First Pack Advice

[Rbonsen]

I'm sure you could rig something up, my concern would be load stability. The way the bag attaches to the frame would not leave much room in between for meat (almost none). With enough straps you could make it work in a pinch, but it won't be right. I always had to put meat inside or on top, and it was way too big and non compressible for a day pack. When I used it for week long trips I hauled the bag to camp and dropped it off, then used a stuff sack or some other small bag to carry my gear to hunt. I went to the Kuiu because of the ability to haul gear and meat, suck it way down for a day pack and to not have the hard frame clanking off of my gun. Gun carriers solve that problem, but my .02 having both styles is that I may use the Alaskan frame and bag as a loaner, but I will not use it willingly over my Kuiu. Ever

 

[Jimbob]

You don't have to spend a fortune for one trip a year.

I purchased a kifaru because I moved to a place that I am regularly doing backpack hunts. Also I love hiking in the winter, spring, and summer. My bag will get lots of use and need to carry very heavy loads, 100+lbs. Therefore, i made the decision to buy top of the line.

If you do not hike at home and only need a bag for drop camp hunt once a year then I think you can get by with cheaper.

My friend who lives here in Northern BC runs a kuiu icon pro 7200 and he is happy. He goes sheep hunting with his wife and two kids and does big loads. I was checking out his pack the other day next to my kifaru and I would not be hesitant to hunt with the kuiu. If they were the same price the kifaru is a no brainer but with significant savings I think the kuiu is a nice pack.

 

[TRPhntFSH89]

If you are looking at the cabelas multiday pack just know it is for waist sizes 32 and up. I have a 31" waist and the belt would not get tight enough to keep it up all day with 40 lb load. Other than that I think its a great pack,, for the money, as long as the frame holds up. I only ever put 40-50 lbs in it on a week long elk hunt in CO last fall.