Whitetail hunters I'm looking for your advice

[Colorsblend]

I'm in the market for a serious frame pack built for Midwest whitetail hunting — a setup that handles everything from a saddle platform and climbing sticks to bulky Sitka insulation layers (Ambient 200, Fanatic, etc.) and a full complement of accessories. My hunts push late into cold-season, so I don’t want compromises on volume, durability, or load-carrying capacity. Stability, organization, and comfort under weight are non-negotiable — I tend to pack in more than most, to make sure I’m prepared for anything. As of now, the packs on my radar are:

• Kifaru Manimal
• Kifaru Stryker XL
• Kifaru Hellbender
• Exo K4 5000

I’d appreciate input if you think any of these (or others) are a poor fit — and what might make a better all-around choice.

 

[Nick22]

I have the Mystery Ranch pop up 40 and use it somewhat similarly to what you are doing minus carrying sticks. It's a solid pack but not the easiest to adjust when adding bulky items between the pack and frame. But a 40 liter pack that could put camp in and haul out a whole deer in it's a solid pack. I know it wasn't on your list but it's worth a look it retails for around 300 bucks.

 

[Eship]

I have the minimal and use it for basically everything you describe. I don’t usually carry it with the cinch unless I’m bringing my kids. I carry my warming layers, 3 sticks, and platform with it, then when I get to the tree, I strap my bow to the pack and climb up. I’ve packed out 3 whitetails with it this year.

I had a Stryker xl before but didn’t like how floppy it was. I have no complaints on the maniml other than not liking the locking buckles, but those can be swapped and they’re on all Kifaru packs anyway

 

[Macintosh]

Are you packing dead critters in it? You didnt say that, the OP just mentioned the gear list. If not, it seems all of the packs mentioned are really overbuilt and therefore faaar more $$$ than necessary for your purpose, and you could very comfortably use any appropriately sized pack. If you are carrying critters, then carry on. A larger pop-up as mentioned is a good middle ground with a load shelf but not with the extreme weight-carrying capacity (or the extreme price tag).
If you are not adamant about the extreme weight-carrying capability (ie an entire large deer in one trip for more than just a mile or two, in addition to your set) then I would highly prefer a smaller frame so it doesnt hang up above your shoulders as much when ducking and crawling through brush, alders, etc. That may or may not be a concern for you though.

 

[Maverick1]

Having a 26” tall frame is great for hauling gear and / or meat. But is kind of a PITA when 20’ up in the air in a treestand.

Every hunt you go 20’ into the air to hunt and have to bring a backpack up with you.

Only get to haul meat once or twice a season if things go well.

I’d suggest one pack for hunting and a different pack for hauling meat.

For the hunting pack get something in the 2500-3000 CI range and a stuff sack. Use a couple of straps to lash it to the outside of your pack when walking in and out. Much better than lugging a 5000-6000 CI pack and frame around on every hunt.

 

[menhaden_man]

Not sure how the new Exo is, but I absolutely love my K3 with the day pack and also larger for overnights… except it has a squeak that has plagued me for a few years (even sent it in for repairs that helped but didn’t fix it). It’s painful when I’m whitetail hunting and it’s the loudest thing in the woods. I sure hope they sorted it out because they’re great guys and it’s a great layout for what you’re after.

 

[Eship]

Yeah agree with the comments regarding a tall frame. I use a 22” frame so it works well for moving through brush. Worse load carrying abilities than a tall frame for sure , but my pack in the Marine Corps was even shorter, and I carried all of my gear plus a 240 and ammo for distances way farther than I’d ever need to pack an animal.

 

[ethan]

I have been using the MR pop up for years and it's great for this. I'm typically a mile or so back in the mountains and having to quarter up deer to get them out. It's one of the older ones and it's a 28. It's a little small for late season when i'm carrying extar layers in a mile or so. I have an K3 4800 that I switch to at that point. The exo would totally work all season as it cinch's down tight, and if I had to have one it would be the exo. The newer larger pop-ups are 40" and I thin it would be a great choice as well.