First pack purchase

[camolife84]

Starting to try and buy gear for first time elk hunt in colorado. Any advice on beginner packs. Looking to spend up to 300-350 on a pack. Looking for something in the 3500-5000 cu in range

 

[ks.snow]

Get a used pack. Kifaru, Stone glacier, Exo are the big guys. I like my kifaru duplex lite a lot. Tons of modularity with the Kifaru system. Check out the classifieds on here and you can pick up one for 350 I'd say.

 

[Wiscohunter]

I've been looking for a used pack for about two weeks now, they're not easy to find. I'm in the same boat as you and was thinking 4000 cu would be better for elk hunting. But the more experienced guys on here should be able to give better advice. Plus, it will depend if you're using as a day pack or backpack hunting.

 

[huntem]

Another thought to consider is a frame that is modular in design which will allow different size bags. I've seen solid kits sell very reasonable on eBay. The complete system may not be the exact size bag desired, but sell it and buy the size bag you want.

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What type of elk hunt is it? DYI or outfitter. Unless you are carrying everything on you pack, you may not need quite that large of a pack.

 

[Mitten32]

Keep your eye out for used packs as others have said. Your hunting style of choice and meat carrying method should probably influence the size of your pack. If you plan on running a meat shelf you could get away with a smaller pack. I would lean more towards the 5000 Cu mark unless your just planning on using it as a day pack. You'll be pretty shocked at how quickly your pack will if up if you if you not using some of the more expensive and compressible gear. If you're not planning on using a meat shelf I would go even bigger.

 

[Bowhuntone]

agree with ks.snow try to find a used top end pack if possible. your over all experience will be a lot better. I run an Exo 5500 but you won't go wrong with a Kifaru or Stone Glacier either.

 

[belly-deep]

Wait until Mystery Ranch packs go on sale (they get marked down 20-25% a few times a year usually) and pick up a Pintler for day hunts or a Metcalf for overnights.

 

[eod.tek]

If you find yourself in the market for a muster ranch pintler, feel free to pm me and I may be able to help!

 

[TTSX180]

Research and when you see a decent price on a used one buy it. They don’t last long, on the forums, I had four packs, sold them all and went to an EXO 3500. Does everything and comfortable will work on a four day hunt. It will probably last for a lot of years with minimal care.

 

[OakStuddedAcres]

To add to the list of manufacturers already given I would recommend taking a close look at Seek Outside. In most cases they are lighter weight and cheaper than the rest. I have been very happy with my Peregrine and they have several other bag options.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

Longtime between here and elk season. Lots of choices. If I was this far out, I’d set my $350 aside while looking for a used pack and frame. All the while saving more.





You aren’t likely going to buy a used frame and bag in that spec range for $350 from any of the big 5 makers, besides KUIU or Mystery Ranch. Problem, most people that have these packs really like them so, they are hard to come by that cheap.





I’ve never carried a Mystery Ranch hunting pack. I do and have carried a KUIU though. It’s a great system. Nothing wrong with it all. It’d do you just fine.





I prefer my Kifaru’s if forced to but, would not hesitate to Buy the KUIU or Mystery Ranch if beget restrictions saw that nessecary. I really like the whole system KUIU offers. Mid $400’s will put you in either one brand new. Mid $500 will put you in a new Kifaru frame and a nice used bag at your specs. $600 all new for them. Same prices with the seek outside and Exo brands too.




Don’t fret all this. A pack is important. But, any of these will work. I’d do as I said and by the end if February had I not found one, I’d buy new.