I just got the R3 7000 pack in today and really like the bag design, as well as the comfort of the new frame. Not sure what they did with the belt padding, but it feels more like a Mystery Ranch belt and I mean that in a great way. I’ve always loved the belt and buckle adjustment system of Stone Glacier as well as the sturdy feel once everything is snugged up. It still feels rock solid, but the padding they‘re using in this belt feels really great, almost too good. It could also be that it’s been awhile since I‘ve had brand new belt padding. Lol
I‘d just about worn out my Sky 5900 and have been looking at new packs after this last season that had a bit more room. I wanted something a little bigger than my 5900, but not anything bigger than around 7000 cubic inches. At the Sheep Show this year, I looked at nearly every pack out there. It was awesome to get to try everything and ask questions. I was also following the EXO K4 introduction over the past month and their packs do look truly awesome.
Two things that I really wanted in a pack were the “horseshoe“ zipper to access the main bag and stretch pockets on both sides of the bag. I didn’t think Stone Glacier had anything with these two features, and that’s why I was looking at the EXO K4. Then I saw this thread a month ago and watched the video of Kurt going over these packs. I would have never considered the R3 in the past, because I looked at it as mainly a military or rescue pack. And the Sky series is such an amazing pack, that I was also super familiar and confident with. It’s done some pretty incredible packouts over the years and I’ve been super happy with it.
So I rolled the dice and decided I’d buy the R3 and give it a shot. Thanks to all who gave feedback here, and especially
@Formidilosus for all of his insights as well as mentioning the “side bags” and what they were designed for. They’re easy to remove/add and are the perfect size for my A7 cold layers. They probably won’t be added until late season, but I‘m really glad I bought them and have another 1,500 cubic inches of storage if needed. Another thing I added was the R3 Rifle Sling. I wasn’t expecting much for $25, but I was way wrong. It’s pretty clever and holds a rifle securely and tightly with the additional straps on the frame. The rifle is sandwiched between the bag and frame, but with this new design, you can access the load shelf so much quicker, it’s pretty unbelievable. I had read somewhere that there was some molle webbing sewn in on the inside of the bag. That’s not the case and I’m actually glad since there’s a strip of velcro hook and loop that’s about 12”x4” across the top of the bag on the inside. You can attach two of the cordura camp pockets across there, or get a molle “velcro panel” that you can remove if you want or need molle for attachment. The bag has the same triglides that they have in their other packs to attach different SG pockets - swing out, hydration, camp, etc.
Like all of us, I can’t wait for the season to start up again. Now I’ve got plenty of time to break this pack in on a couple of high country fishing trips and even a 14 day trip to the Bob Marshall this summer. I’m really looking forward to putting some mileage on this pack and getting it dialed in for later this year.
