Lets Debate... AKEK is The Better Hunting Pack System

[Marbles]

I'll give an honest point by point reply. But seeing as you throw out "haters" later on, I might just be pissing in the wind.

I truly believe the AKEK packs are the best on the market. Here’s why:

That's good, but I don't believe things just because others do, particularly when it concerns a pet project, even more so when money is involved.

Best Quick-Release System
It comes with the best quick-release weapon holder on the market, because it works for both a gun AND a bow.

Maybe.

Built-In Organization
These packs have more pockets for organizing than most other packs. If you’re a minimalist, just don’t use them. But if you like your gear dialed, you’ll appreciate the options.

I don't want that, don't want the weight for organisation I don't use.

Full Carbon Fiber Curved Frame
The full carbon fiber curved frame offers better support when hauling heavy loads — typically better than traditional stays or rods. When you’re packing out meat, that support matters.

There are other good frames. I don't care very much about material. How does the pack feel with 130 pounds in it? How does it hold up to abuse?

Everything Included
You don’t have to buy accessories separately. It includes hip belt pockets, quick release, rain cover, meat shelf, and more. What you see is what you get.

So I pay for the things I don't want?

Modular
The lid turns into a separate pack that you can use alone or mount to the frame for a pack out.

That's probably nice.

Weather-Resistant Build
Water- and dust-resistant zippers are built into every pack.

Over rated. A 30 ga contractor bag weather proofs any pack well. If going on water, I want true dry bags.

True Adjustability
AKEK is the only brand with a belt system that adjusts behind the lumbar as well as in the front. That means a 10-year-old kid and a 40-year-old guy can use the same belt comfortably. We also now offer three different frame sizes so you can really dial in your fit.

Perhaps nice. Depends on the execution. A potential failure point, I would probably prefer to just buy a new belt.

Lifetime Warranty
And yes — the lifetime warranty is solid. Everything is honored.

Nice. Not unique for good packs though.

For the Skeptics
• It’s not made in the USA. Correct — it’s made in Vietnam right now. The focus has been quality while keeping the price reasonable. On that note... our USA made berry compliant sample will be done this month.

No worries there as long as quality is present.

• You found a brand that is lighter weight? We felt the added features were worth the extra pound. When you’re hauling 70 pounds of meat, you won’t notice the difference. Our pack is still a light weight premium pack system.

It really depends on style. What you find worth the weight, I might not. There might be other areas where I would take extra weight, but you wouldn't.

• Another brand might do one small thing better. Maybe. But usually if they win in one area, they’re sacrificing somewhere else. AKEK was built to deliver across the board.

Bold claim. Safer to say you are equal, claiming better against some of the brands out there doesn't fly well. Plus, a jack of all trades is master of none. Sometimes it is better to select priorities. This also comes across in a way that turns me off, the statement does more harm to your brand than benefit. However, at this point you should probably stock with your style as changing will take years to prove and change my mind and others may like it. Plus, it is probably who you are.

• If you used an AKEK pack before and didn't love it... try again! Its got more adjustments and even more padding for comfortability. If it wasn't super comfortable did you use one of the other frame sizes? Did you adjust the lumber padding properly?

In Short
No pack is perfect for everyone, but it’s hard to find another system that brings together THIS many features, this level of comfort, durability, organization, and adjustability — all at this price point. AKEK is tough to beat considering all of this.

If you haven't seen the AKEK pack check it out and watch the short video here showing one of the models: www.akek.com

Trying expensive gear cost resources. Because of time involved, even if offered free I might not try it. I really like my current pack. It works well. Having had a pack suspension system fail 8 feet of the ground crawling over SEAK deadfall with camp and a full load of meat in it, the bar for getting a foot in the door is high for me.

Good luck to you and your company. I hope you have a great product, but I have no reason to look at switching.

Also, your web page is not working for me, so I can't even give a curiosity look at the product page.

 

[Marbles]

Claiming we are the best can indeed come across as a cars salesman vibe to some I get it! As a company we still stand by the claim!

If I buy an AKEK, train with it over the summer, then find myself grabbing my current pack when I head into the Brooks range with a pack raft this fall, will you refund my full purchase and pay for return shipping?

If you are the best, a summer of training will prove it easily. My expectation is that a single 150 pound training hike will have me sending it back, but I am willing to be proven wrong. My other guess, is that even of it holds up for a summer of training, I will prefer what I currently have.

Raft is an Alpacka Forager, takes up lots of space. Don't forget paddle, life vest, and drysuit. Plus a 2 week standard hunting load.

Also, I'm rough on stuff, I will treat it the same as my current pack; if anything important or really annoying fails, I will go back to my current pack of 3 seasons.

You said best, no qualifications. Do you really stand behind that?

I think my current pack is the best, but I still recommend Exo, Seek Outside, Stone Glacier, and Kifaru; but have only used 2 of those 4 brands.

 

[Chama]

Best Quick-Release System
It comes with the best quick-release weapon holder on the market, because it works for both a gun AND a bow. Based on what? Several brands weapons carriers work for both
No weapon system that i have seen works for a gun AND a bow... you have to buy one or the other. Do you know of one?

Let me say that I have no knowledge of your weapon holder system. It may be the best out there. That said, I have used a Kifaru gun bearer to carry rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders and my Hoyt compound bow for well over 20 years without issue.

 

[Marbles]

Ok, last point.

You say yours is the best AND say people should try it if they disagree.

What packs do you have field experience with that qualifies you to say best? Or, are you just being a hater of every other company?

 

[Big_wals]

Really wanted to try one of these packs. However I need the large belt. Unlike ever other pack company. Akek does not just swap the belt needed. You buy the pack with standard belt THEN you have to purchase the larger belt?? That's a deal breaker.

What?? I thought it was completely modular and came with every accessory known to man!

 

[hammer0419]

What?? I thought it was completely modular and came with every accessory known to man!

It comes with everything. HOWEVER, IF you are a big guy like me. We need the larger hip belt. Where as EVERY big pack maker ships your pack with your correct sized belt. AKEK charges you $80 to change the belt size. As bad as I want one... That's a deal breaker!!

 

[LongWayAround]

@Marbles 150lb load is a tall order for any pack. I would be pretty certain that almost no one is carrying that efficiently. A few guys sure. Maybe you're one of them.

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

@Marbles 150lb load is a tall order for any pack. I would be pretty certain that almost no one is carrying that efficiently. A few guys sure. Maybe you're one of them.

That’s the claim AKEK makes for their packs. I’m sure it’s extremely rare anyone would be willing to put that to the test. I sure wouldn’t, unless they agree to pay for my back surgery.

But if this guy can and will do it, they should take him up on it. If it’s a valid claim, it could only benefit them.

 

[LongWayAround]

That’s the claim AKEK makes for their packs. I’m sure it’s extremely rare anyone would be willing to put that to the test. I sure wouldn’t, unless they agree to pay for my back surgery.

But if this guy can and will do it, they should take him up on it. If it’s a valid claim, it could only benefit them.

I missed that being their claim. Thanks for clarifying. Sounds ambitious...