Pack question???

[Tbob]

Hey guys, I've been an avid backpacker for awhile now and have done several backcountry hunts. I have some descent gear, but am in the market for a new pack. I was wondering if any of you have any sugestions? I need/want a pack big enough for 5-7 days worth of gear and could hopefully have room/ space for an elk quarter. I'm looking for lots of pockets for different gear and I usually have my bow attached somewhere too.. Not looking for one of those modular systems either. I'm on the keep it simple stupid plan. I just got a sweet work bonus so at this point I'm not to worried about the budget. Just looking for a really nice backcountry hunting pack ! Any advise/insight would be much appreciated!

[jackelope]

If budget is not a concern, Kifaru all the way. Let the Kifaru guys fill you in on the details, but that's the way to go.
The new Kuiu Ultra 6000 is a very simple, straight forward pack without a million pockets but is not a Kifaru.

[Smossy]

Kifaru is the best bet IMO if moneys no object. DT1 if your really looking for space (around 7200 ci) i believe. DT3 for mminimalist. Around 4300ci.. Spendy in the 500-700$ range but youll probably never need another pack your whole life and theyre extremely adaptable with different attachments. Rated to carry over 100lbs with ease and comfort.

*sorry for the typos im on my phone.

[autodink13]

I just did the whole pack search and chose stone glacier. My top five packs I was choosing from was stone glacier, kifaru, exo mountain gear, barneys bag, and kuiu ultra.  For me the kuiu ultra and exo mountain are too new to market, barneys is just too big and heavy for my liking, it came down to stone glaciers pockets and frame and Kurt the owner(awesome customer service) why I chose SG.

I wish there was a place to try on all these packs and compare side by side.

[autodink13]

I will also add that stone glacier and exo mountain give you 30 days to test it out. If you don't like they can be returned for full refund. I don't know if the other pack companies give this option.

[Tbob]

Thanks for the heads up fellas. I'll get on the research!

[MtnMuley]

Your best bet is to gather your information from those who have actually "used" a bunch of the back country packs.  Packs are constantly changing to keep up with the market these days.  Companies are always coming out with a way to get to the top.  Seems as tough most companies are trying to catch Kifaru.  Although I haven't used any of their newer line packs, I've have one of their top of the line packs for over ten years now, and it still can haul more weight more comfortably than any other of the other brands I've used.  

[7mag.]

Another vote for Kifaru. In my opinion, they lead the industry. I would suggest a Bikini frame with a Timberline 1 bag.

[fillthefreezer]

kifaru.
duplex or bikini. emr II or timberline 1 bag. unless youre minimalist to the extreme and then a highcamp 7k.
if for some reason you didnt like them, stone glacier would probably be next best option.

[couesbitten]

I went with Kifaru and chose the Highcamp 4800.  Highcamp is modular and lets you attach additional pockets to the outside of the pack depending on your needs for a given trip.  For the length of time you're talking, if I was going to go with the Highcamp, I'd jump up to the 7200 bag.  Based on what you've described as wanting, the perfect pack for you is currently for sale over on Rokslide, here's a link to it. http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?16279-FS-Kifaru-Bikini-Frame-Duplex-Timberline-1-Bag-w-Long-Hunt-Lid-amp-Grab-It  Can't go wrong with the Kifaru packs, you won't be disappointed.

[autodink13]

Does kifaru give you some time to test a pack and return if not satisfied?

[7mag.]

Not that I'm aware of, but I haven't heard of hardly anyone that wasn't very happy with their Kifaru pack. The resale is really good, so getting most of your money back if you decided you didn't like it, wouldn't be a problem.

[Smossy]

Does kifaru give you some time to test a pack and return if not satisfied?

Theyre made to almost custom fit, one reason why you cant just go to the store and buy one. Im sure if it was within a reasonable time like a few weeks you may be able to get an exchange, fromm what I hear theyre customer support is really great but no first hand experience yet. Like someone said before though. I doubt youll want to send any pack back. Ive NEVER heard anyone say "I dont like the kifaru line packs". Theyre very high quality, probably the highest out of all bags. Military uses alot of theyre gear for its quality and universatility. You wont be dissapointed.

[autodink13]

It's too bad they don't give some sort of satisfaction guarantee. For me, having the guarantee takes all the risk out of buying. That's probably the single biggest reason i chose SG. If I didn't like the SG I was going to return and buy Exo mountain. If I didn't like the Exo I would've return and then bought Kifaru. If Kifaru would've had the 30 day satisfaction they would've been the top of my list. 

Btw. I'm keeping my SG

[Smossy]

It's too bad they don't give some sort of satisfaction guarantee. For me, having the guarantee takes all the risk out of buying. That's probably the single biggest reason i chose SG. If I didn't like the SG I was going to return and buy Exo mountain. If I didn't like the Exo I would've return and then bought Kifaru. If Kifaru would've had the 30 day satisfaction they would've been the top of my list. 

Btw. I'm keeping my SG

call them up and ask, Kifaru that is. Worse they can say is no then your right back to where you are now.

[couesbitten]

call them up and ask, Kifaru that is. Worse they can say is no then your right back to where you are now.

And like 7mag said, if you decided that you didn't like it, I can almost guarantee that you'd be able to sell it for what you paid.  For most guys that want a Kifaru pack, the fact that they could buy it from you and save themselves the assembly wait time would guarantee a reasonably quick sale.

[Tbob]

Thanks for all the info guys!! Looks like a few common ones you all keep mentioning. Definitely helps as I never heard of a few of these companies.. I'll be sure and let you guys know what I end up with! Thanks again!