Minimum Cubic inches for 7-12 days

[Salmo-Priest]

Getting ready to drop the coin on a pack. I'm trying to decide on the size. I have in mind the min cubic inches I need just to haul say 7-12 days worth of gear and food.

Whats your minimum?

Thanks

 

[7mag.]

In my far from expert opinion, if packing in for multiple days, and plan on packing out camp and game, 6000 ci is minimum. For a week, I would want 7000 ci. I figure at least 4000 ci for gear, and about 2500 ci for 60 lbs or so of meat.

 

[oldgrowth]

Last year i did ten days out of a DT2 (5200 ci). It fit everything i needed, but that said i wish i had more space like a DT1. Had i been sucessful and hauled back some deer meat, i would have had to get creative to get it all onboard for the haul out.

 

[Salmo-Priest]

Ok, so I'll be getting one of SG's Sky packs.

I'd want nothing less than 5100cbi for a weeks worth of food and gear. I'm just trying to decide if I'll regret not going with the larger sky.

The sky expands for the meat shelf/haul. So its really just a question if I think the 5100 will work for me or not.

But I'd like to get an idea from you all as to you minimum.

 

[Shrek]

12 days of food is a lot of cubes ! I'm not an expert either but I would be packing with an EMR II . The big bags compress well but little bags don't strech for chit. The center zip and wing configuration really address one of the big top load bags drawbacks of having to fish for things in the lower bag.

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

My DT1 with a longhunter lid and added pouches is pushing 9000 Cu In. On the pack in with 10 days of food it can fill up quick.

 

[Beastmode]

It depends if you are a minimalist or not. If you are hunting deer and want everything out in one trip. Another consideration is if you are going back to the truck halfway through to resupply. I can do close to 7 days out of a 4000ci pack. Thats leaving a ton of stuff thats nice to have at home. Like rain gear, pillow, and other comfort stuff. It's not that fun though. I would recommend atleast a 6k ci pack for 7 days and if there a lot of 12 day trips in your future you should look into closer to 7 or 8k.

 

[7mag.]

Ok, so I'll be getting one of SG's Sky packs.

I'd want nothing less than 5100cbi for a weeks worth of food and gear. I'm just trying to decide if I'll regret not going with the larger sky.

The sky expands for the meat shelf/haul. So its really just a question if I think the 5100 will work for me or not.

But I'd like to get an idea from you all as to you minimum.

If you plan on using the meat shelf for hauling out your game, I would think the 5100 would be ok. Only you know how much and what kind of gear you take though. Keep in mind, some people don't like using the meat shelf, and prefer putting it in the bag. I've never used a meat shelf, so I don't have an opinion on it.

 

[armyjoe]

For 7 plus days I would recommend a DT1 or EMR II if you went with Kifaru. No matter who you go with tho, I'd say never go below 7K. Can it be done with less...yes. But, the extra room is ideal for different gear setups as well as room to move stuff around for the first load out. Plus, no matter what company you go thru the weight difference from 5k to 7k is extremely minimal

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

You're going to need at least 7000 cube man. I would take a hard look at a T1 or an EMR II. Also you don't want to be packing meat behind the pack... You'll do it once then you'll wish you went with a bigger pack, and have the meat on top of the gear. Meat in between the frame and pack makes for one awkward load for me.

 

[MattB]

For 7 days of hunting, I would recommend 7,000 ci or so.

 

[Shrek]

I have a DT1 which has a 4800ci main compartment. I haven't tried to put 12 days worth of food with my gear but I know how much room a days bag of food takes up. 12 days would be busting out the top for me. Some bulky winter gear and some comfort items would have to be left at home.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I prefer to carry the meat in my pack so I would go with the bigger Stone Glacier pack for 7-12 days. If you like to use the meat shelf setup, I think the 5100 would be enough.

Edit:
I'm also curious what made you decide on the Stone Glacier? Thanks.

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

Where at in Cowlitz County are you? If your not dead set on a SG and are interested at all in taking a look at a DT1 I will be in Longview the 10-13th April and can bring it along for you to check out.....

 

[luke moffat]

Like was mentioned a lot of variables...A 3K cu in pack you can go backpacking for 10 days no problem if you aren't hunting and just taking backpacking stuff. Or if you are not planning on hauling the animal out in one load. Also if several guys are helping haul out a single animal that helps as well. Lots of variables. I prefer to size up for worst case volume wise and compress the bag down to anything less from there. But my needs are different than others. More of a function of what, how, and where you hunt. Example of that would be a member above stated pillow and rain gear are luxury items not mandatory, while I agree one those certainly is the other is never not in my pack when I leave to go on any hunt not matter for how long.

 

[Floorguy]

I prefer to size up for worst case volume wise

That's why Luke has a bag big enough to carry a boat, whatever game animal he gets down and his hunting partner if they get injured.

 

[Salmo-Priest]

Justin,

Kurt's Pack is basic. Not a lot of extras that need to be used. No straps or shelves to add and lose or forget etc. Just expand it and crank it down. I use Sea to Summit event dry sac's and I can pile some gear under or on top of the meat. I've used an expanding day pack for about 10 years now and even with its shitty frame elk quarters are easy. I also totally dig the color of the packs. I am not a fan of camo and or brown/black pack material. Kurt is also seems very humble to me. Anyway, I'll find out this August just how much I like the SKY. If it doesn't meet my expectations I'll sell it and try again.

Thanks for your input

 

[luke moffat]

That's why Luke has a bag big enough to carry a boat, whatever game animal he gets down and his hunting partner if they get injured.

HAHA nah I just hate strapping stuff to the outside of my pack or jamming and stuffing everything and packing everything "just so" to make it fit at times. Sometimes its just nice to toss everything in and cinch it down and go. Good meeting you yesterday btw!!!! Have to have ya come over and talk pack frames.

 

[slim9300]

My DT1 with a longhunter lid and added pouches is pushing 9000 Cu In. On the pack in with 10 days of food it can fill up quick.

This. ^^^ I do 10 days out of my DT1 with LH lid. The pack is not full but that's the point. I need room for meat and antlers.

 

[luke moffat]

Justin,

Kurt's Pack is basic. Not a lot of extras that need to be used. No straps or shelves to add and lose or forget etc. Just expand it and crank it down. I use Sea to Summit event dry sac's and I can pile some gear under or on top of the meat. I've used an expanding day pack for about 10 years now and even with its shitty frame elk quarters are easy. I also totally dig the color of the packs. I am not a fan of camo and or brown/black pack material. Kurt is also seems very humble to me. Anyway, I'll find out this August just how much I like the SKY. If it doesn't meet my expectations I'll sell it and try again.

Thanks for your input

Salmo,

I doubt you'll be disappointed with it! SGs are awesome packs no doubt and if I didn't have Kifaru packs already and know they work so well for my body type and what nto I would no zero qualms about using a Stone Glacier pack. Heck I'd buy a dozen of them if Kurt would tell me where he killed all his rams. You can tell that he has been there done that by looking at the design of his packs. Congrats on the purchase and best of luck to you this fall.