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.

 

[fletch3742]

i have the Badlands 2200, seems okay with me. it's the biggest pack i've owned so, not much to compare it to. I might try something different in 2025, exo pack as they have pretty high recommendations.

 

[rookieforever33]

I bought the eberlestock with 2 batwings for the same purpose. Ive accumulated 4 batwings now and have a couple molle pouches on the mainframe. I keep a few things in the pouches and sometimes just strap things on without the batwings. Sometimes every batwing is on and full. Its not perfect for anything but I can make it work for everything. I can easily add a bigger bag someday if needed. Its kind of heavy so I dont think it would be a great back country pack. But fine for a couple miles with some weight.

 

[McCrapper]

I have both pack options and between those two the MR Pop up is way more comfortable and secure hauling anything at all. I have the Stone Glacier Avail 2200 as well and I use it in South Tx and as a backpack for the airport. The SG is the most uncomfortable of the three, I like the designs of the SG packs but because of my experience with the 2200, I'm out. I would encourage you to try on any of the options on your list and go from there.