Looking for good archery back pack...

[Sutherland]

So I'm looking Into getting a new hunting backpack that is able to hold my bow for those long hikes into the woods. Anyone have any info on a good pack that had worked well that won't brake the bank? Any info would be great, thanks all!

[jstone]

I bought the exo 3500 this year. I used it during elk season. Packed into the high country for the opener of archery deer. Good for a couple day hunt. Haven’t packed anything out with it yet, but have friends who have and they say it is great. I needed a pack that would give me the option to pack out once I killed my animal. I used to have the super day pack. And have packed out parts of deer with it. Didn’t work to well.

Try the exo

[kselkhunter]

Depends on your budget.  The Eberlestock Blue Widow and Kuiu Ultra series (1800, 3000 6000 ci bags) are very good for carrying a bow on the backpack.   I can release my bow with one hand off my Kuiu rather easily. 

[Tjv28]

Exo. I have a kuiu 3200 and it doesn’t even compare to my buddies exo 3500. Kuiu is too stiff for archery and not comfortable to carry heavy loads with. Not same price range, but I doubt you would regret buying the right pack the first time

[archer86]

exo 3500 I got one this year and used it for my elk hunt did 2 trips first trip 6 days and then came home a day then the 2nd was 7 days pack weight was around 50 pounds both trips pack worked great for packing in but also was nice when compressed for a good day pack. unfortunately i didnt get to pack meat with it yet

[Hot Lunch]

Kifaru duplex and reckoning bag. I strap my bow to the back, can't imagine a more comfortable pack.

[KFhunter]

<--- done with Eberlestock

I have the X1A1 and its heavy (durable, but heavy) if it rains that shell gets really heavy and it makes too much noise in the brush.  Mostly my gripe is weight and carrying capacity for the weight and size.  For all it's bulkiness, it doesn't carry much. 

Bro has something like the team elk in Eberlestock, forget the exact model but the bow bucket sucks for modern bows.  His bow was flopping around pretty bad especially on the bike.  I had to keep assisting with it when it got crossways. 


I do recommend a pack capable of hauling a bow, 1hand removal not so important.  With the 1h removal thing the bow tends to hang up on things and it's not super reliable, I would want KISS simple to remove the bow one handed or don't bother.

[WAnoob]

Im selling a Kifaru pack in the classified section, 5200 ci, with the proper set up you could easily strap a bow on it.

[Tim in Wa.]

Exo pack s are very good I have one and recommend them.But if your budget is tight and the lack of a good pack is keeping you from hunting.Buy a good used pack or get one at REI.You will be fine

[Screaminreelz]

I use a bandlands stealth that works awesome even when riding in on my bike. 3 straps hold it great and plenty of room even with 2 liters of water and a couple MREs. My suggestion is to find a good hip placement that will balance the weight. Find a local store and try ALL of them on, maybe see if they will let you strap a bow on or some other type of weight and walk around a abit.

[Sutherland]

Thanks for all the great info everyone I really appreciate it!

[spin05]

another vote for the exo 3500

[Stein]

Exo 2000 if you are day hunting and not hauling a camp in.

[Big6bull]

As many opinions as there are different packs and pack options. I really liked exxo but went with mystery ranch due to price limitations. MR frame incredibly comfortable. Not crazy about the metcakf design but will use it for multi day trips and going to buy the pintler bag to put on my frame. I think any of the packs with an actual hauling frame are a must.

[knighttime25]

Badlands superday pack has served me well for day trips. I want to say it's around 1800-2000 cubic inches and has enough room for food, water, supplies. Two straps on the outside secure my bow just fine for longer hikes 

[OltHunter]

I'll put a vote in for Stone Glacier.  I run the Sky Archer 6200.  Packs down in bivy mode to a 4000, pretty much the only bag you would need and made to hold a bow on the back.  Made in USA too. 

I've also heard great things about the Exo's already mentioned.  Couldn't go wrong with either.

[Booyah13]

I will throw another vote in for Stone Glacier. I have the sky 5900 and it gets unnoticeable in bivy mode for my archery day hunts but can expand to carry more weight than you can. Load shelf on the frame is a game changer. I carried 130 lbs of meat out 5 miles of wilderness with mine this year without any failure or sore spots.  I debated between EXO, Kifaru and SG for months and am happy that i went Stone.