Stone Glacier approach thoughts?

[earlmarne]

Trying to gear up for a serious attempt at elk hunting this year.Got me a new sitka flash 32 on the way to me but am really thinking a frame pack is in order.I have become very intrigued with the SG packs and the approach seems it would fit my needs perfectly being that I fix on not camping out.
Any of you guys using SG packs?Just wanting to hear some on them from some local hunters hopefully.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Those Sitka packs are overpriced garbage IMO.

I personally don't have SG experience, but there are a lot of genuine people who really like them. There reputation is on par with Kifaru.


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[bullfisher]

For what its worth, I've had better results and comfort, in hiking packs from rei then the multitude of hunting packs i've had designed to separate you from your wallet.

[earlmarne]

I am not really impressed with the sitka packs at all, I just traded a dozen arrows for this one coming and figure I can sell it t go towards something with a frame.
I will head to rei this weekend and take a look, I dont want to be spending more money than needed for sure.

[Bullbuster]

Exo mountain gear pack.


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[SilkOnTheDrySide]

REI packs are fine until you have to load heavy weight. They just aren't designed for it.

Of course every backpack thread should start with what is your intended use?


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[longwalker]

Have you packed a lot of game out in Sitka packs silk?

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Nope. Seen them loaded and complete lack of functional load lifters at a 250-500$ price tag makes them over priced and worthless. If you don't need load hauling capabilities then you can find similar packs for much cheaper.


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[Karl Blanchard]

Until a guy uses a pack that has actual load lifters and not just load stabilizers, you really won't know what your missing out on!  It will open your eyes to comfortable load hauling.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Until a guy uses a pack that has actual load lifters and not just load stabilizers, you really won't know what your missing out on!  It will open your eyes to comfortable load hauling.

Littlebuf knows that. He runs a Kifaru.


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[buglebuster]

Until a guy uses a pack that has actual load lifters and not just load stabilizers, you really won't know what your missing out on!  It will open your eyes to comfortable load hauling.

Until a guy uses a pack that has actual load lifters and not just load stabilizers, you really won't know what your missing out on!  It will open your eyes to comfortable load hauling.

Exactly what he said! I'm in the same situation currently and tried out 2 packs yesterday with 60lbs. Let me tell you, the load lifters make a huge difference! Also having a pack that is fitted properly to your body is huge! I found that out yesterday as well.

[Hunter mike]

I am not really impressed with the sitka packs at all, I just traded a dozen arrows for this one coming and figure I can sell it t go towards something with a frame.
I will head to rei this weekend and take a look, I dont want to be spending more money than needed for sure.

Check out the REI XT85.  I've used it for the past 2 years on the high hunt and think it's awesome for the money.  It has a sort of hybrid rigid frame but fits and works like a internal frame pack.  TONS of load lifter left over (I'm 6'1 and this is the first pack I used with truly functional load lifters for me).  Hauled out my boned out blacktail (plus 20+ lbs other gear) 2 miles no problem.  I bought it thinking I would buy myself 1 more year before getting a MR or Kifaru etc, but it's worked so well that I'll probably upgrade a lot of other gear before I consider a new pack.  It's fairly light and compressable.  I frequently get 3-5 miles in even when day hunting and I use this as my daypack so I can haul meat.  Works great for backpack hunts with room to spare.

[Karl Blanchard]

Until a guy uses a pack that has actual load lifters and not just load stabilizers, you really won't know what your missing out on!  It will open your eyes to comfortable load hauling.

Until a guy uses a pack that has actual load lifters and not just load stabilizers, you really won't know what your missing out on!  It will open your eyes to comfortable load hauling.

Exactly what he said! I'm in the same situation currently and tried out 2 packs yesterday with 60lbs. Let me tell you, the load lifters make a huge difference! Also having a pack that is fitted properly to your body is huge! I found that out yesterday as well.

. that hike yesterday was a fantastic example of how important a proper fit is. 2 packs that are absolute top tier packs but one was not adjusted properly and it carried like crap.

[earlmarne]

REI packs are fine until you have to load heavy weight. They just aren't designed for it.

Of course every backpack thread should start with what is your intended use?


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I fix on driving to the gates and hiking around all day till I find something to shoot. Dont figure I need a ton of pack space, just enough for some rain gear, water, snacks, kill kit.I like the idea of the approach just due to it being a smaller bag with a frame and meat shelf if by dumb luck I happen to drop me an elk.
I have no intentions of running the sitka pack, just going to sell it when it gets here and find something more robust.I have tried them on a sportsmans.I am 6ft 6 so most of the crap I try on I dont feel like is built for me.

[bowhunterty]

Check out Exo Mountain Gear. Have videos showing their stuff. Give them a call both Steve speck and Lenny Nelson are great guys.

[hogslayer]

REI packs are fine until you have to load heavy weight. They just aren't designed for it.
I am also 6'6" so i understand what you are talking about when you say that nothing fits very well.  Something to consider with choosing a pack when you are that tall is torso length and frame size.  Since i have about a 23" torso length, having a pack with a frame height of 24" won't give you much load when you have it filled with meat.  Kuiu has a 24" frame.  Exo and Stone Glacier have a 25" frame.  Kifaru has a 26", and made Phelps a longer one with 28".  Having the extra height on the frame allows you to have a proper angle on the load lifting straps that will help carry the weight.  Typically you would want a 15-30 degree slope on the straps.  You aren't going to be able to get this lift with a pack that has a shorter frame.  I bought a Kifaru and you will understand what all the hype and price is about when you get one and fit it properly.. They were having some sales on bag's a few weeks ago.
Of course every backpack thread should start with what is your intended use?


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I fix on driving to the gates and hiking around all day till I find something to shoot. Dont figure I need a ton of pack space, just enough for some rain gear, water, snacks, kill kit.I like the idea of the approach just due to it being a smaller bag with a frame and meat shelf if by dumb luck I happen to drop me an elk.
I have no intentions of running the sitka pack, just going to sell it when it gets here and find something more robust.I have tried them on a sportsmans.I am 6ft 6 so most of the crap I try on I dont feel like is built for me.

[RadSav]

The Sitka pack is nice as a gear/day pack.  It is also capable as a first load meat pack as long as you don't gert carried away with the weight.  Not sure anyone mistakes if for a load hauler.  So for what it is, it's a pretty Badlands and that's ok.

I like Stone Glacier packs quite a bit.  Still need some design work on the waste belt, but it seems like most everyone does these days.   Not sure I would call the Approach a load hauler either.  It's a rather small pack.  But it is MUCH better than the Sitka.  Exo Mountain is a better buy and easily exceeds the load capability of the Approach.  If elk is the plan I'd seriously look at a larger Stone Glacier or save a few truck payments and get an Exo.

[earlmarne]

The Sitka pack is nice as a gear/day pack.  It is also capable as a first load meat pack as long as you don't gert carried away with the weight.  Not sure anyone mistakes if for a load hauler.  So for what it is, it's a pretty Badlands and that's ok.

I like Stone Glacier packs quite a bit.  Still need some design work on the waste belt, but it seems like most everyone does these days.   Not sure I would call the Approach a load hauler either.  It's a rather small pack.  But it is MUCH better than the Sitka.  Exo Mountain is a better buy and easily exceeds the load capability of the Approach.  If elk is the plan I'd seriously look at a larger Stone Glacier or save a few truck payments and get an Exo.

See this is where I need you guys.It was my understanding that the SG packs all ran the same frame?Now I was thinking that I dont need a bunch of stuff to be humping around with,I am in it for the load haulin capabilities.But lookin at the pics n such wont the approachs load shelf be the same as any of the others?
I am pretty bamboozled when it comes to these fancy packs, I aint had anything but a couple badlands packs in the past.I went on the exo site and there is 2 options and just a pre order form. 3300 seems like a lot f space.My 2200 badlands had way more room than I could ever figure on  stuff to throw in it.

[RadSav]

It was my understanding that the SG packs all ran the same frame?Now I was thinking that I dont need a bunch of stuff to be humping around with,I am in it for the load haulin capabilities.But lookin at the pics n such wont the approachs load shelf be the same as any of the others?

I think you are correct about the same Krux frame on all of them.  Using as you mention then yes it should do what you are looking for.  I was picturing you back country hunting and hauling all gear and elk out.  My apologies for not clarifying better.  I should have chose a different description than "Load Hauler".  Sorry for adding to the confusion.

[fillthefreezer]

if i was shopping for that usage, id look hard at the kifaru cargo panel with a couple pockets on it. pretty slick set up for your uses.

[earlmarne]

It was my understanding that the SG packs all ran the same frame?Now I was thinking that I dont need a bunch of stuff to be humping around with,I am in it for the load haulin capabilities.But lookin at the pics n such wont the approachs load shelf be the same as any of the others?

I think you are correct about the same Krux frame on all of them.  Using as you mention then yes it should do what you are looking for.  I was picturing you back country hunting and hauling all gear and elk out.  My apologies for not clarifying better.  I should have chose a different description than "Load Hauler".  Sorry for adding to the confusion.

No worries Rad, you got the know how with this stuff.I am just trying to figure it all out.I finally got me a bow I think I am going to stick with for awhile so now I am just trying to get in the game with all the other gear I have been neglecting to acquire for so long.
I dont envision myself doing any actual ''backcountry'' hunting any time soon.Seems most of the spots I have figured on thus far when reading harvest reports n such really dont have any giant public land. I am just hoping with a good pack that I wont go and blow out my back again n end myself up unemployed

[earlmarne]

if i was shopping for that usage, id look hard at the kifaru cargo panel with a couple pockets on it. pretty slick set up for your uses.

I am going to head over t their site n checker out right now, thanks

[zwickeyman]

I have been running the Approach as my day pack for 2 years. Great pack, can put as much meat in the sling as I can carry 135# is the most I have had in it. Its a really good size, the only problem I have with it is the spotting scope pocket is a little tight for 65MM spotter and tripod but it does fit. The spotter pocket also works great for my rain jacket, pants and gaiters. PM me is you have any questions about it

[Elknut1]

Exo Pack gets my vote! We have 2 of the 3500" packs. They are a 5-lb 3-oz pack empty & can carry as much weight as you want to put on it comfortably. Empty & they are around 3"-4" thick. This pack feels like a daypack with daily needs in it but doubles as a simple elk hauling machine. I'd put this pack against any pack for simplicity, function & comfort with a load. They run 495.00, this doesn't break the bank & is solid as a rock with their titanium frame. The main bag will slide up & down the frame with a simple buckled strap that allows the hunter to have his pack ride low when unloaded & high with weight in it by just sliding it along the frame, very unique! In the photo I slid the bag up so all weight is higher for ease of packing the several miles out.

  There's 95# in it right here.The pack hinges from the frame at bottom & opens up to put as much meat boned or not against the frame leaving your main bag untouched with its inside gear. It has all the needed pockets as well as 2 cylinder pockets for tripod & spotter if needed. Sweet pack!

  ElkNut1

[earlmarne]

Exo Pack gets my vote! We have 2 of the 3500" packs. They are a 5-lb 3-oz pack empty & can carry as much weight as you want to put on it comfortably. Empty & they are around 3"-4" thick. This pack feels like a daypack with daily needs in it but doubles as a simple elk hauling machine. I'd put this pack against any pack for simplicity, function & comfort with a load. They run 495.00, this doesn't break the bank & is solid as a rock with their titanium frame. The main bag will slide up & down the frame with a simple buckled strap that allows the hunter to have his pack ride low when unloaded & high with weight in it by just sliding it along the frame, very unique! In the photo I slid the bag up so all weight is higher for ease of packing the several miles out.

  There's 95# in it right here.The pack hinges from the frame at bottom & opens up to put as much meat boned or not against the frame leaving your main bag untouched with its inside gear. It has all the needed pockets as well as 2 cylinder pockets for tripod & spotter if needed. Sweet pack!

  ElkNut1
so does that sucker work like the SG as far as a load shelf?

[Elknut1]

Yes, both the SG & Exo unhinge from the top & sides then the bottom of both stay hinged together, the meat then sits between the frame & main bag compartment. The real world difference between the two is the bag slides up & down the frame on the Exo in seconds which is a must! Secondly you have two buckles on top & one snap buckle on each side & the middle is accessed, yep that simple! The SG is not nearly as simple. Watch the video on it & you'll see. No doubt both are quality packs but I want fast, simple & function-ability. When you pack as many animals on your back as we do you'll see why! Before this Exo we used Kifaru with the bikini frame, all I will say is they didn't do well. They make more models these days & those may differ but they're not cheap! (grin)

  ElkNut1   

[Mxracer532]

I have a Stone Glacier Sky 5100 on the way. I plan on using it without the hood as a day pack unless I go on a back country hunt. The thing about the Stone Glacier 5100 is its a 1lb lighter then the EXO and the bag is bigger. Kurt is also the nicest guy I have delt with when it comes to a gear company.