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.