Pack Recommendations Needed

[HalfLungHunter]

As the username implies, I only have 1 lung. Much to my pulmonologist's displeasure, I still continue to backpack and hunt. With the upcoming whitetail season I still do some backpack hunts into Dolly Sods and Mt Rogers and I need a new pack more suited to carrying standard gear as well as saddle hunting gear.

Current big gear consists of a Kifaru Sheep Tarp and a OR Bivy, Thermarest NeoAir Pad and a Enlightened Equip quilt. Use a MSR reactor stove with Boil in Bag meals, Stone Glacier down jacket and a first lite mid layer and extra socks, beanie, glove liners, etc. Hunting gear consists of Arc 30 bow with quiver, Tethrd Saddle, 3 One Sticks (1 with an aider), XOP Superfly, Tree Tether, and a lineman's belt both on 8mm with ropeman 4s, Marsupial Gear Bino Harness with, Leupold Range Finder, and Vortex Viper HD 10x50s, carry a battery bank, headlamp, some meds, a NAR backcountry IFAK, the rokslide killkit, and my Garmin inReach and that's about it. I've tried the Stone Glacier archery pack and it wasn't cut out for carrying the stand and sticks. I have probably 2-3 years left before my lungs can't take the strain anymore, so I'd like to get a couple good hunts in while I still can.

 

[LongWayAround]

Exo packs are hard to beat and probably the most often recommended around here for the last several years.

If you're doing trips that are like long weekends, the 3600 would probably be about right. Longer than that and I would suggest the 5000.

I have to ask, what happened to your other lung?

 

[HalfLungHunter]

Born without it. Also born without a nose and extensive facial deformities. Docs told parents I’d never live on my own etc. Earned 4 college degrees, have a successful career, married a Latina and have a pile of kids. Docs have underestimated my willingness to crush all obstacles in my way my entire life. 30% lung function is just another stat to beat.

 

[rogerdoger]

I would look at the mystery ranch, yes the other packs are nice but I cannot spend that kind of money. I have the beartooth and it fits my needs, packing meat was excellent as well. Think there are a few sales going or find a used one for around 275-300.

 

[skipper907]

exo 3600 is your best bet

 

[bowhuntercoop]

I would look at the mystery ranch, yes the other packs are nice but I cannot spend that kind of money. I have the beartooth and it fits my needs, packing meat was excellent as well. Think there are a few sales going or find a used one for around 275-300.

I have a beartooth 80 and a Pintler. They work ok. Once I tried a k4 I was blown away. I would glaldy sell the mystery for 250-300 but seems you can’t give them away.

 

[rogerdoger]

I have a beartooth 80 and a Pintler. They work ok. Once I tried a k4 I was blown away. I would glaldy sell the mystery for 250-300 but seems you can’t give them away.

I agree the exo is a far better pack, but for a guy only whitetail hunting for 2-3 more years the exo would be an overkill imo.