Best elk pack?

[jnordwell]

I have handed down my just one to my son.. now looking for my next.. thinking Kifaru is in the cards.. any thoughts

[Magnum_Willys]

For dayhunts no need for lugging more weight around than Kuiu Ultra bag and Icon suspension.  If you are putting camp on your back or packing over 100# then Kifaru makes sense.

[WapitiTalk1]

JN, get yourself an Exo Mountain Gear 3500 and call it a day, you’ll never regret it. You want/need an all in one pack that compresses to daypack config for hunting but will expand out to carry a 5 day camp in, or, pack as much elk meat out as you can carry.

[deerhunter_98520]

I'm in the same boat....I'm narrowed it down to exo or kuiu icon pro...I just got the kuiu venture 1800 for a day pack and it's very nice....would be nice to see either rof the packs on my hands first

[Magnum_Willys]

I'm in the same boat....I'm narrowed it down to exo or kuiu icon pro...I just got the kuiu venture 1800 for a day pack and it's very nice....would be nice to see either rof the packs on my hands first

Get an Ultra 4000 bag - fits ur frame and less than $100 on sale - weighs 1.25 #. 
https://www.kuiu.com/bags/ultra-4000-bag/60021.html

[Randonee]

I’m interested in a new elk pack as well. Has anyone tried the Seek Outside packs?  I’ve been looking at the Goshawk model for a single, do it all pack.  I’m also thinking about the Exo and it would be interesting if someone has tried both. The Seek Outside packs have an adjustable frame height and I like that idea.

[X-Force]

If you’re willing to drop coin on a Kifaru Frame I wouldn’t hesitate. If your not a fan ok Kifaru bags Kuiu and Exo both fit a Kifaru Frame.

[SemperFidelis97]

Kifaru is a solid choice, and one of the best quality packs money can buy.  That being said if you are a guy who's outdoor activities are all done within a couple miles of the truck than I think Kifaru, Exo, Stone Glacier etc. are going to be abit overkill.   I have owned three Kifaru's, and can attest to their ability to handle loads bigger than most of us should probably carry, and they have been bombproof in the backcountry.  If your needs dictate a pack at that level I would recommend hitting up a few guys on the site that own some of these packs so you can see what you like before you invest in one.

[jnordwell]

I’ve looked at the expo but I don’t like the one frame option. I’m on the upper end of the frame and the load lifters would be almost flat. They were on my just one. I hunt anywhere from 2-12 miles back. Haven’t done the camp on my back because the hunting partners I’ve had have left me hanging more then once.. have looked at kuiu as well. Just not sure of there frame systems.. I’ve got some low back issues and have heard nothing but thumbs up for Kifaru and comfort. Haven’t heard the same for kuiu. Have thought about the kuiu bag on a Kifaru frame.. spondylitis isn’t fun with some good support for sure. Did will with the just one.. but son is getting old enough to carry his own stuff to a point.. plus 100% American made of Kifaru is nothing to overlook either..

[Magnum_Willys]

With back issues its a cripeshoot.  Some guys kifaru just doesnt work - others its fine. Gotta test.

[vandeman17]

I just bought a mystery ranch metcalf. Looks like a good all around setup

[ctwiggs1]

Mystery Ranch always gets a good nod, and Stone Glacier seems to be making waves right now. 

I absolutely love my Exo but you’re right - there is only one frame and if it doesn’t work for your body then Exo just doesn’t work for you. 

Kuiu gets ragged on this forum quite a bit but I have talked to a lot of people who are quite pleased with their packs.

Buying a pack is tedious business.  My advice is to keep doing what you’re doing and try to get your hands on these things to try them out.   

[Wolfdog2314]

Started with a Kuiu icon pro, switched up to an exo 3500 and have never looked back. I’d recommend Exo all day.

[Taco280AI]

No real complaints about my Exo 3500

[King Krok]

JN, get yourself an Exo Mountain Gear 3500 and call it a day, you’ll never regret it. You want/need an all in one pack that compresses to daypack config for hunting but will expand out to carry a 5 day camp in, or, pack as much elk meat out as you can carry.

Couldn’t agree more!!! I love mine.


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[High Climber]

I’ve looked at the expo but I don’t like the one frame option. I’m on the upper end of the frame and the load lifters would be almost flat. They were on my just one. I hunt anywhere from 2-12 miles back. Haven’t done the camp on my back because the hunting partners I’ve had have left me hanging more then once.. have looked at kuiu as well. Just not sure of there frame systems.. I’ve got some low back issues and have heard nothing but thumbs up for Kifaru and comfort. Haven’t heard the same for kuiu. Have thought about the kuiu bag on a Kifaru frame.. spondylitis isn’t fun with some good support for sure. Did will with the just one.. but son is getting old enough to carry his own stuff to a point.. plus 100% American made of Kifaru is nothing to overlook either..

I’m 6’3 and my exo frame could definitely be a few inches taller. It’s no issue most of the time, but under heavy load I’m not getting much help from my lifters. I talked to Steve Speck before I purchased and he was upfront about the pack being borderline to small for me. Great guys at exo and a great product, just not made for bigger dudes.

[BULLBLASTER]

I’ve had a mystery ranch nice 6500 for 5 years and hauled lots and lots of animals in it. Been a bomb proof pack. Seems like every year I get the itch and decide I need a new “better” backpack but then I haul something heavy again in my MR and it does just fine. I’ve seen coach and his kuiu pack haul some stupid heavy pack weights, with bungee cords holding it all together.   

That said, if I was shopping for a pack now I would bypass the rest and go straight to Kifaru.

[blackveltbowhunter]

One full of meat?

    Kifaru makes a very tough, reliable, and comfortable product. Mine is a workhorse. They also have a ton of options from frame sizes and weights to bag and pocket options getting a system specifically customized for you and your hunts is possible.  All of that come with a cost and a bit of a weight penalty.

   EXO and SG both have well built products. Comfort varies by user, and somewhat limited options keeps costs slightly lower. 

   Kuiu is probably the best value.  They have good options for sizing, and nice bag and pocket selection. They are pretty darn comfy with with decent weight, and fill that niche where you prioritize hunting, but your not wearing the pack for 2+months  a year and packing lots of heavy weight often.

   The great thing is that all of them make a good product and competition has made all of them better and and more comfortable than ever. Prioritize your needs and go from there. 

   

[blackveltbowhunter]

I think it worth mentioning that comfort is a subjective quality. So while one guy may be cursing about how brutal his "cheap" pack is. Another guy may be fine just sucking it up. I had many 100 + pound loads in badlands 4500 and Eberlestocks,  and while it was less comfortable than my Kifaru now, it was irrelevant because i was hunting tags i couldn't have afforded if I had bought a pack instead. 

[BOOMER]

Bought the exo 5500 hands down the best pack that I have ever owned. Easily handled a whole boned out mule deer. Great product

[Taco280AI]

I’m 6’3 and my exo frame could definitely be a few inches taller. It’s no issue most of the time, but under heavy load I’m not getting much help from my lifters. I talked to Steve Speck before I purchased and he was upfront about the pack being borderline to small for me. Great guys at exo and a great product, just not made for bigger dudes.
[/quote]

I forgot who is who over there, but I did call in the owner's brother during archery elk. Guess my bugle sounded decent 

[coop2424]

I’m 6’3 and my exo frame could definitely be a few inches taller. It’s no issue most of the time, but under heavy load I’m not getting much help from my lifters. I talked to Steve Speck before I purchased and he was upfront about the pack being borderline to small for me. Great guys at exo and a great product, just not made for bigger dudes.
[/quote]

I am a bit taller than you and hauled half an elk out with Exo and was miserable due to no lift at all and frame moved more than I liked. Sold it and went to kifaru and have been happy ever since with multiple pack outs with some very heavy loads.   There is a pack out there that will fit everyone and their hunting style just a matter of finding it.  Once you do find it of course that is the best pack out there no matter if you have tried anything else.   

[Stein]

I bought a Kuiu and Exo and sent the Kuiu back.  I’m 6’4” and have no problems but I ruck all year and am used to carrying loads.  I rarely if ever touch the load lifters.

Great pack, nearly perfect for me.


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[deerhunter_98520]

I'm in the same boat....I'm narrowed it down to exo or kuiu icon pro...I just got the kuiu venture 1800 for a day pack and it's very nice....would be nice to see either rof the packs on my hands first

Get an Ultra 4000 bag - fits ur frame and less than $100 on sale - weighs 1.25 #. 
https://www.kuiu.com/bags/ultra-4000-bag/60021.html

The pack I have now is internal frame, it's their new day pack.

https://www.kuiu.com/hunting-day-pack/venture-1800/60025.html?dwvar_60025_color=PhantomOlive&cgid=pack-daypacks

[Magnum_Willys]

I'm in the same boat....I'm narrowed it down to exo or kuiu icon pro...I just got the kuiu venture 1800 for a day pack and it's very nice....would be nice to see either rof the packs on my hands first

Get an Ultra 4000 bag - fits ur frame and less than $100 on sale - weighs 1.25 #. 
https://www.kuiu.com/bags/ultra-4000-bag/60021.html

The pack I have now is internal frame, it's their new day pack.

https://www.kuiu.com/hunting-day-pack/venture-1800/60025.html?dwvar_60025_color=PhantomOlive&cgid=pack-daypacks

  oops !  This must be your scouting / trailcam pack?

[jackelope]

If you’re sold on a Kifaru but still have questions, call Aron Snyder and talk to him. He’ll walk you through the process. Probably not a bad idea to do either way if you’re a big guy.

[KFhunter]

I'm pretty well set on getting an EXO 3500


I wish there was a place I could go try on several frames/packs from all the top contenders.  Maybe a sportsman show this spring?   I haven't been to one in a long time, the bighorn sportsmen show in Spokane is the one I used to go too until I found it pretty lame and quit going. 

[deerhunter_98520]

I'm in the same boat....I'm narrowed it down to exo or kuiu icon pro...I just got the kuiu venture 1800 for a day pack and it's very nice....would be nice to see either rof the packs on my hands first

Get an Ultra 4000 bag - fits ur frame and less than $100 on sale - weighs 1.25 #. 
https://www.kuiu.com/bags/ultra-4000-bag/60021.html

The pack I have now is internal frame, it's their new day pack.

https://www.kuiu.com/hunting-day-pack/venture-1800/60025.html?dwvar_60025_color=PhantomOlive&cgid=pack-daypacks

  oops !  This must be your scouting / trailcam pack?

Yeah I needed a new day pack for deer/scout trips, and this pack is big enough for over nighters maybe 2 days at most if I stretch it.

[WAElkhunter89]

I just bought the Mystery Ranch Metcalf in Subalpine earlier this year. Great all around pack. Can be made small enough to be a day pack or big enough to be a multiple day pack. Super easy to strap a head or quarter to and pack out, the frame is extremely comfy. I'd highly recommend taking a look at Mystery Ranch.

[romaknows]

Love my seekoutside goshawk, ultra light and can haul more weight than I can.It also has load lifter extensions so they are not getting in the way when hunting. Very comfortable pack that is made in the USA.

[jnordwell]

If you’re sold on a Kifaru but still have questions, call Aron Snyder and talk to him. He’ll walk you through the process. Probably not a bad idea to do either way if you’re a big guy.

I think xxx archery is one of there only few places where I can get fitted and maybe try before I buy.. it’s only a hr from home.. will be going there soon I think..

[GUHunter]

Kifaru’s range of options makes them attractive but if frame length is a concern, I’d wait a few months and see what’s released in the spring. Rumor is we’ll see some new offerings from Exo. Will a taller frame be one of them?

[Tbob]

Well I’m one of the Kuiu pack guys. No complaints so far and have been running the Icon Pro for about 3 years now. I like being able to quickly swap out the bags for whatever I’ve got going on.. I usually pack in everything with the 7200 bag and my 1850 bag is nicely packed in there as well. When I get to camp I swap to the 1850 bag and have a perfect day pack for the entire trip. The bags are really lightweight so I’m not ever concerned about leaving it behind.. I’ve hauled quite a few critters out between the frame and bag with no problems as of yet. I know a lot of people knock the Kuiu packs, but for the price (got mine on there 30% off sale), I’m definitely a satisfied customer. I’ve really put them through the ringer with no problems or failures of any kind so far..

[highside74]

The Born and Raised guys hinted to a new EXO BRO signature pack in the 4000 cubic inch range coming out in the next year.

[nwmein199]

I got a mystery ranch pintler for this last season and it was fantastic. Packed 2 bulls out and 3 bucks on it this year and so happy I bought one. It has an amazing amount of adjustment to get it to fit you. My buddy has one and he is 6'6" 270lbs and he loves the fit of his Pintler. Another buddy has the Kuiu Icon pro and it kept squeaking when he would walk it was annoying. Pros and cons to all packs. Good luck!

[Torrent50]

Check out Oregon Pack Works.  Modular pack that can be set up something like 23 different ways and waterproof.  Great customer service. 

[Tim in Wa.]

Check out Oregon Pack Works.  Modular pack that can be set up something like 23 different ways and waterproof.  Great customer service.

Aggreed.Well made and excellent customer service

[X-Force]

The Born and Raised guys hinted to a new EXO BRO signature pack in the 4000 cubic inch range coming out in the next year.

I could be wrong but I think the 4000 will basically be the 3500, the move will keep things in order and not confuse people with the new 3000.

[hughjorgan]

I am using an exo 3500 bag on a k2 frame, it is well thought out and very comfortable. If your going to do extended back country hunts I would recommend getting 5500 bag. It will compress down real nice for day hunts. I had a mystery ranch prior to my exo pack, it was bomb proof. It wasn’t as comfortable as my exo but it also didn’t have load lifters and lumbar support. They started mass producing mystery ranch outside the USA as well, no idea what the quality of their gear is any more but I bet it isn’t as good as those made in Montana. I think the only other pack I would consider is a kifaru, don’t think you could go wrong there with the versatility of options and great reviews people give them. You get what you pay for comes to mind.

[Justdecent]

Pony up and get a Kifaru.

[Martinhunter]

JN, get yourself an Exo Mountain Gear 3500 and call it a day, you’ll never regret it. You want/need an all in one pack that compresses to daypack config for hunting but will expand out to carry a 5 day camp in, or, pack as much elk meat out as you can carry.

Yes, I'm planning on investing in the 3500 sometime between now and September.. Last years pack of my brothers bull was hell with my cheap one that I took to the dump  gotta be in better shape this fall too, that'll help a lot as well.

[bradslam]

It sounds as if Exo will be making some changes to their lineup this spring, including different size frames.  Might want to wait and see what they come up with.

[buggy]

 I can't say anything about kifaru other than they look like a awesome system. Ive tried kuiu, stone glacier, and exo. I now have the exo 5500 and love it. I'm only 5' 10' so the frame isn't an issue for me. I'm in battle ground if you want to check it out in person sometime.

[Antlershed]

Kifaru’s range of options makes them attractive but if frame length is a concern, I’d wait a few months and see what’s released in the spring. Rumor is we’ll see some new offerings from Exo. Will a taller frame be one of them?

Kifaru will also make a 28” frame upon request.

[Big6bull]

I looked at all the top end packs and ended up buying mystery ranch metcalf. No regrets! Very best bang for the buck. Expo and kifaru seemed great, simply not affordable for me. Mystery ranch often has killer deals.