Need a pack, on a budget, do I go new or used?

[92python]

I'm going bowhunting in Sept and we are planning on car / backpack hunting. In the past I have car camped with others that had much of the gear but that is not the case this time therefore I need to purchase a fair amount of gear like a spotting scope, packable tent, sleeping gear...

I have used a Cabelas Scout pack as a day pack in the past and it worked well but I need something larger for backpack hunting. Maybe something in the 5000 - 7000 cubic inch range. With all of the other gear I need to purchase my budget is tight and I cant afford a $500-$600 dollar pack.

Something like an Eberlestock Just One pack or similar at around ~$350 is my max budget. I have also thought about some of the frame packs that I see for around $120. I figure there are some good used packs out there that may be a better option. Could someone recommend some good used packs to look for in that range?

Thanks!

 

[Sadler]

if You’re elk hunting in September, I’d take the money you’re budgeting for a spotter and put that towards a used pack here on the classifieds and a good pair of boots.

 

[IdahoHntr]

A pack to look into in that price range is the Horn Hunter full curl system. It has a lot of the features of the major pack companies, but without the price tag. I have ran one for several years and it handles a load really well and it's durable. It's a little on the heavy side, and I'm not saying its as good as some of the packs priced higher, but I don't see myself upgrading in the near future. It has handled over 100 lbs as well as anything I've ever put on my back. I definitely like it better than the Eberlestock just one.

On Blackovis you can find the whole system for like $280 on sale right now.

 

[GetWestern]

Badlands might be a brand to consider as well I know they make some packs around that size in the ball park of your budget, there not the best packs out there but it will get the job done.

 

[jmez]

Horn Hunter Full Curl is a great pack for the money.

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[87TT]

First off, I run an EXO K2 3500. I made a BIG upgrade from a KUIU Ultra 6000. No comparison.
That said you should buy as cheap of pack as will work for you right now because it will just go on a shelf or a garage sale when you finally get a "real" pack
The Kuiu is on a shelf in the garage and hasn't been touched in a long time.

 

[rlmmarine]

if You’re elk hunting in September, I’d take the money you’re budgeting for a spotter and put that towards a used pack here on the classifieds and a good pair of boots.

^^^^^ this^^^^^ buy once cry once get a good pack and boots and wait on the spotter don't be afraid to mix the pack and frame manufacturers to save some money or to something closer to your likes or needs. I personally like kuiu icon pro bags but the frames suck so I mated the bag to a kifaru frame and love it

 

[92python]

Thanks for the feedback on the different packs mentioned. Good advise about the boots and I got the good boots last year and used them on a hunt in Montana. Just got the spotting scope today and need tires on the truck too so I'm spending the kids inheritance. Any opinions on a good used pack would be appreciated. Any opinions on a non duplex frame Kifaru Timberline 2 ?

 

[Grover]

I totally get the budget constraints. I think if you look around you can find a good used system that will work for you. I dropped $600 on a new SG in Feb but then bought my older son a used SG and my younger a Kuiu, both for about 250-300. All 3 are good packs but my more expensive new one will just be like their used cheaper one’s within the 2 weeks. One piece of advice, check with SG and see if they have any returns or packs with minor defects. Got my sons for 50% off with a little help from them. They are great to do business with.

 

[JD619er]

If you can get a timberline 2 for under 350$ that will be a good buy and a great pack. I loved the timberline internal frame series. They haul loads great and are pretty lightweight

 

[X-file]

There are some close out mystery ranch packs on mountain archery. Might be able to pick one up for around 300ish. Try using the discount code too. Could save you a little more


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[Felix40]

Whats your height and weight? There is a good deal on a kifaru with 24” stays and an xs belt on one of the facebook groups right now.

 

[92python]

Im 6'2' and 225 - 230lbs right now so unfortunately an XS isn't in the cards for me. I'm probably a large whn it comes to a belt size as I wear a size 36-38 pants. Thanks though..

 

[oldskool67]

I’ve been through my share of mid range 200-350 dollar packs. Ended up spending a lot more money that way before getting a top quality pack. People are right about buying one “ buy once cry once pack “ you will definitely save money in the long run.

That being said if you are on a budget and aren’t sure you are going to be using it all the time, don’t be afraid to get a used ( or new ) regular non hunting backpack. You don’t need camo or hunting specific brands. You will save a ton of money over going with a hunting brand. Then if you decide to upgrade in the future you spent a lot less money experimenting. And yes I know some of the regular backpacks are not made to carry a 100 lbs. if you want something cheap and will carry more than you can, look at the USMC ILBE ruck. They are available for around a 100 bucks on eBay.

I’m not slamming anyone who buys 1,000 pack set ups. Yes they are far superior but don’t think you have to have it to go backpack hunting. And I’m one of those guys who finally bought an expensive pack.

Go hunt and have fun !

 

[Jahvette20]

I’m a big advocate of buying used for best value however with good hunting packs for some reason they seem to hold their value and you may only save 10-20%. I have a Mystery Ranch metcalf I’m going to be posting up here next week for $300. If your interested in that send me a message. Good luck.

 

[Fatcamp]

Cabela's pack frame. Strap whatever you want to it.

Cabela's Outfitter Frame : Cabela's

For hauling meat out of the backcountry nothing beats a strong pack frame. Our Outfitter Frame is specifically designed to handle the toughest of tasks. We also added the ultimate adjustable suspension system with a padded hip belt and shoulder straps, much like you would expect to find on more...

www.cabelas.com

 

[Boarmaster]

Go used if you can find a good deal. Every deal stands on its own merit.

 

[zeroforhire]

Best pack for the money is the mystery ranch glacier. Check out Sierra trading Post. I just bought one for my son for $150

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[Dos Perros]

I would advocate for a traditional backpacking brand like Osprey, great value there. A buddy recently got a Mystery Ranch Stein 65 on Massdrop and while it's advertised as a "backpacking" backpack the frame is stout and I would not hesitate to load meat in there.

 

[Runningwater]

I've got an old K2/Dana Design Longbed i could let you have for about $100 shipped. It was a fairly top end pack in its day (about 15 years ago!), and was in particular popular with backcountry hunters. Its in good shape, can't remember what it weighs but it has some good mountain goat and elk karma. It was my step up from a 70s vintage kelty. Later moved to a Kifaru and now am running a Seek Outside.