Pack recommendations

[Buglebrush]

Maybe i am misunderstanding you, but if you aren't backpacking camp in there is no reason to go with a 500+ dollar pack. You should be able to pick up a used Badlands 2200 or a Eberlestock X2 for under 150.00 for a daypack. Either of these will easily haul out a first load of meat. ( I have the Badlands 2200, and it is great for this) Then I have a simple meat hauling frame or my trusty old Kelty for going in on the second load. You should be able to get reliably set-up for under 300.00. However, if you are going to get seriously into backpack hunting the other options are great. Just don't think you have to spend 500-600 on your set-up. I know there is better options out there, but I live out west and hunt elk every year out of my 2200. At this point in my life with a young family there isn't funds for something more expensive. Also my dad and his buddies hauled out many an elk on packs I wouldn't even consider. My 2 Cents

 

[mtnclimber]

For packing serious weight, i always go to my barneys pack

 

[tipsntails7]

Mystery ranch bighorn is 300 bucks and is a amazing daypack. It's very very well built, hauls a load of around 80-100 well. I wouldn't go any higher. For the money I doubt you can find a better pack for the money. Plenty of room if you ever want to do an over night or a 2 nite trip.

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

Duplex has my vote for heavy hauling.

 

[Matt W.]

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.

Good advice here.... All your info straight from the source...

 

[ChrisA]

Maybe i am misunderstanding you, but if you aren't backpacking camp in there is no reason to go with a 500+ dollar pack. You should be able to pick up a used Badlands 2200 or a Eberlestock X2 for under 150.00 for a daypack. Either of these will easily haul out a first load of meat. ( I have the Badlands 2200, and it is great for this) Then I have a simple meat hauling frame or my trusty old Kelty for going in on the second load. You should be able to get reliably set-up for under 300.00. However, if you are going to get seriously into backpack hunting the other options are great. Just don't think you have to spend 500-600 on your set-up. I know there is better options out there, but I live out west and hunt elk every year out of my 2200. At this point in my life with a young family there isn't funds for something more expensive. Also my dad and his buddies hauled out many an elk on packs I wouldn't even consider. My 2 Cents

No, you're not misunderstanding. I just don't know whether to spend the money and have it done in the event I do pack in camp one day, or keep it less expensive with a cheaper and smaller pack and/or having a cheaper hauling frame back at camp knowing I'll only spend a week in the mountains a year.

My hunting partner says to just get a cheaper external frame pack like he has. Well, I've had my ass kicked by his campmore a couple times and don't want that again.

Bottom line is I need to do a little soul searching and find out what the heck I want. You guys have given great advice, it's up to me now.

Thanks,

Chris

Btw: I'm afraid to call Aron or Kyle as I know I'll end up with a pack that will out last me resale value is quite good though.

 

[hammer0419]

I can truly tell you. Years ago I always wanted Kifaru but refused to pay the money they sold for. I ended up buying I am think about a dozen different packs and returning ALL of them. The money I wasted on return shipping I could have had a Kifaru. In the end I bought my first Kifaru. For the past 15 years I have used nothing but Kifaru and have no intention of changing. Fit and comfort are just second to none. Crazy expensive, yes. Worth it, yes.

 

[bbrown]

I can truly tell you. Years ago I always wanted Kifaru but refused to pay the money they sold for. I ended up buying I am think about a dozen different packs and returning ALL of them. The money I wasted on return shipping I could have had a Kifaru. In the end I bought my first Kifaru. For the past 15 years I have used nothing but Kifaru and have no intention of changing. Fit and comfort are just second to none. Crazy expensive, yes. Worth it, yes.

Solid advice here - went down the same route with many inferior packs before realizing the higher end packs are worth the cost if you actually use them. That not just limited to Kifaru - Stone Glacier, some of the MRs and Exo looks promising too. Resale value is much better with the higher end packs even with years of use and abuse.

 

[ChrisA]

Right or wrong, I ordered up an EXO 5500. If we are lucky enough to pack out some meat and the pack doesn't suit me then I'll try a Stone Glacier or Kifaru.

Thanks again for all the good advice,

Chris

 

[boom]

Right or wrong, I ordered up an EXO 5500. If we are lucky enough to pack out some meat and the pack doesn't suit me then I'll try a Stone Glacier or Kifaru.

Thanks again for all the good advice,

Chris

cool!! congrats. i think you made a sound choice.

 

[wapitibob]

you can buy 7075 1/8 bar from mcmaster carr for an outrageous price/foot but as a joe off the street it will be about your best option.

mcmaster dot com put aluminum in the search bar at their site

 

[BATTLEBORN]

Im curious as to why you decided the Exo pack? Im in a similar situation and im currently looking at new packs. What made you pull the trigger on the Exo as opposed to the others?

Im not in a huge hurry and I keep hearing Mystery Ranch is coming out with a new pack line next month so I may wait and see what that looks like but for the time being the Exo is definitely on my list, I just want to wait for some actual field reviews before I buy it.

Thanks

 

[Jlbmlb4]

I am curious why you went with the Exo also. I am still trying to decide between a SG, MR or Kifaru. I am leaning toward the bikini/nomad mainly because it can adapt for multiple uses. I may have to look at the Exo also.

 

[ChrisA]

I liked the load shelf idea. Also it seemed like a good value for all the features and I felt like taking a chance on a new company/pack that had good reviews, albeit only a few. Remember though, I have very limited experience with packs so don't put much weight on what I do.

Chris

 

[BATTLEBORN]

Thanks Chris, please let us know how it works out for you.

Where did you find the reviews you referred to? I cant find much in way of reviews.

 

[ChrisA]

Why on Steve and Lenny's blog of course! Lol

 

[Ryan R]

I am curious why you went with the Exo also. I am still trying to decide between a SG, MR or Kifaru. I am leaning toward the bikini/nomad mainly because it can adapt for multiple uses. I may have to look at the Exo also.

Skip the MR. I have the 7500 and it's a comfortable load hauler with good pack layout, but at just over 10 lbs if you start counting ounces you'll be wishing you bought a lighter pack. My next pack will be a Kifaru or SG. Same toughness at a lighter weight.

 

[NVCHUKAR]

I just recieved my exo 3500, I have been playing with it around the hose and loaded it up with 50#. It feels solid and comfortable. I look forward to some extended hikes to give it a thorough test. I think you will be happy with your decision.