What pack for elk hunting in Colorado?

[2-Stix]

I was on a MR Sawtooth 45 and moved to a SG approach 2800. I went from a 7 rating to a 9.5 in my experience. I packed out a few deer with the MR and then an elk with the SG this year. I really like the SG.

 

[justinspicher]

I do all of my excursions in Colorado with some variation of a MR pack.

 

[ColoradoLiberation]

I like the Kifaru stuff. I like the stiff frames and how my packs are laid out. They can be "strappy" but are really tough. They carry weight really good.

Fairly pricey..

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I tried on an ark frame at scheels and didn't care for it but I'm gonna go back and try it out again.

 

[striped1]

Packs are a lot like boots - there are some great ones out there, the best ones are expensive, and rhere is no one size fits all solution. Personally, I like my Mystery Ranch. It fits me well. It does weigh a little more than I would like empty, but it is comfortable for me under a heavy load. MYstery Ranch may not fit your frame as well as it does mine. Try a bunch on, put weight on / in them and walk around and see what works for you.

 

[Marble]

I tried on an ark frame at scheels and didn't care for it but I'm gonna go back and try it out again.

It's good you are trying out different brands. In my opinion, there are three weights you should try on a pack. Daypack weight at ~25 lbs in it, backpacking weight ~45 and packout weight ~80 lbs. Be tough to do in a store. Just keep that in mind. I've had a few friends put my pack on at daypack weight and hate the kifaru. Then, when we pack out, they love it.

One of the brands will be for you. Most of the time, when I see people really hate a pack, they really have no idea how to properly adjust it and the sequence for tightening. It makes a huge difference.

Good luck!! Let us know....

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[prm]

Review the designs and pick two you like the most. Then hike with them weighted and with your day hunting gear. Only then will you know what is best for you. I learned that what feels good standing for a few minutes is not an indication of what will work better hiking.

 

[Watrdawg]

I used an EXO K4 5000 last year and loved it. Previously I had a MR Metcalf and between the 2 packs the K4 is night and day a better pack. Needless to say the Metcalf has been rehomed.

 

[taskswap]

We should add a Wiki to this site like some other forums do. This gets asked like once a week and nobody ever reads the old threads.

 

[ColoradoLiberation]

It's good you are trying out different brands. In my opinion, there are three weights you should try on a pack. Daypack weight at ~25 lbs in it, backpacking weight ~45 and packout weight ~80 lbs. Be tough to do in a store. Just keep that in mind. I've had a few friends put my pack on at daypack weight and hate the kifaru. Then, when we pack out, they love it.

One of the brands will be for you. Most of the time, when I see people really hate a pack, they really have no idea how to properly adjust it and the sequence for tightening. It makes a huge difference.

Good luck!! Let us know....

Sent from my SM-S918U

We should add a Wiki to this site like some other forums do. This gets asked like once a week and nobody ever reads the old threads.

What's the point of the forum if you can talk to people about their experience year to year.

 

[WeiserBucks]

It sounds like I really need to try an exo though.

If you're in the market for a premium pack it would be a big mistake to not try out an EXO.

 

[ColoradoLiberation]

If you're in the market for a premium pack it would be a big mistake to not try out an EXO.

I would have to agree but it's looking like it's gonna be SG. I can get a nice discount and the money saving can go to arrows and other gear.

 

[WeiserBucks]

I would have to agree but it's looking like it's gonna be SG. I can get a nice discount and the money saving can go to arrows and other gear.

SG isn't the only discount in town. Don't let price have to much influence on your decision if you intend to keep the pack long term. A cheaper pack that doesn't work well for you isn't the bargain it seems like.

 

[ColoradoLiberation]

I've already tried it on, seems like they hold their value too so if I decide to try something else I could just sale it. I haven't seen exo have any sales or discounts except for black friday and that's after the season.

 

[RBB]

Can't go wrong with SG and a few different bags for the type of hunt. I have one frame that is holding up well after multiple years of packing

 

[WV Mountaineer]

You gotta buy what you like. Exo is a fine pack. But, put a thread up about a backpack and the fan boys blow it up everytime. Used to be Kifaru guys. Now, it’s the exo crowd. I think if we ever make it to mars exo packs will be why. lol

I run Kifaru and seek outside. As marbles and a few others have said, it takes weight to find the best one for you. I’m not saying you can’t decide like you have. As did most of us here.


Just be aware that a Kifaru frame isn’t going to feel as good light. Because it is stiffer. Will it carry more? Probably but, you’ll never find out as that weight isn’t sustainable.

Plus, you are wearing your pack empty about 99% of the time. So, buying an uncomfortable tank because it carries weight better may not be the best choice in the end.

Basically, As long as the belt holds when you are packing weight your choice of SG should do great. They make a great pack as well. Just get some weight in whatever you buy immediately and find out. That goes for every pack you buy. Including exo.

 

[deadend88]

I ran Kifaru for 10 years and switched to Initial Ascent two years ago. Elk packouts no issue with their carbon frame. For fun and because I am never satisfied, I am running the new Sky Archer 6400 from SG this year.

I have the brain where "good" is never "great" enough and a bunch of what if scenarios...sucks, but I do get to try it all and cry way more than once.

Good luck on your search!

 

[BCSojourner]

I was told this would be a better place to post this.

I'm not new to elk hunting but this year I told my wife I want a new pack and I'm gonna spend the money to buy a premium one. I have a mystery ranch pop up 38 I used for day hunts and it's good but squeaks like hell. My other pack which I prefer and have now packed out 4 animals with is an eberlestock kite 4800. This pack is awesome but when I packed out my elk last season it wasn't carrying the load the best. I'm mainly an archery hunter but dable in rifle when I can get a decent tag in leftover. My question is what will be as roomy as the eberlestock but carry that elk weight better? I've been looking at hill people gear decker frame, stone glacier col 4800, kifaru (tried on an ark but didn't love it) what do you guys run. I also like to be as light as possible with the pack to carry more gear and food.

Hard to beat the K4. They have several belt and frame sizes. I live in the high country of CO, spend a couple of months every year in the backcountry with my pack on, and have used earlier EXO versions and a Kifaru setup as well. Found the K4 to be the best overall for navigating through, under, and around all of the beetle-kill pine, and it hugs my body better than the Kifaru, as well as being overall lighter in weight. Lots and lots of videos out there on the development and testing of the K4. Also hard to beat their customer service.