Best pack/meat pack for a 5 day backcountry hunt?

[Wiley]

I'm looking for a good pack that will carry all my gear and work as a meat pack for elk as well. I know there are lots of options out there. What is everybody using??

[jackelope]

Budget dictates purchase.

[Bmcox86]

The good options for quality would be EXO, Mystery Ranch, Kirfaru, KUIU and Stone Glacier

[ellensburgpo]

 

[couesbitten]

If I was able to spend $700 - Kifaru Highcamp, Nomad, or Duplex Timberline (all made in USA, arguably the best)
If I was only able to spend $350 - Horn HunterFull Curl System (made in USA, proven pack) or Kuiu Ultra 6000 (not made in USA, unproven, Kuiu is on it's 4th frame design in 4 years)

I own and use the kifaru Highcamp and my son uses the Horn Hunter Full Curl.  Stone Glacier and Exo both make excellent packs that I have heard nothing negative about, but I have no personal experience.

[huntnnw]

Mystery ranch is up there...I would wear a Kifaru with weight first I have heard of several people not liking them

[northwesthunter84]

I agree with Bmcox.

[MtnMuley]

Mystery ranch is up there...I would wear a Kifaru with weight first I have heard of several people not liking them

Interesting.  I've never heard anyone complain about the Kifaru's weight carrying capabilities and or comfort.

[huntnnw]

there is 2 on here that dont like it..frame not comfortable. He is selling it and the other one bought a mystery ranch and said it felt much better

[MuleDeerCrazy]

Bull Pacs also provides a number of different configurations depending on what type of a hunt you're planning on.  You can mix and match for a pack in hunt or go lighter with just the frame if you're on a meat packing mission.  I don't mind hunting with some of the fancier packs, but the last thing I want is my $500 pack all soaked with elk blood after using it as a meat pack.  Likewise, I find the frame much more comfortable than the soft packs for packing heavy loads of meat or cargo.   It's mostly just a style/preference thing though, followed closely by how much money you want to spend...

[huntnnw]

I have 0 issuse soaking my pack in blood..it washes. The mystery ranch material doesnt absorb like others

[Wiley]

Thanks for the input. There are so many options and price ranges. I just want to see what everyone was using. Thanks

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

This topic has been beat to death pretty hard...


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[BULLBLASTER]

I am the one that huntnnw mentioned notnliking the kifaru... i borrowed a bikini with timberline bag and just could not get it to fit comfortably. No doubt they are quality pieces of equipment but just wasnt for me. Tried it with weights ranging from 0 to 75 lb for 2 plus weeks and walked 30+ miles with it and realized it wasnt right... bought a mystery ranch and as soon as i put it on it seemed right... fit like a glove.
I also have no problem soaking my pack in blood carrying meat... it is a hunting pack after all... it will wash... and if it stains i really dont care. I bought it as a hunting pack and it will get dirty.

[luvmystang67]

Like others have mentioned... first you have to decide the money.

At the end of the day you have weight hanging off your back, there's no magic drone to haul out your load for you.  If its worth paying $700 instead of $300 to have that weight oriented in a more comfortable fashion then you'll have to decide.  If you plan to do this every year, go big.  If you have never done it, start kind of cheap, see if you like the experience, and then buy a pack based on your estimated future usage.  Within each price bracket you get into a Ford/Chevy type thing that really just depends on body type and personal preference. 

Personally, I have a Eberlestock Blue Widow that I picked up for $197 on sale.  For me, I have never been uncomfortable so I have no reason to upgrade for lack of comfort.  Its a little heavy, but I'm not willing to pay $500 more to save 2-3 lbs on a pack.  It serves all of my purposes well and for the 1-2 times I use it per year, its just fine.   

[jackelope]

This topic has been beat to death pretty hard...


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The search function would work magically in this scenario.

Personally, I have a Eberlestock Blue Widow that I picked up for $197 on sale.  For me, I have never been uncomfortable so I have no reason to upgrade for lack of comfort.  Its a little heavy, but I'm not willing to pay $500 more to save 2-3 lbs on a pack.  It serves all of my purposes well and for the 1-2 times I use it per year, its just fine.   

Heavy loads work really great with load lifters. Eberlestocks don't have load lifters. I've been there and done that...rocked an Eberlestock pack for years, hunted with it, backpacked with it, climbed Mt. Adams twice with it...nothing compares to a pack with load lifters when it comes to hauling heavy loads.

[Nature Boy]

One thing I've learned about packs...and I've tried many over the years...every pack is a compromise.  Weight, capacity, adjustability, load hauling capability, price, durability, etc. so there is not best pack persay.  Many great packs have been mentioned in the discussion above.  For me, I need to try on a pack, load it down and adjust it in the store to see if it's going to work for the way I'm built.  For years, I used my LoweAlpine backpacking pack for hunting and hand carried my rifle.  It worked ok.  But two years ago I started using a Eberlestock Just One pack.  Huge improvement for me.  There are better load haulers out there for sure but not many brands are available where you can fit test them out in the store.  Check out the last issue of Western Hunter magazine.  They published a very detailed pack study and model comparison from all the major players and some new comers to the hunting market.  This info will help you make a informed decision and a sound investment.   

[7mag.]

One thing I've learned about packs...and I've tried many over the years...every pack is a compromise.  Weight, capacity, adjustability, load hauling capability, price, durability, etc. so there is not best pack persay.  Many great packs have been mentioned in the discussion above.  For me, I need to try on a pack, load it down and adjust it in the store to see if it's going to work for the way I'm built.  For years, I used my LoweAlpine backpacking pack for hunting and hand carried my rifle.  It worked ok.  But two years ago I started using a Eberlestock Just One pack.  Huge improvement for me.  There are better load haulers out there for sure but not many brands are available where you can fit test them out in the store.  Check out the last issue of Western Hunter magazine.  They published a very detailed pack study and model comparison from all the major players and some new comers to the hunting market.  This info will help you make a informed decision and a sound investment.   

Just my opinion, but I would never trust a publication doing a review on products that their sponsors sell.

[huntnnw]

They ARE NOT sponsored by every pack! they did a great informative write up on all major packs and is worth a read if your in the market for a pack

[kentrek]

Even tho I switched packs this year, the wilderness pack might be worth looking into if your on a buget

Use the search option an you should find a thread where I posted a few photos of it in action

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

They ARE NOT sponsored by every pack! they did a great informative write up on all major packs and is worth a read if your in the market for a pack

Who are the sponsors for WH? I can't find a list...

I think that's what Ken was getting at. Beware any publication review, especially in any sporting related magazine.

They get the majority of there income from advertisement, and so there is inherent bias during these reviews.

I haven't read the article in question, I'm making a blanket statement.


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[Karl Blanchard]

Like Jackalope said, budget dictates your purchase.  How much do you want to spend?  Give a dollar amount and you are gonna have instant feed back on the best packs in that price range.  Talking packs around here is like talking shoes with women

[bowhunterty]

So far liking my EXO 3500. Can't wait to pack it meat. Watch their videos on the Exo Mountain Gear website. Made in USA. Steve and Lenny are great guys. Pack will hold a lot. Used it for a 3 day backpack fishing trip. Still had room for more stuff.

[huntinkid20]

I have been using an eberlestock blue widow for the last 4 years. I have hauled alot of meat and used it for multiple 3-5 day backpack hunts. Its also worked great as a carry on for out of state hunts  For the price i have been very happy with it. You can cinch your load down tight and everything holds solid. I did break one of the ears off my belt clip on the way out one time. Emailed Eberlestock and they shipped me a better replacement within a day or two. They run a little heavier than some of the new packs out there which has been giving me a wandering eye lately.... But its build solid and is comfortable. I have carried 109lbs for 5 miles and it was as comforatble as 109lbs could be 

[xxlx7]

I just bought a slumberjack, seems like a good solid pack and a decent price. I'm not rich, and honestly dumping 500 into a pack seems crazy to me, I just bought the frame, so we will see this year when I'm packing out a 7x8 rosie!!! Hopefully this pack will last me lots of seasons in the woods, and help me on my pack out.

[j_h_nimrod]

 

[bowhuntersd]

IMHO
The HH Full Curl is the most complete all in one pack. The others offer some great features but for me the FC is the most versatile pack at a descent price. I might be byist since I have one.   

[xXLojackXx]

If you have $450 to spend, you can't beat the Kuiu Icon Pro line of packs. I absolutely love mine and I've had all the "top tier" packs on my back. Kuiu is putting out some top level packs and a mid range price.

[DWP]

Personally I like my Kifaru G2 Longhunter. 5200 ci and it carries like a dream. I've had multiple Eberlestock packs. They were okay, but not as good at hauling loads like my Kifaru. No load lifters...

Two buddies have Mystery Ranch packs and love them. They haul extremely well too.

Take a look at Paradox Packs too.

As mentioned above, your budget will largely dictate the choices available to you.

[dadada]

I like my sjk bounty 4500 to 9100 cubic inches light weight and lots of different configurations. Will be putting it to the test this weekend. 300$ aint bad

[liljozie495]

Kifaru dt1 and bikini frame so far has been a great pack and is beyond comfortable. If you are looking to try packs out and stuff maybe find some people local to meet up and try some on, what I did and it helped me narrow my choices down to buy a pack... Buy once cry once aswell lol

[BKMFR]

I would suggest looking real hard at Mystery Ranch. I have used many different packs and packed quite a few pounds, but in the last 5 years, its been Mystery Ranch all the way, I continue to try new packs, but always keep going back to my Mystery Ranch. It's been all over the west and is my go to pack when guiding, its packed on and off daily for 4 months at a time and I have never had any issues with it.... very comfortable.

[boneaddict]

I use the Eberstock "battleship".   I just packed out a whole boned out deer with it along with camp essentials.  It will carry more than most any man can carry.   I am a fairly large man and can carry more than most.   For straight heavy duty meat only packing, I use a nimrod frame.  I can strap a moose hindquarter on it and carry it.  I weighed my alaskan moose and its hind quarters were 180 each.   I "dropped" one load a little hard and did warp the frame a bit, and also put a little too much strain where the shoulder straps hook in.   I was 9 miles in with the moose, and that is alot of packing.    My meat loads were 180,180,150,150, and misc meat and antlers,probably close to another 150.  I was impressed it held up. 

[kentrek]

I can finally attest to the new kuiu ultra..two bull elk both beyond 7 miles in...winged em both an the pack handled them perfectly..was very very impressed with frame

For the price I doubt you could beat it for a hunting pack

[meatwhack]

Eberlestock Just One with a Spike Duffel.  I have been very happy with this setup for multi day backpack hunts.  These packs will easily handle 100+ pounds and with the spike duffel you can leave your camp gear and be off hunting in a matter of seconds.  I haven't tried some of the other more expensive packs but I think the quality of the Eberlestock is hard to beat. 

[jackelope]

Eberlestock Just One with a Spike Duffel.  I have been very happy with this setup for multi day backpack hunts.  These packs will easily handle 100+ pounds and with the spike duffel you can leave your camp gear and be off hunting in a matter of seconds.  I haven't tried some of the other more expensive packs but I think the quality of the Eberlestock is hard to beat.

The quality is there. The comfort is not unfortunately.

[jasnt]

I use the Eberstock "battleship".   I just packed out a whole boned out deer with it along with camp essentials.  It will carry more than most any man can carry.   I am a fairly large man and can carry more than most.   For straight heavy duty meat only packing, I use a nimrod frame.  I can strap a moose hindquarter on it and carry it.  I weighed my alaskan moose and its hind quarters were 180 each.   I "dropped" one load a little hard and did warp the frame a bit, and also put a little too much strain where the shoulder straps hook in.   I was 9 miles in with the moose, and that is alot of packing.    My meat loads were 180,180,150,150, and misc meat and antlers,probably close to another 150.  I was impressed it held up. 

now that's a pack test

[trophyhunt]

I use the Eberstock "battleship".   I just packed out a whole boned out deer with it along with camp essentials.  It will carry more than most any man can carry.   I am a fairly large man and can carry more than most.   For straight heavy duty meat only packing, I use a nimrod frame.  I can strap a moose hindquarter on it and carry it.  I weighed my alaskan moose and its hind quarters were 180 each.   I "dropped" one load a little hard and did warp the frame a bit, and also put a little too much strain where the shoulder straps hook in.   I was 9 miles in with the moose, and that is alot of packing.    My meat loads were 180,180,150,150, and misc meat and antlers,probably close to another 150.  I was impressed it held up.

holy hell bone!  I'm 5'7" 185 lbs and once did 139 lbs of meat, I couldn't imagine 180. 

[xXLojackXx]

Eberlestock Just One with a Spike Duffel.  I have been very happy with this setup for multi day backpack hunts.  These packs will easily handle 100+ pounds and with the spike duffel you can leave your camp gear and be off hunting in a matter of seconds.  I haven't tried some of the other more expensive packs but I think the quality of the Eberlestock is hard to beat.

The quality is there. The comfort is not unfortunately.

Ain't that the truth.

I put 63 miles and 24,000' in with my Kuiu Icon Pro on my back this September and never once had a complaint. I can't say enough abou these packs.

[boneaddict]

I think a lot of it depends on how they fit to your back.   Eberstock seemed to fit to mine the best.  Obviously I am not buying $800 packs and discarding after I don't like.   I did hit several shops selling packs and tried them on to see how they fit and came away with the one I thought would do best.   I might recommend that.  Most are quite adjustable.  Many weren't long enough for my back and rode high on my kidneys. A huge load will chew you a new one.   

[robertsjd]

I can't speak for MR or kifaru Exo . But I have had Slumberjack , sitka bivy 45 and the new kuiu icon pro 5200 and the one use today is the kuiu icon pro . The pack is amazing nothing over 50 lbs packed in it so far . But no complaints yet and it was cheaper than the sitka pack . Extremely comfortable and Has tons of room and pockets side load bladder and front horseshoe zipper for easy access but the suspension and hip belt are what I have found unbeaten extremely we'll put together and def had hunters in mind when designed. Well spent 425$

[Magnum_Willys]

I can finally attest to the new kuiu ultra..two bull elk both beyond 7 miles in...winged em both an the pack handled them perfectly..was very very impressed with frame

For the price I doubt you could beat it for a hunting pack

X2 - Two moose 3 and 5+ miles in with camp gear.  Love the 2 pound packs for day hunting too.  Used kuiu xl featherweight meat bags and kuiu rain covers.

[Colville]

FYI,  to those worried about dead horses or retread treads....   this site will be DEAD if a subject once covered is deemed "settled" and or not worth any new time.  Guns, packs, clothes, comms etc.  Nothing stays the same and who comments and what they might add always changes.  Discouraging new threads because the subject has been discussed is a great way to kill off site views, visits and content.

Packs fit people differently so there's no right pack.  People can't all carry comparable loads so a pack that one guy hates over 100 lbs is irrelevant if another guy will never load it past 80.  Load bearing is also subjective to the fitness and strength of the persons in question.  I've carried north of 100 over 15 miles in one day.  There's no pack that does that without grinding you into a paste.  Some guys would get ground out in 3 miles on that load others at 8.  Anyhow.... robust frame and best belt. the bag is just a receptacle but it should be able to be tightened to remove any slack when full.