Back in February, the Stone Glacier guys fitted me with their Krux EVO 3300 backpack. I had been contemplating this system as it fits my needs so well. As I wrote in my book, I’m not a hard-core backpacker for mule deer, but on occasion, if I’ve scouted a good buck and I don’t need to move a lot, a backpack camp makes the best sense.
More often, though, I’m using horses to access backcountry, then doing day hunts from a remote base camp. This means I’m best served by a smaller lightweight pack with the option to add accessory bags to match my hunt. With a strong frame, I can get that first load of meat/antlers/cape to the horse trail. Even better, if the frame can accept multiple bags, I’d have the option to go bigger if I really did need to go far and deep on foot.
The Stone Glacier Krux EVO 3300 promises all that so I placed my order.
I also added their Access Bag for an additional 900cc, then finished off with their Spotting Scope Pocket to free up 375cc for when I’m bringing the spotter. That got me to almost 4700cc, more than enough to spend a few days waiting on a buck I’ve scouted to show himself.
But, on most days, I’m more likely to go with just the 3300cc base size and maybe the spotter pocket. That gives me plenty of room for lunch, lots of water (I hunt hot weather often) tripod, safety gear, a tarp for glassing in the rain, and enough extra layers to get me into December hunts if needed.
Finally, as a horseman (and a dirt biker if the access rules allow it), I need a trim pack that doesn’t ride too low, hitting the saddle cantle or the bike seat.
The Stone Glacier Krux EVO does all that, and under 7lbs on a medium belt
I’ve had the pack since May. It carried comfortably and kept my gear dry on a snowy shed hunt
and I wore it for our Cold Bow Challenge.
So far it’s proven to fit my 5’9″ 180lbs well, doesn’t interfere with my draw, and just looks great.
While I’m not the guy to follow if you’re the 8 miles/8 days-minimum hunter/backpacker, I can certainly assess the function, reliability, and durability of a system like this. So far, I’m liking what I see and feel.
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Read more about my mule deer gear and more in my book, Hunting Big Mule Deer. Signed copies are available in the Rokslide store, or you can go Amazon for faster delivery.
