Which pack ?!?! MR/Kifaru/exo

[kentrek]

Whoops sorry, I miss read that...i thought you wanted to avoid using "bags" as in meat bags....i see it now tho

Good luck 

[BULLBLASTER]

Not at all trying to convince you otherwise but I've never cared if my gear is all bloody. If I need to hunt more right away I'll just rub dirt all over the bloody spots. 

[buglebrush]

Not at all trying to convince you otherwise but I've never cared if my gear is all bloody. If I need to hunt more right away I'll just rub dirt all over the bloody spots. 

Each to his own   I just don't like to smell fermenting blood on my gear.  It gets pretty hot and buggy in September too and blood on the pack is a bad combo.  I have enjoyed all the discussions though. 

[j_h_nimrod]

You seem to have your mind pretty well made up but thought I would offer my    For what you are wanting to do you would be hard pressed to beat a quality external frame pack for load carrying capacity and then throw a day pack on it for your overnights. For whatever reason you are wanting a tiny pack you can carry large loads with and the two are rarely found in the same pack.

[coop2424]

I had an Exo 3500 pack last year and used the meat shelf on my bull and I can tell you I had blood on frame, bag and lid..  After that I determined that it was easier to just throw it in the bag...  I plan on just carrying a drybag for gear and throw it in bottom of bag then meat in game bag on top..

[couesbitten]

buglebrush, one other thing to consider in regards to bag size, is that the 5500 may be more marketable than the 3500 if you ever decide to sell your pack for something else.

[WapitiTalk1]

Who in their right mind would sell an EXO pack? . I have both the 3500 and 5500 bags and have no need or reason to look elsewhere, ever. They are the best "hunting" packs on the market IMHO.

[BULLBLASTER]

Who in their right mind would sell an EXO pack? . I have both the 3500 and 5500 bags and have no need or reason to look elsewhere, ever. They are the best "hunting" packs on the market IMHO.

I think coop decided to sell his when I smoked him coming out of the woods with half his elk in my mystery ranch! 

That had more to do with my awesomeness than the ability of the Exo...

I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the "good packs" Exo mr Kifaru sg etc.

[WapitiTalk1]

Who in their right mind would sell an EXO pack? . I have both the 3500 and 5500 bags and have no need or reason to look elsewhere, ever. They are the best "hunting" packs on the market IMHO.

I think coop decided to sell his when I smoked him coming out of the woods with half his elk in my mystery ranch! 

That had more to do with my awesomeness than the ability of the Exo...

I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the "good packs" Exo mr Kifaru sg etc.

Ha, nicely played sir.

[coop2424]

Who in their right mind would sell an EXO pack? . I have both the 3500 and 5500 bags and have no need or reason to look elsewhere, ever. They are the best "hunting" packs on the market IMHO.

I have sold two.. Bullblaster did woop my butt but it was my bull so win win..  Haha

[buglebrush]

Thanks for all the info guys!  I have really enjoyed seeing others perspectives.  As one of you mentioned my mind is made up.  If Kifaru was apples to apples money wise it may be a different discussion, but I am still not sure about that.  I know lots of people will find this thread informative, as I have.

 I guess to summarize I am looking for a " wear it at all times hunting pack".  As I said most of my hunts are day hunts although they are still extremely grueling as far as distance and terrain covered.   With that as my primary focus I do like the exo 3500.  Actually my Badlands 2200 performed admirably except when I had to pack camp plus meat.  ( carried 120#'s last year for 9 hours and that was not fun ).   As I mentioned also I am minimalist about the amount of heat I carry which makes a big difference here too.  Thanks again, and by all means keep them coming. 

[Magnum_Willys]

Got the kuiu ultra 3000 and exo 3500. Tried em both back to back.  Kept the kuiu.  Both good.  Kuiu lil more minimalist. Lighter. Exo maybe more durable but bulkier.  Neither had great waist belts .  The kuiu icon pro waist belt is much better.   

[MountainWalk]

I've hauled a lot of heads and quarters with a wide variety of pack styles and makes,  including mules!  Not too terribly long ago I made the switch to Kifaru.  From another member here, I bought a bikini frame and then added a roll top pod, gun bearer,  a few pouches,  hanging meat bag and I'm ready to rock and I clock in and clock out at dark 30. I'm ultra lite,  100 lbs capable on the spot, Peterbuilt , USA made and reasonable price.  This makes an excellent day hunting rig with comfortable overnight capability. Thinking about the kifaru argali here lately though. 

[blackveltbowhunter]

Thanks for all the info guys!  I have really enjoyed seeing others perspectives.  As one of you mentioned my mind is made up.  If Kifaru was apples to apples money wise it may be a different discussion, but I am still not sure about that.  I know lots of people will find this thread informative, as I have.

 I guess to summarize I am looking for a " wear it at all times hunting pack".  As I said most of my hunts are day hunts although they are still extremely grueling as far as distance and terrain covered.   With that as my primary focus I do like the exo 3500.  Actually my Badlands 2200 performed admirably except when I had to pack camp plus meat.  ( carried 120#'s last year for 9 hours and that was not fun ).   As I mentioned also I am minimalist about the amount of heat I carry which makes a big difference here too.  Thanks again, and by all means keep them coming. 

Not bagging on the EXO as it is a great pack... its been mentioned any of the packs mentioned will serve you well   But I do think you may be looking at the wrong options from kifaru if not apples to apples. True, running a Duplex frame and Timberline or AMR is gonna be significantly more. But a kifaru ultralight frame is 318 which should fill your niche most appropriately.  A Markhor or Tahr bag will run slightly less than 200. Similar pricing to an EXO. The Tahr has the built in meat shelf, if that's your preference. Just more options to think about. 

[cld40]

i agree with blackveltbowhunter
i almost went with the tahr, argali, options but did not want to spend a ton of money on pockets so i ended up getting a 22mag, couple belt pouches,
ul frame capable of heavy loads
take a look at the 22mag
the 22mag has pockets and built in organization
its a great day pack with options
you can detach it from the frame and put whatever between it and the frame if you want to
use the "bgf15" promo code on kifaru site for 15% off right now
great deal!!!!
ul frame and 22mag $515 shipped