Pack Help

[HGrodner]

Hey guys, I’m looking for an overall pack recommendation. I have no experience with packs or any kind of western hunting yet. I am from Georgia and am looking for a pack I can use for deer or hogs here, as well as when I venture out west for anything up to elk size. The first use will likely be a Wyoming antelope hunt this fall.
From reading it sounds like a lot of y’all have packs for multiple occasions, but I don’t think I’ll use it enough to justify multiples. So I’m looking to see what you would be looking for if you wanted to get a “one size fits all scenarios” pack. Also, being where I’m at, trying on packs for comfort or fit isn’t really an option. Is there a standard chart to tell me what size I need for different dimensions of my body? Is it trial and error?
Any help Id greatly appreciated

 

[SneakyThunderCat]

I recently snagged a mystery ranch metcalf while they were on sale. Was afraid it would be a little too big to use to for much else besides hunting out west but, tighten down some straps and it packs down nicely. So far I've bought it shed and turkey hunting this spring, and use it as my range bag, and I'm very happy with it. It'll be used as my whitetail pack also.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Budget?

 

[Linedawg]

Call and talk to the guys at exo they are top notch there 4800 is awesome, there are a lot of good packs out there it just boils down to what fits YOU

 

[bsnedeker]

You're going to get a million different opinions on this one, but I'll go ahead and give mine: Best overall do-anything pack is the Kifaru Stryker on an Ultralight frame. I like the 24 inch frame even though I'm 6'2"...easier to get through areas of thick overhanging branches and brush. That setup is great for day hunts out west, throw a 55L dry sack on the load shelf and you've got an extended backpacking trip setup, you can also use that load shelf for hauling treestands and ground blinds into the field simply by unlocking a few buckles. It's a brilliant design in my opinion and the obligatory: it's 100% made and sourced in the good ol' USA!

Kifaru will ask all of your measurements and they will get you with a pack that should fit you dang near perfect. I've ordered two frames from them and only had to do minimal adjustments to them out of the box.

 

[Bunkin]

I would recommend starting by picking an external frame from one of the big names (kifaru, sg, exo, kuiu) that you like and fits you very well. Then pick the bag.

The kicker is, 5 days into your trip your going to care a lot more how that pack fits you than what color it is or where the pockets are.

 

[HGrodner]

Thanks for the recommendations! I’m thinking $4-500 for the budget. I was looking at buying used to not pay full price. Would y’all suggest buying new? Finding what fits me well is what worries me since I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to try one prior to buying. Kifaru asking my sizes is intriguing. Do any other companies go that far to make sure you get the right fit?

 

[Bubblehide]

If you are going to venture into packing into the backcountry and are looking for a pack to haul out meat with, you will want to be sure you purchase a pack that will handle the weight (excessive weight).

Do you want a minimalist pack (basically a bag with no pockets) or do you want pockets buile into the pack?

 

[Bunkin]

Thanks for the recommendations! I’m thinking $4-500 for the budget. I was looking at buying used to not pay full price. Would y’all suggest buying new? Finding what fits me well is what worries me since I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to try one prior to buying. Kifaru asking my sizes is intriguing. Do any other companies go that far to make sure you get the right fit?

Nothing wrong with going used. But, make sure the frame your buying used is exactly what you need and don't compromise on it. From there, buying bags used is a great idea!

 

[Carr5vols]

I am from GA as well and do the same hunting I have a Myster ranch selway that I can get 5 to 6 days in (but I am minialist) really like this pack. Also have a eberlestock mainframe works well too.

 

[Elkslayer67]

Like stated multiple times above. I would stay with the top tier brands. Kifaru, Stone Glacier, or Exo. They have a noticeable difference in comfort when packing heavy loads compared to other brands.

Each of these brands have great customer service. I would call and talk to each. They will ask you some questions and recommend a frame. I have never experienced selling pressure from them and usually get off the phone feeling like I just talked to a buddy about buying a pack.

Bag choice is something that will change as you progress. Generally people start out increasing the size because they don’t have enough room. Then as they realize they pack a lot of stuff they don’t use, they lower the size.

I would not have any concerns about buying anyone of these brands used. They hold their value and you should be able to recoup your costs if you don’t like it. That being said these brands allow returns if you just don’t like it.

I myself went with Stone Glacier. Over the years I have found the simpler the better. Excessive pockets just add weight. Main bag with a lid and a place for a water bottle. The 5900 is perfect for times when I have to pack a lot ( extended trips, cold weather trips or when packing with the family ). And it compresses down to almost nothing for light loads. I use the 3300 for most spring through fall trips under a week.

You won’t regret purchasing one of these brands.

 

[*zap*]

Unfortunately it is impossible for anyone to tell you what brand frame is going to be best for you. You should be able to google how to get your torso length, and kifaru has a few videos on back shape as it pertains to frame shape. The center of your waist belt goes over the top of your iliac crest so that is where you want to measure your belt circumference.

If you get a good idea of back profile then you can narrow down the frame to a straight frame or one with contour.

The kifaru aluminum stays are bendable......most frames do not offer that option. I would come up with the logical frames for your body that you want to try and look to find them @ a good price used ( a price that allows you to flip em without much loss)...try em one @ a time until you find what is best and then worry about the bag.

Or you could buy new and try em then send the ones that do not work back for a refund...

I think it is rare for someone to purchase their first nice pack and have it be the best one they can find for them as far as fit and fit is where it is at.......especially when you go to haul weight.

 

[HGrodner]

Guys, I really appreciate all the help. I will be looking up how to fit myself for a frame, calling the companies and talking to them, and starting with a frame first and most likely just adding bags after the fact. Thanks for everything

 

[*zap*]

You might put a thread asking for anyone near you who will let you try a frame out...

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Kifaru or SG.