The perfect extended hunt pack

[Jimbob]

Does this exist for you? Has every feature you absolutely want/need? After my hunts this year I realize what I need and I am planning a purchase for next year. My pack did well this year but it can get better. I packed out a sheep on a solo hunt 24.8 kms then packed out my sons goat 8 kms, we have a moose hunt coming up as well. I want to upgrade my frame to a kifaru but the bag is the issues I have. Here are my must have's:

1. LARGE. I go solo and with my young son which means I carry his food so I need a large pack. The bigger the better.
2. Lightweight. Don't need a bunch of organization. Hip belt pocket, top lid and main bag I need.
3. Center zip. I just loved this feature on my pack this year. Zip it open lay gear in the right configuration on frame and zip up. Really is a must have for me.

The reckoning would be perfect but too small. It would work but I would max it out. The fulcrum is awesome but a little heavy and the extra side pockets are not what I need, actually I don't even want them. if I bought that pack I think I would cut them off. Also the compression set up of the reconking is what I love. The crater looks good but the zip is on the side, why in the world would you put it on the side? Jordan's review she even states that she misses the center zip. I could live with side pockets like the reckoning or crater but center zip and size is a must.

With all of Kifaru's offerings I some how feel left out LOL. So my plan right now is to just buy the frame, lid, belt pockets and sew my own bag. This will save me some cash and ounces as well.

So does your perfect pack exist? what changes would you make/add to get what you want?

 

[45-70]

No. And I totally see your issue. Frustrating I'm sure to see every feature you require available from Kifaru, just not all in one pack.
We all see people vent about wishing this or that from the various manufacturers. I don't think those wishes ever come true exactly like they wanted. On the other hand, I chuckle sometimes when a new pack is introduced and folks proclaim it 100% perfect for their needs, only to see those same folks agonizing over their need for a new pack a couple of years later. I get it. Needs change and we like new stuff!

That's why I decided on the Nomad 2 when it was announced. It gives me the flexibility to run light, heavy, load haul, scout, shed hunt etc. I keep finding new ways to configure it. There is a weight penalty for having this modularity/flexibility but I am chipping away at it where I can. I am replacing the original Camp Bag with an old Kifaru Quarter Bag for now. Next I plan to make other bags of differing capacity out of Dyneema or other light weight material to use in place of the Camp Bag. So far I'm enjoying the process, watching these pages for ideas and learning to sew.

Good luck and Kind Regards.

 

[deerhunter628]

Im not any help to you other than to suggest also posting in the DIY section. I have read some of those posts and those people are pretty creative. Im not

 

[ljalberta]

Might still not be perfect, but I think when you remove the plastic inserts from the Fulcrum you shed about 9 oz or so.

 

[justinspicher]

I had Pods8 build me two packs, which are exactly the same, except one is about 6K and the other is about 3K, for my MR frame. So far they are everything I've ever wanted in a pack. He also does above expectation work so they are bombjproof packs.

 

[fngTony]

I had Pods8 build me two packs, which are exactly the same, except one is about 6K and the other is about 3K, for my MR frame. So far they are everything I've ever wanted in a pack. He also does above expectation work so they are bombjproof packs.

X2 zero complaints about the bag he made me.

 

[LaHunter]

X3 for Pods8. He does excellent work and can help you with finalizing what you are visualizing in your mind.

 

[Carl]

Sounds like a Stone Glacier is right up your alley

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[Jimbob]

Sounds like a Stone Glacier is right up your alley

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There are bag that are close to being perfect but none are. The ones I mentioned from Kifaru are close. The SG sky talus 6900 is close but I want a BIGer main bag.

 

[JD619er]

What about picking up an argali and adding a center zip?

 

[bmart2622]

Like others have said, hit up pods8, he has done some work for me and my next bag will be a custom by him.

 

[mrbillbrown]

What about picking up an argali and adding a center zip?

I agree. You’re looking for an Argali with a center zip. Contact David at Native Textiles and tell him what your looking for.


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[Ironman8]

What about picking up an argali and adding a center zip?

I did this and had pods8 do a side zip on each side. As others have said, he does excellent work!

Regarding side vs center zip, I usually have my bow strapped to the back of the pack, so a center zip would be useless in that case. If I rifle hunt, then the rifle is usually on one side or the other...in which case I would still have access to the opposite side zip. Additionally, the way the compression straps are configured on the Argali, having side zips allows the compression straps to take tension off the zipper.

 

[Jimbob]

I am not too concerned about access. If I am stopping to take the pack off then it’s pretty easy to do what I need to get what I want. The center zip makes packing perfect. Open it up and lay the pack flat and configure your items. I was able to lay my food bags at the exact height I wanted then place items underneath to get it just right. Same thing with the meat. Just what I like.

Thanks for the suggestions about sewers but I can do my own sewing if I go that route.

Love hearing what works for you guys. What are you using and what do you like about it?



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[fngTony]

I am not too concerned about access. If I am stopping to take the pack off then it’s pretty easy to do what I need to get what I want. The center zip makes packing perfect. Open it up and lay the pack flat and configure your items. I was able to lay my food bags at the exact height I wanted then place items underneath to get it just right. Same thing with the meat. Just what I like.

Thanks for the suggestions about sewers but I can do my own sewing if I go that route.

Love hearing what works for you guys. What are you using and what do you like about it?



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A center zip bag from Pods8, about 3400ci. No long excursions in my future but I like the design for the same reasons you described.

 

[deadwolf]

There are bag that are close to being perfect but none are. The ones I mentioned from Kifaru are close. The SG sky talus 6900 is close but I want a BIGer main bag.

Sky guide 7900?


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[ellsworb]

Check out the pack lineup from Seek Outside. I think they have exactly the pack you’re describing.

 

[Rokwiia]

How about a Seek Outside Goshawk? It has the zipper you want, has 4,800 cu in. You can add a Talon and top lid which increases it to 6,100 cu in. It is lighter than any other pack in its class and is made of X-Pac which eliminates the needs for a pack cover.

In the alternative, you could get the Seek Outside Saker which has 7,400 cu in including a zipper in the main bag and zippered side pockets. Add a top lid and you have nearly 8,000 cu in.

https://seekoutside.com/hunting-backpacks/

 

[cuerro viejo]

The perfect pack is kifaru duplex with an Exo/SG style 5-8k tapered bag with pals webbing for the ability for external pockets.

 

[WoolyBugger]

Mine is the mountain warrior with the organizer guide lid and belt pocket. It has enough room for me for at least 5 days and I would imagine i could get a few more days of food in there if i was going longer. Packs down to a day pack very well. Has organization for the smaller stuff in the lid and pocket plus the exterior pocket.