lets talk framed hunting packs..

[RailRob]

Tell me what is good! So far I am thinking eberlestock, or Outdoorsmans Optics hunter pack system.

[whacker1]

Tell me what is good! So far I am thinking eberlestock, or Outdoorsmans Optics hunter pack system.

I am going away from my Eberlestock J104 because it is too heavy and doesn't carry loads as well as other packs.

9.4 lbs vs. packs that way 4-6 lbs and haul loads better.

My hunting partners have KUIU ICON, ordered EXO 3500, and I am ordering a Stone Glacier Sky series here in the next month

[BULLBLASTER]

The budget you have is a manor factor when looking at packs. 
what price point are you looking at?

[archery288]

Kifaru. 

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

The budget you have is a manor factor when looking at packs. 
what price point are you looking at?

This.


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[RailRob]

Well I am trying to find a balance between budget and what use I will get out of it. I intend to do some serious hunting this fall. Probably around $400.00 but ya never know. I have been thinking eberlestock for the price but I'd like to hear more about there packs

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Buy a kifaru frame and a bag for it later.

[whacker1]

to save you some time in no particular order:

Kuiu icon Pro - $474
Stone Glacier - $614-634
Kifaru -$376 for the frame and $245+ depending on the bag choice.
Exo -$499-579

there are other options, but these are the 4 front runners that I have been considering.  Note that there are lots of add ons for some of these like belt pouches, etc.  so plan another $60-100 or so.

[aorams]

Ive got the outdoorsmans optics pack. Used it for two seasons now. They occasionally have sales like Black Friday that brings the price down around 300. Customer service is exceptional. I'd buy another.  In fact I went through a period last year when I tried to get rid of it to upgrade to something like a stone glacier or Exo gear. The price to weight and feature to weight ratios never seemed to add up to me so I kept it and have no remorse. My dad just bought one too.

[grimace]

to save you some time in no particular order:

Kuiu icon Pro - $474
Stone Glacier - $614-634
Kifaru -$376 for the frame and $245+ depending on the bag choice.
Exo -$499-579

there are other options, but these are the 4 front runners that I have been considering.  Note that there are lots of add ons for some of these like belt pouches, etc.  so plan another $60-100 or so.

Not to nit pick. The Stone Glacier Krux frame is $320/$335 + bag of your choice,  $354-$634.

[RailRob]

to save you some time in no particular order:

Kuiu icon Pro - $474
Stone Glacier - $614-634
Kifaru -$376 for the frame and $245+ depending on the bag choice.
Exo -$499-579

there are other options, but these are the 4 front runners that I have been considering.  Note that there are lots of add ons for some of these like belt pouches, etc.  so plan another $60-100 or so.

Not to nit pick. The Stone Glacier Krux frame is $320/$335 + bag of your choice,  $354-$634.

All really nice packs..but I don't think I need something that kick ass. I wish I had the time to hunt that much to justify spending all that money

[huntnnw]

I would keep an eye out for a used high end pack on classifieds

[zwickeyman]

Find a used Eberlstock Blue Widow for 200.00 It will service you well for years

[fillthefreezer]

All really nice packs..but I don't think I need something that kick ass. I wish I had the time to hunt that much to justify spending all that money

to give a good recommendation, youve gotta tell us what type of hunting you do. what sort of gear do you need to carry. do you need to one trip animals or are you close to the rig? do you plan to do multiple nights out of it? will this be your only pack or will you walk back and switch once something hits the ground?

[whacker1]

to save you some time in no particular order:

Kuiu icon Pro - $474
Stone Glacier - $614-634
Kifaru -$376 for the frame and $245+ depending on the bag choice.
Exo -$499-579

there are other options, but these are the 4 front runners that I have been considering.  Note that there are lots of add ons for some of these like belt pouches, etc.  so plan another $60-100 or so.

Not to nit pick. The Stone Glacier Krux frame is $320/$335 + bag of your choice,  $354-$634.

the $634 price is supposed to include the bag and frame for the SKY series.  They are roughly $700 including tax and other options as a finished price.  If you buy the frame independently, you are correct they are $320-335.

[Magnum_Willys]

Kuiu Ultra is a great minimalist light daypack that can haul as much meat as you want to carry between pack and frame.  The 3000 weighs under 4# total.  The waistbelt is light enough you don't mind wearing it as a daypack on a constant basis.  For multi-night backpacking with big loads I would look at Kifaru for a beefier padded waist belt.  What Kuiu should offer is an "underbelt pad" to beef up their waistbelt when you need it. 

[RailRob]

All really nice packs..but I don't think I need something that kick ass. I wish I had the time to hunt that much to justify spending all that money

to give a good recommendation, youve gotta tell us what type of hunting you do. what sort of gear do you need to carry. do you need to one trip animals or are you close to the rig? do you plan to do multiple nights out of it? will this be your only pack or will you walk back and switch once something hits the ground?

Well based on my price range I'd say I would like to be able to pack out 50-100lb at a time. I'd think we would all like to be able  to get our harvest to our rig whole.  I would looking example to say I hi t enough to justify a high end pack but not yet. Honestly this year I'm thinking deer and bear. Maybe elk depending on other *censored*

[Dhoey07]

I bout a eberlestock x2 a couple weeks ago. I'd love to give ya a review but I haven't had any weight in it. It sure looks nice though  maybe this weekend I'll get it out and I'll let ha know

[whacker1]

All really nice packs..but I don't think I need something that kick ass. I wish I had the time to hunt that much to justify spending all that money

to give a good recommendation, youve gotta tell us what type of hunting you do. what sort of gear do you need to carry. do you need to one trip animals or are you close to the rig? do you plan to do multiple nights out of it? will this be your only pack or will you walk back and switch once something hits the ground?

Well based on my price range I'd say I would like to be able to pack out 50-100lb at a time. I'd think we would all like to be able  to get our harvest to our rig whole.  I would looking example to say I hi t enough to justify a high end pack but not yet. Honestly this year I'm thinking deer and bear. Maybe elk depending on other *censored*

RailRob, If you would like to load up my Eberlestock and try it on, I would be happy to show it to you.  The packs are built solid.  I just don't like how heavy they are and where they carry the load.  Especially when you get over 50 lbs.  some of the new models might be better, but the J104 dragonfly is what i have.  get a hold of me if you want to check it out

[BeWitty]

I bout a eberlestock x2 a couple weeks ago. I'd love to give ya a review but I haven't had any weight in it. It sure looks nice though  maybe this weekend I'll get it out and I'll let ha know

I have had an Eber X2 for 3 years now. I've had 80-100 lbs of meat and gear in (and hanging off of) a couple times. It gets a bit uncomfortable at that weight and the shoulder straps begin to dig. I do love the X2's layout and pocket configuration, Its perfect for a long day pack or even an overnighter. I picked up the EXO 3500 this year and have yet to put actual meat in it but it feels great with sand bags.

[adamR]

I went through this two seasons ago, tried a couple bad lands packs on and for the comfort I couldn't justify spending that amount of money...
I ended up buying a hiking pack cabelas brand for like $180 and I love it! About two weeks after I bought it I threw a whole deer in it and hiked out two miles very comfortably!

I'm 6'3" 240 lbs and nothing felt comfortable to me in the typical hunting packs

[splitshot]

  I have the old kelty pack where the frame could be separated from the bag.  it has packed at least 20 elk and 50 plus deer. of course we halved or quartered them.    about 30 years ago I put new suspension on the frame and it was great.  have no idea what the price tag is on it but it is still in great shape and good for many more years.     mike w

[RailRob]

anybody have any expierence with a eberlestock gunslinger 2??

[mp.hunter]

I just did the whole pack search thing and ended up with a stone glacier sky archer. Just got it in the mail today and man is it awesome can't wait to use it. It is pricey though but figure it will last a long time with much more comfortable packing trips. The next step down would be the kuiu, which I almost went with and heard the current frames are much better than their last frames. Very light weight as well.


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[blackveltbowhunter]

Railrob you asked about the eberlestocks. I have ran the blue widow for the past 5 years. And put a lot of miles and animals on it. It served its purpose and did not fail me in the field, and is still in good shape. I would have no hesitation to use it again if needed.

Here's some pros,
Solid construction: zippers, buckles and stitching all seem well made. The carry handle broke on my first outing with it, but it did not affect the function and I just wrote it off as unnecessary weight.

Breaks down nicely: If your carrying a drop camp, switching to daypack mode is nice. And the pack compresses well.

Quiet: The make up of the material combined with the compressed size in daypack mode, make it  a very quiet framed pack. Possibly the quietest i have used.

Warranty: Although I haven't used it, Most reports are positive.

Price: Overall not terrible as far as "hunting" backpacks go, if you go used they can be found downright cheap.

Simple: Its really ez to adjust. And the pockets are minimal, zip up the middle to daypack, and unzip when you kill. Strap it up and go. Pretty straightforward.

Now for the Cons,

Heavy: No explanation needed

Carryability: Ya I made that word up. Unless you have a very short torso the pack has no load lifters to speak of. The straps and waistbelt are not padded, and although they are nice with light loads, Once your north of 60 pounds it becomes apparent that your going to need both a dose of Tryactin and Ibuprofen.

The way the pack loads: This is possibly the single biggest "con" that I had with the pack.  The pack does not expand well either up or side ways, so the only way to get more gear on it is to load out and away from your center of gravity. And this greatly exacerbates the "carryability". I think the pack handles meat ok, because it is typically loaded in the main compartment and has the best chance of being centered. I don't have the best or lightest in camp gear, ( which would be a big factor ) but when loaded for a week long hunt in Archery Elk season some people might think I was towing it the way the pack is dragging the ground. Obviously this has a ton of variables, like bivy vs tent, one or 2 nights vs a week, and the quality of backpacking gear used to name a few.







 
 

[splitshot]

  I put an extender at the top of my kelty which helped when packing quarters and halves.  mike w

[RailRob]

Thanks again everyone. I wish I could afford a kifaru, but damn thats a lot of money. So I am thinking outdoorsmsns optics hunter pack system. Though I still want a eberlestock gunslinger 2. I'm going to sell some extra gun stuff I have to help fund whatever I decide.

[autodink13]

I had eberlestock for a couple years. Great for a day pack with no weight, horrible for carrying 50 lbs or more. I had poor customer service with eberlestock as well. I bought stone glacier last year and LOVE it! Does cost a bunch but you get a light sturdy pack that carries weight great and good customer service!
This was my experience.

Exo mountain costs a little bit less weighs a little bit more than SG

Lots of people rave about their kifarus.

I guess my point to all this, I wouldn't recommend eberlestock if you want to carry any weight.

[pianoman9701]

Here's a new pack that's perfect for you back country hunters.

[couesbitten]

RailBob, here's my . You say that because of the price of the Kifaru and Stone Glacier you're going to settle for the Outdoorsmans pack.  Well what if, when you get that pack you find out that you don't like it because the pack doesn't carry weight well and you want to sell it to some poor, unsuspecting schmuck so that you can recoup some of your cash and then cough up the balance to purchase the pack that you now realize you should have purchased in the first place (Kifaru, Stone Glacier). So now your pack is for sale, but nobody wants to buy it at the price your asking, so in the end, you sell it for $200 and have to add $450 out of pocket to purchase your high end pack.  So now you've spent $850 to purchase a $650 pack because you thought it was to expensive back in May, 2015. 

I'm sure you've heard it before, "buy once, cry once", and there's a reason people say it, it's true. If you still don't want to spend the money for the Kifaru, Stone Glacier, I'd recommend you look at the Horn Hunter Full Curl pack, you should be able to get into one for about $350, it's made in the USA and has load lifters on it that actually work.

[7mag.]

RailBob, here's my . You say that because of the price of the Kifaru and Stone Glacier you're going to settle for the Outdoorsmans pack.  Well what if, when you get that pack you find out that you don't like it because the pack doesn't carry weight well and you want to sell it to some poor, unsuspecting schmuck so that you can recoup some of your cash and then cough up the balance to purchase the pack that you now realize you should have purchased in the first place (Kifaru, Stone Glacier). So now your pack is for sale, but nobody wants to buy it at the price your asking, so in the end, you sell it for $200 and have to add $450 out of pocket to purchase your high end pack.  So now you've spent $850 to purchase a $650 pack because you thought it was to expensive back in May, 2015. 

I'm sure you've heard it before, "buy once, cry once", and there's a reason people say it, it's true. If you still don't want to spend the money for the Kifaru, Stone Glacier, I'd recommend you look at the Horn Hunter Full Curl pack, you should be able to get into one for about $350, it's made in the USA and has load lifters on it that actually work.

Wise words.

[jackelope]

Agree wise words, but if its not in the guys budget to spend $700 on a backpack, should he? If he doesn't backpack hunt, should he spend $700 on a pack?
I went from an eberle pack to a Kuiu Icon. Functional load lifters make all the difference in the world. That Kuiu pack is night and day different from the Eberle. With that said, the Eberlestock pack I had was on top of Mt Adams twice, packed out a few bucks and was with me on the high hunt a couple times. It worked fine. Not the most comfortable thing in the world. All I'm trying to say is that contrary to popular belief, not everyone has to have a Kifaru pack every time they need or want a new backpack. There are other options from a budget friendly point of view. Used packs are a great option too. Save a few bucks on a great used pack. Whatever you get, I'd get something with load lifters that work.

[hogslayer]

I recently made the switch to a Kifaru pack and i can honestly say that all the hype is true.  Yes they are expensive.  But if i were you i would buy a frame and watch kifaru's facebook page or call and ask if they will be having any sales on bags from last year.  About a month ago, Kifaru had a sale for $170.00 for a 6000CU high camp bag with a long hunter lid.  That would put you at $550.00. 

[7mag.]

Agree wise words, but if its not in the guys budget to spend $700 on a backpack, should he? If he doesn't backpack hunt, should he spend $700 on a pack?
I went from an eberle pack to a Kuiu Icon. Functional load lifters make all the difference in the world. That Kuiu pack is night and day different from the Eberle. With that said, the Eberlestock pack I had was on top of Mt Adams twice, packed out a few bucks and was with me on the high hunt a couple times. It worked fine. Not the most comfortable thing in the world. All I'm trying to say is that contrary to popular belief, not everyone has to have a Kifaru pack every time they need or want a new backpack. There are other options from a budget friendly point of view. Used packs are a great option too. Save a few bucks on a great used pack. Whatever you get, I'd get something with load lifters that work.

Very true. The op did, however, say he was looking at the Outdoorsman's Optic Hunter, which is a direct competitor to the high end backpack hunting packs such as; Kuiu, Stone Glacier, Kifaru, Exo, etc. The advice given, based on the opinions from those of us that have done it the hard way is- buy the best pack available to fit your needs.

With that said, these high end packs aren't necessary for most hunters. If you're not carrying heavy loads on a regular basis, you probably don't need to spend your money on a high end pack.

[kentrek]

Here's a new pack that's perfect for you back country hunters.

I was sold after it survived the cliff test

[jackelope]

Agree wise words, but if its not in the guys budget to spend $700 on a backpack, should he? If he doesn't backpack hunt, should he spend $700 on a pack?
I went from an eberle pack to a Kuiu Icon. Functional load lifters make all the difference in the world. That Kuiu pack is night and day different from the Eberle. With that said, the Eberlestock pack I had was on top of Mt Adams twice, packed out a few bucks and was with me on the high hunt a couple times. It worked fine. Not the most comfortable thing in the world. All I'm trying to say is that contrary to popular belief, not everyone has to have a Kifaru pack every time they need or want a new backpack. There are other options from a budget friendly point of view. Used packs are a great option too. Save a few bucks on a great used pack. Whatever you get, I'd get something with load lifters that work.

Very true. The op did, however, say he was looking at the Outdoorsman's Optic Hunter, which is a direct competitor to the high end backpack hunting packs such as; Kuiu, Stone Glacier, Kifaru, Exo, etc. The advice given, based on the opinions from those of us that have done it the hard way is- buy the best pack available to fit your needs.

With that said, these high end packs aren't necessary for most hunters. If you're not carrying heavy loads on a regular basis, you probably don't need to spend your money on a high end pack.

I don't disagree with anything you said and mostly never do...but is the outdoorsman pack really considered a direct competitor to the Kifaru and the like? You can buy them for under $400, no load lifters, etc. Don't get me wrong. I hope to have a Kifaru pack at some point soon. Just want to point out that not everyone "needs" a Kifaru or other $700 pack.

[kentrek]

All I'm trying to say is that contrary to popular belief, not everyone has to have a Kifaru pack every time they need or want a new backpack. There are other options

 

What ever the pack you buy the most important thing is to use the dang thing ! Even if you buy the "wrong" pack, just get out as much as freaking posable  and find out what you like/don't like...and there's only one way to do that ! heck maybe you don't need a high ender to get ya by....put that few hundred bucks ya save towards actually hunting ! If in five years if you think you need a kifaru super hauler then sweet !

For a "get ya by" pack I don't think you can go wrong with anything in the 300 range....I've been giving my ultra a very serious work out since I got it last summer and I continue to be impressed...a few week spots but nothing anyone with a normal 9-5 job would ever find in years lol

Good luck 

[7mag.]

Agree wise words, but if its not in the guys budget to spend $700 on a backpack, should he? If he doesn't backpack hunt, should he spend $700 on a pack?
I went from an eberle pack to a Kuiu Icon. Functional load lifters make all the difference in the world. That Kuiu pack is night and day different from the Eberle. With that said, the Eberlestock pack I had was on top of Mt Adams twice, packed out a few bucks and was with me on the high hunt a couple times. It worked fine. Not the most comfortable thing in the world. All I'm trying to say is that contrary to popular belief, not everyone has to have a Kifaru pack every time they need or want a new backpack. There are other options from a budget friendly point of view. Used packs are a great option too. Save a few bucks on a great used pack. Whatever you get, I'd get something with load lifters that work.

Very true. The op did, however, say he was looking at the Outdoorsman's Optic Hunter, which is a direct competitor to the high end backpack hunting packs such as; Kuiu, Stone Glacier, Kifaru, Exo, etc. The advice given, based on the opinions from those of us that have done it the hard way is- buy the best pack available to fit your needs.

With that said, these high end packs aren't necessary for most hunters. If you're not carrying heavy loads on a regular basis, you probably don't need to spend your money on a high end pack.

I don't disagree with anything you said and mostly never do...but is the outdoorsman pack really considered a direct competitor to the Kifaru and the like? You can buy them for under $400, no load lifters, etc. Don't get me wrong. I hope to have a Kifaru pack at some point soon. Just want to point out that not everyone "needs" a Kifaru or other $700 pack.

I think we're pretty much on the same page.

[fillthefreezer]

i tried to ask the questions, that in my opinion, really tell what sort of pack fits the needs but havent seen any answers. ill try to lay it out more.
do you carry a spotter/tripod
do you carry multiple days equipment, if so, how many
are you hunting far enough in, you need to one trip an animal
will this be your only pack or will you return to the truck for a different one once an animal is down
how firm is the budget

without knowing the answers to these questions, people will just recommend what they use or wish they used..

[Duckslayer89]

Hey guys, I recently purchased a bikini frame and a timberline1 bag that goes with the frame. (BT1) I bought it because I hunt the alpine unit a lot and it's a 7 mile hike in. My old internal frame pack worked but literally I folded the polymer frame within the pack and it was brutal with loads of elk meat plus my camp. Anyhow tomorow will be my first trip with the new pack if anyone is interested I can post how the pack performs. I'm hoping to scout for about a week.

[Duckslayer89]

Pic loaded up, I forgot to say that ebay has lots of awesome used packs from Kifaru! I was really torn between the duplex and bikini

[RailRob]

UPDATE! now I am stuck between a KUIU ico pro 5200 and the EXO 3500. thoughts?

[notsosneaky]

Kifaru is the best pack available.
That said I settled on a kuiu icon pro as I believe it is incredibly capable and at a "middle" price point or best bang for the buck. I know kuiu had some issues with their gen 1 icon series but my new icon pro is easily the most comfortable and durable pack I've ever owned.

[BULLBLASTER]

Kifaru is the best pack available.

I don't think any one brand can be the best pack available I tried and tried to get a kifaru to work and be comfortable for me.  And couldn't make it happen when I got my mystery ranch it felt like it was made for me as soon as I put it on.
That said I don't know if my mr is any "better" than a kifaru. But I can tell you it is hands down better for me. There are plenty of high end packs out there that could suit a guy well.

[northwesthunter84]

Rail- I picked up an EXO last year in coyote.  I really love the pack.  It fits all my needs and compresses down nicely.  The suspension is very comfortable and the added some new bells/whistles based on customer feedback from last year. The KUIU look great also so truth be told I don't think you will be disappointed with either for the money.  The new camo patterns from both companies are awesome to. 

Just saw this:
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,176468.msg2336923.html#msg2336923

[RailRob]

Rail- I picked up an EXO last year in coyote.  I really love the pack.  It fits all my needs and compresses down nicely.  The suspension is very comfortable and the added some new bells/whistles based on customer feedback from last year. The KUIU look great also so truth be told I don't think you will be disappointed with either for the money.  The new camo patterns from both companies are awesome to. 

Just saw this:
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,176468.msg2336923.html#msg2336923

I saw that..wrong belt size for me. Plus, an important part of the purchase for me is the warranty.