt, we still need to cover ground. So, I'm looking for a 2000ish daypack with all-day comfort and some rifle carry/sling set up. So far Im looking at the packs below....

Kifaru Shape Charge w sherman - Great setup but spendy and with no back channels it looks hot and its heavy? We'll be in South Colorado in mid September muzzleloading.
Kifaru Minikeg - Lighter but bigger, almost 3000 and a roll top on a daypack seems like PIA.
Kuiu Venture or Venture Divide - Anyone have input on sizing on these? I'm build like a middle linebacker and generally Kuiu and I don't get along size wise.
Stone Glacier Avail- Seems light and great but no side pockets or rifle carry?

Or has anyone dropped the 22" stays in a K4 with the 2200 daypack and ran that on a hunt like this? Id be going from the 26" and would need the upper..

Far as slings go, I have no idea what to look at, I would run the Kifaru Gun Bearer but not sure it works on these smaller internal frame packs? FHF sling looks like it might be a good option but open it ideas. Thanks for the help.

Love my Gun Bearer! Game Changer!

 

[AKEK]

Consider adding the AKEK 3200 to your list? It has an awesome weapon carry system. If you need something smaller the 2100 is coming in a few months. The packs have several different modes so you can use if for different hunts and situations.

Watch the short video on this page: https://akek.com/product/alpha-3200-backpack/

 

[The Guide]

Consider adding the AKEK 3200 to your list? It has an awesome weapon carry system. If you need something smaller the 2100 is coming in a few months. The packs have several different modes so you can use if for different hunts and situations.

Watch the short video on this page: https://akek.com/product/alpha-3200-backpack/

Let me know when the 2100 drops. I might pick one up!

Jay

 

[SeizedRug]

I use an Eberlestock X1A3 for day hunts. It has built in scabbard.

 

[tracker12]

If I do not need to carry meat I use a Kuiu Venture 2200. I actually like the bag layout better than my EXO 3600. It’s lighter and carries my day hunt stuff well. Plus you can buy them used pretty cheap.

 

[Solm]

I have an Eberlestock F4NT. It's one of the most comfortable packs I've used and I got lucky grabbing one before the price rise (Gotta love that APO shipping). I've found that if you're carrying a small rifle, it will fit comfortably down the front of the pack right behind your back (my 20 inch tikka fits well), but if you have a long gun, it will need to go outside the pack as the compartment that runs right behind your back is slim. I use a bow boot and a strap for the longer rifles on the outside of the pack, with a thin cover on the rifle. I can put a pic up in a week when I'm back home again.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I run an MR pintler and pop up with a gun bearer type rig. Rifle is in the gun bearer when I need fast access and strapped to the pack otherwise. Both packs will handle a load of meat but are small enough for bushwhacking.

 

[tilltheend]

Just some feedback, I did try the SG avail 2200, it didnt ride good for me with 25# sandbag when I was in the store. The harness didn't adjust enough for my torso at 6'1" . I did order the Kuiu Divide 2000 and Venture 2200 on the sale last week. Maybe one of those will work, if not next would be a set of shorter stays for the K4, when I talked with them, they were against anything shorter than the 25" but only 1.5" lower on clearance. Just looking for all day comfort for the light daypack weight. Thanks.