Does the Perfect Pack Exist?

[edg1967]

Another thread brought this to mind. I hope that this one will be a light-hearted exchange where we can also poke a little fun at ourselves. I, for one, have had a little problem trying to decide if the perfect pack exists. I think I have it pretty well nailed down. At least I now know what company makes the best frame FOR ME. I just need a little help finding the perfect bag. I had hoped to find one-bag-for-all needs…I don't think that will happen. If you see a pack on the list more than once it's because I sold the previous one, tried something else and bought another one of the same kind that I got rid of for one reason or another. My quest looks a little like this….(Warning…don't drink while you read this, the beverage of your choice might come out your nose).

Badlands Super Day
Badlands Whitetail Hybrid
Badlands Ultra Day
Badlands Whitetail Hybrid
Badlands 2200
Badlands 2800
Badlands 4500
Eberlestock Blue Widow
Sitka Flash 20
Sitka Bivy 45
Sitka Flash 32
Badlands Monster Fanny
Eberlestock Slingshot
Sitka Bivy 30
Badlands 4500
Badlands Monster Fanny
MR Crew Cab
MR Longbow
MR Big Horn
Horn Hunter Full Curl
Eberlestock Just One
MR Big Horn
Kifaru Spike Camp Legacy
Kifaru DT3
Kifaru Duplex w/Longbow
Kifaru Longhunter
Kifaru DT1
Kifaru BT3 & 1
KUIU 1850
MR Big Horn
MR Dragonslayer
Kifaru Duplex w/Longbow
Kifaru DT1
Kifaru BT1 & Highcamp
Sitka Ascent 14

I have a problem! I should be going to treatment for this or at least some meetings. I don't know if the perfect pack for me exists.

 

[TheRambler]

Its definitely hard to find the perfect pack. Mainly limited by budget otherwise i would be continually be trying out packs and would have a list similar to yours. For quick and short lightweight summer/scouting trips I use a camelbak linchpin, think its like 28 or 30L. For anything longer than that I have a Kifaru Highcamp 7000(or whatever the bigger size is i forget the exact number). I love the linchpin. The Highcamp pack itself I absolutely love. I prefer the one big pack bag, i think I will replace the lid flap with a pocketed lid of one style or another here soon. I think that is the only thing i missed compared to other packs. Just for quick access and organization for small stuff.

The Bikini frame itself I find very comfortable, and really only have one complaint, and that is one of the load lifter straps after hiking a few hours shifts a little and begins rubbing on my neck. I think I will eventually get it dialed in perfect, but honestly havn't really fiddled with it a bunch just yet.

 

[Olydog09]

Nope

 

[5MilesBack]

Does the perfect pack exist? Don't know........some are closer than others. Some are out in left field. I was searching for a hauler that would work as a daypack, but haven't found many that even come close for me. I figured that 90% of the time I'm wearing the pack, I'm hunting.......not hauling. So I want something that is small, unencumbering, super lightweight, and comfortable. But I also want that same pack to be able to haul 100+ pound loads. That's the hard part. You either have a pack that excels as a daypack or excels as a hauler. Rarely if ever as both. So I started searching for something I could put together myself and use as a daypack and also as a hauler with easy modifications. With that I needed a small pack that I could configure and attach to a small frame.....something that is maybe easily adjustable in height. So that it is out of the way and unobtrusive in hunt mode, but can be lengthened easily for load carrying ability. I'm working on it, and am getting close I think. Now I just need a seamstress to help me sew up some 70D Silnylon.

 

[Aron Snyder]

Not yet, but 2014 may bring something that gets pretty close to it.

With all the competition in the industry, the customer always wins.

 

[Ben]

Yes, it does exist. I just wrote a extensive review about it after trying it on in my living room. Everyone applauded me and rumor has it that you will all be holding a parade for me in the near future.

One pack that I like a lot, and still have, is a Marine Corps ALICE pack. There are a lot of companies that offer upgraded belts and straps (which are very needed) and even some that will sew on additional pockets. I used an ALICE pack even after being issue my ILBE (Arcteryx) because I liked it better. If you tried all the other packs, it might be worth looking into.

Just another option...

Let me know what you picked and why.

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

Yup, 2014 will be a good year.

 

[Chuffness]

Not yet, but 2014 may bring something that gets pretty close to it.

With all the competition in the industry, the customer always wins.

Cant wait to see whats coming next...

 

[justin davis]

I've been very happy with my Kifaru packs. I would say they are the perfect pack for me!

 

[kickemall]

No, and neither does the perfect dog or woman (or man, I don't judge). But that doesn't keep us from looking and trying.

 

[squeekieslayer]

great... better start saving now.

joe

 

[Rent Outdoor Gear]

Wow - that's a crazy list of packs you've had. I'd say you're qualified to post pack reviews at will.

DC

 

[MattB]

One would have to define what "the perfect pack" means, but no, I do not think one exists. Any pack is going to be a compramise in many scenarios: too big/stiff/heavy/tall for a daypack or too small/flexible/short to be the perfect hauler. Frame-wise, the Kifaru Bikini is the best compramise for me but is not perfect. I am still trying to find a bag that represents the best compramise. So far the big Highcamp is best, but definately not perfect.

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

The perfect pack would mean all of our bodies are exactly the same.

 

[Stid2677]

A debate as old as time...

http://74fdc.wordpress.com/2012/08/...ks-applying-the-old-ways-to-the-new-journeys/

 

[Mad Mountain Mike]

Not yet, but 2014 may bring something that gets pretty close to it.

With all the competition in the industry, the customer always wins.

I'm going to replace my DT3 with something a little bigger, are you suggesting a guy wait a month or two?

 

[Vitals]

Awesome link.

A debate as old as time...

http://74fdc.wordpress.com/2012/08/...ks-applying-the-old-ways-to-the-new-journeys/

 

[Vitals]

Yes. It does. It will be the one that ships on the 19th haha.

......I hope.

 

[Lawnboi]

Hard to pick just one when the situation usually dictates what I want in a pack, so I would have multiple perfect packs if I could.

Its nice to see all the innovation, and competition between companies, it assures us consumers that we will continue to see the better stuff come out.

Or you can just be like all those guys that haul their t1 around everywhere , sorry guys but I like a smaller pack for smaller work

Perfect pack for every situation, never

 

[tttoadman]

I bought my first new pack in over 15 years. I think this one will last me awhile. I never realized how much of a pc of #$%^& my old freighter pack was until I started paying attention to what all you guys are using. I intend to buy a lightweight freighter to use on 2nd(and up) loads. I would rather wear out a $150 frame on meat hauling trips than my new fancy pants pack.

Aron's post makes me think he knows something is isn't saying??