New Sitka pack. Are they legit contenders?

[GraveyardNRSE]

Saw the live feed at the shot show today show the new Sitka packs. Apparently they’re rated up to 150lbs of meat/gear. Look a lot like the kuiu icon pro except they have a center zip. Anyone going to give that a try?

 

[NevadaZielmeister]

I guess we would love to see a picture.

 

[Matt W.]

It's on Instagram.. #MountainHauler
Only complaint I have is that it does not utilize an external load shelf system.

 

[couesbitten]

I believe this is the one.

Sitka’s Mountain Hauler 6200 backpack - YouTube

 

[GraveyardNRSE]

View attachment 65391

 

[GraveyardNRSE]

Looks interesting for sure. Lots of storage!

 

[Steve O]

Looks like a Kuiu Icon? How? It’s got a solid aluminum frame with fiberglass connections for the hip belt. Kuiu is all carbon. I’m going to check it out along with the Stone Glacier at one of the shows shortly. I’ve got a lot of Sitka I am incredibly happy with, and the pack has always been their weak point so I am looking forward to that changing.

 

[GraveyardNRSE]

Dear Steven-it looks like it cosmetically not internally.

 

[Trial153]

Wonder who built it for them? I want to take a look at it. The build quality on Sitka packs I have owned has been excellent. However the functionality hasn’t been a home run for me. I am very interested in the specs on this pack and taking a look at it.

 

[doverpack12]

They finally realized a one size fits all torso doesn’t work. Make sure to ask if they changed their buckle supplier from earlier designs. I have multiple friends that carry a bag of extra buckles with them because they break almost one a trip. The newer packs don’t seem to have this issue as much but 3-4 years ago they broke a ton.

Looking forward to finding out more details on the frame and how the adjustment system works

 

[NevadaZielmeister]

I found some new videos and this one has a lot information as well: Sitka Gear at ATA 2018 - YouTube

I guess time will tell whether these will be true contenders. I believe Sitka is saying they are available this year in May.

 

[huntcoop]

Sitka makes awesome clothing...

 

[Jordan Budd]

It's on Instagram.. #MountainHauler
Only complaint I have is that it does not utilize a load shelf system.

From my understanding it does have a load shelf system but it's internal instead of external. Like the kuiu load shelf thing inside I'm assuming... if kuiu still does that.

 

[blackovis]

Had the opportunity to play around with the Mountain Hauler 6200. It's a very solid pack and I have no doubts that it will live up to the 150 lb load rating. It has a lot of really nice features not found on other packs. With 60 lbs in it it was very stable and comfortable. This definitely changes the game for Sitka and their pack line. Yoke adjustment is very unique and easy to use but still extremely strong. I'm going to leave it at that until Sitka officially launches the product.

 

[GraveyardNRSE]

Blackovis—Any ideas on a price point?

 

[blackovis]

Nothing exact but it will be comparable price wise to the equivalent size MR and SG from what I've seen.

 

[RustyHazen]

It's listed in the catalog for $595. Pretty steep if the frame folds up with any weight like their older packs did.

 

[Hunter Sargent]

I'm curious about the weight...looks heavy!

 

[tipsntails7]

I'm curious about the weight...looks heavy!

6.5 pounds.

 

[GraveyardNRSE]

I’m sure RS will have someone test it and write a review on it. I figure if kuiu can make a pack then Sitka can too.