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Author Topic: Hunting pack for big fellas?  (Read 11087 times)

Offline BrandonWatts

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Hunting pack for big fellas?
« on: February 14, 2015, 06:12:13 PM »
I am trying to find a new pack for myself and it seems like a lot of the manufacture think that everyone in the world is 5-9 to 5-10 and a 165 pounds. Well in reality that's just not true. So I am winding what some for you bigger guys are using for packs? I tired eberlestock, tenzing and badlands today and the only ones that fit right and were adjustable enough were the eberlestock team elk and the dragon fly. I was looking for a day to day and a half pack but nothing fit right. Also didn't want to break the bank on a 300-350 dollar pack that I wasn't sure about. So if you guys got any input it would be helpful thanks Brandon

Offline jackelope

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #1 on: February 14, 2015, 06:20:57 PM »
How big are you? I'm 6'4" and 230. I've got packs that fit.  Adjustability of the pack is key.
:fire.:

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Offline ghosthunter

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #2 on: February 14, 2015, 06:28:07 PM »
I am trying to find a new pack for myself and it seems like a lot of the manufacture think that everyone in the world is 5-9 to 5-10 and a 165 pounds. Well in reality that's just not true. So I am winding what some for you bigger guys are using for packs? I tired eberlestock, tenzing and badlands today and the only ones that fit right and were adjustable enough were the eberlestock team elk and the dragon fly. I was looking for a day to day and a half pack but nothing fit right. Also didn't want to break the bank on a 300-350 dollar pack that I wasn't sure about. So if you guys got any input it would be helpful thanks Brandon

There were several good packs on here for sale end of January. I know some did not sell.
I bought a Just One off here. Check classifieds around January.
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Offline jackelope

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #3 on: February 14, 2015, 06:29:55 PM »
The non adjustable Eberlestock packs don't fit big guys the way a pack is supposed to fit. A short torso you're good to go though. 
:fire.:

" In today's instant gratification society, more and more pressure revolves around success and the measurement of one's prowess as a hunter by inches on a score chart or field photos produced on social media. Don't fall into the trap. Hunting is-and always will be- about the hunt, the adventure, the views, and time spent with close friends and family. " Ryan Hatfield

My posts, opinions and statements do not represent those of this forum

Offline BrandonWatts

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #4 on: February 14, 2015, 06:57:57 PM »
I am 6' 4" and found out today that adjustable is the key like mentioned. Leaning toward the eberlestock team elk pack.

Offline jrebel

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #5 on: February 14, 2015, 06:58:46 PM »
I bought the Eberlestock Team Elk pack last year and have absolutely no regrets.  I am 6 foot 250 lbs.  Absolutely love it!!  It has a tone of adjustability and plenty of pockets / compartments / straps / etc. etc. to meat all my needs.  They also have a great warranty.   :tup:

Offline syoungs

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #6 on: February 14, 2015, 07:45:14 PM »
ive been using a hunter carryall from ll bean, its kind of a modular freighter, I run a small daypack I got from walmart in it.
 It is super comfortable, and quite versatile, it was pretty cheap to, less then 80 bucks shipped I believe, lifetime warranty and everything.

im 6'4 and 380#

Offline Spawnstar

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #7 on: February 14, 2015, 07:58:18 PM »
I'm 6'1 225 lbs and i use an eberlestock and absolutely love it.
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Offline Boss .300 winmag

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #8 on: February 14, 2015, 08:04:24 PM »
Check out Bullpacs he is a sponsor on here.

I bought the wide one at the sportsman show because of your issues being 6'2, I liked the fit because it didn't rub at the point of my shoulders. It's more of a meat pack but he has a backpack bag he sells for it too. :twocents:
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Offline actionshooter

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #9 on: February 14, 2015, 08:22:57 PM »
I'm 6-5, 260 and have had trouble finding packs (and boots  :dunno: ). For several years I have been using Mystery Ranch packs and they have worked awesome, but they are heavy and expensive., Recently tried on a couple of  Kifaru packs that felt good but haven't been able to test them out.
 

Offline carpsniperg2

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #10 on: February 14, 2015, 08:39:13 PM »
I have been running a wilderness pack for several seasons. I have the bighorn combo. It's been a great pack. A few of my family members and there friends have them as well. Great amount of adjustment in them and they are as tuff as any pack I have used. I have had 100+ on/in mine several times. I have badlands and eberlestock as well and for any amount of hauling the wilderness is much more comfy and made stronger with a lot of adjustment.

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Offline coachcw

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #11 on: February 14, 2015, 08:41:32 PM »
My kuiu pack fits really well and held up great with a full load of sheep !

Offline papisjeep

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #12 on: February 14, 2015, 08:42:40 PM »
I'm a pretty good sized fella and the badlands sacrifice fit me pretty well
(although some other badlands pack didn't fit me at all?)

Offline BrandonWatts

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #13 on: February 15, 2015, 09:31:33 AM »
My kuiu pack fits really well and held up great with a full load of sheep !

Is there any retail place that sales there packs? I was looking at there icon pro 1850 pack. Looks like a nice one. I also like how you back get it in a l-xl belt and a tall frame.

Offline MtnMuley

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #14 on: February 15, 2015, 09:42:35 AM »
You have to buy the direct from KUIU.

Offline Russ McDonald

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #15 on: February 15, 2015, 09:50:27 AM »
I have a Horn Hunter Main Beam xl and fits really well.
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Offline bear hunter

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #16 on: February 15, 2015, 10:54:51 AM »
Well I am 6'2 370lbs and I use Crooked-Horn packs.
Boar looking for Sow to hunt with. LOL

Offline coachcw

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #17 on: February 16, 2015, 06:40:00 AM »
THE KUIU IS CRAZY LIGHT . Id go with the 5200

Offline Karl Blanchard

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #18 on: February 16, 2015, 08:30:11 AM »
With any pack that has adjustments, it needs to be fitted to you to get an accurate feel.  Most of the packs mentioned will serve you well if properly fitted.  If you tried on my Kifaru you would probably say it is an uncomfortable pile of crap, where if you tried on Coach's Icon Pro you would say its your dream pack.  I personally think the Icon Pro is the best bang for the buck.  Not the most durable pack out there but as far as adjustablility, comfort, and options, they are pretty hard to beat.

You could get the 1850 and then pick up the 5200 bag if you ever need more carrying capacity.  Another great option would be to hunt around on Craigslist for a used Mystery Ranch longbow, crew cab, or metcalf.  Check Craigslist in Bozeman, Helena, Billings, and Missoula.  They are a Montana based company so there are a lot of guys in Montana using them.
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Offline johnnyaustin44

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #19 on: February 16, 2015, 09:14:42 AM »
I got a team elk I'd part with. Used one season. Moved to the Kuiu ultra line. No complaints on the team elk though.

Offline jrebel

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #20 on: February 16, 2015, 09:55:03 AM »
I got a team elk I'd part with. Used one season. Moved to the Kuiu ultra line. No complaints on the team elk though.

How much??  Pics, camo pattern, I was looking for another for a buddy.

Offline scottcrb

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #21 on: February 16, 2015, 10:12:08 AM »
I'm 6' 260 and use a nimrod pinnacle and pack frame great for day hunts and carries weight ok but not the best for long 100 plus lb pack outs yet I have done it a couple times..they were recently bought by a new guy who hunts a.lot and looks like they are getting better and making some new upgrades. Local too . Based out of Olympia now and American made great customer service.

Offline jackelope

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #22 on: February 16, 2015, 12:50:42 PM »
Mystery Ranch packs are sized. You'll need to make sure you get the tall framed one and/or plan on buying the lift kit they sell to take advantage of the load lifters. 
:fire.:

" In today's instant gratification society, more and more pressure revolves around success and the measurement of one's prowess as a hunter by inches on a score chart or field photos produced on social media. Don't fall into the trap. Hunting is-and always will be- about the hunt, the adventure, the views, and time spent with close friends and family. " Ryan Hatfield

My posts, opinions and statements do not represent those of this forum

Offline DUGANDEER

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #23 on: February 16, 2015, 01:25:53 PM »
I am 6 9 350 I use just one with extended belt strap and shoulder strap. Would like to have a lighter pack though!

Offline ghosthunter

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #24 on: February 16, 2015, 04:50:05 PM »
There is a Blue Widow for sale right now in classifieds.
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Offline hogslayer

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #25 on: February 16, 2015, 04:58:45 PM »
I have bought and tried on many of packs to fit my torso length.  I am 6'6" and 225.  One problem with a lot of packs is the frame size is not big enough so the load lifters won't function.  Kuiu frame size is 24".  Exo is 25" and kifaru can special make you a pack up to 28".  I went with a 26" frame from kifaru and it is the last pack I will ever buy.  If you want a pack that will last you forever and can carry more weight than you can, I would do it right and have a pack made for your size from kifaru. Give Aron snyder a call.  His hunting buddy is 6'9" like yourself.

Offline BrandonWatts

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #26 on: February 16, 2015, 06:25:17 PM »
There is a Blue Widow for sale right now in classifieds.
I saw that. going to have to do some looking. The kifaru packs look sweet and I like that you can have them custom built. My buddy on here has a team elk eberlestocki am going to throw on my back and do some hiking with and see how it works out.

Offline longwalker

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #27 on: February 16, 2015, 06:36:08 PM »
I had an eberlestock one year. Packed out a bull with it and never put in on again, there worthless with more than 30 pounds I them. I hate to promote Kifaru since I personally think there customer service is terrible but I've been using there packs for years now. They are the best on the market, I will just only buy used since I refuse to send them a dime ever again. Oh and I'm a big guy too, 6'5" 240. The 26" stays are the perfect amount of lift

Offline Boss .300 winmag

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #28 on: February 16, 2015, 08:37:10 PM »
Check out Bullpacs he is a sponsor on here.

I bought the wide one at the sportsman show because of your issues being 6'2, I liked the fit because it didn't rub at the point of my shoulders. It's more of a meat pack but he has a backpack bag he sells for it too. :twocents:

I must be the only guy on here with one.  :chuckle:
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Offline Karl Blanchard

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #29 on: February 16, 2015, 09:10:15 PM »
I had an eberlestock one year. Packed out a bull with it and never put in on again, there worthless with more than 30 pounds I them. I hate to promote Kifaru since I personally think there customer service is terrible but I've been using there packs for years now. They are the best on the market, I will just only buy used since I refuse to send them a dime ever again. Oh and I'm a big guy too, 6'5" 240. The 26" stays are the perfect amount of lift
. I've had the exact opposite experience with Kifaru.  Customer service has been outstanding!  Thing i tell people about kifaru though is they aren't for everybody.  My dad was all hot to get one after looking at mine but like I told him,  he doesn't haul big loads (no loads actually, he just calls me :chuckle:) and he doesn't need a pack that size so there is no point in spending $800 on a pack.  If a guy just rocks a day pack and if he kills something, him and his buddies drag it out, not much need for an $800 pack either.

  Kifaru is second to none in the pack world and its a great addition to the gear pile.  I hauled 13 deer and 3 elk in mine last year and I can tell you, there is no hype to these packs, they are the real deal.  Little out of your previously stated budget though.
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Offline huntnnw

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #30 on: February 16, 2015, 11:33:35 PM »
I am more than happy with my mystery ranch 6500

Offline finfeatherfur

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Re: Hunting pack for big fellas?
« Reply #31 on: February 19, 2015, 02:37:20 PM »
I have tried a lot of packs I finally settled on the nimrod pack system, it has the adjustability to fit my torso.  I am 6'5" 290 lbs.  For what its worth.

 


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