First pack recomendations

[W_sommers]

This year me and a few buddies decided to try and draw some general elk tags and need to try and figure out what gear we are going to need. It will be a 7 day archery hunt without much of a base camp. This being said I am wondering what packs are going to be our best fit for this kind of hunt. Any advice in general is welcomed.

 

[Crapshoot]

EXO K4. 5000.

 

[flyfisher117]

Exo, Stone Glacier, Kifaru, Initial Ascent seem to be the big Dawgs.

Eberlestock, Mystery Ranch, Badlands seem to have their own cult followings.

My reccomendation would be to try your hardest to try on a few brands with weight and get what's fits you. I tried on every pack I could and some very hyped up frames did not fit me well at all.

 

[W_sommers]

Exo, Stone Glacier, Kifaru, Initial Ascent seem to be the big Dawgs.

Eberlestock, Mystery Ranch, Badlands seem to have their own cult followings.

My reccomendation would be to try your hardest to try on a few brands with weight and get what's fits you. I tried on every pack I could and some very hyped up frames did not fit me well at all.

Do you have any recommendations on size?

 

[brca005]

Another vote for the Exo K4 5000.

I have it and love it, it’s big enough for any hunt or camping/hiking I plan on doing, and will compress down small enough for daypack use as well and not feel sloppy.

As others on here will recommend, go try any and all frames on you can, to see which one fits you best. What frame fits me and feels good to me, might not fit you the same. And all of the big 3 frames will also handle the weight well, but it all boils down to fitment to you.

For actual pack size, I would stay in the 5000 range, it’ll allow you to pack everything you need while keeping you from packing a lot of fears as well. Each of the big 3 (Exo, SG and Kifaru) all have packs in that range.

Good luck with your search for a new pack, check classifieds as there is always the big 3 on there, then you can get a high end pack at a more budget friendly price.

 

[flyfisher117]

Do you have any recommendations on size?

How much crap do you have and how bulky is it all? I was going to get a 3600 sized pack. Both SG and Exo told me that's oodles. I was nervous and got the 5000. After loading it I wish I went with a 6000.

 

[Taudisio]

Exo, Stone Glacier, Kifaru, Initial Ascent seem to be the big Dawgs.

Eberlestock, Mystery Ranch, Badlands seem to have their own cult followings.

My reccomendation would be to try your hardest to try on a few brands with weight and get what's fits you. I tried on every pack I could and some very hyped up frames did not fit me well at all.

This^
A pack is similar to a pair of shoes. A brand may fit my feet perfectly and another one gives me blisters. Doesn’t matter how much it costs. Try on the top brands and go with the one that fits best.

 

[W_sommers]

Another vote for the Exo K4 5000.

I have it and love it, it’s big enough for any hunt or camping/hiking I plan on doing, and will compress down small enough for daypack use as well and not feel sloppy.

As others on here will recommend, go try any and all frames on you can, to see which one fits you best. What frame fits me and feels good to me, might not fit you the same. And all of the big 3 frames will also handle the weight well, but it all boils down to fitment to you.

For actual pack size, I would stay in the 5000 range, it’ll allow you to pack everything you need while keeping you from packing a lot of fears as well. Each of the big 3 (Exo, SG and Kifaru) all have packs in that range.

Good luck with your search for a new pack, check classifieds as there is always the big 3 on there, then you can get a high end pack at a more budget friendly price.

Thanks I appreciate the advice.

 

[W_sommers]

How much crap do you have and how bulky is it all? I was going to get a 3600 sized pack. Both SG and Exo told me that's oodles. I was nervous and got the 5000. After loading it I wish I went with a 6000.

Well I’m sure I’ll end up over packing so I’ll be safe and go with something around a 6000 lol


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[Thatguy01]

I have been happy with my Kuiu pack. I know there are better options but for the price point it has served me well.

 

[CoWapiti]

I went the kifaru route for my first and I've been really happy with it. I have a duplex lite frame with the fulcrum and a guide lid, belt pouch, and Nalgene bottle holder. I wanted a bigger pack that is easy to compress for smaller loads/day hikes and it's served the purpose well. I haven't ever felt like I've needed a bigger/smaller bag.

Also bought my wife an Exo K4 EXS. Looking forward to seeing how she likes it this spring. As everyone has said, you can't go wrong with any of the big names. Try as many as you can, see what feels best and roll with it. The great thing about this forum is you'll have no trouble selling and trying something new if you don't love what you choose for your first. Good luck!

 

[Regent]

My vote is also on the Exo K4 5000, compresses down to a tiny day pack, expands to hold anything you need.

Buy once, cry once.

 

[DrBeetleKill]

I started out running Mystery Ranch. The packs never really fit me and were very heavy compared to other options. I picked up a SG on sale recently and it barely feels like I notice the pack. I love the belt and weight distribution. The pack I grabbed was 6400. Should be plenty for day hunting and week long trips. I still would like to try an exo at some point. I think the good thing about SG and Exo is you can run multiple bag options once you have the frame that fits you best. I know you can still find some SG bag options online for 20% plus off.

 

[Marble]

Well I’m sure I’ll end up over packing so I’ll be safe and go with something around a 6000 lol


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If you are new backpacking, you'll discover there is a stepping learning curve to get your gear dialed for you. My suggestion is after you get I what you think you'll need together, do an overnight hike. Evaluate the function and comfort of everything,and make sure to try and use all of your gear. If you do this a few times, you'll get close to what you need.

The biggest mistake I see people do is packing unnecessary gear. They tend to use the thought of, "Oh, I might use that." That type of 'packing your fears' makes your pack heavy and potentially disorganized.

Plan out gear with your group. You don't each need a stove and fuel canister. Just avoid multiples of unnecessary stuff. Me and my partner take one stove, 1 tent. We split it up with volume and weight in mind. We also split one set of elk bags. The likelihood of killing two at one time is low, and, if we do kill an elk, we start packing meat. Worse case scenario you kill another and use a hefty bag or something to take other meat to the truck. Or leave the skin on and hang it.

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