big game long haul pack suggestions

[KFhunter]

I have an alps outdoorz commander with bag( i think that's the name) packed a bear out 2 miles packed 2 elk out 8 miles never have had any issues and got em for well under a 100

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good to hear,  got one I plan to use this year.


No one else like the ALPS?

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I have put a couple miles in with 80# since receiving the pack.  Next step is adding another 60# bag of sand so that will take me up to 140#.  Today I let my hunting partners play around with it and they were surprised by the way it carried the weight.  The load lifters are extremely functional (first time with a pack that has them) and the pack feels super solid.  I also like the airflow between the pack and my back.  My previous packs didn't have that so I am super happy.

Where you located at? I've been wanting to get a hands on look at the exo.

On the ultra, I've seen it in person, and seen it loaded. Wouldn't waste the money.

The new icon pro they released appears to have fixed a lot of the problems, but the track record on packs would force me to wait a couple months to see how the GP likes it.




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[heronblu]

I'm really liking the stone glacier sky 7400. I like that their packs are so versatile and can pack down really small when you aren't hauling gear. They are pricey though!

[xXLojackXx]

The new icon pro they released appears to have fixed a lot of the problems, but the track record on packs would force me to wait a couple months to see how the GP likes it.

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I'll let you know in 7-10 days

[northwesthunter84]

Silk I am up in Silverdale on the Kitsap Peninsula

[ctwiggs1]

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/916408/military-surplus-ilbe-rucksack-nylon-marpat

[heronblu]

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/916408/military-surplus-ilbe-rucksack-nylon-marpat

  This looks awesome and totally affordable!

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/916408/military-surplus-ilbe-rucksack-nylon-marpat

  This looks awesome and totally affordable!

If you don't have the cash, then it's a fine option, but originally you stated you were looking for "quality."

First of all, at almost 9  lbs for a 4500 CUI pack, I wouldn't really consider it a viable option weight wise. 

There's no load lifters on that pack, which is the first thing I look for on any pack.

That belt will really struggle to get tight without a power pull.

But if it's all you can afford, it's all you can afford.  But if that's your price range, I'd really look at finding a Arc'teryx Bora 85/90, those packs are much better then that one listed above.

[Bean Counter]

SilkWWU, There are in fact load lifters on that pack (they are tucked in on the photo) but you are correct that there are no power pull straps on the belt.

Hernon, I wrote an in depth review of this pack and irs listed in the gear thread.  I carry 50 pounds of salt, a trail cam, locks,  and water with ease in my elk unit around 10, 000 feet elevation.   

[liljozie495]

Should see what guys are local to you and meet up and try as many different packs on with weight as you can, I tried a few different on from mystery ranch, kifaru, a kuiu, and a few different at rei... There what's a huge difference in all of them for feel with weight and where you could feel the weight at. Ultimately In the end I posted on the Rokslide forum what I was looking for and got a killer deal on a kifaru dt1 and bikini frame, little more then I wanted to spend but I'll take the comfort, quality and higher price way over cheaper and affordable. I know there's no promises that any pack can't give out half way thru a hunt which will break your hunt but I'd pay the price for a good pack and know that it's a beyond well crafted pack when I'm 2-3-10 miles up and in over keeping it affordable save some cash up and try some packs on see what one feels best on you.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

SilkWWU, There are in fact load lifters on that pack (they are tucked in on the photo) but you are correct that there are no power pull straps on the belt.

Hernon, I wrote an in depth review of this pack and irs listed in the gear thread.  I carry 50 pounds of salt, a trail cam, locks,  and water with ease in my elk unit around 10, 000 feet elevation.

Bean,

Do you think you could take a side view picture with some weight in the pack?

If it truly has functional load lifters ( not just stabilizers) I might buy one for my brother in law and step dad for Christmas.


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[Bean Counter]

I might go with some more salt in a few weeks. That would be a good time.

BTW, what is the difference between a stabilizer and a load lifter? 

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I might go with some more salt in a few weeks. That would be a good time.

BTW, what is the difference between a stabilizer and a load lifter? 

I had it clarified from someone else that the Ilbe has stabilizers, not lifters. Essentially the difference in function between is the lifters actually shift the weight from the shoulders to the hips, instead of just securing or stabilizing the load against your back.

Usually I'll run my lifters at 80/20, with 80% of the weight on my hips, and a little on my shoulders.


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[Skyvalhunter]

Just remember no 2 people are the same

[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.


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