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

[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