Which Would You Choose?

[scwilso35]

After reading through a ton of threads online, this seemed like the best way to get a direct answer, so we will see how it works...
The (my) scenario:
Your budget is $300 you are able to find these three packs for that price: Mystery Ranch Popup 30, Mystery Ranch Popup 40, and the Everlestock F1 Mainframe with batwings. You are 5' 10", 225 lbs, with 18" - 18.5" torso. You primarily hunt the eastern hills for whitetail, turkey, and small game. The farthest you would likely walk in for a day hunt is about 3 miles...1 - 2 miles average. You would be packing deer out that distance in addition to the average amount of hunting gear and clothing layers. You also want to be able to pack in decoys and other awkward gear for spring turkey hunting. The pack would likely be used for hiking, camping, etc. as well.

Please elaborate on you choice if you don't care.

Thanks for your participation!

 

[scwilso35]

Most votes for "Other", but no written suggestions. What other pack would you choose?

 

[nobody]

Stone glacier Kiowa
Kuiu Divide 3000
Kuiu Pro 2300 or 3600 (bought on one of their many sales for 25% off)

The Kuiu Pro options will serve more use cases and work out west very well if you ever come this way. The other 2 will serve their current role you’re looking for very well.

Mystery ranch makes the single most uncomfortable pack I’ve ever used, including a sportsman’s warehouse store branded Killik model. Never handled an eberlestock, but I’ve lived my whole life hunting out west and I’ve seen exactly ONE of them in my whole career. Not great serious reviews/reports online.


Another option is the Badlands 2200. Badlands gets a bad rep from lots of guys online, but it may check lots of boxes you’re looking for.