Help with a pack

[T3clay]

Hi everyone. I'm looking for some guidance on choosing a pack, will be used for both long Backcountry hunts and as a day pack. The Metcalf is about exactly what I'm looking for but I'm wondering if there other options that are a little more afordable. The best thing about the Metcalf is how small it will condense for day hunts. Anyone have any suggestions for other options?

I have done lots of reading but man there are so many options

Thanks!

 

[T3clay]

I should also add that I have no problem but I used

 

[WV Mountaineer]

I do not own a Mystery Ranch. Never have and likely never will. But, you asked for suggestions. Here is mine.

I own two kifaru frames, 5 pack bags for them, and a kuiu 1850 full kit. I like all three frames and while if I had to chose a brand between those two it would be the kifaru, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the KUIU. I love the bag layout too. If I were buying on a budget and needed what you are looking for, i would buy a used Kifaru frame and bag. Or, a used or new KUIU kit.

Here is the real deal. If you paid more for the Kifaru stuff, you would never regret it if you used them. They are the pinnacle in hunting setups for a reason. Their comfort is legendary, their quality is second to none, and their customer service is the Benchmark by which all others strive to match. And many do.

I've cared a lot of weight in both brands and will say for heavy loads, the Kifaru simply outshines the KUIU. It is all in the belt. But, the KUIU will carry it if you can. And do a good job at it. So, dont think I'm knocking them. If I didn't know better from first hand experience, I'd say the KUIU was 'da bomb. Their frame is bomb proof. They are light and streamlined. And, as stated before, there is absolutely nothing wrong with them.

I told you all that to say, do not over look a KUIU pack. If you are looking for affordability and function, no pack made rivals the KUIU for the price. You can buy a Kifaru and a simple bag for as cheap as you can a mystery ranch. You just gotta decide what is important to you. TO me, I use them for best uses for my needs. And, if I'm paying more out of the gate, I'm going to go ahead and buy what I determine to be the best. Meaning when elk hunting, I want a Kifaru on my back for the way it carries and its durability. For my wilderness whitetails hunts here, that I have to pack my deer out, the Kuiu fits the bill perfectly. Slightly lighter, more streamlined, and plenty capable of a 70-80 pound load of deer meat and gear.

 

[Shane Gunnin]

I have a Blacks Creek Guide Gear Talon Frame. I don’t have a bag yet I’ve been deciding but with training walks the load doesn’t move at all. Plus amazing customer service so that’s what I’d recommend

 

[Shane Gunnin]

I’m deciding wether to pull the trigger on a SG Frame right now

 

[silverbullet555]

There's no right or wrong as long ad you go quality. Some will fit better than others and in some respects that is trial and error. My buddy's dad uses and old pack frame and random bag strapped to it. He gets it done.

If you have the opportunity, try on as many ad you can. The frame is really that you are trying on. Perhaps some rockslide members nearby might be able to connect with you and let you try theirs on.

I'm fortunate, Exo and Blacks Creek are local. A local place also has mystery ranch which was helpful. I couldn't find a place to try on kifaru or stone glacier which was a bummer.

For me, the Exo felt the best. Being local was a plus and added to the decision.

Good luck. You might have to buy a couple and then return the one you don't want.


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[brisket]

1 vote for EXO
My advise is to try as many packs on with ~50lbs in them, and have someone help you set it up for your body. You'll get a much better representation of comfort. Also, be sure to do the same test with the less expensive brands. I wanted to save some money but after putting 50lbs in a cheap bag, quickly decided that the top tier packs were worth the money

 

[T3clay]

I don't know of anywhere in my area (MN) that carries multiple different packs,. Scheels carries mystery ranch but that's all I know of in my area.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions

 

[silverbullet555]

I don't know of anywhere in my area (MN) that carries multiple different packs,. Scheels carries mystery ranch but that's all I know of in my area.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions

Maybe post up a new thread that you are looking for folks in your are that you can meet to try on a pack. Most hunters are pretty cool that way.

If not, you can buy a couple, then compare at scheels and ship the ones back you don't like. You'll be out shipping, but you'll make a more informed decision. You're not worked about the extract pack at this point. You're just testing the frame.



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[Mt Al]

There are many more affordable options, just don't go with a dedicated hunting frame that can put a meat bag betwixt the frame and bag. Get a backpacking pack and good to go 90% of the time, suffer a bit (like everyone did forever, and most still do just fine, before the new packs came along) if you pull the trigger.

As for testing other packs, this is just my opinion, the whole thing is grossly overthought. They all have fans, they all work. The biggest issue by far is: did you adjust the harnessing to fit your frame, right size waist belt, properly loaded pack. Lots of good advice above, pull the trigger on something you like and be happy with it.

 

[1shotgear]

Hi everyone. I'm looking for some guidance on choosing a pack, will be used for both long Backcountry hunts and as a day pack. The Metcalf is about exactly what I'm looking for but I'm wondering if there other options that are a little more afordable. The best thing about the Metcalf is how small it will condense for day hunts. Anyone have any suggestions for other options?

I have done lots of reading but man there are so many options

Thanks!

The Stone Glacier Sky Archer 6200 is what I personally use for a 7 day back country hunt as well as a day pack. I can get everything I need and attach my bow to the bag. They do make a 6900 that is very popular also. There is a bag for every need you may have and 3 different style frames. The Xcurve frame is the one I would recommend specially hauling heavy loads.

 

[blkntancj]

Mountain Archery has the Metcalf in Multicam on closeout for $420

 

[Jimss]

If it were me it would be well worth the money to buy a nearly new Kifaru frame and bag in the classified section. They are super comfortable with hefty loads and have a large selection of bags and accessories. You can strap most of them tight to the frame when empty and haul 100+ lb loads. You may want to check out how much the Mystery Ranch weigh? They used to be super heavy. I would have chose Stone Glacier if I didn't buy Kifaru. It's definitely worth a once in a lifetime investment if you are going to do a bunch of packing! I use mine A LOT and it's well worth the price paying a little more for quality!

 

[Wrench]

I have a nice with a kifaru bag and mr bags, kifaru 24" frame and bags, badlands, Alaska range frame....and several others.

I like the nice best for hauling heavy with the exception that load lifters would be a great addition.

The kifaru is good as it comes, and individual adjustments on the shoulders are a great idea and a pain at the same time.

The MR is heavier and it has superior straps and suspension imo. The kifaru is a great setup, but I think a lot of guys tend to give it that "best ever" review with not much to compare it to.

Remember that my back and your back are not the same as Jimmy's back and fit trumps color.