What to look for in pack bag?

[Matt W.]

Purely from a pack bag perspective, I really liked the original KUIU ICON 7400. I had one of the Gen 1 versions and the pockets were laid out well, it opened up wide, and the bag design made using the bag ideal. My problems with that pack had nothing to do with the bag.

I like a bag that has some pockets for organizing stuff. Some guys like nothing but a sack and then use ziplocks, stuff sacks, etc. to organize. I really like how the new Exo 6400 is sort of a blend of both preferences.

IMO, any of the top 4 or 5 pack companies use good materials, they just have unique features in terms of a bag / frame combo that provides us with choices. I learned the hard way that the frame / fit is the first thing you gotta nail down. From there you find a bag that fits or make a frankenpack. : )

 

[N2TRKYS]

Shelby County

I'm in Tuscaloosa County. I have a Kifaru AMR with a regular lid and love it. I load meat in the bag in a large trash bag.

 

[86indy]

Smohon thank you this answered a lot of my questions.

 

[1shotgear]

New guy from Alabama. Just curious what folks look for when selecting a pack bag, in addition to carrying capacity. For example: multiple storage pockets vs. simple design, breakaway vs. integrated/non-breakaway, weight vs. functionality, etc. Thanks in advance.

Stone Glacier has a simple design but you can add camp/swing out pockets. The camp pockets can be chained. Even with a sky archer 6200 it gives a lot of compartmentalization ability plus you can add an access or serac bag. Best is to try different bags and see what suits you best.

Zap really said it right! I have tried many different packs out there and not saying that the other big pack company's are trash don't buy them that is not at all what I'm saying. We carry Stone Glacier packs we used to carry Kifaru packs and we also carry sitka's packs I have a mystery ranch as well as a kuiu pack also so I have had the ability to try all the big pack guys on the market. I know this may be a little long but hear me out on this. If your trying to go cheap just go to cabelas and well you get what you get there. I tell everyone DO NOT GO CHEAP! Don't go cheap on boots, packs, and optics that's just a rule of thumb in the hunting industry. The packs that are out there that are big pack company's are all amazing packs its just what are you looking for in a pack that separates each company from another. I am a minimalist style hunter and packer so I like lightweight and simple and compact. That is where SG comes in play and I love how there meat shelf system is they ride so dang nice now I am 5' 8" and 155lbs I am no giant or big guy at all and I can carry a rear and front quarter with my gear with no problem and it was dang comfortable. Now with Kifaru they are comfortable I just am not a fan of all the molly straps and they are a little heavy but there pack straps and belts are really nice but I had issues with getting weight on in my pack and was causing hot spots now that's just me other's are different. Now Kuiu has a light weight bag but there frames I have a few guys bust them and I just don't like how there bag rides and this is all going off of my body and what I like. Yes we are a dealer so SG but I will say go try all the different bags out order them and return them and see what you like the most and what is most fitting for you and the way you hunt. Also talk to the guys who carry these packs and get in all the info that you need and what you are looking for. I hope this helps on a pack decision for you and if you have any questions feel free to call me or message me I will try and guide you to whatever will work best for you even if it is not Stone Glacier.