Pack recommendations

[ChrisA]

I'm looking for my first true pack to hunt and haul with. I've hauled out a few loads with a borrowed external frame pack, can't remember which make/model but it was not set up for me and sucked with 80+ lbs of elk in it. Then last year I borrowed a MOLLE II pack that we loaded to 100 lbs give or take a few. That pack felt pretty good after I got the weight adjusted to my hips. However, the load was at the bottom of the bag which probably could've been corrected had I known any better. I had to hunch forward quite a bit to keep the load off my shoulders and on my hips but it wasn't too bad.

I'd like to be able to hunt with the pack, then I can haul out a load after a kill instead of dead heading back for a pack and help.

So far we've hunted out of a base camp and came back every night so I don't know if i just need a meat hauler or go for a pack that I could camp out of in case we ever decide to stay out a few days; which I'd love to do but lack the gear.

The pack wont get used too much as I'm from Iowa and we don't do much packing here so it'd be great if I could find something used. That said, I don't like to cry twice.

I'm 5'10", a muscular 215 with 10 lbs too much fat, have an ass, size 44 jacket, kinda longer back and shorter legs.

Any thoughts for this FNG ?

Thanks,

Chris

 

[dotman]

Kifaru bikini frame with nomad bag.

 

[justin davis]

For heavy loads I would look towards the Kifaru Duplex frame. With whatever Kifaru bag you want on there. I personally use the highcamp 7000

 

[hammer0419]

If you definately plan on doing some hauling I would suggest the Duplex. I do love my Bikini because it is light and the pads pivot. However I have come to realize with the carbon stays you will never ever get a TRUE CUSTOM FIT like with aluminum. Of all the Kifaru packs I had I always tweeked the stays a half dozen times for a perfect fit. The huge craze for lighter and lighter is not important any more compared to extreme comfort. I would definately take a pack that weighted a pound more and fit "to perfection". Compared to one a pound lighter and fit "just ok".

One thing that can be done with the Duplex is replace the 3/16" thick stays with a 7000 series aluminum at 1/8" thick. They will weight about 8oz less, able to custom fit, and doesn't make the duplex feel like you are strapped to a board as you will feel a little give. The 7000 series is also over 10,000lb stronger than the 6000 series aluminum so even though you are going a tad thinner you do not sacrifice any strength. It really makes a Duplex even better than it already is.

 

[mrbillbrown]

Both great recommendations. For a little smaller budget it's hard to beat the Horn Hunter Full Curl system.

 

[snowcamoman]

Don't overlook the Stone Glacier packs as well, they are nicely designed and haul a load comfortably.

 

[JoshTX]

For heavy loads I would look towards the Kifaru Duplex frame. With whatever Kifaru bag you want on there. I personally use the highcamp 7000

This.

The Duplex is the shizzle. Any of the bigger bags will do nicely for what you want. I also use a HC 7000.

 

[dotman]

If you definately plan on doing some hauling I would suggest the Duplex. I do love my Bikini because it is light and the pads pivot. However I have come to realize with the carbon stays you will never ever get a TRUE CUSTOM FIT like with aluminum. Of all the Kifaru packs I had I always tweeked the stays a half dozen times for a perfect fit. The huge craze for lighter and lighter is not important any more compared to extreme comfort. I would definately take a pack that weighted a pound more and fit "to perfection". Compared to one a pound lighter and fit "just ok".

One thing that can be done with the Duplex is replace the 3/16" thick stays with a 7000 series aluminum at 1/8" thick. They will weight about 8oz less, able to custom fit, and doesn't make the duplex feel like you are strapped to a board as you will feel a little give. The 7000 series is also over 10,000lb stronger than the 6000 series aluminum so even though you are going a tad thinner you do not sacrifice any strength. It really makes a Duplex even better than it already is.

I didn't read all of this but you do know there is an aluminum bikini frame.

 

[Shrek]

I really couldn't be happier with my Kifaru Duplex and t1 bag. Emr II wasn't available when I bought mine but I would get that today. Long hunter lid . I loved the Bikini frame I had for a couple weeks also. Unless I was going to constantly haul 100+ pound loads I'd get the Bkini with and EMR II and Long Hunter lid.

 

[hammer0419]

I didn't read all of this but you do know there is an aluminum bikini frame.

I am aware of that. Just dont know if I am sold on it?? With no frame sheet how strong is it? Even though the carbon is not shapeable it is crazy strong. I have never seen anyone post a picture or say they use one??

 

[Matt W.]

As for Stone Glacier, you can get one of the smaller pack bags for your occasional overnight and then utilize the load shelf when hauling meat out. Kurt gave some great info here.
http://www.rokslide.com/easyblog/entry/stone-glacier-proper-use-of-a-load-shelf
http://www.rokslide.com/easyblog/entry/stone-glacier-selecting-backpack-size
http://www.rokslide.com/easyblog/entry/stone-glacier-understanding-the-physics-of-pack-load

I personally run both a Sky 7400 and an EMR II. Both are great packs that I have specific uses for. However, after figuring out the load shelf and looking back I think I could have gotten away with running the 5100. However the weight difference is negligible so with that in mind I'm content having that extra space.

From the sounds of your use a Solo would suit well if you go Stone Glacier and the Nomad if you go Kifaru. Since you are not packing big distances I'd just get the Duplex frame. Could even find one used and then add the Nomad bag.

 

[Mtnboy]

This won't be the popular opinion here, but if I were you, I'd pick up one of the Eberlestock Blue Widow packs in the classifieds. (last time I looked there was a couple)

They compress down to day pack well, have lots of options to add on (scabbard, bow carrier, external bags etc.) and they haul heavy loads pretty dang well.

I've used one the last 2 years and they are a more than capable pack, especially since you know it will only get used a couple times a year.

Just my $.02

Also, I know from experience a guy can cut off about a pound of unnecessary stuff from the Widow and bring the weight down a little closer to some of the way more expensive packs.

(Full disclosure, I just got a Stone Glacier Solo myself, but that decision was made mainly for the weight savings. I also use my pack a lot, so it was worth it to me, if I only used it a couple times a year I'd still be using my Widow)

 

[robtattoo]

I had the same issue. As a Tennessean I don't do a ton of hauling so dropping $600+ on a single pack was out of the question. After a lot of research & trying on packs, I decided that my needs would be best served by a Cabelas Alaskan Guide frame & a operate daypack that I can strap to it for the hike in. My daypack is a Tenzing 2220. Small enough to carry easily, but still big enough that I can get a useful sized load back to camp, then I can grab the frame to haul the rest. I bought the Tenzing in the classifieds here & all in all I've got well under $300 in both packs that will do everything.

 

[slim9300]

Kifaru bikini frame with nomad bag.

I agree but you won't find one used. Make sure you get the grab it, a small belt pocket, Longhunter lid and hanging water bladder. I have this setup myself. I'm 6' 3" and 180 lbs and I can carry 120-130 lbs. comfortably in the mountains. I get no hot spots or pain, just the normal fatigue from expending a shit load of energy climbing with that kind of weight. I'm sure the Duplex frame may be slightly better with heavy loads (I'm not sure how exactly since I haven't used one) but I would much rather save the weight and keep my bikini frame, since I spend the majority of my time hunting and not packing loads. Someday I will buy a Duplex frame just to have one.

 

[Manosteel]

I have the Bikini Frame and the T1 bag, love it and would highly reccomend this combination. I have 2 small hip belt pockets along with the grab-it w/ lash kit and couldn't ask for anything more. The majority of my heavy loads are with deboned meat but I have also hauled moose quaters. 130+ lb loads as comfortable as they can be and when just packing my gear its super comfy. With day hunt gear you really forget you are wearing it.

Whatever you decide make sure it has functionaly load lifters, a comfy belt with power pulls and a nice lumbar pad. And look at the companies reputation for quality and custermer service.

 

[flyinsquirel]

One thing that can be done with the Duplex is replace the 3/16" thick stays with a 7000 series aluminum at 1/8" thick. They will weight about 8oz less, able to custom fit, and doesn't make the duplex feel like you are strapped to a board as you will feel a little give. The 7000 series is also over 10,000lb stronger than the 6000 series aluminum so even though you are going a tad thinner you do not sacrifice any strength. It really makes a Duplex even better than it already is.

Where can one find some of this 7000 series aluminum?

 

[ChrisA]

Thanks for all the input. Kinda still lost but am seriously looking toward the Duplex or Bikini and Nomad, Stone Glacier Terminus with 3 piece belt, or multiple lesser priced options.

Even though I'll only use this a few times a year or less I'd rather be comfortable and dependable.

Thanks again,

Chris

 

[Aron Snyder]

Thanks for all the input. Kinda still lost but am seriously looking toward the Duplex or Bikini and Nomad, Stone Glacier Terminus with 3 piece belt, or multiple lesser priced options.

Even though I'll only use this a few times a year or less I'd rather be comfortable and dependable.

Thanks again,

Chris

Give Kurt a call at Stone Glacier and me a call at Kifaru.

We can both talk you through the options to help with your decision making.

 

[ChrisA]

I wonder if a McHale Super Sarc can compress a jag of meat and keep it in place for a good haul?

Chris

 

[handwerk]

Thus far I've been happy with my kifaru timberline 2, my first "real" pack, hoping to put it to a true test this fall.