need help on a new pack

[quent]

so i'm looking at a new pack. I've hunted for years with a old USGI ALICE pack and i'm thinking of finally upgrading (mainly because the frame is finally starting to fall apart). I also have a multicam MOLLE ruck, but the MOLLE sucks and only use it work because I have too and I'm still a huge fan of the ALLICE. I can get a new frame for dirt cheap and send in the pack to tactical tailor to have more pockets sewn on along with getting a better hip belt and straps. But for how much it'll cost i might as get a new pack altogether. So i'm looking at a kuiu as my most likely course of action on this. i've also looked at exo mountain gear as another possibility. I've looked at kifaru also since I live close enough to Denver but I dunno if I can convince the ole lady to bless off on that. And i emailed mystery ranch and they say their pack may be in by April. On the cheaper side of the scale I've been looking at SJK slumber jack rail hauler for 300 and alps outdoorz commander frame and pack for 130 both at sportsmans. I know you get what you pay for so i'm weary of the two last packs. keep in mind i'll be using this pack for elk hunting and other mountains hunts. So. What do yall think?

 

[BackcountryBowhunter]

I have a KUIU Icon Pro 5200. It works great for me.

 

[Xtreme007]

If I lived that close to Kifaru then I would at least go check them out. Lots of options

 

[Bkaufmann]

also wouldn't hurt to look into MR Marshall if you aren't an ounce counter. Camofire has a deal on them for 370. (its the 2015 model)

 

[quent]

I have a KUIU Icon Pro 5200. It works great for me.

How's it feel with a heavy load? and is there that much difference between the 5200 and the 7200?

also wouldn't hurt to look into MR Marshall if you aren't an ounce counter. Camofire has a deal on them for 370. (its the 2015 model)

yeah i saw that deal while I was at work. Got caught dealing with pi$$ ants and forgot to squeeze the trigger. still kicking my self about it.

If I lived that close to Kifaru then I would at least go check them out. Lots of options

yeah I definitely need to check them out. I like them and exo mount. gear for the multicam option.

 

[oldgoat]

If camofire still has them, call them, they will probably sell one to you

 

[Live Montana]

I have done a lot of my own research and I came down to two options for me.... Kifaru if you want and can afford the absolute Cadillac and KUIU if you want a super awesome second choice. Since I have joined this Forum I have added so much new gear that I went with the KUIU Icon 5200. I have two buddies that did the same and one got the Ultralight KUIU. It was just to light and the belt and pads were not beefy enough for me.

I saved some money so I could get some other items I wanted from Kifaru. Super Tarp being one!

Seriously, both those packs are super sweet... I also liked the EXO and Stone Glacier packs very much as well.

 

[huntndad]

You might want to check out the slumber jack bounty 4500. For the last two months I've been hiking and exercising with the slumber jack and a new kifaru ultra light. I have around 25 hours in each pack with anywhere from 50 to 90 lbs. I actually find the sjk more comfortable right now. This isn't a knock on the kifaru. I knew the arrow stays probably wouldn't work with me and I'll be ordering some new stays soon.
The sjk seems to handle weight well, although I haven't tried anything over 90 lbs. The bag is detachable and you can use the frame by itself. The frame is probably 24". It was almost identical in height to the kifaru which is supposed to be 24#. I'm 5'9" and 165 lbs and the pack fits me well. The best part about the pack is that it only cost $150 delivered to my home.

 

[quent]

You might want to check out the slumber jack bounty 4500. For the last two months I've been hiking and exercising with the slumber jack and a new kifaru ultra light. I have around 25 hours in each pack with anywhere from 50 to 90 lbs. I actually find the sjk more comfortable right now. This isn't a knock on the kifaru. I knew the arrow stays probably wouldn't work with me and I'll be ordering some new stays soon.
The sjk seems to handle weight well, although I haven't tried anything over 90 lbs. The bag is detachable and you can use the frame by itself. The frame is probably 24". It was almost identical in height to the kifaru which is supposed to be 24#. I'm 5'9" and 165 lbs and the pack fits me well. The best part about the pack is that it only cost $150 delivered to my home.

i was looking at that one actually. I couldn't really find any comparison reviews though. So far youre the second person on rock slide that said they've liked it. where did you find it for $150? 300 is the average i've been finding it around town and online. the ALPS outdoorz commander is similar for 130 at sportmans warehouse but like I said i'm super wary of that one. I'm similar to size at 5'10" 185 LBS so thats also a selling point.

I was looking at the mystery ranch tactical packs too which seem nice.

 

[Seth1913]

Have you looked at seek outside? Or the horn hunter full curl?
Jimmy tarps makes bags for Kifaru frames, that's another option. Just throwing some ideas your way as im in the market for a pack and I'll be picking up the seek outside unaweep for elk and mule deer.

 

[quent]

i haven't checked them out yet. i've heard them mentioned but never looked at them. i'll be sure to check both out. thanks!

 

[huntndad]

i was looking at that one actually. I couldn't really find any comparison reviews though. So far youre the second person on rock slide that said they've liked it. where did you find it for $150? 300 is the average i've been finding it around town and online. the ALPS outdoorz commander is similar for 130 at sportmans warehouse but like I said i'm super wary of that one. I'm similar to size at 5'10" 185 LBS so thats also a selling point.

I was looking at the mystery ranch tactical packs too which seem nice.

I purchased mine online through leo adventures which gives me 40% off. I've seen it online quite a few times for well under $200.

 

[BackcountryBowhunter]

How's it feel with a heavy load? and is there that much difference between the 5200 and the 7200

It honestly does pretty good carrying a heavy load. I have not seen the 7200 in person but if I had to guess, I would say not much difference.

 

[quent]

So I went with the 2015 mystery ranch Marshall. called camofire up and they had some that fit my measurements. should be here on saturday. for $360 it was basically a steal. cant wait to load it up and see how it feels. Appreciate the advice everyone!