I am thinking of getting a new pack

[Vector32]

Not sure if i need one but? I currently have an Eberlestock just one with a spike duffel. I am looking at the MR, outdoormans pack system and the Kifaru. I would like one about the same size

What are you guys using? Likes dis likes? Thanks

 

[7mag.]

I have a buddy that wants to start backpack hunting, and I suggested Kifaru, Stone Glacier, Mystery Ranch, and Kuiu. He has an Eberlestock now as well, but wants to upgrade.

 

[Rocky]

Personally I would stay away from kuiu for packs, but i like their clothing. I broke a frame last season. The good thing was that the company was quick to send out a replacement frame. I have not hiked with my new kifaru yet but did load it up and wear it for awhile. My first impression is that it feels better and carries the weight better than the Kuiu. These are just my thoughts. Take your time researching and buy what you want first even if it cost more. It is cheaper than rebuying something because you want to upgrade.

 

[LazyV]

To echo what rocky said, my Kuiu frame cracked the first time I used it. Their clothing is where it's at, just not sold on the frame. I love the pack its self, wish the frame was better. Doubt it'll be a popular choice on here, but my badlands 4500 has been great. It's packed a bunch of animals out and is really comfortable. Plus you can't beat badlands warranty policy. All that being said, if I had to get a new pack right now it'd be a Kifaru duplex timberline.

 

[justin davis]

I'm a big fan of kifaru packs. They are pricey but well worth the cost in my opinion. A great lifelong investment.

 

[hammer0419]

Kifaru ALL THE WAY. Years ago I was dead set against spending that kind of money on a backpack. DOZENS & DOZENS of packs later and a huge amount spent on return shipping fees...... I gave in. Absolute best decision I ever made. Fit, comfort, quality and carry is unmatched. Try one and let the addiction begin!

 

[ams]

Just wondering what your complaints about the eberlestock are?

 

[littlebuf]

Just wondering what your complaints about the eberlestock are?

they hurt with weight in them. ive never had anything tear my shoulders up more than a just one with a full load of elk in it. that was the last time I ever used one and I never would again

 

[Slim Jim]

^^^X2 on the eberlestock killing the shoulders. I think the reason I have a jacked up rotator cuff is because of my old j34 pack. I would always have to stop about every half mile or so with weight in the pack and bend over with my hands on my knees to let the pressure off of my shoulders. My new bikini and dt1 bag is the chit! I've already had about 8 hikes with 60+ pounds in it and never feel any weight on my shoulders. Best $ I've ever spent

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

Whatever you get, functional load lifters are a big piece of the equation.

 

[ams]

I'm asking so I can let a buddy be reassured I'm not just trying to make him spend money for no real gain. I've never used an eberlestock but read the same complaints on them over various forums. Also for the OP to describe what exactly has him on the fence with keeping it or upgrading. The issue I have convincing my friend is he never really has been away from the roads and usually takes a deer within a mile of his truck. The result is only 30-40 minutes of hiking before the pack is off. This year we are going farther in and higher up and I'm afraid he may be in for a suprise.

 

[Gman]

For backpack hunting its been said time and time again the two most important pieces of equipment are your boots and your pack. Either can make or break a hunt. Backcountry hunting is tough and uncomfortable and every place you can make it better is money well spent. You'll get more "comfort" bang for your buck on the extra dollars spent on pack and boots. I can speak from experience that stepping up to a Kifaru pack changed my backcountry and hunting life. There are plenty of upgrades I've made on other pieces of gear that left me saying ho-hum but you won't feel that on a real pack.

To reiterate an earlier post if you're going a mile from the truck it doesn't matter as much but if you're hiking off into the woods with everything you need to survive on your back and hope to bring and animal out it makes a very significant difference.

 

[BlackBear]

For what it's worth, I have a 1st generation (Icon 6000) and a second generation (Icon 7000) from KUIU. Both are great packs that have worked very well for me. I have not had any problems with my frames. Pockets/organization are second to none.

 

[Hunt'nFish]

I personally like modular packs that can be run w/o the frame for day hunting and yet can still get a load out on the first trip.
I bounce between my Nimrod, Oregon Pack Works (Orion) and my Wilderness Packs Specialties "Compact Combo".

But my goto pack is a hybrid....the Nimrod Pinnacle Pack w/ WPS Compact frame & Nimrod Wilderness Gear Bag (firefighter model w/ the side pockets). w/ DIY pods added as nessesary.


Most of the time I'll run w/ just the Nimrod Base Belt Harness and a set of simple DIY meat straps that buckle on the back. This allows me to run w/ a 3lb harness w/ ~600ci pounch on the back, just large enough for basic day stuff and UL meat bags. When I kill I just pull out my meat straps loop them around a qtr or two and buckle them on the back.


Other times I might be running w/ the frame buckled on, in which case I can use the WPS "Handi-Pak" meat harness/load panel. I modified my WPS meat harness and sewed on a couple sets of PAL loops to accept a MOLLE sustainment pouch to give me the option of adding a little extra food & water for the day.


Of course I can also add the Nimrod Pinnacle Pack w/ or w/o the frame. Basically I use this pack body for my overnight/extended hunt gear. More food & shelter gear. Being a horse guy I have to admit this config gets used a lot. If we kill a long ways from base camp, we have just enough gear to build a fire, throw up a fly and stay relatively comfortable for the night. Heck night passes pretty quick when your roasting tenderloin on a stick and passing the brandy bottle back/forth. (wink)

If I'm going in multi-day on foot, I add the Nimrod Wilderness Gear Bag for my sleep system, jetboil & food. And I'll add pods as I see fit to accomodate clothes.

Once I get to my base camp, I'll unbuckle most of these components and leave them in camp and run once again w/ only the Base Belt Harness....and maybe the Pinnacle pack. My GPS, Radio and binos all hang off of the harness. I do have to point out, I don't use a tripod/spotting scope, so I don't have to accomodate packing those. All I need are my binos and the 20x glass on my rifle.
Anyway that's what works for me.
Hunt'nFish

 

[greyghostnw]

ya, returned 5 packs last season.... will be going in debt for a kifuru any day as well...... well unless no highlander, its not listed all the sudden for a pattern under options for the big timberline 1,7200 cu i want. whats up with that?

 

[SHTF]

Listen to Hunt&Fish aka Mike. Knows his shit and has been in the pack world and tried them all. He will steer you in the right direction on pack choices. At the same time its going to be a personal decision on what you want and works for you. Im a huge Nimrod Backpack/Kifaru Pack Supporter. I Love the Nimrod Pinnacle + Harness + Guide bag for up overnight and 3 day excursions. If Im going to be in the field any longer and know Im going to be hauling a heavy load Its Kifaru all the way.

 

[Brodie]

For the guys with the cracked KUIU's are these 2011 or 2012 frames?

 

[LazyV]

Mine that cracked was a 2011.