Pack Size Standards

[RallyDawg]

I have old REI pack (Morning Star 55) that I am using for my first backcountry trip and have loaded it with everything I intend on packing but I think this will be the only time I use it because its too small.  I understand that for the typical 4-5 hunt something along the lines of 6,000 cubic inches recommended but how many opt for a larger (7,000 cubic inches) and just compress it down.  I have Kuiu's Icon Pro 3,200 and will likely be purchasing a larger bag to switch out. 

Also, as of now I am at around 40lbs (with rifle) without food or water but I plan on carry my rifle instead of having strapped to my pack which will reduce the pack weight by 10lbs. 

[_TONY_]

I run the Kifaru AMR, which is a 7000ci+ pack, on all my backcountry hunt whether they are just a weekend trip or 7+ days 

[Alpine Mojo]

Also, as of now I am at around 40lbs (with rifle) without food or water but I plan on carry my rifle instead of having strapped to my pack which will reduce the pack weight by 10lbs.

You do realize that your rifle weighs the same no matter how you carry it?

[kentrek]

One thing that helps cut down on space is use compression sacks for your extra clothes....one thing I tend to do is use one big compression sack for my sleeping bag, bivy sack, and clothes

Eliminate the air space 

[X-Force]

Also, as of now I am at around 40lbs (with rifle) without food or water but I plan on carry my rifle instead of having strapped to my pack which will reduce the pack weight by 10lbs.

You do realize that your rifle weighs the same no matter how you carry it?

That is funny and true.

I would carry your rifle however it is most comfortable. For me that is usually on my pack.

Do you have a gear list of everything you are putting in your pack?
If you post it up I'm sure you will get some feedback on items you can take out.

I would also think about running your kuiu 3200 with a 35L sea to summit dry bag in between the bag and the frame. That would put you around 5,300 ci and you would have a great day bag once you get to your hunting area.

[davk]

I have used a Kelty 80L pack, ~5,000 cubic inches.  Not sure how packs are measured ... if its just main compartment volume or everything.  Some Ive seen were main compartment, but that doesnt seem standardized across the industry.  I always seem to be changing what Im bringing with but last weekend I had plenty of space.  Probably had at least 1,000 cubic inches left of space on top.  The size you need/want will depend largely on time of year and your personal gear list.  Another consideration is the length of time your going to spend.  I personally hesitate on going with a overly big pack and compressing ... mostly so I force myself to refine my gear list.  Extra space tends to lead to extra crap.  I know the gear I need and for the most part how much space it takes up.  So I like to sit around that space and a little more for added food volume for extended hunts.  I personally think 6,000 would be enough for a week long trip in colder months.  But as I said earlier that is really going to depend on your personal gear list.

[hogslayer]

I have a Kifau Timberline with a Guide lid which puts me over 7000CU.  I don't use all the space when i am packing for a long hunt.  I make sure to leave as much as possible incase i have to stuff an animal in there....

[jtw]

I've been using an exo 3500 and it's enough for 3-5 days but I think the actual size is something like 5500. Before this I ran a MR Metcalf and that was about the same size. I couldn't imagine running anything smaller for a backcountry hunt.

One thing to think long and hard about is how you plan to get the meat out. I know some guys talk about taking camp and a whole deer out in one trip but if you've never packed one out you have no idea how hard that actually is. For me, I take multiple trips and know that my body couldn't handle 40 lbs of camp plus an animal on my back. So 5500 is plenty space for my purposes.
 

[7mag.]

You can always compress a big pack down, but you can't make a small pack bigger.

[300rum]

That's probably pretty close to where you need to be for a Sept. or Oct. hunt in most of Washington State.  There's no need to change your pack unless you have to. 

Couple of ideas, strap your rifle on if you are dead heading somewhere and use trekking poles, it will make the trip much easier.  Try to have a water container that you can carry bulk water, a gallon is nice.  You can fill up the gallon, leave it at camp, and if you get holed up somewhere you can use that instead of making long trips to your water chance.  Instead of going bigger with pack, try to slim down your existing load out.  Get rid of that extra pair of pants, or any extra clothes for that matter (except for one extra pair of socks).  Ditch the "gadgets". 

"Go in light, freeze at night."    

[Gutpile]

Just a thought on the KUIU pack. I have a 1850 and a 3200 Icon pro and love them. I bought a 5200 and do not like the way the weight seems to fall away from the shoulders. I did a 50 miler with 45 pounds with my girlfriend this summer up in the Pasayten and did not like the way the weight shifted on the frame from the hinge or joint or whatever you call it. I also didn't like that there is no way to really suck the load that is above your shoulder line closer to your body.

For the cost savings I'll probably keep it but if I had to do over again I'd probably go a different way. The one thing I do love about KUIU is that you can unzip the main cargo area and lay it open like a suitcase.

Perhaps for hunting it'd be better than for backpacking because you'll unload everything at a basecamp.

Just my 2 cents

[RallyDawg]

Also, as of now I am at around 40lbs (with rifle) without food or water but I plan on carry my rifle instead of having strapped to my pack which will reduce the pack weight by 10lbs.

You do realize that your rifle weighs the same no matter how you carry it?

That is funny and true.

I would carry your rifle however it is most comfortable. For me that is usually on my pack.

Do you have a gear list of everything you are putting in your pack?
If you post it up I'm sure you will get some feedback on items you can take out.

I would also think about running your kuiu 3200 with a 35L sea to summit dry bag in between the bag and the frame. That would put you around 5,300 ci and you would have a great day bag once you get to your hunting area.

I actually have a custom 270 that will walk itself but only a few miles at a time    Taking the rifle out of my pack and carrying it will transfer 10lb off my back. 

I like the idea of using my Kuiu pack and will have to test it out tonight.  My pack list is as follows;

Kelly Crestone 2P Tent
Northface 20 degree sleeping bag
Termorest (orange)
MSR Pocket Rocket
Stove fuel
Cup
Pot
Lighter
Spork
Nalgene (empty)
TP
First-aid kit
Tooth brush and paste
Field wipes
Piranta Knife w/spare blades
Headlamp
Katadyn water filter
Garmin
Map
Emergency kit (compass, etc)
P-cord
Pack towel
Camel Pak
Field dressing kit
Vortex Razor scope
Tripod
Rifle
Ammo (8 rounds)
Range finder
Wind checker
Kuiu Guide jacket
Kuiu Guide vest
Orange beanie
Gloves
extra pair of socks
Neck gator

[Jonathan_S]

I now have the Kifaru AMR with medium pocket, guide lid and grab it. I will make a spotter pocket for it and that will free up even more space!

[swanny]

A nalgene and a camelbak in my opinion both do the same thing. Why take both, choose one or the other. Also, how much stove fuel are you taking and what are your meals? And if possible, get a lighter tent (I know that's asking a lot) but Kelty tents are not exactly know for being lightweight. I'm sure that can easily drop you 2-3lbs of pack weight if not more.

I'd also suggest dropping the vest and going with just the jacket. You wont be wearing either while you hike and should only need one while you are sitting still and/or sleeping at night.

Care to elaborate on what's in your emergency kit exactly? I'm sure we can drop some ounces out of there as well (I'm guilty of this one alwasy being a bit more heavy and bulky)

[RallyDawg]

Ya I plan on upgrading my tent soon to shave an lb or two.  I am planning on packing the nalgene (empty) for my mountain houses but see how that is just empty space and my emergency kit is basically a compass, lighter, soaked cottonballs, and emergency blanket. 

[300rum]

Don't skimp on the ability to carry lots of water, there is little else worse than not being able to get it (Did it once in the Frank Church, never again!) or taking half your day to get to it.  A camelback and a nalgene bottle is about the bare minimum I would do and that's only if there is water everywhere.  If you are hunting something like the east side Wilderness areas or the Frank Church, go with the ability to carry another Gallon on top of the nalgene and camelback, you don't need to have it full when you leave, just to have some back at camp so you can go a couple a days without refilling if you need to.

Another tip, the Fiji brand (large size) water bottles are stout, last for years and weigh less then most nalgene's.             

[RallyDawg]

Thanks.  Water shouldn't be an issue in the area I'll be hunting. 

[kselkhunter]

For carrying the rifle, the gun bearer from Kifaru fits pretty much any pack and really simplifies carrying a rifle.  And allows for quick access if ever needed.