Direction for first time back pack buyer

[sheephunter208]

What I am looking for is to upgrade my current pack I am sure there are plenty of threads or articles if you could point me in the right direction that would be great. Mostly two and three days in the back country possibly five to Seven if I draw a sheep tag or backcountry mule deer.

 

[ssliger]

What is your budget? The high end packs like Kifaru and Stone Glacier cost 6-7 hundred dollars. The next level to look at would be EXO mountain gear (I have the 3500, with a pre-order for the 5500 bag, I love it). It runs around $450. If you want to spend less, look for a used SG or Kifaru.

 

[mt100gr.]

Budget is important, but also, what pack are you currently using and what style of pack do you think would work best for you? Are you super organized and compartmentalized where everything needs a pocket? How heavy would you go?

 

[Retterath]

From my experience i have had three different packs and after trying all three out i wasn't super impressed so after adding up all the packs i have had i could have just bought a kifaru to begin with. If your serious about backpacking and using it a lot save a little extra and get the top of the line. I learned my lesson now I'm ordering the timberline 1 with the duplex frame and can't wait to use it this year.

 

[Darren Best]

Fit, fit, fit.

Different packs fit differently, a lot will depend on your body type and how a pack rides on you.

I just learned this lesson the hard way.

Try to find someone locally to try the packs on.

 

[1hoda]

What I am looking for is to upgrade my current pack I am sure there are plenty of threads or articles if you could point me in the right direction that would be great. Mostly two and three days in the back country possibly five to Seven if I draw a sheep tag or backcountry mule deer.

Elk hunter-241 is spot on- fit is key. He's also right about trying them on. My Mystery Ranch NICE frame fit me when the Kifaru packs didn't. I'm average height and broad shouldered so my friends Kifaru felt too tall and top heavy to me but he loves it. The MR is shorter and wider so the center of gravity was perfect for my build.

 

[Matt W.]

+2 Fit is everything..

 

[husky390]

Where are you located? If you're in the Denver CO area, I have two different packs you can try out.

 

[MuleyFever]

Fit is everything cannot be overstated. I say this as someone who has had a bunch of problems with my Kifaru, the pack so many people will recommend. That being said they have made every effort to help me, their customer service is second to none. I will also say my KUIU Icon has fit me the best, a pack many will not recommend. Point is try some packs on and see what fits you.

 

[orelkaddict]

If your planning on a 1 more pack covers everything? All I can say is good luck

 

[sheephunter208]

Thanks for the info on fit live in se Idaho so a little ways from Colorado but I appreciate the offer. I certainly understand it's not going to be a pack that fits all scenarios currently I use a x2 which is fine until I get a heavy load then it's terrible also pretty heavy as well. I have been looking pretty hard a Kifaru or sc but probably need to get out and try some on. I am pretty average size 6 foot 190 right now when I am in sheep shape usually about 175 come mid October. If I wanted to 3 - 5 day in this pack what size should I go with? I not a huge have a pocket for everything Type of guy but I like having quick access to the spotting scope.

Thanks

Travis

 

[BeWitty]

I have an X2 also and know exactly what you mean that it gets a it rough when you have 80-100lbs in it. Those straps and belt doesn't cut it. But it's laid out nice and I will continue to use it as a day pack. I am 6' and 180 lbs and I went with an EXO 3500 this year. I have only gone on a couple hikes (no hunts) with it but I did have a sand bag between the pack and frame to replicate meat. Loved it. The weight was distributed perfect (I have the load shelf) and it was very comfortable. I will be able to fit 3-5 worth of gear no problem with this pack. I picked up the beaver tail just in case the load was very big and had to have some clothes on the outside of the pack on the way out. I've never used a Kifaru so I cannot compare. I went with an EXO because it's what I could afford.

 

[stevenm2]

I have been using a Mystery ranch Metcalf for a while . It works well but it always crammed full. I would look at something just a bit bigger. I just bought a Kifaru High camp 7000 for extended trips. I am new to Kifaru stuff but Aron Snyder has offered to help with fit. Who does that? If I can get this pack to fit properly I think I will move away from MR and buy another smaller bag for 3-4 day trips from Kifaru. I like the commitment to service I have seen so far.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Like others have already said, post where you live and see if you can try some different pack frames so you will know what fits YOU best. Try and put some actual miles under a few of them with some weight so you can really see how they fit your body. You can also buy a few different used packs and sell whichever ones you don't like. A lot of guys test gear this way and if you buy good quality gear at fair prices, you won't lose much money at all.

 

[Justin Crossley]

If you can make it up to the Rokslide camping trip we are doing in Idaho, you can probably test out just about every brand of pack on the market. Plus there will be people there to help you adjust and fit the packs properly which is very important. This would be well worth your time and expense imo.

 

[DWinVA]

After a lot of research I took the plunge on an EXO 3500 and am very pleased with it so far.

God Bless.

 

[sheephunter208]

I live in Idaho falls get to pocatello quite often some times get up to couer d Alene just depends so I am thinking bag size in the 5000 range I will still use the x2 for day hunts where is the camping trip in Idaho this spring?

 

[Wileycoyote]

Sheep hunter I'm in pocatello if you would like to see a T2 or a bikini nomad setup. Both have medium belt and 26" frame stays.

 

[sheephunter208]

Great thanks I will take you up on the offer starting March I will be working in pocatello every week

 

[Justin Crossley]

I live in Idaho falls get to pocatello quite often some times get up to couer d Alene just depends so I am thinking bag size in the 5000 range I will still use the x2 for day hunts where is the camping trip in Idaho this spring?

I made the thread a sticky at the top of the backpacks forum.