If you were just starting out what pack would you buy?

[Sadler]

I’d buy a lightly used EXO K4 5000 from the classifieds. I’ve already seen a few posted and they’re extremely comfortable packs.

 

[MRL1984]

I'd check out something with changeable bags. I've run a number of packs from Mystery Ranch Pop Up 18 to Metcalf. Kuiu system with an 1800 and 3600 bag. Eberlestock various packs.

Exo K3 3200 is my current and other than some cool new features on the K4 I haven't thought about actually trading it. It just fits me right and I can carry more than I need in the 3200 bag with lid.

Ideally make some friends and try theirs out to see what fits best for you. Load it up and see how feels to pack around a bit. Inevitably you will probably try a few, check classifieds and the bay for deals on lightly used ones.

 

[Turkeyfreak12]

I love my SG 7900. The xcurve frame works really well for me. Mystery ranch frame hurt me but this xcurve frame under weight has been amazing for me.

 

[swampfox]

I’ve been running a kuiu pack for 7 yrs now and it’s been great for me. I picked up a stone glacier two years ago after reading so many great reviews but it just did not work for me at all once I got about 50 lbs in it. It was terribly uncomfortable for me so I sold it. I will say I tried out the exo K4 at the expo last year and it was incredible. If I wasn’t so cheap I’d be buying one of those but the kuiu has been awesome for me and has packed a lot of critters. If starting fresh I’d start at exo, the k3 felt good to me but nothing special, while the k4 was something else

 

[greghuber417]

I have packed a lot of elk and deer with a eberlestock Just One pack from the late 2000's. I passed that along to my son and recently purchased an EXO K4. I like the way it sits on the hips and doesn't slip down. Can't wait to put it to work some day.

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[98XJRC]

Something with aluminum stays, above all.

I’m curious as to why you would be recommending aluminum above all? As most big pack manufacturers known for carrying heavy weight are all using carbon composite stays (EXO, Kifaru, and Stone Glacier). The carbon composite stays have proven at this point to carry weight and provide the durability we all want/need.

 

[MallardSX2]

Straightjacket

Designed as a truly functional day pack with full seven day expedition capabilities and endless options in between. The base Straightjacket is best suited for day gear, spotting scopes, tripods, etc. Add the Guide lid, Bane, and Camp Bag to expand the Straightjacket capacity for multi day...

kifaru.net

I wish this was offered when I bought my fulcrum.

 

[ljalberta]

I’m sure it’s been mentioned here, but size wise, I would go big if I could only have 1 pack. Especially if you’re getting into backpack hunting. Often the gear can be bulkier unless you’re able to spend some $ to shave some weight and bulk. A big pack compresses easily to daypack size.

I would go with something 7k+ cu/inch.

 

[Sadler]

That sounds like a red flag to me.

Ok. Buy one at full price then?

 

[pirogue]

I’d buy a lightly used EXO K4 5000 from the classifieds. I’ve already seen a few posted

These haven’t been out long, have they? Sounds like a red flag.

 

[Matt5266]

Buy a used big name name. Kifaru, exo, IA ect. You do not wanna skimp on a pack. Once I got a good pack I was mad at myself for all the years I screwed around with lesser quality

 

[pirogue]

Ok. Buy one at full price then?

Why buy something unpopular, that people obviously don’t want to keep?

 

[Sadler]

Why buy something unpopular, that people obviously don’t want to keep?

Why buy a used car?

 

[pirogue]

Why buy a used car?

I wouldn’t.

 

[Sadler]

These haven’t been out long, have they? Sounds like a red flag.

It’s not. Lots of people buy brand new gear, end up not going on the hunt and then sell it to recoup money. I see it all the time. Just because it’s used doesn’t mean it’s junk

 

[Sadler]

I wouldn’t.

Ok

 

[GhostBass25]

Ok

I got a good kick out of this one. Thanks for it


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[GhostBass25]

And thanks all for the recommendations. Didn’t expect so many responses.


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[Sadler]

And thanks all for the recommendations. Didn’t expect so many responses.


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Just be sure if you buy a used pack to tie all the red flags to the antlers of the next animal you pack out.

 

[GhostBass25]

Just be sure if you buy a used pack to tie all the red flags to the antlers of the next animal you pack out.

I’ll be sure to remember.


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