What pack should I get?

[Evoac05]

That's one thing I didn't mention in my op Hornseeker. A pack that is quiet is something that is high on the list of wants I have in a pack. For the MR, I was looking at the metcalf. What about the fabric isn't quiet? Is it while hiking or when moving through brush? Anyone else have info on the packs listed and if they are quiet or not?

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Evo why is a pack being quiet at the top of your list? Functional load hauling, weight, price should makes more sense then noise.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Evoac05]

Functional load hauling is the #1 priority, but I would also like the pack to be quiet. I have an aluminum pack frame that is a little noisier than I like and it is pretty noisy when moving through brush.

[Karl Blanchard]

I recently just completed this same process Evo.  It came down to the Kifaru DT2 and the Mystery Ranch Metcalf.  I ended up getting the DT1 .  What it came down to for me was:

1) Side tripod and spotting scope pockets.  When fully loaded I can still have my spotter and tripod tucked safely away in pockets rather than lashed to the pack in some strange way (I know all the ways )

2) Cubic inches of space to compressed size ratio.  7200ci pack that I can lash down to the size of most of my old day packs and its still very functional.

3) Pockets.  I am a less is more kind of guy but the Metcalf was a little too simple of a design.  If they had added even a couple more pockets including an outside pocket I may have grabbed one up.

I ended up choosing the DT1 over the DT2 because..........why not!  More space, not enough added weight to spit at, still compresses small.  The micro adjustability in the Duplex frame to fit it to your exact body structure is amazing and very simple and fast to do.  This truly is the cadillac of packs!  I wish it had the large side zipper like the MR Metcalf though!  That was the one feature that really hung me up.  Stuff can get lost in a big duffle style pack if your not careful.  Whether you go Kifaru or not, I recommend picking up some Kifaru grab it bags for organizing your stuff.  Super lightweight and very handy.  Keeps your pack from becoming the bottomless pit!  All in all, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the top name packs.  They are all very high quality.  Just make sure whatever you choose says MADE IN AMERICA!

Also, I gave the Nimrod system a good run and packed a lot of game with it and I would not recommend them for serious weight hauling like back country hunts and meat hauling.  The finest quality, customer service, and durability but just lacking in the things that make a pack a serious weight carrier.  I will continue to use mine for predator hunting in a day pack function but that will be the extent of its use.

[aorams]

https://outdoorsmans.com/outdoorsmans-optics-hunter-pack-system/

I've got one of these and love it.  I took it on multiple overnighters and packed out a bear, deer and elk with it.  I never loaded it very heavy(preferred to make multiple trips) but it was always very comfortable.

[Smossy]

Kifaru DT3 Here.

[Karl Blanchard]

Kifaru DT3 Here.

Its fun to say isn't it!

[Smossy]

Kifaru DT3 Here.

Its fun to say isn't it!

Ive definetly joined the club and I havent even touched the bag yet. 

[Evoac05]

I recently just completed this same process Evo.  It came down to the Kifaru DT2 and the Mystery Ranch Metcalf.  I ended up getting the DT1 .  What it came down to for me was:

1) Side tripod and spotting scope pockets.  When fully loaded I can still have my spotter and tripod tucked safely away in pockets rather than lashed to the pack in some strange way (I know all the ways )

2) Cubic inches of space to compressed size ratio.  7200ci pack that I can lash down to the size of most of my old day packs and its still very functional.

3) Pockets.  I am a less is more kind of guy but the Metcalf was a little too simple of a design.  If they had added even a couple more pockets including an outside pocket I may have grabbed one up.

I ended up choosing the DT1 over the DT2 because..........why not!  More space, not enough added weight to spit at, still compresses small.  The micro adjustability in the Duplex frame to fit it to your exact body structure is amazing and very simple and fast to do.  This truly is the cadillac of packs!  I wish it had the large side zipper like the MR Metcalf though!  That was the one feature that really hung me up.  Stuff can get lost in a big duffle style pack if your not careful.  Whether you go Kifaru or not, I recommend picking up some Kifaru grab it bags for organizing your stuff.  Super lightweight and very handy.  Keeps your pack from becoming the bottomless pit!  All in all, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the top name packs.  They are all very high quality.  Just make sure whatever you choose says MADE IN AMERICA!

Also, I gave the Nimrod system a good run and packed a lot of game with it and I would not recommend them for serious weight hauling like back country hunts and meat hauling.  The finest quality, customer service, and durability but just lacking in the things that make a pack a serious weight carrier.  I will continue to use mine for predator hunting in a day pack function but that will be the extent of its use.

Thanks BLRman for taking the time to reply. I will definitely keep everything you wrote in mind. I just have to keep saving because all of the packs I am looking at are going to do some damage to my wallet. 

[klikboom]

I've been using a bunch of hikin packs up to now but decided t preorder the exo mtn since I drew Monroe spring bear. I can't recommend it till I try it but I hope it's what they crack it up to be. I'm a little worried no independent folks have reviewed it yet but there will be soon enough assuming all is on schedule ...

[Karl Blanchard]

I recently just completed this same process Evo.  It came down to the Kifaru DT2 and the Mystery Ranch Metcalf.  I ended up getting the DT1 .  What it came down to for me was:

1) Side tripod and spotting scope pockets.  When fully loaded I can still have my spotter and tripod tucked safely away in pockets rather than lashed to the pack in some strange way (I know all the ways )

2) Cubic inches of space to compressed size ratio.  7200ci pack that I can lash down to the size of most of my old day packs and its still very functional.

3) Pockets.  I am a less is more kind of guy but the Metcalf was a little too simple of a design.  If they had added even a couple more pockets including an outside pocket I may have grabbed one up.

I ended up choosing the DT1 over the DT2 because..........why not!  More space, not enough added weight to spit at, still compresses small.  The micro adjustability in the Duplex frame to fit it to your exact body structure is amazing and very simple and fast to do.  This truly is the cadillac of packs!  I wish it had the large side zipper like the MR Metcalf though!  That was the one feature that really hung me up.  Stuff can get lost in a big duffle style pack if your not careful.  Whether you go Kifaru or not, I recommend picking up some Kifaru grab it bags for organizing your stuff.  Super lightweight and very handy.  Keeps your pack from becoming the bottomless pit!  All in all, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the top name packs.  They are all very high quality.  Just make sure whatever you choose says MADE IN AMERICA!

Also, I gave the Nimrod system a good run and packed a lot of game with it and I would not recommend them for serious weight hauling like back country hunts and meat hauling.  The finest quality, customer service, and durability but just lacking in the things that make a pack a serious weight carrier.  I will continue to use mine for predator hunting in a day pack function but that will be the extent of its use.

Thanks BLRman for taking the time to reply. I will definitely keep everything you wrote in mind. I just have to keep saving because all of the packs I am looking at are going to do some damage to my wallet. 

No way to beat around the bush on that one!  Like they say, buy once, cry once.  Seriously though, I am a very frugal guy so every time I buy something like this I always have a little (lot) of buyer remorse, until I use it and then I wonder why I waited so long!  Probably the worst was when I bought my outdoorsmans tripod and head!  It was a "what did you do!" type feeling but that tripod is hands down my favorite piece of gear, and the piece of equipment I use the most.  I have a good feeling my Kifaru will be about the same.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

You will like it BLR...I haven't met anyone who hasn't.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TriggerHappy]

I have a wilderness pack specialties made in Oregon. I looked at this pack for 3 years at the sportsman show. It is the best hunting tool I have. It's comfortable to wear all day and more comfortable then anything I've ever used packing out. 

[Smossy]

Ive noticed Kifaru is now charging the same price for both the duplex and bikini frame. I think Im gonna go with the duplex now after doing more reading about the differences.

[jackelope]

I've been using a bunch of hikin packs up to now but decided t preorder the exo mtn since I drew Monroe spring bear. I can't recommend it till I try it but I hope it's what they crack it up to be. I'm a little worried no independent folks have reviewed it yet but there will be soon enough assuming all is on schedule ...

Pretty sure Phelps has seen the pack in person. They had the  pack at the Extreme Elk booth at the Oregon sportsmans show a couple months ago.