Shrink Pack!

[Rick Leathley]

It sounds to me like the Stone Glacier Approach would be perfect for you. I know you Said Kifaru or MR so I apologize and you can ignore this, but if you have the time, read what others have written on here about Stone Glacier packs (high quality, light-weight, American made, with an owner/designer who is a hardcore mountain hunter and stands behind his products). The Approach fits everything you seem to want with the ability to change pack bags on the same frame if you desire http://stoneglacier.com/approach.html

I also thought SG Approach would fit the bill , but since he had excluded all other packs I passed in recommending it.

But he could run the Approach and if he needed more room just toss a dry bag full of gear in the load shelf. Once at camp drop the dry bag and suck it back down to day pack mode.
The Approach has built in spotter and tripod holders.

That my plan this year. I am going to piggy back an Approach on my terminus then drop the terminus at camp and hunt with the Approach ...

 

[D Lee]

It sounds to me like the Stone Glacier Approach would be perfect for you. I know you Said Kifaru or MR so I apologize and you can ignore this, but if you have the time, read what others have written on here about Stone Glacier packs (high quality, light-weight, American made, with an owner/designer who is a hardcore mountain hunter and stands behind his products). The Approach fits everything you seem to want with the ability to change pack bags on the same frame if you desire http://stoneglacier.com/approach.html

Will do. Thanks.

 

[LaHunter]

Based on your priorities listed in your original post, it sounds like you are specifying a day pack to me. Kifaru and S.G. are recognized as top line packs by many hard core mountain hunters, but if all you are going to be packing is in the range of 25 pounds, there may be other options to at least consider. Maybe a daypack in the range of 2000-24000 ci may work well and probably half the price. Also, some of the daypacks have multiple pockets inside and outside as you stated was a priority. Just something you may want to consider.

Good Luck

 

[luke moffat]

Possibly right on the Nomad? Please remember, these will be guided hunts out of state. I honestly do not see heavy lods going in or out - not that I wouldn't help my guide - used to pitching in without being asked. Was leaning hard towards the T3 - no frame - not sure about the Nomad "wing" concept. Basically 2 long tubes lashed together - no disrespect intended Aron, just how my mind and galactic lack of pack experience talking out loud. Took some time to think on that and began to see some possibilities. Appears to compact well - add frugally what you want - lots of expansion possibilities. Good suggestions here, I think I'm down to 2 packs. Will look more at the suspension system and pocket possibilities. Time to close up shop tonight. Thanks again.

What kind of hunts are you doing in Alaska? If its brown bear than yeah you can get by with the smallest pack around likely as you more than likely will be coming back to a basecamp everynight rather than carrying camp on your back. If for sheep or goats you might want more cubic inches if going out for a week. Unless its a way to ensure you don't carry to much

Seriously though lots of great options out there, best of luck in your decision. I will say regardless of which pack brand you choose. Get one for a daypack bag that is on a very stout removable frame that can easily swap to a larger packbag if needed. Since you are already looking at purchasing a smaller day hunt pack and a larger multiday pack then in the long run you'll be money ahead likley purchasing a quality frame that fits your body well. Everyone is different and packs, like boots, sometimes don't work for everyone. Doesn't mean that brand is bad, just means its not for you. Basically when it comes down to it the pack has to really only work FOR YOU.

I prefer Kifaru after trying A LOT of packs and spending a lot of my money to try them out. But that certainly doesn't mean its the best option for you, but certainly one to consider to see if it might.

 

[bigeasygator]

I don't get to put the miles on the packs like some of the folks on here, but I've played around with a lot of them and own quite a few of the packs you're considering. I don't know that I'd give a recommendation on just one pack, but here's my two cents.

1) It sounds like you're really describing a large daypack for your primary hunting needs. To me, there are packs out there that are better suitable to this than others. When I think of a daypack I want it to be size appropriate and I want easy access to various bits of equipment. For this, I prefer the MR Crew Cab and MR Longbow (both of which I own). The modularity, size, and layout of the new Nomad look like it will serve you well also. I have a Highcamp 7000 and a DT3 as well, and for me, these bags (even the DT3) work better as multi-day type bags and are harder to access certain bits of equipment.

2) I wouldn't worry too much about some of the bags being "too big" personally. Here's a pic of me and my Highcamp 7000 and Bikini compressed (with some Large belt pockets attached on the bottom). These large packs can compress really small and work very well as a daypack from a size standpoint (again, I don't prefer them given the way their layout in this mode). If in doubt or you have to only choose one size, I recommend going bigger.


3) I'd recommend getting a modular system with an external frame. You have the flexibility to mix and match bags in the future. Not only can you mix bags from individual manufacturers, you can mix (with various levels of modifications) different manufacturers. I love the Bikini frame. I also love the Longbow as a daypack. Here's what I'll be running next year as my daypack/short multi-day bag -- it's a Longbow on a Bikini. Again, the point is that you are really locked into one set-up if you buy an internal frame pack.


Just my two cents for what it's worth. With packs I've found in some ways it's hard to go wrong and it's hard to go right. In other words, there are many packs that will do most of what you want and at the same time none of them seem perfect! Take all this information for what it's worth and choose what you think will work best! Good luck!

Jason

 

[D Lee]

I don't get to put the miles on the packs like some of the folks on here, but I've played around with a lot of them and own quite a few of the packs you're considering. I don't know that I'd give a recommendation on just one pack, but here's my two cents.

1) It sounds like you're really describing a large daypack for your primary hunting needs. To me, there are packs out there that are better suitable to this than others. When I think of a daypack I want it to be size appropriate and I want easy access to various bits of equipment. For this, I prefer the MR Crew Cab and MR Longbow (both of which I own). The modularity, size, and layout of the new Nomad look like it will serve you well also. I have a Highcamp 7000 and a DT3 as well, and for me, these bags (even the DT3) work better as multi-day type bags and are harder to access certain bits of equipment.

2) I wouldn't worry too much about some of the bags being "too big" personally. Here's a pic of me and my Highcamp 7000 and Bikini compressed (with some Large belt pockets attached on the bottom). These large packs can compress really small and work very well as a daypack from a size standpoint (again, I don't prefer them given the way their layout in this mode). If in doubt or you have to only choose one size, I recommend going bigger.


3) I'd recommend getting a modular system with an external frame. You have the flexibility to mix and match bags in the future. Not only can you mix bags from individual manufacturers, you can mix (with various levels of modifications) different manufacturers. I love the Bikini frame. I also love the Longbow as a daypack. Here's what I'll be running next year as my daypack/short multi-day bag -- it's a Longbow on a Bikini. Again, the point is that you are really locked into one set-up if you buy an internal frame pack.


Just my two cents for what it's worth. With packs I've found in some ways it's hard to go wrong and it's hard to go right. In other words, there are many packs that will do most of what you want and at the same time none of them seem perfect! Take all this information for what it's worth and choose what you think will work best! Good luck!

Jason

Images helped a lot Jason. Thank you! My resistance to the external frame is mostly about it adding size, not cost or weight. It's because I don't have the experience of the members here who are kind enough to respond that I keep dismissing the external frame. Maybe I shouldn't be? Every word I've read here supporting the frame makes perfect sense. I just know that this will primarily be a git'n'go pack first - and second a pack with 1 or 2 overnight capability. Members here are consistently recommending an external suspension - good advice I have no doubt. Am seriously processing everyones comments.

I spoke to Heath at Kifaru today to discuss the Nomad and he suggested the Late Season (internal) and adding a few external pockets. Sounded logical, seemed to make good sense. Patrick speaks highly of the Late Season (of course) but I believe he is sincere in his recommendations and he is a very credible source for information.

Got the word this afternoon that the Black Bear hunt in AK is available. Again, this is a guided hunt, likely from a small boat up the inlets, returning to a roof and electricity at the end of the day. BUT, there is a possibility that we might overnight it should circumstances warrant it - which is fine by me. My Black Ice sleeping bag disappeared years ago and will need replacing. Into/onto the bag it will go.

I looked into SG today and liked what I saw, but with so little "pack" experience on my end, I'm leaning towards a tried & true Kifaru. Not a bad tag line? I will look up the bikini frame for measurements. Really do appreciate all the feedback folks, just nearly impossible to choose the right pack without your great help.

 

[bigeasygator]

For reference, I'm 5'8" and that is the large (26") bikini frame. I have no qualms about using this frame in day pack mode. It's really not overly big and it is the most comfortable frame or pack I've ever worn. You almost don't realize it's there. Anyway, just a little more perspective!

 

[Lawnboi]

For what it's worth. I've used the bikini and standard suspension with many backpacking size loads.

I couldn't tell enough difference between the two to warrant not having the frame. The sewn in frame was a hair thinner width wise and would flex with you a little, but there has yet to be a time even with minimal loads that I wished I had my standard suspension back.

 

[Ironman8]

For reference, I'm 5'8" and that is the large (26") bikini frame. I have no qualms about using this frame in day pack mode. It's really not overly big and it is the most comfortable frame or pack I've ever worn. You almost don't realize it's there. Anyway, just a little more perspective!

Bigeasy, do you know your torso length? I'm 5'8 as well with a 19.5" torso. Was wondering whether the 26" or 24" stays would work best... Thanks

Sorry for the thread hijack...

 

[bigeasygator]

I forget...but I'd guess it is pretty average (not long for my size). Maybe 18.5"? My biggest concern was that the stays would stick too high up. I can feel them against my head in certain situations or sometimes if I have my hat on backwards, but they really aren't bothersome at all. If you just look at it it doesn't look too big on me either. I also like the lift it gives me...I barely ever feel the pack on my shoulders.

 

[Ironman8]

Ok thanks for the response. It looks like that's about where my ILBE sits, maybe your T1 is a tad higher, and I also don't think it's that it's that bothersome. Still deciding on a high end pack, but the Nomad quickly took a top spot

 

[D Lee]

To all who took the time to reply, and Jason who sent images, just wanted to say thanks. Researching all the packs was enjoyable, trying to pick the right one - not so much. Anyway, no surprise, there's no perfect pack, all have tradeoffs. I looked very hard at the K Late Season and the MR Bighorn. Based on cost, SIZE, quality and features, I went with the MR Dragonslayer. I chose it over the Spike Camp only because it had more compartmentalization - no other reason. Comfort may be less than the Spike Camp - tradeoffs. Yes, I will likely have to purchase a 2nd - larger pack down the road. But I think I made a good "1st" choice for now. Greatly appreciate the feedback everyone. Much obliged. Be safe and have a great year!