Where to start

[pbcarch]

complete newbie here to backpack hunting and going out west.

real brief about me: 46 years old and have been an athlete all my life (soccer, skiing, weight training, competitive cyclist) i am still cycling / racing and train pretty much daily. So i can say i am in good shape for 46 and better shape than a lot of 30's ;-) I have the basic pains now of a 40+ year old , old sport injuries, new ones...etc... I suffer from lower back pain if i am not careful but I can control it and deal with it.

Now i have no idea if that translates into my pack selection or not but hoping you more experienced guys can help.

There are sooo many choices and they all look great. Where do i start? what should be my consideration in options?

thanks,
Paul

 

[Tuscor]

Welcome!

You need to make decisions based on your goals. You've indicated that your aim is to backpack hunt out West, which suggests larger game, and its reasonable to assume that you'll be planning trips of at least a couple of days, maybe up to a couple of weeks.

This suggests you'll need a biggish bag, that can handle a big load.

You're in the backpack section, so will limit my advice to packpacks; however I will say the following:

A good pack is important, but in my opinion there are other pieces of gear that are equally, potentially more important. Make sure you don't skimp on good boots!

The top packs (based on good reviews and popularity) are:

Kifaru
Stone Glacier
Exo

There are others which are also popular, but to be honest, they are a cut below the three above (with the exception of SeekOutside maybe), so unless $$ are a limiting factor for you, I would not look beyond the three above.

Kifaru is probably the most popular on Rokslide. They are bomb proof, have a solid and trustworthy frame that can handle the weight, and are hard to beat. They are slightly heavier than the alternatives (not by much) and do have a bit of a military look to them (PALS webbing etc) which is not to everyone's taste. They are awesome though, and full disclosure here, I currently use a kifaru. They have a wide range of bag sizes and frame/stay options. I suggest having a look at the website then reading some reviews.

Stone Glacier are aimed specifically at the lighter weight crowd, and marketed specifically at sheep hunters, but obviously are used elsewhere to great effect. They have just released a new frame, but their original frame appears to be tough and able to handle heavy loads. I have no personal experience, but the reviews I have read suggest that the frame does not always suite people due to the fact that its very flat - so does not follow the contours of the back. It will depend on your personal preference I expect. The new frame could also change this. Again, they have lots of bag options and there are lots of reviews online.

Both Kifaru and Stone Glacier have a 30 day return policy, meaning you can order, test and return the one you do not like. Resale values are also reasonable as far as I can determine.

Exo I have the least experience with / knowledge of. They look like solid packs and have a good following. Anecdotally, I understand that they are perhaps not as solidly put together as the Kifaru, and use smaller webbing etc, but the fact that they have more organisational pockets and are not as expensive means they appeal to people for whom Kif and SG do not.

Hope this helps - you are entering a world of pack obsessed people, where there are many views and endless hours of internet research. Just remember, packs are very individual, and what works for one person may not work for you. Nothing beats your own research and your own testing, so try to visit a supplier, or ask around on the forum for people who live near you who might let you try on their pack - Rokslide is full of nice people who are willing to help out.

 

[pbcarch]

thanks Tuscor...

yes you are correct, big game - Elk, out west trips will be for at least a week and planning on 2nd season rifle. I understand as in anything there will be tons of personnel choice but i just need a place to start and you have given me that, thanks

so part of the figuring out of packing stuff in is figuring out how to pack out (if i get so lucky) an elk...do most big 3 have some sort of add on meat rack/strap or do you just strap or place stuff inside in game bags ? I will be hunting with a buddy so i get it will be multiple trips.

how about daypacks for hunting out of a set up base camp. do the above 3 have a break down method to smaller use when needed or does one just use as is? My plans are to pack in 2-4 miles and then hunt within a 1-2 mile radius, again that is where i am beginning from.

 

[Tuscor]

In terms of packing out, I can only comment on Kifaru and Stone Glacier:

Kifaru: there are two options here. Most of their bags are designed so the meat goes in the bag, and you can still fit your gear around it. They sell a 'hanging meat bag' which is designed to hold the meat and fixes inside the main backpack to hold the load steady and at the top of the pack (so the heavy meat is higher up and against your back). They do sell a couple of bags (reckoning, woodsman, apollo) which are designed with a 'meat shelf' whereby the meat is compressed between the bag and the frame.

Stone Glacier have a signature meat shelf design, where the whole bag/frame systems is specifically designed so that the meat can be carried against the frame, using the bag as a panel to hold it in place, and your 'camp' can go in the bag... if that makes sense. There are youtube videos that you can view to visualise this for both SG and Kif.

Both manufacturers design their bags so they can be compressed for day hunt mode. In my view, SG do a slightly better job of this - most of their larger bags can fold down into a 'bivvy' mode for day hunting or spike camping; however certain Kifaru packs do the same thing quite effectively. This way you do not have to carry a smaller pack in with you for day hunting out of the main camp, and have your main load hauler with you if you do get lucky.

 

[todd kelly]

thanks Tuscor...

yes you are correct, big game - Elk, out west trips will be for at least a week and planning on 2nd season rifle. I understand as in anything there will be tons of personnel choice but i just need a place to start and you have given me that, thanks

so part of the figuring out of packing stuff in is figuring out how to pack out (if i get so lucky) an elk...do most big 3 have some sort of add on meat rack/strap or do you just strap or place stuff inside in game bags ? I will be hunting with a buddy so i get it will be multiple trips.

how about daypacks for hunting out of a set up base camp. do the above 3 have a break down method to smaller use when needed or does one just use as is? My plans are to pack in 2-4 miles and then hunt within a 1-2 mile radius, again that is where i am beginning from.

Your best bet is to try a couple out before you drop $700+ on a pack. Post where you are and there might be a couple of guys on here that live close to you that might let you try on what they have. Also IMO don't buy a pack based on the bag attached to the frame, buy the frame that fits your body the best and then go from there.

I would add kuiu and MR to your list as well of brands to look at.

 

[FreeRange]

I run a Stone Glacier 5100 and what has been mentioned above about the versatility of these packs is spot on. One reason I'd strongly suggest it for you is if you're only hunting out west 1-2 times a year this is a pack you'll find uses for all throughout the year as it packs down to daypack size very easily and is actually useable in that mode.

All the above mentioned packs are great for hauling meat, I personally am a big fan of the load shelf type packs. Also consider if you have a bit "smaller" bag (there are some big bags out there) but are going in for a very long hunt you can always use the load shelf going in with a dry bag full of gear or food to further expand your carrying capacity. I can't imagine how many days I'd have to go to fill up my 5100, easily 10 plus. I see they've now replaced the 5100 with the 5900, it looks to be very similar.

 

[pbcarch]

yes considering i have 3 kids with 2 off to college in the next 1-2 years I will not be going out west anymore than once a year and even at that once every other year. So a pack that offers the flexibility of other uses from simply back packing, camping etc... would be best.

I see SG offers a frame then you add bags/accessories. Is that the same for the others? no issue with a bags slipping of shifting off of the frame in these type of designs? can you use one companies frame and another bags/ accessories ?

 

[FreeRange]

You can possibly interchange, but they're not specifically designed for that. I ran a Kuiu ultra 3000 on my SG frame until I had the funds to buy a bag, it worked fine just a little more time consuming when making adjustments or going to load shelf mode. Pretty much all the manufacturers have one or two frame/suspension systems with a bigger selection of bags you can quickly swap onto the frame. If the frame and bag are from the same manufacturer and made to go together there is no slipping/shifting issue at all.

 

[Ntgm37]

Field Review of the Kifaru Nomad Pack by Long Range Only field editor Billy George - YouTube

Give this a watch.

 

[Tuscor]

I think you can run Exo bags on kifaru frame (there is a post about it somewhere showing how), but you cannot run SG on a kifaru frame or vice versa as they use slightly different set ups.

There is no problem with bags slipping off frames - these things are rock solid and have been tested extensively by their designers.

All three (SG, Kif, Exo) have the separate frame/bag thing, although I think they all also sell bags with integral frames.

Note that all of these manufacturers also have the owner/senior management active on the forum, and you can find their phone numbers if you look hard enough. Aaron from Kifaru and Kurt from SG will talk to you to discuss any specific questions and concerns you might have about specific bags and the correct fitting/size.

 

[kodiakfly]

Instead of looking at all the bags out there and trying to decide which one, first decide what size you need based on where/how/what you'll be hunting. There's a lot of bags that are capable of being close to a do it all bag. Whether you decide on Kifaru or another brand, Kifaru has videos of each of their bags with Aaron going through and handling the bag, showing the features, etc. Seeing the vids, you can get the "aha, I like that..." thought and that can steer you one way or the other.

Regarless, I gotta suggest one of the those three mentioned above, a quality bag, made in USA with the customer support and quality to make it worth the purchase price.

 

[hammer0419]

I have owned them all. Each have their pluses and differences. All the big names are top notch. Personal preference is a big factor. What works for me may not for you and vise versa. The new gear Stone Glacier just launched looks incredible!!! It's nice to have one of these high end frames. Once you have the frame your options are ENDLESS. Buy a big bag for long hunts and get a small one for day hunts and even an overnight bag. It's not the easiest when you can't try them on and see first hand. It may come down to spending a few $$ on return shipping if something doesn't work for you.

 

[darcytribe]

Ditto-ing a lot of what been said above: great advice. I've tried MR, Kifaru and most recently Exo. I liked parts of all three of them but am still on my quest for the "perfect one for me". I've resolved that I may never find Pack Nirvana but it's kinda like hunting... "it's the thrill of the hunt". If I ever harvest my perfect pack that will just be icing on the cake. For me the most important consideration is comfort. I'm gonna be 50 this year and the body cannot take the abuse it could even 10 years ago, so I'm looking for that frame and suspension that will be right for my body specifics (which is different for every person). Like has been mentioned above, if you can get that fit right, you'll probably be able to find a bag to meet your needs. I'm going to sell my 2015 Exo 3500 (with bells and whistles) if you are interested in trying that to get started on your own personal quest. It's a great pack, just not perfect for me... Happy hunting!

 

[oldgoat]

Didn't read all the posts so this might of been covered, my best advice to you is before you buy anything, start watching the applicable Gritty Bowmen podcasts. They are both entertaining and educational!

 

[pbcarch]

Ok so looked at kifaru and their system sure does seem extremely flexible and well thought out. How does their frame comfort compare to others?
Can you use their rifle scabbard on the side or use some other company ?

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[Tuscor]

I like their frame compared to others!

If you look at reviews online, there is a consistent theme that its one of the most comfortable and sturdy frames for heavy loads ever. Obviously this comes with the caveat that it does not work for everyone, and there is also the requirement that you choose the right stays for your back shape.

They have the gun bearer system rather than a scabbard (check youtube). It can be fit on the side of the pack. Or you can buy any molle compatible scabbard and it will fit on the molle packs (AMR, Mountain Warrior). The Nomad bag also allows you to use a gun bearer down the middle of the pack between the two 'wing' pockets.

 

[pbcarch]

The side scabbard system seems very awkward. Don't know if the muzzle poking up towards my chest is a great idea. Appears it will get in the way. This is for simple packing in or out , not for Dailey hunting

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[FreeRange]

The gun bearer is a great system and I know most who've tried it will agree. It may look awkward but it is very comfortable and natural. Even if you're not actively hunting it's a great way to stow your rifle while hiking in. The thing I never liked about strapping a rifle to the side or back of the pack is if you're maneuvering through brush or steep terrain the bottom of the stock or barrel will be difficult to manage because you can't easily see them and get around obstacles. And I feel I'm much less likely to bump the scope into something with it cradled next to my body than hanging off the back of the pack. The weight distribution is also much better having it close to your own center of mass, just like any heavy object you pack, hanging far off your side or back is not ideal.

For once you're hunting it cannot be beat, trying to carry a rifle on a sling with a pack on is cumbersome and carrying the rifle in your hands all day gets tiring. It's amazing how quickly you can deploy your rifle from the gun bearer. No matter what pack system you end up with a gun bearer is a great idea. Even with somewhat larger rifles with 24" barrels and a turreted scope the use of a gun bearer is still very natural and you forget it's there.

 

[kodiakfly]

Ok so looked at kifaru and their system sure does seem extremely flexible and well thought out. How does their frame comfort compare to others?
Can you use their rifle scabbard on the side or use some other company ?

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The comfort of their frame is amazing. But like was said, make sure you get the right stays for the shape of your back, and there's a couple good videos by Kifaru on how to determine that. And like was also said, it's not 100% of the people that they fit, but you'll also hear stories upon stories of Kifaru working with you even after the sale to get it fit right...new lumbar pads, different stays, different belt, one on one tips on sizing...and worse some to absolute worse, you can sell them for dang near what you paid for them.

The side scabbard system seems very awkward. Don't know if the muzzle poking up towards my chest is a great idea. Appears it will get in the way. This is for simple packing in or out , not for Dailey hunting

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For as funny as it looks, it's awesome. Where's Bruce had a thread about carrying a bow in his like that and I gotta admit, I thought he was crazy. Then I tried it and it worked amazing...for a compound bow! And to illustrate that, I had a bow cradled like that, down my side under my armpit and I slipped and fell and literally did a summersault and came back up, upright on my butt. I stood up and the danged bow was still tucked under my arm and in the Gun Bearer....to this day, I have no idea how it stayed in there, but it did. It's solid, comfortable and you can get it into action very quickly.

 

[pbcarch]

Final outcome......Since I am not 100% sure what I ultimately will like/ fit the best I was able to purchase a used frame, pack and lid from a fellow rokslider.... Kifaru hunter frame, marhfor bag and guide lid is on its way....Seems like a great setup to learn and add stuff to as I need .

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