PathFinder
WKR
This is a combo I'm considering to solve some problems and give me the capabilities I'm looking for in a pack system.
First off, my history with packs. I've never had anything "top of the line". Prior to this year I've used my Eberlestock X2A1 for just about everything. I've done day hunts with it and loved it for that purpose. I've hauled hundreds of horns with it as well and loved it. However my adventures have outgrown this pack. This year I first tried a Slumberjack Rail Hauler, but it didn't fit me so I sold it. Next, I purchased a Kuiu Ultra 6000. I love the design of the bag but I can't get the thing to haul anything over ~40-50 lbs very comfortably. It does ok, but I use the crap out of my hunting equipment and I want it to be better.
Second are the intended uses for the pack. I've got a great job but I'm paying for school too and only working part time right now, which is why I am thinking of buying the Minimalist and putting my Ultra bag on it. I'm 5'6" and 145 so fit is a potential issue. My pack probably gets used for shed hunting more than everything else combined February-April it's every weekend with a couple weeklong trips thrown in, and at least 2 good fall trips as well in between hunts. I often find lots of bone and have to be able to carry at least 7-8 good sized elk antlers plus deer antlers in my pack. My intention is to put the big elk horns in between the pack frame and bag. We do some overnight trips so I need a good size bag for that gear as well. Along with shed season, I hunt like crazy August-November so the typical hunting requirements for a pack come in; be able to haul all my camp & hunting gear along with the ability to haul a deer sized animal out in one load with as much comfort as I can expect. Although I don't like the waist belt on my Kuiu I do like the bag well enough. I will likely eventually buy a Terminus bag but it's a bit out of reach for the next couple months.
What are your thoughts on this combo for these uses? Any other potential solutions? I definitely want the load shelf feature, want the whole system in the low 5 lb range, and can only spend so much right now. I've looked at Exo but getting ahold of one at this stage seems to be a looong waiting game. My other idea is to start with something like the Eberlestock Mainframe and build my own off of it (that was my original idea with the Slumberjack), but then weight will start to stack up a bit more.
First off, my history with packs. I've never had anything "top of the line". Prior to this year I've used my Eberlestock X2A1 for just about everything. I've done day hunts with it and loved it for that purpose. I've hauled hundreds of horns with it as well and loved it. However my adventures have outgrown this pack. This year I first tried a Slumberjack Rail Hauler, but it didn't fit me so I sold it. Next, I purchased a Kuiu Ultra 6000. I love the design of the bag but I can't get the thing to haul anything over ~40-50 lbs very comfortably. It does ok, but I use the crap out of my hunting equipment and I want it to be better.
Second are the intended uses for the pack. I've got a great job but I'm paying for school too and only working part time right now, which is why I am thinking of buying the Minimalist and putting my Ultra bag on it. I'm 5'6" and 145 so fit is a potential issue. My pack probably gets used for shed hunting more than everything else combined February-April it's every weekend with a couple weeklong trips thrown in, and at least 2 good fall trips as well in between hunts. I often find lots of bone and have to be able to carry at least 7-8 good sized elk antlers plus deer antlers in my pack. My intention is to put the big elk horns in between the pack frame and bag. We do some overnight trips so I need a good size bag for that gear as well. Along with shed season, I hunt like crazy August-November so the typical hunting requirements for a pack come in; be able to haul all my camp & hunting gear along with the ability to haul a deer sized animal out in one load with as much comfort as I can expect. Although I don't like the waist belt on my Kuiu I do like the bag well enough. I will likely eventually buy a Terminus bag but it's a bit out of reach for the next couple months.
What are your thoughts on this combo for these uses? Any other potential solutions? I definitely want the load shelf feature, want the whole system in the low 5 lb range, and can only spend so much right now. I've looked at Exo but getting ahold of one at this stage seems to be a looong waiting game. My other idea is to start with something like the Eberlestock Mainframe and build my own off of it (that was my original idea with the Slumberjack), but then weight will start to stack up a bit more.
) you could either pack it in the bag or use the straps and compress the meat load between the bag and frame. Sorry I am not very good at pics and describing how it works. hopefully you get the idea.
