First pack recomendations

[mtnbound]

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.

I have used Kifaru, Kuiu, SG, Exo and numerous others. The new K4 Exo is great the older ones didn’t fit me. I would try to find some local guys and see if you can try on a pack to see what’s fits you best. All of the major company’s have packs that will do what you are asking but not all of the packs will fit you comfortably with 70lbs.


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[Taudisio]

For a first pack, I wouldn't go with a top-end pack. I'd get something used and cheap, maybe like a Kelty Cache Hauler w/ drybag or Slumberjack Bounty. You will learn a lot about what features you'd like to have in a pack and then you can upgrade after getting some use on the cheaper pack.

I respectfully disagree with this. This is exactly why I have bought and sold 4 other packs for a loss of money. Do your research, do some testing, and buy once, cry once. Do not go out and buy a Hyundai Elantra to tow a 5th wheel.

 

[timbernomad]

I hear what you're saying. I suppose part of the disagreement is that I think the packs I mentioned are more than capable of getting the job done and that a person could hunt for a lifetime without upgrading.

 

[gdiemer]

Another vote for exo K4. Hard to beat a company with the sole goal of creating the best backcountry hunting pack


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[Taudisio]

I hear what you're saying. I suppose part of the disagreement is that I think the packs I mentioned are more than capable of getting the job done and that a person could hunt for a lifetime without upgrading.

That’s fair, I have zero experience with them. How do they hold up to abuse? How much weight are they able to comfortably carry?

 

[Trapline]

military large ruck and never look back, blows all the duffle bags with back pack straps away, nothing more field tested.

 

[D_wit22]

Exo

 

[go_deep]

I have a EXO K4, awesome pack, but if I didn't own one today I'd get in the classified and pick up a few used ones of different flavors. You and your buddies try out a couple different one, keep what works, sell what doesn't, and buy more new of the ones you like if you can't find more used ones of that kind.

 

[Layrk15]

Another vote for Exo! Although, I haven't tried a lot of the other high end packs, I have tried a couple cheapos that did not cut it. Then upgraded with mystery ranch for a couple years and it was ok but not as comfortable as Id like. I tried a buddy's Exo on and I was sold. I have the K3 frame and run a 3200 bag and it is very comfortable!

 

[wh0cansay]

I’ve got a Kifaru dall pack on the way so I’ll let you know how I like it


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Which frame did you get?

 

[Kwmountainman]

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.

I initially had the Exo 4800 K3 and was struggling to fit all my gear/food in it fit a 6 day hunt. Ended up buying the next size up, think it’s 6800 and glad I did. Lots of room.

 

[W_sommers]

Which frame did you get?

The duplex lite. I’ve only had it out once with a little weight in it but I like it so far.


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[Taudisio]

The duplex lite. I’ve only had it out once with a little weight in it but I like it so far.


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Solid choice. Mine has been a tank and fits me like a glove.

That’s a whole 150ish pound bear.

 

[PoniBoy]

Another vote for the Exo K4. They make quality stuff that’s thoughtfully designed for hunters, and you won’t find a company who backs their products better.

 

[45-70govt]

You'll enjoy the Dall. I got mine last year and worked out great for a 5 day sheep hunt. Still lots of room to add more in for later season hunts. I also picked up a Stryker XL for day hunts, hiking and training which has been great also.
Make sure you take time to get it tweaked right though. When i first got it i found it didnt sit on my hips like it should and interfered with my hip flexors. Watched the set up video kifaru had and with some tweaks to the suspension its locked in great carries weight without effort now

 

[cuerro viejo]

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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Most the packs listed have a load self, I’ve done 8 days with 2200 and lid, by utilizing a dry sack and load self for camp stuff. It’s not as stream lined but something to consider

 

[W_sommers]

You'll enjoy the Dall. I got mine last year and worked out great for a 5 day sheep hunt. Still lots of room to add more in for later season hunts. I also picked up a Stryker XL for day hunts, hiking and training which has been great also.
Make sure you take time to get it tweaked right though. When i first got it i found it didnt sit on my hips like it should and interfered with my hip flexors. Watched the set up video kifaru had and with some tweaks to the suspension its locked in great carries weight without effort now

Where did you find that set up video?

 

[grfox92]

Do yourself a favor and buy an Exo K4 5000. I started out with a Mil Surplus Alice pack. Then got a Kelty pack, Then got Seek and finally now have an Exo K4.

Nothing even comes close. I spent as much money on the "Starter Packs" combined as I paid for the K4, selling and losing money on all of them as I moved on.

There is a reason so many live by the Buy once Cry once motto on Roksllide and its because its true. There are places you can hunt for a lifetime with cheaper gear. Boots and Packs are the 2 things that you can not sacrifice on,.

 

[AKEK]

I want to put a plug in for the AKEK packs. It comes with a try before you buy option so if you don't like it no money lost. The quality is spot on with EXO and comes with more features and lower price. Watch this short intro to one of the packs:

 

[45-70govt]

Where did you find that set up video?

Couple clips to watch from them: