Empty pack weight

[RBHunter]

So I was thinking last night about pack weight. Lots of good info on here about what people are shooting for as a total. whether it be super UL, standard midrange or a little on the "heavy" side. Depending on what guys can afford for gear or choose to live without. It left me wondering at some point isnt their a basic starting point? Total weight will change from a 3 day hunt to a 10 day due to food, water, and a few other necessities. But the basics should be the same. Sleeping, clothing, and other daily use items correct? So assuming you are running the same pack year round as I do. Pack empty of all items where should it be? My current setup as of yesterday. This is with no strap trimming, and the appropriate amount of buckles to keep everything clipped together. Nothing extra.

Kifaru hunter 26" frame composite stays
Muskeg 7k with chamber pocket
X pac guide lid with chamber pocket
Sherman pocket
Water bottle pocket
Small pocket
Weight = 7.8 lbs.

What is everyone else shooting for?

 

[Beendare]

Thats ^ getting up there for me.

I like my base pack weight as low as possible with the pack itself still capable of carrying 70#-80# of boned out meat [my self imposed limit]

My McHale is just under 6# empty...works as a day pack and a meat hauler without barreling like some of the UL packs will do.

I think a guy can find many good options in the 6# range now-a-days

 

[AK Troutbum]

My SG medium XCurve, two belt pockets, Kifaru gun bearer, 6300ci Terminus bag/lid= 82 oz., or 5.1 lbs.
I can get it down to 52 oz., or 3.25 lbs. if I go with a SG medium Krux frame and custom (approx. 5000ci), cuben fiber bag.


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[bozeman]

I'll get another measurement, but my seek outside unaweep 4,800 with talon, lid and one hip belt was right at 4.5lbs if I remember correctly........

 

[RBHunter]

Well so far I am on the heavier side. But seem to be running quite a bit more inches. All together I am sitting about 8,843. I'm not sure where my frame sits compared to the ones above but I could drop about a pound by switching to the new lite frame. But I like how mine haules and dont know if going lite would compromise that?

 

[mrbillbrown]

Kifaru 26” Bikini with medium belt
AMR bag (7800ci)
Guide lid (1200ci)
Nalgene pocket
Medium KU belt pouch (215ci)

6# 1oz for a total of 9215ci


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[RBHunter]

So it seems most my weight is in the frame

 

[Kevin_t]

I like to stay at 3 lbs or under if possible backpacking and 4 to 4.5 and under for hunting . I have not found I need anything more .


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[mrbillbrown]

So it seems most my weight is in the frame

Don’t let a little extra weight in your frame give you grief. If it’s hauling weight well for you and you’re happy with the set up then I’d advise against chasing the 1# loss. It’s cost me a metric ton of cash chasing the next best set up. If you’ve found something that you like and works well for you then keep on rocking it. Just my $.02...

 

[RBHunter]

Thanks mrbill, and to everyone else. I'm not losing too much sleep over it. Although I have alwase had the make it better bug. I enjoy have the extra room with me even if it means a bit more weight. I think the most intriguing thing with the new lite frames for me is the better looking ventalation. I run hot almost 100% of the time and a wet back is alwase a pain.

 

[LandYacht]

2 pounds 13 oz for my ku5200 as just the pack. Add a couple KU pockets and I hit 3 pounds.


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[fngTony]

Stone glacier evo frame 2lbs 7oz. Kuiu pocket 1oz x2 = 2oz Hydro holster 1.7oz
Rugged stitching 3000ci bag 20oz. Total 3lbs 14oz. For trail hiking I’ll just use a dry bag to save about 10oz. I wouldn’t worry about frame weight if it’s comfortable. The bag and add on pockets can get unnecessarily heavy though.

 

[Fatcamp]

Molle II frame and suspension with Kifaru large side pocket, cargo panel, Grab-it, and Molle II side pocket. 7.2#

I can carry some weight with it. Not real comfortable but seems to work.

My Cabela's pack frame are lighter but stick over my shoulders which I hate. This works for now.

 

[RockChucker30]

Under 5 lbs for empty pack, don't see much reason to go heavier. Goshawk will end up at 4.75 or so depending on lid and talon choices. Unaweep at under 4. Gila for short summer trips at under 3.

 

[ljalberta]

24" Hunting Frame.
Nalgene pocket
Belt pouch
Mountain warrior
Guide lid

7.03 lbs. I think my reckoning is a tad heavier.

 

[Jimbob]

So much depends on hunting style but less weight is always nicer (provided frame ability/fit is not compromised), so I aim to keep weight down to a minimum.

I want a set-up that can do 10+ day trips and pack out 120 lbs or more. If I was doing 5 day trips and packing animals out in multiple trips I might not be as concerned about a pound or two.

Anyways my current pack is just over 6.4 lbs. It is a modified eberlestock frame with 26" stays, kifaru belt, DIY 7500 ci bag, and, kifaru standard lid with pocket sewn in. I can make a few mods, composite stays and arrows crossbraces instead of aluminum, to the frame (3lbs13oz) and I should be able to get it down to 3lbs.

Now, I need a second pack that I am going to purchase this year so I have been researching options.

Here is my plan for a new pack

1. Kifaru lite frame - 3 lbs (might go for the ultralite but I need to chat with Aron first)
2. Make my own bag out of xpac ~ 1 lb 8 oz


The DIY xpac bag might come out heavier as I think I am going to use 1" webbing and side release buckles.



So long answer short, my goal is a sub 5 lbs pack that can handle 10 days and 120+lbs

 

[tipsntails7]

If the Kifaru frame fits you the best the extra weight is moot. Its when other lighter frames fit you as good or better is where the benefit lies.

 

[KitShickers]

Im running the Exo K2 5500. With 1 hip belt pocket and 2 stash pockets its about 5.7lbs. Heavier than I'd like, but the layout is perfect for me so I don't mind the extra weight. Huge fan of the long side pockets.

 

[Beendare]

Its worth deciding what you want to do with your pack.

If its just UL backpacking then sure you can get down in the 3lb-4lb range no problem. you don't need the beefier frame to pack heavy loads.

Many of us use our packs to haul meat loads and IME some of the packs mentioned Barrel or sag and generally don't handle the heavy meat loads well.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

I personally believe the pack weight debate concerning any of these packs are simply men wanting to debate. And, not an issue at all no matter how big of one its made out to be. If the difference in weight of a tactical frame from and an ultra light frame keeps you down or impedes your hunting, then something is wrong. Better yet, go vegan for a week and lose that difference from you.

My point is simple. And, I'm not trying to be a wise guy. I just don't understand it. Because, It's how it carries, not what it weighs that means something.