First hunting pack recommendations

[mitchellmountain]

I've been using a Mystery Ranch Beartooth and I love it.

My first mystery ranch I bought in 19', it was a big step up from tenzing I was using. I used that set up( terraframe) for 5 years and then got a kifaru frame. That set up was a big jump up from my MR. Got my son a 23' metcalf as a graduation present and it was a big step up from my original terraframe. Starting out with a current mystery ranch, kuiu, used exo or used kifaru will be light years ahead of where I started out. My original original was a cabelas outfitter external frame 20+ years ago, and I loved it. You don't know what you don't know I guess, lol.

 

[BigredRusch]

Look for a used pack from one of the major brands (EXO, Mystery Ranch, etc) that fits your size needs (1800 cu in vs 5500 cu in) with a meat shelf and don't sweat the details. Make sure it is sized for your back length and waist and it will serve you well. All the things you learn from using it can be applied to your 2nd pack purchase.

 

[pirogue]

Are people in the land of the kangaroo, big on external pouches?

 

[Nwihunter]

Definately look for a used EXO. I have a K2 model and love it. I see them come up for a very reasonable price now that they are up to the K4 model.

 

[Camroo]

Are people in the land of the kangaroo, big on external pouches?

Honestly i'm too green to even know!

 

[wh0cansay]

Whatever you do, either get a pack with aluminum stays, or order a set of them if it doesn't so that you can swap them out. Most packs these days come with composite stays, which can not be fitted to your spine. If the fit is off, you will experience slippage under load and overall discomfort.

Aluminum stays are crucial - ideally 7075 grade.

 

[barrister]

They don’t get much mention on Rokslide, but I have and like the Ourdoorsmans Palisade 90. I had an EXO and a Mystery Ranch previously but I found them too much of a hassle for my needs. For my use case, I didn’t need all the features. The Outdoorsmans is simple but effective. I find it comfortable. I love the posts on the frame that keep a rifle sling in place while hiking. The frame also has a built in gun rest to use the pack as a shooting rest. It’s easy to adjust the pack and use its features.

 

[HilltopHitman]

Exo

 

[SydneyKing]

Hard thing is our Australian dollar, best way for me to get a Kifaru would be second hand from the States as it seems more available and stronger market. Kifaru hasn't been in Australia for that long and for a pack setup new you're looking at 1600AUD. I'm happy to buy second hand, it's just a matter of sorting out my account on here for the classified and finding someone you will send it to Aus.

There are plenty of US onforwarding accounts you can have stuff sent to, if you can’t get sent directly to Australia

 

[wh0cansay]

Second-hand Hill People Gear Qui-Ya. Kifaru is way overpriced for what you get, although used deals can be pretty good.