The pluses and the minuses - Exo, Kifaru, StoneGlacier, Mystery Ranch etc...?

[stlusn30-06]

Hi All,

New to the community and thought I'd lob a question over the bow. I went back a couple of years here in the Backcountry board and didn't see a general discussion about what pack, what size and why. May be this topic has been exhausted to death in another area. If so please point me in the right direction. If not, what do you guys like and why? How many days you usually going into the BC for? AVG weight for that trip? What size pack do you bring for that? What brand and why has that frame system worked well? You packing a bow or rifle? Setting up a base camp or bivy hunting with a loaded pack on your back all day? Really looking to get a detailed breakdown of what pack systems work well, what they work well for, and why that brand pack pulls it off. Not just a "can't go wrong with insert brand name "

Should probably also describe build as that will have an impact on what fits well for certain folks. I'm 5'11 173, medium build.

To kick it off my top contender right now is the Exo 5500. Will be doing 2-7 day trips and can't afford two packs. Figure I'll go bigger and take advantage of how well they compress down. Pack should come in between 35 and 65 pounds depending on trip length. I like the idea of the flexibility and range of movement they have created with their frame which is why I'm headed that way. Still need to actually try it on and compare with others before forking over that kind of cash. Hence why I'm looking for your guidance. Thanks in advance!

[TommyH]

Tag. I need a new pack, and with the cost of these I want the answers you seek as well.

[NoBark]

Find the one that fits you the best and fills all of (or most of) your requirements.  Just know that you have it way better than those who came before you, because is just a few short years whatever you end up with, will be "surpassed" by something newer and better (and more expensive).   I don't think you can go too far wrong with any of them.   

[bearpaw]

There are topics about packs in the "Other Gear" board, you might do a search in the board too, but I'm going to leave this topic in this board, it may draw replies from a different perspective.

[Karl Blanchard]

One thing to remember with pack discussions is the fast majority of folks have only ever used one upper end pack and it's always the greatest because that's what they have :chuckle:then take into consideration that a good portion of the ones who have used multiple, dont have them adjusted correctly  

[Stein]

One thing to remember with pack discussions is the fast majority of folks have only ever used one upper end pack and it's always the greatest because that's what they have :chuckle:then take into consideration that a good portion of the ones who have used multiple, dont have them adjusted correctly

Add to that the fact that everyone is shaped differently, has a different level of fitness and definition of "comfortable" and carries a variety of loads in a different way for a different length in different country.

The brands you mentioned all have a good following.  If I were you, I would buy each pack that I was thinking about (or find a way to get your hands on the actual pack).  One will likely be the clear choice.

[stlusn30-06]

One thing to remember with pack discussions is the fast majority of folks have only ever used one upper end pack and it's always the greatest because that's what they have :chuckle:then take into consideration that a good portion of the ones who have used multiple, dont have them adjusted correctly

Totally ok with me if they've only ever used one. Looking more for answers to what they do, how they use their packs and how those packs have shined. If someone has found one that works extremely well for them, I'd like to learn why. I understand that body type, fitness etc... will have an affect. Gathering perspectives before putting in the effort of tracking down packs to try.

[fillthefreezer]

Ok, so going to try help you question by question here.
Hi All,

New to the community and thought I'd lob a question over the bow. I went back a couple of years here in the Backcountry board and didn't see a general discussion about what pack, what size and why. May be this topic has been exhausted to death in another area. If so please point me in the right direction. If not, what do you guys like and why? How many days you usually going into the BC for?
Typically 2-8 days
AVG weight for that trip?
38-58 depending on trip.
What size pack do you bring for that? What brand and why has that frame system worked well?
I have one hunting pack that I use for everything. It is around 7k c.i. But compresses very well. Dayhunting to 1.5wks.
You packing a bow or rifle?
 Depends on the hunt, but pack them each a similar amount.
Setting up a base camp or bivy hunting with a loaded pack on your back all day? Almost always a base camp , but have used the pack climbing in South America as well, carrying months worth of gear.
Really looking to get a detailed breakdown of what pack systems work well, what they work well for, and why that brand pack pulls it off.
 I have run ALOT of different packs. What I have come to find is I need a pack with a side zip. It is my favorite configuration by far. I don’t want much for pockets and prefer a tall slim bag. I prefer to organize inside the pack with small sacks. I like 3 side compression straps, 4 is better and basic water bottle pockets on the side like every backpacking pack has had for a decade. I like 2 straps across the front for strapping my bow. A lid around 500ci with a single compartment. The frame should be really comfortable to 65#, comfortable up to 100, and strong enough to pack 150 without failing, year after year. It should do all this coming in no more than 6#
Hope this helps a bit

[Jpmiller]

I run the stone glacier solo for couple night trips. I like that it's a smaller bag with a load shelf I can pack stuff onto and has a clam shell opening main compartment without all the other pockets and whatnot. I also got the lid because I'm paranoid the bladder will leak and get my stuff all wet even though nobody I know has ever experienced that. I like it alot but as Karl mentioned above it's the only pack I've owned I spent more than 100 dollars on. I bought it based on it not having things I didn't like on some of my cheaper bags and stone glacier having a good reputation.

[Skyvalhunter]

Will these 2-7 day trips be done in Washington?

[Karl Blanchard]

The great part about your dilemma is regardless of brand, kifaru, stone glacier, exo, and mystery Ranch are all very reputable companies and they are ran by fantastic people! Regardless of choice you will get a quality item, that has full support from their manufacturer

[huntnfmly]

The great part about your dilemma is regardless of brand, kifaru, stone glacier, exo, and mystery Ranch are all very reputable companies and they are ran by fantastic people! Regardless of choice you will get a quality item, that has full support from their manufacturer

Exactly

[Wetwoodshunter]

I have only had MR and Kifaru. I like the Kifaru more due to the curvature of the stays fits my back profile better. Both MR and Kifaru are practically bomb proof as well have high resale value if you want to change configurations.

+ for the MR my belt would not get loose as I hike. My Kifaru continually gets looser as I walk and I have to tighten it every 20-30 mins when hiking hard. I think Kifaru has solved this issue with the new belt clips.

+ for the Kifaru, to me more comfortable. Customer service is amazing. Now they have waterpoof bags (I have a 5000ci Muskeg)

I would say pick one that you like. I recently switched to a smaller bag on my pack as with my Kifaru AMR I would be overloaded if I loaded it. As well you can add pockets if you need more space on a smaller bag for a longer trip.

My tips would be pick a configuration that you think fits your hunting style. If you mostly do short trips get a small to medium bag. Ask yourself do I want a meat shelf or put the meat in the bag. My muskeg has a meat shelf but I doubt I will ever use it, for some people that is important.

Good luck on your pack hunt.

[stlusn30-06]

Will these 2-7 day trips be done in Washington?

Mostly WA, will likely end up in AK, MT, ID

[MtnMuley]

One thing to remember with pack discussions is the fast majority of folks have only ever used one upper end pack and it's always the greatest because that's what they have :chuckle:then take into consideration that a good portion of the ones who have used multiple, dont have them adjusted correctly

Most honest advice one can give.