What pack for elk hunting in Colorado?

[ColoradoLiberation]

I’m in the market for a new elk/mule deer hunting pack also. Mostly archery. Only problem I have is that I’m from Iowa, and you can’t find any “western” hunting packs around here. Scheels does carry mystery ranch i guess. But I’ve tried that on and didn’t care for the fit on me. Glad to see you found a pack you like. Would love to hear how it performs on your next hunt.

So I've taken the stone glacier sky archer 6400 on about 12 miles of hikes since I've gotten it. Just regular weight that I would have in it on a regular day hunt. I've never had a pack that fit better than this pack. Doesn't move off my hips while hiking and the top moves with you. I'm gonna throw a sand bag in it pretty soon and test with some weight. Still figuring out how I want the layout to be with some of their accessories but I like it so far. The belt attachment system is ass if you were gonna want a pistol on the side but I have that under my bino harness anyway. I'll let you know how the pack works on a hunt.

 

[Denimdan]

Sounds good and thanks for the response. Which frame design did you go with? The X curve?

 

[mudslinger021485]

I'm very happy with my SG pack.

 

[tracker12]

I like to read these pack choices. They are always the same with the same recommendations in the end. One thing I have found consistent is that each pack fits each individual differently. I bought a EXO based on reviews and hated it. My hips hurt no matter how I adjusted it. Sold it to a friend who loves it.

 

[fngTony]

I like to read these pack choices. They are always the same with the same recommendations in the end. One thing I have found consistent is that each pack fits each individual differently. I bought a EXO based on reviews and hated it. My hips hurt no matter how I adjusted it. Sold it to a friend who loves it.

Why you hurting our eyes man?

 

[HFBPA889]

Interesting thread….I am currently looking for my first pack…gonna hunt elk this year for the first time. Research has led me to believe Exo, Kifaru, and SG are top tier. I’ve never tried any of these packs and gonna have to pull the trigger on one of them…I’m leaning EXO.

 

[wh0cansay]

I like to read these pack choices. They are always the same with the same recommendations in the end. One thing I have found consistent is that each pack fits each individual differently. I bought a EXO based on reviews and hated it. My hips hurt no matter how I adjusted it. Sold it to a friend who loves it.

Swap the composite stays for aluminum and bend them to the curvature of your spine, and you will most likely get a good fit.

This is always the same issue with the same recommendation in the end

 

[Bump79]

The Akek is a really heavy pack with too many doodads. I was given one of their first packs and quite honestly it’s not a comfortable pack with any weight in it. You might wish to choose a pack that is lighter, waterproof, more comfortable and made in America.

I just picked one of these up and I'm super confused by the heavy statement. It's really light in my opinion. I haven't packed an animal out yet, which is the true test but it seems comfortable so far.

Alpha 3200 Hunting Backpack - Rifle / Bow Big Game Pack

Our Alpha 3200 hunting backpack is perfect for a 3 day packing trip & small enough for a simple morning hike. Ultra lightweight Carbon fiber frame.

akek.com

Personally, the doodads that it comes with are simple but seem effective. I look forward to trying out the gun bearer. I appreciate that it came with a load sling, hip pockets and the little pack. I plan on running it in various configurations for elk, packing or whitetail.

Overall, it seems really well thought out. Durability and packing ability TBD.

 

[Phaseolus]

7.12 pounds is heavy

 

[wh0cansay]

Interesting thread….I am currently looking for my first pack…gonna hunt elk this year for the first time. Research has led me to believe Exo, Kifaru, and SG are top tier. I’ve never tried any of these packs and gonna have to pull the trigger on one of them…I’m leaning EXO.

Check out Hill People Gear as well. They don't specifically cater to hunters but their suspension is hard to beat for heavy loads - and at a very fair price.

 

[Bobrobheimer]

Exo all the way in my opinion. The K3 was great but the K4 is even better! (Technically I have the pika prototype on the way to the K4). I think for skinnier folks without much ass or hips to keep the belt up the changes from the k3 to k4 really helped.

 

[jrob712]

I’m between the IA 5k and the K4. Seems like two common contenders

 

[derekbart]

I'm in the same boat as you and went with the k4 5000. Been rucking with 60lbs for the last few months and don't have any complaints.

 

[jonnyviceroy]

Another vote for EXO K4. I have used the stone glacier, kifaru as well as mystery ranch back in the day. Bags are just bags and each will have their individual intricacies. But in terms of pure performance in load carrying and all day comfort it is not even a close comparison for me personally. I also truly appreciate their bag design and simplicity. I have yet to use or see a pack where each small detail and feature so clearly shows that a tremendous amount of thought was put into it.
Here’s two full boned out mule deer from last season.

 

[jrob712]

Super helpful thanks!