Best Elk Hunting Pack, 2016

[WapitiTalk1]

Sooo, what is the best elk hunting pack?  For the purpose of this ultra-scientific question (grin), let's pretend that many of you/us are not already locked in to a particular brand that you/we have spent a ton of money on which we may have an association/certain loyalty to (double grin).  Fast forward to this point in time and comment on which pack you feel is the best of the best for elk hunting features (construction/material, pack weight, load lifting functionality, ability to use as all-in-one pack system (pack camp in, compressed daypack configuration, ability to pack large quantities of meat out), system expansion features, hunter friendly gear pocket/compartment and lashing features, and price point/value if you wish to consider that, etc.

So, what' the best of the best out there for an elk hunt pack?  I have my opinion/preference but am curious to hear what some of you cats think.  Thanks for playing along.  RJ 

[b0bbyg]

I own a couple of packs, still interested in trying others. Not sure I have found the one pack that does everything the way I would like and fits me the best.
Overall I am ok with my daily pack and like the meat pack I have, but I will be tagging along to see what others have to say.

[Dhoey07]

I think that packs are like boats.  Sometimes you need a canoe, sometimes you need a Thunderjet.  I think that most get a 14' aluminum and make it work.  Some have all of the above 

I have a x2 and get by. 

[buglebuster]

I'm using a mystery ranch Metcalf and its everything I need out of a pack. The NICE frame is as tough as they come, and a meat hauling machine. I have the lift kit on mine for extra lift when hauling meat or heavy loads, and it makes a big difference, i get a ton of lift. I like tge fact i can unhook the main bag from the framr and it acts like a load sling where i can haul meat right on the frame between it and the bag. That leaves my main bag for gear. You can haul more weight than humanly possible that way  With that said, if I buy again down the road, I will be buying a kifaru.

[K34OB77]

I use Stone Glacier Sky Archer 6200ci ultra  4.68 pounds tough pack high load rating but yes they are pricy 

[couesbitten]

I have a Kifaru Highcamp 7000, an Exo 5200, and a Horn Hunter Full Curl, all are great packs, all have functional load lifters, all can be cinched down to almost non-existent when in day pack mode, and all are made in USA.  The packs vary in cost with the Horn Hunter coming in least expensive, at about $300, the Exo at $575, and the Kifaru at about $675. The packs also vary in the ability to customize the layout by being able to add or remove extra pockets, with nearly zero on the Horn Hunter,  a little on the Exo, and limitless on the Kifaru.  As far as carrying weight, I feel that any of these  packs would adequately handle 100 lbs, with the Exo and Kifaru doing it best and a slight edge to the Kifaru.  So pack choice varies,  depending on your hunting style, needs, and budget, but these are all good choices.

[Rainier10]

I am a loyal Bullpac guy.  I use the frame every time I head out always assuming I am going to come back loaded with something I or someone I am hunting with has shot.  It always has a water bottle attachment, a 1/4 bag, Para cord and a very small bag that has my knives, first aid and snacks. 

[DTaylor86]

I really like my Badlands Clutch Pack. It has a rifle butt pouch I can drop my bow cam into and straps to hold it down. The external straps also let you condense the bag tight enough that it is not sticking way out there catching on everything but it can open up to easily pack out a quarter on the first trip. Other than that... you cannot beat their warranty.

[northwesthunter84]

I have a 2014 EXO and it is awesome, I like some of the tweaks they have made on the newer version so I would say that I would go with that.  I have had way more than 100#'s in it and no complaints from me.

[blackpowderhunter]

LOVE my exo 3500.
great as a daypack, overnight pack, meat hauler, all in one.
Aside from the price difference from Kifaru, I loved how the exo was so "simple" in comparison (to me at least).
I understand kifaru is more of an "ala cart" type buying situation...but that also ends up bad for my wallet when I can upgrade too easily to more add ons 

[Wetwoodshunter]

I'm using a mystery ranch Metcalf and its everything I need out of a pack. The NICE frame is as tough as they come, and a meat hauling machine. I have the lift kit on mine for extra lift when hauling meat or heavy loads, and it makes a big difference, i get a ton of lift. I like tge fact i can unhook the main bag from the framr and it acts like a load sling where i can haul meat right on the frame between it and the bag. That leaves my main bag for gear. You can haul more weight than humanly possible that way  With that said, if I buy again down the road, I will be buying a kifaru.

+1 on Mystery Ranch, I have a NICE frame and a Hi-Dice Bag. Also after a hunt you can unclip your bag from the frame and wash it in your washing machine. Makes clean up nice, I wash my camo and my bag together with scent away.

[X-Force]

I'm using a mystery ranch Metcalf and its everything I need out of a pack. The NICE frame is as tough as they come, and a meat hauling machine. I have the lift kit on mine for extra lift when hauling meat or heavy loads, and it makes a big difference, i get a ton of lift. I like tge fact i can unhook the main bag from the framr and it acts like a load sling where i can haul meat right on the frame between it and the bag. That leaves my main bag for gear. You can haul more weight than humanly possible that way  With that said, if I buy again down the road, I will be buying a kifaru.

Im the same except for I'm running an MR CC and if I buy again it will be a Kifaru.

The best thing about Elk packs is there are more an more options every year and better and better packs. Maybe a topic for another thread but what packs were available  5 or 10 years ago... MR, Kifaru, Bull pacs... now look at what we have to choose from.

[coop2424]

For me it is the kifaru hunter frame with the dt1 bag.. Compresses down to perfect size for day hunts but also expands to haul a couple qtrs in one pack out along with gear...  At least that's what I say now before using it to actually hauling an elk out..  Thought I had the perfect pack last year then realized that wasn't the case when hauling qtrs out..

[Bushcraft]

"Best" is a bit subjective.  I've known Patrick for well over a decade, used to help organize rendezvous(pl?) here in the Northwest, and it has been a pleasure to watch Kifaru grow into one of the (if not the) dominant hunting (and military) pack and shelter companies in the market.  Clearly, my objectivity has a smattering of bias, but they make a damn fine pack. 

Back to subjectivity, I've worn a Mystery Ranch NICE frame with a very moderate load and while it was a very high quality pack, I felt really warm in it.   The Stone Glacier, though nice and light was not at all comfortable under load.  Same goes for the KUIU packs.  A lot of this is going to come down to your body type, personal fit & feel, and what you intend to do with them.  They are all perfectly fine at 35-45 lbs.  Throw a hundred pounds in them and it will become very obvious which one you'll prefer.

I've been running Kifaru packs for many years, utilizing a Kifaru Longhunter G2 in foliage for most of them. I never saw the need to go over 5200 cu. in.  However, I wanted a slightly bigger bag and a much larger lid (for all the little stuff) and spotting scope/tripod management.  So, I made the switch last year to a new multi-cam DT1 with Guide Lid, two Nalgene water bottle holders, a medium belt pouch and a Sat phone pouch for hunting.  Awesome, awesome rig that will likely continue doing everything I want/need it to for years to come.

I just remembered I've got a brand new Kifaru Siwash G2 sitting in a box under my gear rack.  It's the hunting equivalent of the military Navigator and doesn't have all the PALS webbing.  I thought about saving it for my wife to use, but she will never wear out her Arcteryx Bora 80.  If someone wants it, make me an offer.  Oh, that's the other thing about Kifaru packs and shelters is that they tend to hold their value really well.

Best regards,

Allen 

[Dhoey07]

I'm using a mystery ranch Metcalf and its everything I need out of a pack. The NICE frame is as tough as they come, and a meat hauling machine. I have the lift kit on mine for extra lift when hauling meat or heavy loads, and it makes a big difference, i get a ton of lift. I like tge fact i can unhook the main bag from the framr and it acts like a load sling where i can haul meat right on the frame between it and the bag. That leaves my main bag for gear. You can haul more weight than humanly possible that way  With that said, if I buy again down the road, I will be buying a kifaru.

+1 on Mystery Ranch, I have a NICE frame and a Hi-Dice Bag. Also after a hunt you can unclip your bag from the frame and wash it in your washing machine. Makes clean up nice, I wash my camo and my bag together with scent away.

Mystery Ranch Metcalf is on camofire right now for $360, if anyone is interested.