Help me choose a pack

[lucascole76]

Going to be purchasing my 1st back pack for packing camp in . Being this is my first pack I would like to get something that I will have for years to come. "5-9 days "
So far I am looking at
Kuiu icon pro 7200
Exo 5500
Kifaru ANR, Duplex timber
Any other suggestions or advice please chime in.
Thanks



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[welpro222]

The problem is, you will most likely buy one, then sell it and try another one and so on. Like most of us here do.

Kifaru is the way to go. The duplex timberline 1 is one of the most popular packs in the lineup. The AMR is similar but without the side pockets and is much bigger. The AMR look like it can compress down better into daypack mode with its 3 per side compression straps.

 

[Dameon]

Mystery Ranch Marshall packs are on Camofire right now for less than $360 if you are looking to save money. Otherwise, I think you have a great list of packs to check out. I'd go for the Exo or Kifaru packs myself.


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[tttoadman]

Don't exclude Stone Glacier from the list. Very capable, and extremely comfortable to most users.

 

[husky390]

Kifaru EMR II or Stone Glacier Sky7400. Either one will last you for years and can compress or expand as you wish. Those are what I decided to go with after messing around with some smaller packs. YRMV.

 

[COlineman78]

Something that would be helpful is to post your size/weight. Certain packs just won't work for tall people (Exo, Kuiu).

 

[Dameon]

Don't exclude Stone Glacier from the list. Very capable, and extremely comfortable to most users.

Good point, the Sky Archer 6200 has my eye as a great do it all pack. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks like it has the best ability to compress to bivy/daypack or day hunt mode due to the sewn in fold lines. If you are still looking for a pack and have it in your budget, you should definitely include Stone Glacier on your list.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Good point, the Sky Archer 6200 has my eye as a great do it all pack. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks like it has the best ability to compress to bivy/daypack or day hunt mode due to the sewn in fold lines. If you are still looking for a pack and have it in your budget, you should definitely include Stone Glacier on your list.

I just picked one up Friday. I had a solo. In bivy mode, there's really no difference footprint wise, yet it really expands in volume. That's pretty much the story on all of those sky series packs, any of them will compress to use as a daypack.

 

[Dameon]

Good to know. How comfortable is the belt and harness?


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[adventure907]

Get a Barney's Pack, only way to roll for extremely heavy loads.....
http://barneyssports.com/packs-bags/external-frame.html

 

[husky390]

Good to know. How comfortable is the belt and harness?


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Belt is comfortable but I have crap posture and roll my shoulders forward when walking. Since I walk like this and have a tall torso the bottom of the shoulder pads that attach to the frame will dig into my back and shoulder blades. Apparently they have extenders to Velcro onto the frame if you have this issue but I haven't tried them.
Otherwise, I find it more comfortable than my Duplex frame.

 

[lucascole76]

Something that would be helpful is to post your size/weight. Certain packs just won't work for tall people (Exo, Kuiu).

6"1 -240lbs on a good day

 

[hammer0419]

Kifaru, Exo, or Stone Glacier. All incredible but all a bit different. Just a matter of personal preference.

 

[COlineman78]

6"1 -240lbs on a good day

I'm 6'5" 250 with a long torso and broad shoulders. The Kuiu couldn't be correctly adjusted for me and it felt like it was pulling my shoulders back. I have heard that the Exo and MR frames don't work as well for taller guys along with the old Kifaru frames, but have not tried one out personally. While you couldn't go wrong with a SG or SO, I personally run a Kifaru and it is the best pack I have ever worn. I can go up to 70lbs before I even notice any weight when it's adjusted properly. I have an EMR2 and a 22Mag, but would like to try an AMR at some point.

 

[Mtslackcountry]

spend 10 minutes on stone glacier website. I have have the sky 5100. its simple, light and a amazing load carrier. Simple and light are its key attributes. I don't get the kifaru guys and their 50 different attachments and what not.

 

[lucascole76]

Do any of these manufactures have a military discount ? Or ever put anything on sale ?


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[tttoadman]

I haven't spent much time in the field with my Kifaru frame. My primary setup is the first generation Stone Glacier Solo(no lid and attached meat shelf) with a Kifaru longhunter or XTL lid. The modularity of all these pack systems makes this kind of setup very easy.

 

[ams]

Definitely consider Seek Outside packs. Between me and my buddy we've owned every pack available. The SO packs are as waterproof as you're gonna find (xpac, covered zippers, roll-top) and usually under 5 lbs for over 7000 cubic inches. You can adjust from a 22, ,24, 26, 28 inch frame stays in a couple minutes with their extensions. The pack is the most comfortable I've used from 20 lbs to 130 lbs because of the unique design. So essentially, I day hunt with a shorter frame, put something down, throw on the extensions and hike it out. For multiple days I leave the frame at 28" have 7000 ci of space, and still at 5 lbs or less in the most comfortable frame I've used. Win win

 

[wapitibob]

Being your first pack I'd suggest you go to REI and spend a cpl hundred, take it hunting and figure out what you need vs what others think you need, sell the pack on Craigslist after that first year, then buy the right one for how you hunt.

 

[oldgoat]

One thing about buying Kifaru is the resale value is unbelievable, I just saw one of the new frames that sale for $376 go for $370 on eBay, sell it in August and you can probably get $376 for it. So if it doesn't work you can sell it with very little loss on your dollar versus some of the other ones. Also you can piece it together a little at a time since they are modular. Personally I think if I was starting from scratch, I'd go with a frame, cargo panel, guide lid and some pockets with either a camp bag or durable dry bag to haul camp stuff in. Then if you want a bag later, remove the Cargo Panel and you would still use the rest of the stuff.