New to packs, need advise

[WYChap]

I know there is a lot of conversation in this form, and it's a little overwhelming tbh so hoping to get some relevant thoughts here. I haven't hunted in 6-8 years and last I did, I think I had an Eberlestock pack with the rifle carry being against the back. At present, I'm not planning on pack in types of hunts but could definitely be spending the better part of the day away from a vehicle. Looking for recommendations, without breaking the bank, for a day type pack that would carry some extra food (diabetic), hydration, an extra layer of clothes, knives, game bags, emergency supplies and possibly be able to carry a quarter out.

I've done a little research (online) but not been able to put anything on my back yet. I've looked at Eberlestock, Badlands (2200, Mrk 2 & Mrk3), Stone Glacier and Mystery Ranch. Based on features, I like the Badlands packs and the bino connect system. The Mystery Ranch Pop Up's are appealing but price is steep. I've looked at Sitka and KUIU and they seem more like a bag without much organization built in. I'm not set on camo. In fact would probalby prefer a tan or grey as I could use it for other excursions. Feedback from the masses about quality, usefulness of features, longevity, comfort, etc.? Thanks in advance all!

 

[Grassymike]

I have a Badlads Superday in the basement that was really comfortable until I packed out the head of a mule deer . That pack would be way better with a frame sheet to stiffen it. My advice is go to a store and try some on ,preferably with weight in them and pick one that works well for you. I am currently using a Stone glacier Krux frame with a 3300 bag or 6900 bag. This pack has worked extremely well for me. You could look for a frame on the classifieds here and then pick a bag to meet your needs. That would give you options if you ever decided to backpack as well as save money buying used to try out a frame system.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Can't go wrong with a stone glacier. Exodus k4 is also an excellent frame. Everything else is a compromise in some way, but those compromises might be worth it for you.

 

[Alpine4x4]

Badlands have excellent pocket layouts and organization. They are terrible for hauling weight. I have a superday and 2200 and am moving away. The superday I will keep and still use sometimes. If it had a stiffener it would be the best day pack on the market. I'm looking at Kuiu, specifically the 4500.

 

[AndrewMT34]

I have a stone glacier 5900 on the x-curve frame and my wife has a 3600 on the Krux frame. We’ve both had some heavy loads and love our packs. I highly recommend spending the money on a quality pack with a frame, you won’t regret it when packing out animals.

 

[Luke S]

I have not used the big name hunting packs but i have logged a lot of miles backpacking and hunting
For me easily reachable side pockets are really important. It's nice to grab your water bottle or snacks without taking the pack off.
Second a frame is a must. Even if I'm day hiking I'm carrying some weight with a rifle, spotter etc. And if I kill anything bigger than a rabbit I will have a load of meat that is heavy enough to require a frame.

 

[bpeay4]

good deals on high quality packs in the classifieds. save yourself some money

 

[Desk Jockey]

welcome.

I have and use a pop up. Great pack, but I am not sure I would want it to be my only pack if I was planning to do a long trip in the future.

You can’t go wrong with any of the options you mentioned and (unfortunately) the only real way to tell what works best for you is to get some miles underneath each pack.

Depending on your ambitions, you may want to get a frame that could handle a smaller pack now and then buy a bigger bag down the road if you start doing pack in trips.

 

[sivart]

I personally recommend EXO, or Stone Glacier, in that order. Great companies, great people, great customer service.

 

[flyfisher117]

I have the previous gen popup. They go on sale frequently, watch Black Ovis and Camo fire. I would not buy another full price. For the sale price it's been a decent little pack. I wish it had a bit more room. Snacks water a jacket and it's pretty well full.

I've spent the summer traveling and testing every pack I could. I am down to the Exo K4 series and the Stone Glacier X Curve. Both fit me very well and both felt substantially better with loads than my popup.