Too many choices, help me choose a daypack

[stxhunter]

I’m going on an elk hunt in New Mexico this September. For this hunt I really need a daypack with a meat shelf, the metcalf I have is more than overkill.

I’ve been looking at the initial ascent day pack setup. Frame looks good and the pack looks just big enough. This is probably the favorite I’ve seen. Haven’t seen much in the way in reviews though which makes me pause.

I started looking at Seek Outside with the Merlin talon setup, but have seen mixed reviews on the frame.

Kifaru seems to be mentioned quite a bit, but their setups seem a good bit heavier than others. I’ve considered the duplex lite and hellbender from them.

Open to other suggestions. Trying to get something this weekend with the 4th of July sales if possible.

 

[justinspicher]

Have you looked at the MR mule? You already have the frame.

 

[stxhunter]

Have you looked at the MR mule? You already have the frame.

The pack is from 2018, I don’t think it’s the guide lite frame. It also looks like the mule is discontinued.

 

[Dakota_Rookie]

Why don’t you want to use your metcalf as a day pack? I use my metcalf as a day pack unless I’m sitting in a tree stand. It’s light enough in my opinion and compacts flat with minimal gear in there. Just because you have all the space, doesn’t mean you need to fill the bag.


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[Nine Banger]

Exo K4 with the 2200 bag is my day pack. Has room for all shooting equipment, tripod, 2 nalgenes, lunch and some to spare the but cinch straps suck out all the extra space. Mollinator and Jellyfish fit inside too.

 

[Nine Banger]

K4:

 

[Olson]

While not on sale at the moment, I would recommend the EXO K4 2200. Well thought out day pack design with a shelf and the K4 frame system is wildly comfortable IMO.

 

[stxhunter]

Why don’t you want to use your metcalf as a day pack? I use my metcalf as a day pack unless I’m sitting in a tree stand. It’s light enough in my opinion and compacts flat with minimal gear in there. Just because you have all the space, doesn’t mean you need to fill the bag.


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Actually been thinking about that option. Hiking with the pack now as part of my weekly workout.

 

[Dakota_Rookie]

Actually been thinking about that option. Hiking with the pack now as part of my weekly workout.

I think it works great as my day pack and would save you some money. Compresses nicely, can carry multiple layers, in the pack or strapped outside, and then the bag separates from the frame to load out a kill.

If money is no factor, it does make sense to switch to some sort of a frame that you can switch out bags for day hunts and backpack hunts. It’s something I’ve thought about myself but just haven’t really gone far down that rabbit hole. Good luck!


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[stxhunter]

I think it works great as my day pack and would save you some money. Compresses nicely, can carry multiple layers, in the pack or strapped outside, and then the bag separates from the frame to load out a kill.

If money is no factor, it does make sense to switch to some sort of a frame that you can switch out bags for day hunts and backpack hunts. It’s something I’ve thought about myself but just haven’t really gone far down that rabbit hole. Good luck!


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Appreciate the response! Money is always a factor … I could easily put the extra cash towards a new bow and use my current as a backup.

With that being said, I see so many talking about frame and fit it makes me wonder what others are like. Just came back from my 3mi hike with 35lb pack weight and I feel like I’m still fiddling with the pack to get it just right.

 

[wapitibob]

I use a Stone Glacier and a Pods8 custom bag. Holds everything I need on a hunt from start to finish. Room under the bag to cinch a coat/etc. Becomes the compression panel when packing meat.

 

[stxhunter]

Exo K4 with the 2200 bag is my day pack. Has room for all shooting equipment, tripod, 2 nalgenes, lunch and some to spare the but cinch straps suck out all the extra space. Mollinator and Jellyfish fit inside too.

While not on sale at the moment, I would recommend the EXO K4 2200. Well thought out day pack design with a shelf and the K4 frame system is wildly comfortable IMO.

Thanks, I’ll check it out!

 

[stxhunter]

I use a Stone Glacier and a Pods8 custom bag. Holds everything I need on a hunt from start to finish. Room under the bag to cinch a coat/etc. Becomes the compression panel when packing meat.

View attachment 732165

Which frame did you go with?

 

[justinspicher]

The pack is from 2018, I don’t think it’s the guide lite frame. It also looks like the mule is discontinued.

I had one that fit my GL frame. You could always swap out the buckles.

I ended up offloading it because I always just used my pintler.

 

[Marble]

I’m going on an elk hunt in New Mexico this September. For this hunt I really need a daypack with a meat shelf, the metcalf I have is more than overkill.

I’ve been looking at the initial ascent day pack setup. Frame looks good and the pack looks just big enough. This is probably the favorite I’ve seen. Haven’t seen much in the way in reviews though which makes me pause.

I started looking at Seek Outside with the Merlin talon setup, but have seen mixed reviews on the frame.

Kifaru seems to be mentioned quite a bit, but their setups seem a good bit heavier than others. I’ve considered the duplex lite and hellbender from them.

Open to other suggestions. Trying to get something this weekend with the 4th of July sales if possible.

I have the duplex light and a Hellbender. I like it a lot. It's my most favorite daypack. I've done whole deer and multiple loads of pigs, elk and bear. Big enough to get a couple nights out of it needed. It is very scrappy and isn't snug to frame without some adjustments.

As far as Kiafru weighing more. That's fairly true. But I can tell you not all packs carry weight well. At 60 lbs plus, a lot less on some packs, you won't notice two pounds.

My buddy didn't like my frame and lumbar pad until he tried to carry the head and hide from his bull. He asked to pack it in my pack. After he got out on, he realized why it had that big lumbar pad.

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[UpTop]

Really like the MR pop up for a daypack. But it would be nice to build up a whole system with one of the pack companies with a small bag and a large bag to swap out on one frame system. But overall for myself I am very happy with the pop up I own. I use it for everything.

 

[Outwest]

My suggestion would be to just use the Metcalf. Saves some cash and it's really not that much of a weight savings to go to a daypack on a frame. Most of the newer meat sandwich frame packs can be compressed pretty well anyway. Plus a few extra snacks or an extra layer are always a welcome sight if you end up needing them. I use a SG Sky 5900 for pretty much everything because it compresses so well.

The old days of carrying a true daypack (frameless) then having a frame at the pickup are gone with the advent of lightweight and sleeked down pack frames.

However there is still something to be said for the old ways, you can travel a lot more efficiently with less fatigue if you aren't carrying everything you may possibly need on a frame. Depending on the unit you drew, it could be a viable option for you. Food for thought...

 

[mtwarden]

The frame on the SO is fine, but the Merlin is a little tight on volume imho for hunting I think their newer 40-ish liter day pack is a better option for a daypack.

Having said that, I think if you already have a frame that works and a bag that will compress—I'd spend my $ elsewhere. As mentioned above, having a little extra volume if the weather takes a turn is a good thing

 

[wapitibob]

Which frame did you go with?

x curve

 

[BobBob]

Actually been thinking about that option. Hiking with the pack now as part of my weekly workout.

I use my metcalf as a day pack. It cinches down nice and tight. Carries meat really well