I been looking a dozens of packs and read more threads then I can remember. Thanks to this site I was able to learn as much as I can about packs which has been very useful. Now that I have done that I am to the point of picking a pack out that want to use for a upcoming elk hunt. I know most people like the Kifaru packs but they are out of my budget and I don't think I would get my use out of it for the $600 price tag. I live In Pennsylvania and where I hunt no one packs animals out the woods. So I am looking at packs that would carry my gear to a spike camp then be used as a daypack, with the ability to be able to haul meat on too. There is no place for me to try on these packs other than going to cabelas for the ones that they would sell. That and I am currently deployed to Afghanistan and in my off time try to find gear that I may need for this trip. Here is my list that I came up with I know its long but it seems like every one likes a different pack I am just looking for everyones opinion that has used any of these packs.
Mystery Ranch Crew Cab (Liked that it was able to use just one frame and change bags I would have to buy a used one to get it in my price range though and looked at this site to improve the lifters http://www.oneirosvalley.com/llphistory.html )
Horn Hunter Full Curl (Liked that is was very similar to the Crew Cab but was able to dump bag and just haul meat out if wanted)
TZ 5000 (Watched their video looker rather interesting was not so sure about the meat hauling compartment though)
Eberlstock Blue Widow (People say the suspension breaks down after 75 lbs so makes me unsure)
Mystery Ranch 6500 (Liked the frames)
Badlands OX (its external frame which put it bottom of the list but maybe that is not a problem if it would do what I want)
Badlands Summit (Not out yet but figured someone may have seen it)
I am 178 lbs and 5'9" my torso length is 17" if my friend measured it correctly. If I missed a pack don't be afraid to add it I was mostly looking at hunting packs since they were already camo or were a color that would blend it better. Thanks in advance for giving your opinions.
Mystery Ranch Crew Cab (Liked that it was able to use just one frame and change bags I would have to buy a used one to get it in my price range though and looked at this site to improve the lifters http://www.oneirosvalley.com/llphistory.html )
Horn Hunter Full Curl (Liked that is was very similar to the Crew Cab but was able to dump bag and just haul meat out if wanted)
TZ 5000 (Watched their video looker rather interesting was not so sure about the meat hauling compartment though)
Eberlstock Blue Widow (People say the suspension breaks down after 75 lbs so makes me unsure)
Mystery Ranch 6500 (Liked the frames)
Badlands OX (its external frame which put it bottom of the list but maybe that is not a problem if it would do what I want)
Badlands Summit (Not out yet but figured someone may have seen it)
I am 178 lbs and 5'9" my torso length is 17" if my friend measured it correctly. If I missed a pack don't be afraid to add it I was mostly looking at hunting packs since they were already camo or were a color that would blend it better. Thanks in advance for giving your opinions.