Pack help

[DavePwns]

I need some advice as far as pack size for 5 day archery season elk in Colorado mid / late sept. I'm currently looking at the the SG Evo 3300. Is 3300 enough cubic inches for a 5 day solo hunt? I want the smallest bag possible to reduce weight and keep the weight close to my body. Also any tips on shelters, I'm not concerned about price, just want reliable light weight gear that will work for a variety of conditions. If you have any other pack suggestions I am all ears.

 

[R_burg]

Yeah, I suggest you size up. SG packs compress better than any other pack I've used. My 6900 feels like 3000ci in bivy mode.

I also think you should be much more concerned with the frame fitting well than the weight. The X curve frame is pretty great and seems to fit more people.

 

[Bearlodge10]

I would suggest you size up even 1000ci. I say this based on my experience with Mystery ranch metcalf which is a hair over 4300. For me a solo hunt of that length and I am pretty close to max. Of course that is me and how/what I pack, that could be different for you. I like my Mystery Ranch but also understand there are many more quality packs out there that will fit your exact needs. In testing some, I literally loaded my main items item stuff sacks (just like I do for the hunt) and took them with me to try out with different packs. Best of luck

 

[Where's Bruce?]

For a shelter check out the SS2, nice roomy tent for 3.5lbs (lighter w/o nest). StratoSpire 2 – Tarptent

I decided to forego the bag completely. My choice was a Kifaru Hunting Platform Frame And Suspension in coyote w/ Cargo Panel, two small belt pouches and two large pouches (that attach to the Cargo Panel if/when needed), and a Guide Lid all in Mandrake. Also has a Gunbearer and hanging hydration bladder. This cuts four pounds off my pack weight (compared to the DT1) which is almost half. At an estimated 13lbs (including water and kill kit, rainsuit and other stuff in pouches I am able to move around fairly well. If I need to haul a load (gear or elk) I just compress it between the frame and Cargo Panel. I can trek light but won’t hafta make a trip to the truck to get a freighter to haul meat…it’ll already be on my back. I can fit all my spike camp gear and a week of meals in the 55L dry bag. Compresses to nothing w/o the bag. I think it’s the quintessential rig. Stole the idea from Aron. <g>

 

[BradNSW]

I'm a minimalist and still have a 4900 Cubic inch pack.

Probably only using 4000-4200 of its capacity...but it makes it easier to dig around. Just cinch the straps tight when hiking in.

Only 39-40lbs for a 6-day solo hunt.

 

[DavePwns]

I'm a minimalist and still have a 4900 Cubic inch pack.

Probably only using 4000-4200 of its capacity...but it makes it easier to dig around. Just cinch the straps tight when hiking in.

Only 39-40lbs for a 6-day solo hunt.

What pack / frame are you using?

 

[thinhorn_AK]

THe SG solo
3300 is an awesome pack but for me it’s really a 1-3 day pack. Not that you couldn’t stretch it out if all your other gear was dialed but for anything longer I likenusing my kifaru fulcrum.

I’ve actually been training a bit more with the fulcrum these days and really enjoying it.

 

[tttoadman]

I agree the Solo by itself is 3-4 days early season, and 2-3 days late season. When I had one I used it for 9 day pack-ins with 3 10L dry bags strapped to the sides and top and a Kifaru longhunter lid. I have since moved to the bigger bags, because most of my adventures are at least 5 days.

 

[bsnedeker]

That's really interesting... What time of bladder hanging system are you using? Does it connect directly to the frame?

For a shelter check out the SS2, nice roomy tent for 3.5lbs (lighter w/o nest). StratoSpire 2 – Tarptent

I decided to forego the bag completely. My choice was a Kifaru Hunting Platform Frame And Suspension in coyote w/ Cargo Panel, two small belt pouches and two large pouches (that attach to the Cargo Panel if/when needed), and a Guide Lid all in Mandrake. Also has a Gunbearer and hanging hydration bladder. This cuts four pounds off my pack weight (compared to the DT1) which is almost half. At an estimated 13lbs (including water and kill kit, rainsuit and other stuff in pouches I am able to move around fairly well. If I need to haul a load (gear or elk) I just compress it between the frame and Cargo Panel. I can trek light but won’t hafta make a trip to the truck to get a freighter to haul meat…it’ll already be on my back. I can fit all my spike camp gear and a week of meals in the 55L dry bag. Compresses to nothing w/o the bag. I think it’s the quintessential rig. Stole the idea from Aron.

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[worx53]

You want at least 5k cu inches

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[Tradchef]

You can do it with the solo. It just matters what you want to bring with you. Most people bring way too much stuff so in that regard as said above if you dial it in you’ll be solid. I think having a bit more room if you drop something in the backcountry is a good thing. They make the sky archer 5900 that compresses down to nothing. The nice thing about most of these companies is you can get multiple bags for your frame. I’d get the larger to start with and when funds are good get a 3300. Having multiple bags is a great thing to tailor to your specific needs.

 

[hammer0419]

Agree with all above. Definitely need a bigger pack for 5 days. I use my SO Peregrine with lid for 2-4 days of normal hiking camping. No animals hauled. With all these highend packs. The weight different of their 3000cui and 6000 is extremely minimal. I am not a fan of one bag for everything however. I do have two bags for short and long trips. If you can only afford one initially, go bigger.