New pack, opinions

[7mmfan]

I was given the go ahead to purchase a new pack. I've been using one of the old Dwight Schuh packs for years, and its served its purpose, but I'm getting to the point where I hunt further from the truck now, I want a pack that can support more weight, but is light and compact enough to actually hunt effectively while wearing it. That is one area that the Dwight Schuh pack lacks in. Its bulky, tall, and doesn't fit me very well. It is light though.

I've looked at Kuiu Ultra packs, which I like for the versatility of different bags. I have a friend with an Exo Mountain Gear pack that he seems to really like. Kifaru seems to have a myriad of options. I also came onto a new company I had never heard of, Seek Outside, they seem to offer a good product as well.

Again, my main goal is a compact, lightweight pack, that I can hunt in, but have the ability to haul a lot of meat. Having versatility to turn into a main pack for backcountry hunts would be a huge plus if the concept works, and the price is right.

And.... go

[buglebuster]

I was in your shoes last spring. I tried out a couple packs and ended up with the mystery ranch Metcalf and I love it! I would have went kifaru, but the deal I got on the MR was to good to pass up. The packs weren't to much different in my opinion, but the kifaru is a lot more adjustable to your body. I would stay away from the kuiu packs, from what I've seen they aren't near the quality. When you get one in your hands they just feel cheaper.

[jackelope]

Pretty much any of the pacls you mentioned have different bag options so don't lean toward the Ultra for that reason.

I'd look hard at the EXO 3500 out of the ones you mentioned. I think it might be the most bang for the buck.

The KUIU Icon Pro's are good. I'd probably steer clear of the Ultra.

If you have the budget for a Kifaru, then it's sort of a no-brainer. Go for it and never look back.

[7mag.]

It's no secret that I'm a huge supporter of Kifaru. There is a good reason for it, I believe there is no better pack or pack company. Quality and customer service are unbeatable. Modularity and function great, comfort, durability and load hauling capabilities lead the market.

With that said, the other companies you mentioned make high quality gear too. If you're buying a Kuiu, get the Icon Pro, the Ultra has some shortfalls.

[coop2424]

Kifaru, mystery ranch, stone glacier, and Exo are the brands I would look at.  I bought a Exo 3500 last year and really like it.  Use it as day pack and collapses down to next to nothing.  It hauls weight very good also trained last summer with weight up to about 100lbs in it.  Also packed my elk out with it and I think the pack weighed around 120lbs.  I think I would go with the 5500 over the 3500 though since it collapse down to the same as 3500 but has the ability to go larger. 

[fisheral87]

Didn't you just buy new binos?  That wife of yours is something else, she better watch it or you're bound to run amok!

Exo Mountain, because I jut couldn't stomach the cost of a Kifaru.

Al

[7mmfan]

Didn't you just buy new binos?  That wife of yours is something else, she better watch it or you're bound to run amok!

Exo Mountain, because I jut couldn't stomach the cost of a Kifaru.

Al

Yeah I did, but I'm keeping track of what she's buying too. I have a stash of Target receipts that I can pull out when needed to justify my spending! Plus, my pack will haul meat, what does that table cloth or throw pillow accomplish?

[Timberstalker]

Didn't you just buy new binos?  That wife of yours is something else, she better watch it or you're bound to run amok!

Exo Mountain, because I jut couldn't stomach the cost of a Kifaru.

Al

Yeah I did, but I'm keeping track of what she's buying too. I have a stash of Target receipts that I can pull out when needed to justify my spending! Plus, my pack will haul meat, what does that table cloth or throw pillow accomplish?

That's no joke!  My wife got one of those Red cards, that SOB is gonna put us in the RED!

[whacker1]

I bought a Stone Glacier Sky 6200 and after packing into the Roadless section in Montana for 5 days, I couldn't be happier.  It has taken some accessories to make me fully happy, but love the set up. 

My buddy brought the EXO 3500 and he was a little tight on space, so you might look at the 5500 if you are going for more than over-nighter.

I wouldn't second guess the Kifaru packs

I like the KUIU Icon Pro series as well.

I think these are the top 4.

Mystery Ranch has made really solid stuff, but traditionally been Heavy, although they have some newer stuff out that is lighter

Seek Outside's pack line is new and untested, so I don't have much to say about them.
Best of luck in your search

[Wolfdog2314]

I wanted the same thing as you earlier this year and decided to go with the Kuiu icon pro 1850. Most comfortable pack I've worn.  Very lightweight and meat hauling ability between frame. I think the 1850 is perfect day pack size.

[7mmfan]

Good stuff guys, thanks for helping me narrow it down. I've got some thinking to do but I feel like I'm leaning towards the Exo Mtn Gear 3500. It seems to fit my needs well and I like the idea of the main bag with the ability to pack meat on the shelf between the frame and bag.

[FWilliams]

don't be afraid to look at an older kifaru.....some of those guys HAVE to have the newest pack every year and sell off their 1 year old virtually unused gear at a fraction of new cost.. I still have my kifaru original T2 and is still the best pack I have ever had on ,{ and I have tried quite a few}  I have just never felt the need to upgrade every year to the new model.

[blackveltbowhunter]

All of the options are great. If money is not a factor, just buy a Kifaru and be done. If money is a factor, then asses your needs and go from there. If looking for backpacking hunt packs vs day/overnight hunt packs things may be different. It sounds like your looking more along the daypack type pack, and volume is not a big issue. Another pack to consider might be the kifaru Tahr, the upside from the exo is you can upgrade to a bigger bag should the need ever arise.

[Stickerbush]

Packs are a serious investment these days

[Labredog]

Like others have said, Kifaru if you can afford it. Buy once cry once. Pricey but worth it in the long run.I currently hunt with a timberline 2 bag, on a bikini frame and couldn't be happier. It's light, comfortable, durable, has the best warranty in the business. And every single component on Kifaru packs are made in the USA.

[NumaJohn]

Count me as another satisfied Stone Glacier customer. Great lightweight pack that can take more than I could ever dream of hauling!

Cost made me pucker, but I am glad I bought the pack.

John

[RadSav]

Good stuff guys, thanks for helping me narrow it down. I've got some thinking to do but I feel like I'm leaning towards the Exo Mtn Gear 3500. It seems to fit my needs well and I like the idea of the main bag with the ability to pack meat on the shelf between the frame and bag.

I like mine as much as any pack I have had.  There are things I hope they improve on like waist belt, bag shape and quieter material.  But it really has been a great product.  And compared to the other elite packs - One HECK of a bargain!

[Payne]

What does everyone think about Badlands? ... I am liking the looks of the Sacrifice for a lighter day/1-2 nighter but I read posts years back about the frame making noise... wondering if they fixed that?

Other's I've got my eye on are the Sitka Bivy 30 and Kuiu icon pro 1850

The other thing I am wondering about with all three of these are the materials and noise rubbing up against trees etc. where a bag like the badlands 2200 material seems much more quite...

Anyone have any incite on all of this? 

[RadSav]

Sitka and badlands are rather quiet.  And as day packs go rather effective.  But that is a different market.  About as close to a Glacier or Kifaru as a Yugo is to Mercedes.

[jtw]

I've ran an MR metcalf the last two years and really like it. For backcountry hunting it's great.
It does weight upwards of 7 lbs and I was tempted by the sub 5 lbs of the EXO 3500.
Found one from the aforementioned "used it once" crowd for a good price.
One of these bags will be up for sale soon.

[motg9_6]

I recommend getting ahold of Blacks Creek Guide Gear, they are located in Coldwell Idaho 100% Made In The USA. i am extremely happy with my solution i purchased this year and so are a couple buddies. more features on the pack than ive ever seen and extremely comfy

[trophyhunt]

I have the badlands 7200 (I think its 7200, the bigger one anyway), and I don't really care for it.  It seems heavy empty, the opening is a pain when your trying to shove an elk rear quarter in and all those pockets.  I like pockets but some are just big enough to put your wallet in and not much else.  They do carry a ton of weight and are fairly comfortable but I will never buy one again.  Kifaru or stone glacier for me next time.

[Tbob]

I'm upgrading this year too. Love all the opinions on here. I have one of the older Badlands 4500. Big and heavy, but served its purpose over the years. Time for something new... I'm leaning towards the Kuiu icon pro 7200, as I need a pack big enough for those 7-10 day backcountry trips. They are also going to be on sale later this month at 30% off.. I guess now I need to do a little more research on some of the packs/companies you all have mentioned.. For the price though (with 30% off) the Kuiu icon pro 7200 seems to be the best bang for my buck.. Anybody out there running this pack?

[whacker1]

I'm upgrading this year too. Love all the opinions on here. I have one of the older Badlands 4500. Big and heavy, but served its purpose over the years. Time for something new... I'm leaning towards the Kuiu icon pro 7200, as I need a pack big enough for those 7-10 day backcountry trips. They are also going to be on sale later this month at 30% off.. I guess now I need to do a little more research on some of the packs/companies you all have mentioned.. For the price though (with 30% off) the Kuiu icon pro 7200 seems to be the best bang for my buck.. Anybody out there running this pack?

Yes, if they will honor the packs at 30% off that would be a good opportunity for sure.  Inventory for them is the key

[jtw]

Just fyi. Mystery ranch is having a big clearance sale right now.

[croix]

I've got a Tenzing 6000 that I'm really happy with. Really adjustable and built in meat area. I haven't needed to use it yet but I've heard their warranty/customer service is pretty good. It's little heavy compared to the Kuiu (which is another good option IMO) but I just like the layout better with the separate sleeping bag compartment and 3 liter water bladder capability. 

[Tbob]

Just ordered my pack today. I went with the Kuiu Icon Pro 7200. They are having a 30% off packs only sale, 10 hours today only.. Can't wait for it to come and really cant wait to get out there and load this puppy up! Thanks for all the great reviews and advise here!

[Payne]

Damn it! I thought the the sale was next thursday!? Someone please tell me that there's another next week!!!

[fair-chase]

Damn it! I thought the the sale was next thursday!? Someone please tell me that there's another next week!!!

Yes, there is another sale November 19th-22nd. It will be 30% off IN STOCK items only.

[7mag.]

Damn it! I thought the the sale was next thursday!? Someone please tell me that there's another next week!!!

Yes, there is another sale November 19th-22nd. It will be 30% off IN STOCK items only.

   their stock is pretty low this time of year. I love Kuiu clothing, but that company sucks.

[jtw]

Damn it! I thought the the sale was next thursday!? Someone please tell me that there's another next week!!!

Yes, there is another sale November 19th-22nd. It will be 30% off IN STOCK items only.

   their stock is pretty low this time of year. I love Kuiu clothing, but that company sucks.

Can you really blame a company for wanting to offload end of season stock? It's a clearance sale...

[Deathgrip]

Western Hunter Optics pack. A good friend of mine guides full time. He has had his for four seasons now and has packed upwards of a hundred elk with his. I bought one three years ago and it is absolutely the nicest pack i have worn. I was fortunate enough to try most of the packs mentioned in this thread and still feel that the optics pack is the way to go. Look into it before making your decision.
Dave

[Todd_ID]

I've got a bit of input on this. I've got the Kuiu Ultra 6000 and 1850 bag. The 1850 is the right size for day hunts. The 6000 is a good size for week hunts. I got mine last year. I packed 3 elk, 2 deer, and 1 bear then. I packed 2 elk this year. Some of those packs were a long dang ways. The frame is super light and tough. The bags are noisy. The pockets are designed for light weight and not usability. Putting meat on is easy. Plus, the second and third trip needs no bag and weighs nothing. My hunting buddy has the newer Icon Pro 7200 and smaller bag. His is much better for usability but heavier. Comfort is as good as I've felt, even with 100# over several miles.

[MtnMuley]

I've got a bit of input on this. I've got the Kuiu Ultra 6000 and 1850 bag. The 1850 is the right size for day hunts. The 6000 is a good size for week hunts. I got mine last year. I packed 3 elk, 2 deer, and 1 bear then. I packed 2 elk this year. Some of those packs were a long dang ways. The frame is super light and tough. The bags are noisy. The pockets are designed for light weight and not usability. Putting meat on is easy. Plus, the second and third trip needs no bag and weighs nothing. My hunting buddy has the newer Icon Pro 7200 and smaller bag. His is much better for usability but heavier. Comfort is as good as I've felt, even with 100# over several miles.

  I could have literally wrote the exact same paragraph word for word........minus the bear and add a couple more deer.

[7mmfan]

I've made up my mind that I'm going with the Exo-Mtn Gear pack, but am struggling with the size. My friend has the 3500, he feels its big enough for a 3-5 day hunt. I'm working hard at putting together a very minimalist backpacking setup, but I worry about space.

On their website, they say if you plan to hunt under 5 days, the 3500 should be fine unless its a late season hunt where you need to bring more clothing.

Does anyone have any experience specifically with these bags (Exo-Mountain Gear 3500 or 5500) and can give me some input as to the gear hauled and why it did or did not meet your needs.

My wife wants to order this for Christmas, I can hear her foot tapping from Seattle right now...

[buglebuster]

I'd just go ahead and buy the bigger bag. They compress so small either way you'll be glad you did! You can't add the inches when you need them!

[whacker1]

I've made up my mind that I'm going with the Exo-Mtn Gear pack, but am struggling with the size. My friend has the 3500, he feels its big enough for a 3-5 day hunt. I'm working hard at putting together a very minimalist backpacking setup, but I worry about space.

On their website, they say if you plan to hunt under 5 days, the 3500 should be fine unless its a late season hunt where you need to bring more clothing.

Does anyone have any experience specifically with these bags (Exo-Mountain Gear 3500 or 5500) and can give me some input as to the gear hauled and why it did or did not meet your needs.

My wife wants to order this for Christmas, I can hear her foot tapping from Seattle right now...

My buddy brought his 3500 on a planned 7 day hunt.  We ended up cutting out after 4 days, but I packed the tipi tent and stove.  He did not have enough room inside the pack for a tent or stove.  He had a spotting scope and that would have been the difference maker deciding between tent and spotting scope. or tent on the outside of the pack.

If you were in a 5 day early season hunt, with less in the way of gear, then it would be possible, but I think a stretch for a late season hunt.  We were in Montana at 8000 feet in the last week of October. 

I would lean toward the 5500 as it doesn't cost you much in the way of weight.  He is inclined to buy a second bag for his frame for this reason.

[7mag.]

3500 ci is not big enough for a backpack hunt, unless you don't plan on hauling any meat out. You don't have to use all of a bigger pack, but, with a smaller pack, once it's full, it's full.

[jackelope]

3500 ci is not big enough for a backpack hunt, unless you don't plan on hauling any meat out. You don't have to use all of a bigger pack, but, with a smaller pack, once it's full, it's full.

This.
I've seen a fully corked 3500 EXO on a 4 day hunt. The guy carrying it had pretty good gear and it was full. I couldn't figure out where he was going to put meat if he killed. I wouldn't consider anything but the 5500.
My .02

[coop2424]

Go with the 5500..  I have the 3500 and probably am going to be going to a bigger bag or something different in the offseason..  Probably will be the 5500 on kifaru frame but have not made my mind up yet.. 

[7mmfan]

I just placed my order for the 5500, got the beavertail, and weapon hauler attachment. Looking forward to trying this guy out!

[fair-chase]

I know I'm a little late chiming in on this, but I think you made the right choice with the Exo 5500. I only have one season on the Exo 3500, but so far it has exceeded my expectations.

First, I would like to address the comments about cubic inches and meat hauling. One of the advantages to having an external frame pack, is that the meat is able to be "sandwiched" between the frame and the bag. It does not take away your from your bags storage capacity to haul meat, as the bag itself is simply moved outward to accommodate the additional load between the frame and bag. I can see no good reason for hauling meat inside the bag itself unless your game bags failed or ripped. Why would you intentionally cut off air circulation to the meat by placing it inside the main compartment???

Regarding capacity, I feel the 3500 cu. in. rating to be extremely conservative. I'm not sure how Exo came up with that figure, but it must be for the main compartment only. With a lid and the external side pockets, this pack loads out to what feels like a 4500. The external side pockets are quite large and stretchable, and the lid is almost too big for what I pack in it. Even so, I would not recommend the 3500 for extended trips. Realizing that everyone's gear list and comfort levels are different. And that without a truly dialed in minimalist kit, you would be short on space. I've used the 3500 for a 10 day trip, but the stars were aligned. I had good water sources, and it was mid season with great weather. Your not loosing anything by going with the 5500 as the weight penalty is fairly insignificant. If the 5500 is anything like the 3500 it should compress down nicely for day use.

I'm currently using the beavertail to haul 65lbs of sand for training. I'm close to logging 500 miles with this setup and it is still functioning flawlessly. Although completely subjective, the frame and waistbelt are the most comfortable I've ever used. The lumbar pad is a little sticky/grippy, so getting it set in the right place without your clothes wrinkled underneath is important when first donning the pack.

The metal webbing loops used for changing out the bag and beavertail are a little tricky (pain in the...) at first. I thought they might be an issue; but after some use and changing it out a few times, either I got better, or the webbing softened up to make it easier. Either way it's a non issue for me now.

I haven't really torture tested this pack yet; I've had fairly mild conditions this year and less dense terrain. However, by the feel of the fabric and overall construction, I am expecting this pack to be fairly durable. Less durable than Mystery Ranch, but more durable than Kuiu Icon. Hopefully that gives you an idea of where this pack lands.

At this point the only thing I would change on the bag is the side access and top closer. I much preferred the roll top style of Kuiu Icon, and the ability to completely unfold the main bag compartment. I may consider having it altered in the future, if I can find a qualified seamstress that can install the welded zippers.

[7mmfan]

That's a good breakdown, thanks fair-chase. I will mainly be using this bag as a daypack with the ability to haul a large amount of meat from the kill site without having to go back to the truck/camp first. I often hunt 4-5 miles behind gates or off trail, so its just not feasible. That was my holdup with going with the bigger pack, was whether it would function well as a daypack when it was fully compressed. After seeing my friends 3500 compressed and being told they both compress to basically the same size, I feel good about my purchase. I talked with Steve, the owner this morning for a while, and he answered some of my questions, and made me feel that much better about it. We'll see when it gets here!

[7mmfan]

Wife says I can't open it until Christmas 

[jtw]

Thats a cruel woman! I stuck with the exo and even got to pack a deer out with it. Great pack Im sure youll love it.

[splitshot]

   I had a badlands with a gun carrier and did not like it.  the fabric was very stiff and would not give much.  way too many pockets and the zippers were cheap.  too heavy but it was waterproof.  will be looking at exo.     mike w

[Munsterlander fan]

The Outdoorsman "optics hunter pack".  Small high end company out of Arizona.  I love the pack.

[RadSav]

Wife says I can't open it until Christmas 

Going to be a long few weeks   Nice!

If she is going to make you wait you should tell her you want it gift wrapped! 

[7mmfan]

She is being unreasonable. Its fine though, I just ordered my new gun safe too as a counter attack. And I get home before she does so any packages on the porch go into "safe keeping".