What to look for in pack bag?

[smohon]

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.

 

[*zap*]

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.

 

[Clarence]

Alot of personal preference with this. Lots of videos on any given pack. Take a look at different options and find what suits your tastes. Some guys like lots of pockets, some like fewer pockets and a big compartment. I have seen that with experience, comes streamlining and a reduced desire for an uber amount of pockets. I do like the ability to sling meat and not put it in my bag, but I've seen guys that prefer to chuck it in their bag and roll. All that said, your first bag probably won't be your last bag if you take to backpack style hunting.

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[stump06]

In the limited experience with bags that I have the best I've found is Kifaru. They are super modular and have great options. Don't have any experience with Stone Glacier but from looking at their site a little they have a lot of options. I like a modular system bc it allows me to Taylor my pack for the hunt I'm on. That being said the best carrying packs ive had are Kifaru and EXO. Hope this helps

 

[Grover]

I agree with everything on here. There are many great packs on the market right now so my suggestion is to shop with a “boot mentality” and find something that fits your body. I bought a SG but the first frame I tried on felt terrible. The other frame I tried fit like a glove. Both my older son and I bought SG and my younger son bought Kuiu. All are good. I personally don’t like a bunch of pockets because I use Kifaru and Mt Laurel Designs sacks to store my gear using a bag within a bag concept. Seems to be popular these days and I can find anything quickly. Buy what feels good on your back and make sure that it is set up correctly or the best pack in the world will be a pain.

 

[Lawnboi]

Carry capacity and durability. I can get away with a bag with 10 pockets or none, but it has to be big enough.

Everything else is extra.

A lot of guys here seem to be in a never ending search for the perfect pack bag. I don’t think that exists.

For that reason I’m running my fulcrum till it breaks

 

[kiddogy]

side zip access in addition to top access. multiple exterior compartments. how noisy is fabric. must have load lifters


probly most important , comfort with large loads

 

[smohon]

Curious also about interchanging bags. Is there a need, or is there an "all in one" bag that does everything well?

 

[kiddogy]

not sure there is an all purpose pack that fits every need but there are many that are pretty versatile.
stone glacier , kifaru, exo, mystery ranch, eberlestock are all worth looking at . I know I'm leaving some out , there are many more , just depends what you want to pay.

IMHO , eberlestock is a decent pack but not in the class of others I mentioned . but they are also cheaper and are well made . they did not seem to fit me well and just felt uncomfortable to me compared to the others . but I do know many who love them, so ,give em a look.


I have the exo 3500 WITH K2 frame. it' s good for a 3-5 day trip. longer stays ,it's probably a bit small ,cause it does fill up fast.

it will however compress and make a pretty decent day pack, once you set up camp and drop most items you need for camp.

I didn't but would probably recommend going with the EXO5500 over the 3500 if you plan on staying several nights . it will still compress down to where you notice virtually zero difference between the two ,when empty . either one you can drop the bag completely (or not ) when hauling meat.

now exo has a whole new line in their k3 bags and frames .
very much recommend you check them out if interested in a high end pack system.

 

[*zap*]

Curious also about interchanging bags. Is there a need, or is there an "all in one" bag that does everything well?

I think being able to switch out or take a bag off is a great option to have.

 

[AK Troutbum]

I’m in the minimalist camp and like a bag that’s big enough, but light wt. and simple. That said, I have something like 4-5 bags for my SG frame. My son also has a SG frame, so that’s why I have so many bags....at least that’s what I tell my wife.


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[scp]

Carry capacity and durability. I can get away with a bag with 10 pockets or none, but it has to be big enough.

Everything else is extra.

A lot of guys here seem to be in a never ending search for the perfect pack bag. I don’t think that exists.

For that reason I’m running my fulcrum till it breaks

Lawnboi stated it perfectly for me. I’ve used SG, still use a Kuiu pack for specific hunts, and have all of the K2-era Exo bags (yes, I know that I have a problem!) which I use as well. By and large, though, the Kifaru Fulcrum is my go-to. It’s a monster when expanded, a sleek profile when tightened up, and the wing design coupled with Kifaru’s modularity make it my preferred bag. I won’t buy another bag until it wears out (if ever). I wrestle with selling my other bags, but I like keeping them around...

 

[smohon]

Great information. Thanks guys.

 

[Middleofnowhere]

I don’t like a lot of pockets or organization built in. I prefer to just stuff the main compartment. I do like packs that break away from frame so you can haul meat outside the pack. I am also the type of guy that carries a lot of stuff in my bino harness.

 

[EspenErdal]

Do you people prefer meat shelfe for meat carrying, or better with a large bag?

 

[AK Troutbum]

I prefer a load shelf. I have packed meat in my main bag, but it’s never been something that I’ve liked doing.


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[N2TRKYS]

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.

What part of Alabama are you from?

 

[bozeman]

From Bama as well! I prefer simple and light.......single bag, limited pockets, side and top access, not many 'attached' pockets.............just a frame, dry bag, load sling and a lid...........best of luck; I've now gone thru MANY frame/bag combos!

 

[smohon]

Shelby County

 

[ChrisAU]

Also from Alabama. Lots of ya here haha. I prefer one big sack with a pocket or two on the outside for things I like to have quick access to. As for meat packing I used the load shelf on my Kifaru to help pack an elk out last year but my plan this year is to line my pack with a contractor bag (leave the top open so it can breath) and just put meat bags inside between hanging points.