New hunting pack

[ThurstonCokid]

Looking for advice on which backpacks you all recommend. Looking for something semi light weight that would be good for 2-3 nights


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[buglebrush]

Well, you could read the 10,000 other threads on this topic, and you'll still be confused.  I'll save you the time.  Kifaru, Exo, Stone Glacier are the best.  Kuiu, Mystery Ranch, Badlands, etc... are a little cheaper, but not as good.

[kselkhunter]

What is your budget?

Is it just for holding camp, or are you planning to pack an animal out from 5-10 miles in the wilderness?

2-3 nights as in early archery season in September, or later season such as November where you're packing more gear and need more space?   

Are you an east side hunter that packs spotting scopes along?

Do you want to try it on first, or are you comfortable ordering online sight-unseen?

The answers to those questions will help zero in on a handful of brands.   

[Wolfdog2314]

I’d say the Exo Mountain 3500. That is what I just got. Coming from a Kuiu icon pro.

I liked the Kuiu, it did the job. But had a couple squeaks that I could never get rid of, and I just overall felt like it could be better. Especially after checking out my buddy’s Exo.

Research any of the big names mentioned above. See what you think will work best for your style of hunting. Kifaru was also very high on my list.

[ffbowhunter]

I just went to the exo 5500, I figured I’d need the extra space once a year. Otherwise I plan on just tightening the straps down. I had a kuiu pack but once I tried in the exo I was hooked. Mine won’t be here for awhile though that is the downside of the exo right now.

[Jason]

I just went to the exo 5500, I figured I’d need the extra space once a year. Otherwise I plan on just tightening the straps down. I had a kuiu pack but once I tried in the exo I was hooked. Mine won’t be here for awhile though that is the downside of the exo right now.

I did the same and went with the 5500 even though I was set on getting the 3500. I figured I would rather have to much than to little space.
Unlike ffbowhunter I already got mine .

I was looking for a lightweight pack that was made in the USA and it had to have side pockets for my spotter and tri-pod and I wanted a lid.
Luckily at the Land of the free podcast get together in Kelso I was able to try out the EXO 3500 and I was hooked. I asked Steve what changes they had planned for 2018 and he said the only change was the addition of the Fusion camo to their line up.

[ctwiggs1]

Well, you could read the 10,000 other threads on this topic, and you'll still be confused.  I'll save you the time.  Kifaru, Exo, Stone Glacier are the best.  Kuiu, Mystery Ranch, Badlands, etc... are a little cheaper, but not as good.

  It always lands on the big 3: Kifaru, SG, and Exo as top dogs. 

[Jonathan_S]

Believe I'd take a Mystery Ranch over an Exo.  Who knows, maybe Exo will come out with something EVEN BETTER

...again 

[buglebrush]

Believe I'd take a Mystery Ranch over an Exo.  Who knows, maybe Exo will come out with something EVEN BETTER

...again 

Interesting.  I'm extremely satisfied with my Exo, and I've definitely put it through its paces.  Lots of miles, and lots of blood.  I think packs are really a personal fit thing like boots.

[Magnum_Willys]

    I got a kuiu and exo.  Tried em both for a week kept the kuiu sold the exo.   Same with the beefier packs - Stone Glacier anf Kifaru. Some people have back issues with kifaru but others swear by it.  All personal preference.

[kselkhunter]

I've had a Mystery Ranch for a decade and a Kuiu Ultra since the first year they released it. 

Exo and Stone Glacier are newcomers compared to Dana designs. (MR) and Kifaru.

Sucks that MR builds some hunting and hiking packs overseas now so he can service the military and fire markets from the US. He was 100% Montana built for everything until a few years ago. But got too big to keep building all product there.  My MR pack was Montana built, and my first choice to pack an elk out. Better frame than any pack IMO.

My Kuiu Ultra is great for all hunts for deer and bear. But if I'm packing an elk out solo from 5 miles in over 4 trips....I want the MR pack....

[Brian_Whitman]

I'll slide another vote for Exo in here.

Love my 3500 so far. Light, cool and compresses well for day hikes, and carries heavier weight very comfortably over longer stretches as well. No blood on mine yet, but I did my research, and will be shocked if it fails to perform with meat on.

I ordered mine from co-owner Steve Speck at the Sportsmans Show in Portland. Pleasant and down to earth. Exo has made a fan for the time being. The fact that they're made here in the US and carry a lifetime warranty does't hurt either.

Check backcountry forums like this and Rokslide for pack reviews. You're more likely to receive honest and maybe even more imortantly, relevant feedback.

In the end, what works for someone else may not work for you. The nice thing about higher end packs like Kifaru, Exo etc. is as long as you don't destroy it during testing, it's going to retain much of it's retail value.

Buy one, try one. Hate it? Sell it and try another. 

Good luck!

[aaronoto]

I run a Mystery Ranch myself, you won't find a greater pack building history then Kifaru and MR. 

[blackveltbowhunter]

For your parameters, I would shop for a run of the mill backpacking bag around 4000 CU capacity.  In a neutral color. Most "hunting" frames (especially upper end manufacture ) are designed, at least in part, to be comfortable with heavier loads. That in general increases cost and/or weight.

[Jeepinp]

http://blacks-creek.com/