First pack recomendations

[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

 

[DWBohnert]

I really like the Exo packs - light, great design, and fit me well. The one thing I don't like about them is they won't stand on their own when set down. Always falls over due to the base design.

 

[Dlaurino]

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.

Why do you wish you got the 6000? 5000 not big enough for you?

 

[flyfisher117]

Why do you wish you got the 6000? 5000 not big enough for you?

Most of my gear is big and bulky so a bit more room would be nice. I haven’t forked over the money for lighter/compact gear.

 

[Grassymike]

I would rather have extra room. Hate digging everything out to get to stuff and having to repack exactly to get all back in. I ended up with a Stone Glacier 6900 bag when I was about 90% convinced I wanted the 5900. Talked to the employee at the desk at SG headquarters and explained my main use is 9-10 day Sheep hunts. He quickly pointed me to the 6900. I have light/compact gear and more importantly carry ony what I NEED. Really like the design (side pockets and main zip in center of bag) . Compacts down to nothing in day hunt mode. The room is there when you need it after something dies.

 

[desertdwellerdyl]

If OP wanted to he can buy a used K4 bag for cheap off here and just buy the K4 frame. That should save him some coin. The bags are way easier to come by on here and not body-type specific

 

[Grassymike]

I would also echo the buy used/top end pack . Lots of deals come and go on the classifieds here.

 

[doc holiday13]

I think You should evaluate how deep you wanna get into hunting.. I found that frame packs like Osprey and Gregory are waaay less expensive than all other brands mentioned. Both can be found on Facebook marketplace used in great condition. They generally are rated up to 60#. They are truly geared towards hunting but if you find you wanna keep western hunting, its easy enough to resell the osprey and pickup hunting specific pack

 

[LR5Ranger]

So being a ex infantryman, I've always hauled around my trusty alice pack. This year I got the Initial Ascent 5k. I never understood why people would pay 7-800 for a pack but now I know why, I should have bought a decent pack years ago. So with nothing to compare it to other than the pack I hauled around Iraq, it's a winner.

 

[camelcluch]

The Exo is great like all the others have said. I’ll add a vote for Initial Ascent though. The way it holds weight is different.
I don’t think you can go wrong with an Exo or IA.

 

[Taudisio]

My guys, OP bought a kifaru nearly a month ago, page 1.

 

[Dlaurino]

If OP wanted to he can buy a used K4 bag for cheap off here and just buy the K4 frame. That should save him some coin. The bags are way easier to come by on here and not body-type specific

That’s a great idea to save a little money. Thanks

 

[Dlaurino]

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.

I’m sold. Exo it is

 

[Taudisio]

Kifaru still going strong this afternoon. Only about 120 pounds in the pack today.