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.