Looking for pack recommendations, 4000-5000ci lightweight

[RC51kid]

I am looking for a pavk recommendation. I have owned a lot of packs in the past. But always looking for new ideas of what i should look for.

Mostly i will use it camping, backpacking, scouting and then lastly elk hunting.

I belive i would like around 4000-5000ci. But i know everyone rates packs differently. I would like to keep it light-weight. Maybe under 4 pounds. I have used ultralight packs and i have used heavy 7 pound packs. So i know the difference in suspension.

I have come to the conclusion that i dont need pockets to organize. Just a big sack with good enough suspension.

Typical back packing weight is only about 30 pounds. But in a perfect world i would like to be able to drop a elk quarter in it and hike out a few miles.

I am more familiar with the backpacking brands and i think they can cross over just fine. I could just go simple and get a Osprey or Gregory. Semi exotic like Hyperlite. But i have also had a few customs from Zimmer Built which i highly recommend if you have special needs for something.

Any suggestions?

 

[Banana_Horn]

The seekoutside Goshawk 4800 2.0 is pretty sweet. Great for backpacking and non hunting as well as hunting. I’ve yet to pack significant weight in mine, most I’ve done is 60ish pounds, but I’ve been nothing but impressed to this point. It’s been very waterproof for me too, which is why I bought it, as I almost exclusively hunt in coastal Alaska.

Exo is talking about making a lightweight, waterproof version of their pack in the next couple years, it’s gonna be hard for me not to buy it.

 

[mgstucson]

My current goto pack is a KUIU 4000 PRO LT pack. In standard configuration it weighs in at 3.8 pounds, pack and suspension combined, and can be used to haul your elk quater between the bag and the frame. All KUIU packs are made to haul meat between pack and frame in this way. For your 30 pounds of camping gear, it will be fine as is. If you add an elk quarter, the suspension will still be on par with you camping bags and will certainly get the job done. If you are going to frequently haul heavy loads, I would suggest putting the same bag on an EXO K4 frame/suspension, a KIFRAU Duplex Lite frame/suspension. or like me, I use the KUIU 4000 PRO LT on a hybrid KUIU/EXO/KIFARU suspension. These suspensions will add a couple extra pounds to empty pack weight, but will double or triple your comfort and reduce fatigue under heavy weight. All KUIU bags and suspensions are available in a variety of solid and camo color patterns.

You can see the standard configuration in pics and videos on KUIU's web site.

Here is a pic of the bag on a EXO K4 frame with an EXO pack lid in hunters orange.





Here is a pic of the same bag on an EXO K4 frame with a KIFARU belt with an EXO pack lid added. To me, this is my ultimate bag for what you describe. While it is almost 3 pounds heavier (including the additional pack lid with an extra 500ci) than the standard KUIU, it carries all weights with more comfort and less fatigue. It "FEELS" lighter than the standard KUIU because of the superior suspension.





Here are pics of a KUIU PRO 7800 on a KIFARU Duplex Lite frame. This is a GREAT setup for long trips and heavy loads. As you can see, even the largest KUIU bags pack right down using the standard compression straps. (Hunters orange straps added by me.)

 

[Pwhite]

I use the Kuiu pro 6000 pack for deep backcountry hunts in Southeast Alaska. I got a moose and had haul out weight that was at least 120lbs,. The backpack did great. It can fit about overnight nights gear with 1 decent sized deer in it. Carbon fiber frame lots and lots of pockets and straps to secure big weight. I recommend it.

 

[coloradoan]

If light weight is the priority over all other considerations, Seek Outside packs jump to the front of the line.

 

[RC51kid]

I use the Kuiu pro 6000 pack for deep backcountry hunts in Southeast Alaska. I got a moose and had haul out weight that was at least 120lbs,. The backpack did great. It can fit about overnight nights gear with 1 decent sized deer in it. Carbon fiber frame lots and lots of pockets and straps to secure big weight. I recommend it.

I have to admit that i could never pack out 120 pounds. First of all i have a C5/C6 injury. But more than that I am only 5'6" and w 30 pounds, and getting old. I would think about 60 pounds would be my limit.

Calling a friend and making multuple trips would be my only way to pavk a elk out.

 

[Pwhite]

I have to admit that i could never pack out 120 pounds. First of all i have a C5/C6 injury. But more than that I am only 5'6" and w 30 pounds, and getting old. I would think about 60 pounds would be my limit.

Calling a friend and making multuple trips would be my only way to pavk a elk out.

It was unbelievably heavy, and when i first put it on i thought there was no way i could do it, but i managed to stand up, take a few steps, fast forward an hour or two and we were back to the boat.

My point was, the big kuiu pro carbon fiber back packs can be packed full of meat and the pack itself will handle it, and will distributes the weight on your back and hips really well.

 

[mgstucson]

That is pretty amazing testament for the pack and the man packing it out.

My hats off to you sir.

I drew an elk tag in a really remote area last year (kind of hard to draw) but I had to pass because I could not recruit any help and I knew I would do well to get myself in and out, and 800#s of meat would have put me in the ground next to the elk. It did motivate me to lose 60lbs and counting though. So I guess it was a good thing.