New pack decision

[dyhardhuntr]

For more years that I can count I've been searching for a pack that is a day hunter and backcountry all in one. I need something I can pack camp in with and then collapse down to hunt with. I've been thru most of the manufacturers except exo,kifaru and stone glacier. I'm finally at a point in my life where I can afford a great pack but I can't decide. Kifaru is supposed to be bombproof but I don't really want to haul meat in my bag. They have new setup called the Reckoning that allows for a between the bag meat shelf but I don't like the bag layout. Exo has a nice setup but is it the real deal? Do you Exo owners have any gripes about it? Stone glacier has a great setup and is the lightest pack but without trying it on I can't tell how comfortable it is. I'm a skinny guy with bony hips so I need a good waist belt. So I'm at a crossroads and I figured there is enough guys on this forum that have at least one of these packs so let's hear your thoughts. I'm looking at the Exo 5500,kifaru reckoning(although I really like the DT2 bag) and stone glacier sky 5900. Help me out!!!!!!

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Just curious what your hold up is with meat in the bag?


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[buglebrush]

EXO for me. 

[BULLBLASTER]

Just curious what your hold up is with meat in the bag?


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I find with a large dry bag it is the cleanest and easiest way to pack meat.

[coop2424]

Have ran an exo in the past and I now have a dt1 and doubt I will ever change.  I carry a lightweight dry bag and put it in bag before putting qtrs or meat in.  Works awesome for ease of use and for not getting everything bloody.  Even with the exo and meat shelf I got blood everywhere when packing my bull out..

[dyhardhuntr]

Just curious what your hold up is with meat in the bag?


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I guess it came down to having to load meat on my gear and having enough gear to keep the load up higher. If you guys have other ways to load up I'm all ears. I definitely like the kifaru but I just wasn't sure I could keep the load high enough. How do you load your animal. Are there straps to make sure load doesn't slide to the bottom? Any pictures? I appreciate the feedback!

[kentrek]

Have you considered kifaru with a grab it ?

[Magnum_Willys]

The Kuiu Ultra or Icon pro 3500 is handy for day hunts.  Can carry 100# without an issue but finger light as a day pack and not bulky- if you need to stuff a couple with buddies in back seat can do it.   Throw meat in bag between pack and frame in 30 seconds.
If I was carrying a camp on my back I would want the Kifaru with big plush suspension.  With really big loads there are advantages to going vertical with loads arrangements and not back. This is contrary to the meat shelf design.

[Karl Blanchard]

Tag for later

[BULLBLASTER]

Just curious what your hold up is with meat in the bag?


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I guess it came down to having to load meat on my gear and having enough gear to keep the load up higher. If you guys have other ways to load up I'm all ears. I definitely like the kifaru but I just wasn't sure I could keep the load high enough. How do you load your animal. Are there straps to make sure load doesn't slide to the bottom? Any pictures? I appreciate the feedback!

My mystery ranch has a load shelf that clips in the pack it separates the main part of the bag with the lower sleeping bag part. Holds the weight up plenty high enough.
Though with one in moose or bull elk quarters I took it out to let now of the quarter fit inside.
I think kifaru has a similar design but someone with one can say

[coop2424]

Just curious what your hold up is with meat in the bag?


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I guess it came down to having to load meat on my gear and having enough gear to keep the load up higher. If you guys have other ways to load up I'm all ears. I definitely like the kifaru but I just wasn't sure I could keep the load high enough. How do you load your animal. Are there straps to make sure load doesn't slide to the bottom? Any pictures? I appreciate the feedback!

With the dt1 or 2 there is a compression strap on bottom on the outside I tighten that then when you put the qtr in it doesn't go to the bottom.. 

[dyhardhuntr]

Do the kifaru bags collapse down pretty well for daypack use?

[BULLBLASTER]

The ones I have seen do.

[coop2424]

Do the kifaru bags collapse down pretty well for daypack use?

Yes they do I run mine that way a lot.  My collapsed dt1 isn't that much bigger than the collapsed Exo when I had it..  On their website look at the amr and there is a pic of it collapsed which is very similar to dt1.


https://store.kifaru.net/mobile/amr-7800ci--127liters-bag-only-p176.aspx

[dyhardhuntr]

That answers some questions I have. It sounds like if I don't want blood in the bag I can use a contractor bag or a waterproof dry bag.