Pack Recommendations

[RADunfee]

So you do not own an AI? What pack do you run?

No but if I could justify the price that's what I would get. I run a MR Metcalf and it works fine for where I live in GA. I'm only packing black bear, whitetail, and the occasional pigs. I have friends with all the other pack options and the ones with EXO really like them. They are definitely comfortable. But under heavy weight that IA5k I tried was super impressive.

 

[Jimss]

I’ve used and abused kifaru for years. They stand up well. I use a frame and switch out bags depending on scouting or hunting/packing large loads.

You may be disappointed if you have just one pack or bag that isn’t designed for hefty loads. It’s nice to pack out a 1/4 of elk the first trip out. With just a daypack you won’t be able to do this.

You will also have a sore back and legs with a medium to large load with daypack that really isnt designed to comfortably haul 30 to 40+ lb loads. If I didn't have kifaru I’d likely use stone glacier. SG didn’t come in camo so I picked kifaru.

You might take a look at the weight of MR’s. When I was looking they were well made but extremely heavy.

 

[eaglemountainman]

I have a Sawtooth 45 for 6 years now. Its a tank. The 270° zipper is huge. Zero complaints. Metcalf is a great pack, also, with a bit more room. But it doesn't have that great zipper for access.
Try on any pack that you might intend to buy, with weight. Try on as many as you can. You can spend huge money on a pack and wind up completely miserable.

EDIT:
I have a coyote brown Pintler (bag only), brand new in the box, never even been on a frame. $100 plus shipping.

 

[Phaseolus]

Seek Outside is always a good choice. I've got a smaller bag and a larger bag for frame. It's also helpful that I live within 15 miles of the Made in Colorado store.

 

[BigCountry34]

I love my MR Sawtooth 45 for a 1-2 day pack. Can haul a lot of weight comfortably.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I went to a show that had about 7 or 8 of the industry's top packs and they let you put them on and test them with and without weight. They took notes on what average people thought throughout the weekend. IA crushed it in the weight category. (100lbs).
I think EXO tied for third. SG was 2nd. EXO ranked higher without weight though. It was definitely an interesting test. The guys made sure the packs were properly fitted also on each individual.

Thanks for the reply. I’ll try one of I get a chance. I thought they were sort of lame for awhile but now they have been around a bit longer.

My stone glacier still has life left in it so I’ll keep using it for a bit though.