big game long haul pack suggestions

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Just remember no 2 people are the same

This is a great response that has furthered the conversation and invoked some serious critical thinking. Thanks!

It really doesn't change the fact that load lifters are an invaluable addition to a backpacking backpack, and no personal difference between people will allow someone to truthfully say that they would rather not have load lifters.

That's the equivalent of someone saying I'd rather drive a car with flat tires, it will still work, but it won't be anywhere nearly as effective.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Just remember no 2 people are the same

This is a great response that has furthered the conversation and invoked some serious critical thinking. Thanks!

It really doesn't change the fact that load lifters are an invaluable addition to a backpacking backpack, and no personal difference between people will allow someone to truthfully say that they would rather not have load lifters.

That's the equivalent of someone saying I'd rather drive a car with flat tires, it will still work, but it won't be anywhere nearly as effective.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ctwiggs1]

It's probably more of a car frame analogy rather than tires... 

If your body can't support a large pack then you probably should spend the extra and get something lighter.

So far so good for me.  I've been using them for 7 years and like I said - I carry a lot more weight (military equipment) than most back packers. 

Maybe someday when I have the money I'll start buying the lightweight gear, but for now I stick to this stuff.  Working out is free and being a sexy beast is priceless ;-)

[whacker1]

Just remember no 2 people are the same

This is a great response that has furthered the conversation and invoked some serious critical thinking. Thanks!

It really doesn't change the fact that load lifters are an invaluable addition to a backpacking backpack, and no personal difference between people will allow someone to truthfully say that they would rather not have load lifters.

That's the equivalent of someone saying I'd rather drive a car with flat tires, it will still work, but it won't be anywhere nearly as effective.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ok Silk, You have beat up most every pack on this thread so far, so do tell what you prefer?  I am looking for a new pack for next year, and it seems others are as well.  I would love insight from those folks that have tested lots of different packs.  I won't have the budget to try all 5-7 of the top tier packs, so I want to really evaluate all of those.  I like my Eberlestock, but it is heavy, lacks load lifters, and has some other engineering quirks, but it is comfortable and carries modest loads really well.  Looking to compare to some other packs.

And by the way I have noticed a few packs that aren't adjustable enough for longer Torso's or shorter Torso's, which makes them uncomfortable. 

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Just remember no 2 people are the same

This is a great response that has furthered the conversation and invoked some serious critical thinking. Thanks!

It really doesn't change the fact that load lifters are an invaluable addition to a backpacking backpack, and no personal difference between people will allow someone to truthfully say that they would rather not have load lifters.

That's the equivalent of someone saying I'd rather drive a car with flat tires, it will still work, but it won't be anywhere nearly as effective.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ok Silk, You have beat up most every pack on this thread so far, so do tell what you prefer?  I am looking for a new pack for next year, and it seems others are as well.  I would love insight from those folks that have tested lots of different packs.  I won't have the budget to try all 5-7 of the top tier packs, so I want to really evaluate all of those.  I like my Eberlestock, but it is heavy, lacks load lifters, and has some other engineering quirks, but it is comfortable and carries modest loads really well.  Looking to compare to some other packs.

And by the way I have noticed a few packs that aren't adjustable enough for longer Torso's or shorter Torso's, which makes them uncomfortable.

What's your budget?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[whacker1]

Just remember no 2 people are the same

This is a great response that has furthered the conversation and invoked some serious critical thinking. Thanks!

It really doesn't change the fact that load lifters are an invaluable addition to a backpacking backpack, and no personal difference between people will allow someone to truthfully say that they would rather not have load lifters.

That's the equivalent of someone saying I'd rather drive a car with flat tires, it will still work, but it won't be anywhere nearly as effective.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ok Silk, You have beat up most every pack on this thread so far, so do tell what you prefer?  I am looking for a new pack for next year, and it seems others are as well.  I would love insight from those folks that have tested lots of different packs.  I won't have the budget to try all 5-7 of the top tier packs, so I want to really evaluate all of those.  I like my Eberlestock, but it is heavy, lacks load lifters, and has some other engineering quirks, but it is comfortable and carries modest loads really well.  Looking to compare to some other packs.

And by the way I have noticed a few packs that aren't adjustable enough for longer Torso's or shorter Torso's, which makes them uncomfortable.

What's your budget?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rank them without budget:

But personally, I have been looking at KUIU Icon Pro and Kifaru and Mystery Ranch.  But I have been waiting to see what the Stone Glacier and Exo outcomes look like.  So $700-800 is what I will likely be spending by the time it is all done.  I am of course open to suggestions.

[whacker1]

I think it would be helpful for those that are evaluating budgets to know what it would look like for those folks that like the upper tier packs ranked as if budget were not a consideration.  That way if the budget comes into play they know that maybe they are 5-6 rungs down from the top.  Size is also a consideration as some talk about 2500-3500 CUI packs in the same light as those that talk about 4200-8000 CUI packs.  I am personally looking for the 5000-7000 range myself.  I was looking really hard at the ICon Pro 5200 and the 7200, but they are untested and as others have suggested been plagued with problems in their earlier line ups

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Just remember no 2 people are the same

This is a great response that has furthered the conversation and invoked some serious critical thinking. Thanks!

It really doesn't change the fact that load lifters are an invaluable addition to a backpacking backpack, and no personal difference between people will allow someone to truthfully say that they would rather not have load lifters.

That's the equivalent of someone saying I'd rather drive a car with flat tires, it will still work, but it won't be anywhere nearly as effective.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ok Silk, You have beat up most every pack on this thread so far, so do tell what you prefer?  I am looking for a new pack for next year, and it seems others are as well.  I would love insight from those folks that have tested lots of different packs.  I won't have the budget to try all 5-7 of the top tier packs, so I want to really evaluate all of those.  I like my Eberlestock, but it is heavy, lacks load lifters, and has some other engineering quirks, but it is comfortable and carries modest loads really well.  Looking to compare to some other packs.

And by the way I have noticed a few packs that aren't adjustable enough for longer Torso's or shorter Torso's, which makes them uncomfortable.

What's your budget?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rank them without budget:

But personally, I have been looking at KUIU Icon Pro and Kifaru and Mystery Ranch.  But I have been waiting to see what the Stone Glacier and Exo outcomes look like.  So $700-800 is what I will likely be spending by the time it is all done.  I am of course open to suggestions.

I own a Kifaru Bikini and EMR2, I've got hands on the mystery ranch, KUIU icon, KUIU ultra, arc tyrx bora 80, and some REI packs.

The KUIU pro looks better, but there track record on packs would make me a bit nervous buying off the rack.

You couldn't pay me to buy an Ultra.

MR makes quality stuff but they are HEAVY.
Stone Glacier and EXO have great reviews from non paid individuals.

Of the packs I've handled the Kifaru is the one I would always recommend.

Disclaimer: I have no horse in any race , I'm not paid etc. I own a full KUIU clothing kit, so I'm not a hater, I just don't care for there packs. I'm just a guy who's done a lot of research.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[whacker1]

Just remember no 2 people are the same

This is a great response that has furthered the conversation and invoked some serious critical thinking. Thanks!

It really doesn't change the fact that load lifters are an invaluable addition to a backpacking backpack, and no personal difference between people will allow someone to truthfully say that they would rather not have load lifters.

That's the equivalent of someone saying I'd rather drive a car with flat tires, it will still work, but it won't be anywhere nearly as effective.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ok Silk, You have beat up most every pack on this thread so far, so do tell what you prefer?  I am looking for a new pack for next year, and it seems others are as well.  I would love insight from those folks that have tested lots of different packs.  I won't have the budget to try all 5-7 of the top tier packs, so I want to really evaluate all of those.  I like my Eberlestock, but it is heavy, lacks load lifters, and has some other engineering quirks, but it is comfortable and carries modest loads really well.  Looking to compare to some other packs.

And by the way I have noticed a few packs that aren't adjustable enough for longer Torso's or shorter Torso's, which makes them uncomfortable.

What's your budget?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rank them without budget:

But personally, I have been looking at KUIU Icon Pro and Kifaru and Mystery Ranch.  But I have been waiting to see what the Stone Glacier and Exo outcomes look like.  So $700-800 is what I will likely be spending by the time it is all done.  I am of course open to suggestions.

I own a Kifaru Bikini and EMR2, I've got hands on the mystery ranch, KUIU icon, KUIU ultra, arc tyrx bora 80, and some REI packs.

The KUIU pro looks better, but there track record on packs would make me a bit nervous buying off the rack.

You couldn't pay me to buy an Ultra.

MR makes quality stuff but they are HEAVY.
Stone Glacier and EXO have great reviews from non paid individuals.

Of the packs I've handled the Kifaru is the one I would always recommend.

Disclaimer: I have no horse in any race , I'm not paid etc. I own a full KUIU clothing kit, so I'm not a hater, I just don't care for there packs. I'm just a guy who's done a lot of research.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Out of curiousity - Why the Bikini over the Duplex Platform Frame and Suspension?  The obvious is the weight disparity, but he Duplex looks more comfortable.    I hear lots of folks talk about the Bikini, but rarely does anyone talk about the Duplex.

[fillthefreezer]

1. sleeper deals. packs like older dana's. arcteryx bora etc.
2. cheaper externals like the cabelas alaskan. relatively durable but not ideal for hunting with all the time
3. eberle, badlands, tenzing (if theyre even still around) and various packs one would find at rei.
all of this price range will have major tradeoffs. weight, durability, comfort with moderate loads and heavy loads. the first few gens of kuiu icons could possibly fit into here.
a newcomer category that i feel was previously a void in the market..
4. new kuiu's, exo. now the exo may end up proving itself to be a hell of a value and compete at the upper level, but i figure it here because of price and its shorts history for now. possibly some tradeoffs while still being a more budget conscious option. should expect very good comfort with all but HEAVY loads.
im not sure where to put mystery ranch. solid packs. too expensive for the lower classes, but IMO, too heavy to compete at the next level.
5. kifaru and stone glacier. utmost strength and comfort at even the heaviest of loads. either ultralight or very light for the features.

this is just my opinion. 

[northwesthunter84]

So far the Exo has been amazing.  The 3500 is has way more room than it looks like it should and compresses down smaller than my Eberlestock X1.  I will be bumping up to 140# this week.  So far with the load lifters weight has been a non issue.  I want to see how much the lumbar pad helps with animal pack out weight.  Also I will be at the Full Draw show on friday.  If anyone would like to take a look at the pack let me know.  I figured that I would give some people the chance to check it out.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Just remember no 2 people are the same

This is a great response that has furthered the conversation and invoked some serious critical thinking. Thanks!

It really doesn't change the fact that load lifters are an invaluable addition to a backpacking backpack, and no personal difference between people will allow someone to truthfully say that they would rather not have load lifters.

That's the equivalent of someone saying I'd rather drive a car with flat tires, it will still work, but it won't be anywhere nearly as effective.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ok Silk, You have beat up most every pack on this thread so far, so do tell what you prefer?  I am looking for a new pack for next year, and it seems others are as well.  I would love insight from those folks that have tested lots of different packs.  I won't have the budget to try all 5-7 of the top tier packs, so I want to really evaluate all of those.  I like my Eberlestock, but it is heavy, lacks load lifters, and has some other engineering quirks, but it is comfortable and carries modest loads really well.  Looking to compare to some other packs.

And by the way I have noticed a few packs that aren't adjustable enough for longer Torso's or shorter Torso's, which makes them uncomfortable.

What's your budget?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rank them without budget:

But personally, I have been looking at KUIU Icon Pro and Kifaru and Mystery Ranch.  But I have been waiting to see what the Stone Glacier and Exo outcomes look like.  So $700-800 is what I will likely be spending by the time it is all done.  I am of course open to suggestions.

I own a Kifaru Bikini and EMR2, I've got hands on the mystery ranch, KUIU icon, KUIU ultra, arc tyrx bora 80, and some REI packs.

The KUIU pro looks better, but there track record on packs would make me a bit nervous buying off the rack.

You couldn't pay me to buy an Ultra.

MR makes quality stuff but they are HEAVY.
Stone Glacier and EXO have great reviews from non paid individuals.

Of the packs I've handled the Kifaru is the one I would always recommend.

Disclaimer: I have no horse in any race , I'm not paid etc. I own a full KUIU clothing kit, so I'm not a hater, I just don't care for there packs. I'm just a guy who's done a lot of research.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Out of curiousity - Why the Bikini over the Duplex Platform Frame and Suspension?  The obvious is the weight disparity, but he Duplex looks more comfortable.    I hear lots of folks talk about the Bikini, but rarely does anyone talk about the Duplex.

FTF has owned both, I bought the bikini because it's more comfortable 95% of the time I'll be using it. They say the bikini can do 95% of what the duplex can do. The duplex really shines at extreme weight (120+ pounds).

I've had that kind of weight inthe bikini though and had no complaints.

That list FTF posted is spot on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[whacker1]

Thank you FTF and Silk, that is the info I was looking for, hopefully it was helpful to everyone else as well.

[fillthefreezer]

Out of curiousity - Why the Bikini over the Duplex Platform Frame and Suspension?  The obvious is the weight disparity, but he Duplex looks more comfortable.    I hear lots of folks talk about the Bikini, but rarely does anyone talk about the Duplex.

the duplex is a beast. and if youre also one, its a great choice.
it does slightly resemble being strapped to a piece of plywood though.  the suspension and belt are the best ive seen.
if you kill something every time youre out, or routinely pack 120+, again, the duplex is a great choice.
i find the bikini is more comfortable with day pack loads no doubt. packing in for a week still more comfortable. 80-100, about even.
not to say the bikini wont do the heavy stuff, as it will, just fine.

[whacker1]

Out of curiousity - Why the Bikini over the Duplex Platform Frame and Suspension?  The obvious is the weight disparity, but he Duplex looks more comfortable.    I hear lots of folks talk about the Bikini, but rarely does anyone talk about the Duplex.

the duplex is a beast. and if youre also one, its a great choice.
it does slightly resemble being strapped to a piece of plywood though.  the suspension and belt are the best ive seen.
if you kill something every time youre out, or routinely pack 120+, again, the duplex is a great choice.
i find the bikini is more comfortable with day pack loads no doubt. packing in for a week still more comfortable. 80-100, about even.
not to say the bikini wont do the heavy stuff, as it will, just fine.

It sounds like I should get one of the duplex systems for my sherpa, and I can ride in the pack.     Thank you for the additional insight!