New Pack

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

You guys are simply brutal, aren't I entitled to my own opinion? I guess not, and I must just take it.

Anyway, Colville, what you say makes sense, thanks. I guess, if I get a less than one pound pad, then the extra tiny bit of weight won't matter when I have 100 pounds of deer in my pack. And really, I guess it would help conserve calories if I slept warmer... it's something to think about.

Just giving you a bad time man.  I hope you notch a big one this year!  Looking forward to pictures and story.

[JPhelps]

A lot of you guys must have tons of cash sitting around talking about kifarus. I roll with a Northface terra 4500 for a 1-6 day pack. My pack weighs in at 25# for the high hunt in September minus rifle. I ditch mostly everything I can. NO stove (I bring dried fruit and nuts, Top ramen cooked or not it does its job). No tent ( painters plastic goes a long way). No pad. (cut some ferns or pines boughs to sleep on or find a mossy patch).

Kifaru packs are worth their price tag.  When hauling a 130+ lb loads on inferior packs I would have paid any amount for a Kifaru or Mystery ranch.

I like to enjoy myself on my trips.  While I could make it with plastic and sleeping on the ground.  I will take my Big Agnes Q-core SL pad (17 oz) and Tarp tent (32 oz).  The weight will make up for the energy by getting a much better sleep.

[JPhelps]

I have a coupe buddies that I mountaineer/ hunt with that have kifarus and the packs seem to spend more time at home compared to a Arteryx, Gregory, or Osprey packs.

That makes zero sense for hunting.  While Arcteryx, Gregory and Osprey make great backpacking packs it is a whole different story when you start piling on the weight.

[liljozie495]

  why leave your kifaru at home...

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I have a coupe buddies that I mountaineer/ hunt with that have kifarus and the packs seem to spend more time at home compared to a Arteryx, Gregory, or Osprey packs.

That makes zero sense for hunting.  While Arcteryx, Gregory and Osprey make great backpacking packs it is a whole different story when you start piling on the weight.

If that's truly the case, your friends need their head examined...

[fillthefreezer]

I have a coupe buddies that I mountaineer/ hunt with that have kifarus and the packs seem to spend more time at home compared to a Arteryx, Gregory, or Osprey packs.

yep, mine sits in a glass case at home, no chance id log 40+ miles with it last weekend 

[JustinC]

I have a coupe buddies that I mountaineer/ hunt with that have kifarus and the packs seem to spend more time at home compared to a Arteryx, Gregory, or Osprey packs.

I would still be using an Arc'teryx Bora if it was lighter. I went to the Kifaru Timberline1 because it has  more space than the Bora and weighs less.

Gregory and Osprey are not in the same league at all. They are fine for backpacking with lighter loads but not 100+ lbs IMO.

And yes I have used all of them.

[7mag.]

When you start depending on other people as a primary plan, you are eventually going to end up screwed. If you go into the back country without the ability and or gear to pack out what you kill, you are being foolish and irresponsible.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

When you start depending on other people as a primary plan, you are eventually going to end up screwed. If you go into the back country without the ability and or gear to pack out what you kill, you are being foolish and irresponsible.

Making prior arrangements to have someone help pack out an animal only seems more than responsible to me. 

Having the physical endurance to get an animal out is probably the most important to me. It may take multiple trips to get an animal out.

I'm not saying your wrong btw, I'm just having a discussion. 

But I think this is where philosophies differ.  If you are 15-20 miles from the truck, you aren't going to be taking two trips to get an animal out.  You are going to do it in one trip.

[JPhelps]

When we go elk hunting in the backcountry we plan on packing one out as a group.  With deer the plan is for everyone to pack their own deer and camp.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

When we go elk hunting in the backcountry we plan on packing one out as a group.  With deer the plan is for everyone to pack their own deer and camp.

Ya, I will amend my prior statement.  You are more of a man then me if you can pack an entire elk out by yourself   But yes, you should be able to pack a deer and camp out.

[7mag.]

When you start depending on other people as a primary plan, you are eventually going to end up screwed. If you go into the back country without the ability and or gear to pack out what you kill, you are being foolish and irresponsible.

Making prior arrangements to have someone help pack out an animal only seems more than responsible to me. 

Having the physical endurance to get an animal out is probably the most important to me. It may take multiple trips to get an animal out.

Making prior arrangements is responsible, and making multiple trips, especially with elk, is often the only option. My point is, depending on others that are supposed to be in the area, is asking for trouble. Often, others aren't willing to drop every thing and end their hunt, to pack out another's animal. People's plans also change, and they may not be where you think they are.

I didn't want to start an argument, just discourage people from heading into the wilderness unprepared.

[ridgefire]

Time to find new hunting partners if they are not willing to give you a hand packing meat out. I stop my hunt to help pack meat and my partners do the same. Nothing irresponsible IMO to plan on your hunting partner to give you a hand if that's how you plan your hunt. Back to packs.. I would suggest using your pack and saving money till you can buy a bt2 our a highcamp with the bikini frame. Also as said, the ku packs would be something worth looking into as well.