Which pack ?!?! MR/Kifaru/exo

[CoryTDF]

Not to drop a bomb on you but have you look at SEEK OUTSIDE? pretty cool stuff going on there as well.

 have this set up and like it.
https://store.seekoutside.com/unaweep-fortress-3900-4900/

[fisheral87]

I've got the Exo 3500 and it fits/carries weight better than any other pack I have ever owned, but it's the only one of those you listed that I have owned.

The meat between the bag feature is awesome, one of the big reasons kifaru didn't get my money, yet, maybe.

Al

[MtnMuley]

Stick with the Kifaru, then keep trying out all the others over the next few years to only realize you've wasted thousands of dollars.

All of the above mentioned packs are quality packs.

[X-Force]

Im assuming if your looking at the Metcalf, T2, 5500 you are trying to pick up something in the $500 range.

The plus side of picking up a 5500 over the MR or T2 is that Exo will sell other bags for your frame. The T2 is a great bag but without the frame you are stuck with just that pack and Mystery ranch has stopped selling the bags separate from the frame(which is the point of an external frame).

As far as customer service I would put Exo and Kifaru on top with MR down a notch but not by much. Mystery ranch will also be coming to local stores in a month or 2 with their new bag systems. 

[Karl Blanchard]

Personally, I would go DT1 over the 2.  It will compress down to nothing but when needed, you have the bag space.  Camp, gear, boned out deer with head and cape stuffs my DT1 to the gills.  No way I could do it in a DT2.  Just my    you won't every regret getting a Kifaru

[couesbitten]

I've got to agree with BLRman, it's like buying a wall tent, go bigger than you think you need, you'll be happy you did.  Once the available space is used up, you're done, but excess space can be compressed down and you don't even know it's there. 
Of the packs you mentioned, I own a Kifaru Bikini w/Highcamp 7000 and an Exo 5500, additionally, I own a Horn Hunter Full Curl, which is also 100% made in the USA, has functional load lifters and can be purchased for less than $400.  You absolutely can't go wrong with any of these bags, they all have pros/cons, it really comes down to personal preference.  I got my Exo last May, and used it all summer, it's a great pack, but if I thought I was going to be coming out heavy on a backcountry hunting trip, it's unlikely that I would take anything other than my Kifaru.

[trophyhunt]

I've got the Exo 3500 and it fits/carries weight better than any other pack I have ever owned, but it's the only one of those you listed that I have owned.

The meat between the bag feature is awesome, one of the big reasons kifaru didn't get my money, yet, maybe.

Al

need to bump this thread, I'm in the market for a good bag.  Kifaru, stone glacier are my two top pics.  This comment above has me scratching my head, does the kifaru bag not separate from the frame to allow meat to be carried out with your gear?    Also, why so many damn options on the kifaru? I wouldn't have a clue which frame to pick out and what bag I should choose?? The stone glacier sky 7400 looks perfect, which frame/bag combo from kifaru compares to that pack??  Thanks guys

[blackveltbowhunter]

Options are great, it just takes a bit more research and knowing your exact needs. But the abiltiy to taylor to specific need is awesome. IMO.

The kifaru bag will separate from frame, but will need to be rigged to "expand" from the frame if that is your intent. I believe a couple of kifaru bags like the tahr may be factory setup this way, but most are not. I have not personally tried it because i have all the room I need for both meat and gear and am setup to run in bag, so prefer not to mess around with separating my bag from frame.

As far as bags go again its just options. I am currently  using the AMR, a guide lid and 2 belt pouches. This serves me perfect. But alot of other options are just as good. Simply depends on the bag style you prefer and how much room you need.

[Smossy]

Kifaru.

[trophyhunt]

Options are great, it just takes a bit more research and knowing your exact needs. But the abiltiy to taylor to specific need is awesome. IMO.

The kifaru bag will separate from frame, but will need to be rigged to "expand" from the frame if that is your intent. I believe a couple of kifaru bags like the tahr may be factory setup this way, but most are not. I have not personally tried it because i have all the room I need for both meat and gear and am setup to run in bag, so prefer not to mess around with separating my bag from frame.

As far as bags go again its just options. I am currently  using the AMR, a guide lid and 2 belt pouches. This serves me perfect. But alot of other options are just as good. Simply depends on the bag style you prefer and how much room you need.

i would like to have the bigger bag, 7000 or more.  Both these brands shrink down if I'm not packing for 3 or more days in. I really want to keep my meat and gear separated, the stone sky shows a great video on how to operate the bag.  Thanks for info, keep it coming!

[Duckslayer89]

Options are great, it just takes a bit more research and knowing your exact needs. But the abiltiy to taylor to specific need is awesome. IMO.

The kifaru bag will separate from frame, but will need to be rigged to "expand" from the frame if that is your intent. I believe a couple of kifaru bags like the tahr may be factory setup this way, but most are not. I have not personally tried it because i have all the room I need for both meat and gear and am setup to run in bag, so prefer not to mess around with separating my bag from frame.

As far as bags go again its just options. I am currently  using the AMR, a guide lid and 2 belt pouches. This serves me perfect. But alot of other options are just as good. Simply depends on the bag style you prefer and how much room you need.

i would like to have the bigger bag, 7000 or more.  Both these brands shrink down if I'm not packing for 3 or more days in. I really want to keep my meat and gear separated, the stone sky shows a great video on how to operate the bag.  Thanks for info, keep it coming!

Throw a gamebag in the main compartment of the bag and load boned out meat into it. If you want put the game bag inside a plastic bag just for the pack out. Easy.

[Stickerbush]

Just got a mystery ranch, solid so far. All of these choices are pretty high end, it's just too bad it's hard to get ahold of before you buy

[trophyhunt]

I'm going to try both packs out, duckslayer and another member have offered to try them on.   

[Duckslayer89]

If you get the Kifaru with the new Duplex frame, I'm willing to bet you won't be sorry.

Did you ever bite the bullet on the new frame man?

[7mag.]

Yes I did. It's awesome.

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