Elk Pack

[OhioState84]

Looking at buying a new pack.....  how about your preferences and why......  three day would be plenty......  looking to pack out elk - so a meat shelf would be needed.....  Thanks in advance!!

[Crunchy]

I am a big fan of my KUIU ICON PRO 3200, but have been looking at the EXO packs lately 4800 size.  My 3200 will get me through 2-3 days, but it would be tight.  Hauls elk just fine.  I prefer to use the smallest pack I can comfortably get away with, as I am an archery hunter and hunt in thick timber.  Most of my hunts are day hunts with an occasional over night. So I would likely never go bigger than a 4800.

[Stein]

Exo 3200


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[Crunchy]

most good packs are going to run you 500-700.

[huntnfmly]

Kifaru American made IMO best packs out there

[vandeman17]

Mystery ranch metcalf here

[Milkman]

I'm selling a Horn hunter combo pack system if your on a budget. Has the 3000 cu bag too. https://offerup.co/Vd6vCG06I3

[Timberstalker]

Mystery Ranch Marshall has done well for me. A little heavy, but bulletproof and fits just perfectly.

[dilleytech]

My wife and I really like our Exo packs. I would go 4800. They all weigh  about the same and compress down to the same size of about 2” empty and there customers service is unreal . Kifaru also makes a good pack. Down the list stone glacier, full curl, mystery ranch, kuiu.

[Jonathan_S]

Looking at buying a new pack.....  how about your preferences and why......  three day would be plenty......  looking to pack out elk - so a meat shelf would be needed.....  Thanks in advance!!

If you're packing out meat and not bones, no meat shelf is needed.

[kentrek]

A meat shelf doesn't have much weight consequence but adds alot of versatility.

Just some thoughts

[Buckhunter24]

Ive got the alpz outdoors. Its 7 lbs, 5250 cubic inch plus a shelf. The shelf has been handy for me so far, it can be remived but onlynweighs a few ounces.. For my purposes I give it a 9 out of 10. It holds a lot, is relatively comfy and carries weight well. Ive been using 80 lbs in it and it carries that much very well.

As others have commented in reviews of this pack there are a few negativrs. Its not quiet, and the rifle scabbard is attached to the bag not the frame.

I got mine for 125, looks like it can now be bought for 100

[optic2]

I love my Exo 5200. The owner is a real cool guy and is happy to answer any questions and assist with getting the pack adjusted just right.

[Coulee]

I seldom join discussions. However, I can't help but give a huge vote for EXO!
The best pack I have owned. I assisted in hauling out 4 animals last season. My EXO performed flawlessly.

[kselkhunter]

What budget are you targeting?


The options range from $100 to $800.  Depends on how much you want to spend, and for what weight of pack.


On the lower cost end, the Alpz Outdoors with the load shelf get the job done.  My brother in law has one and it works fine.  The Horn Hunters are also a good cost and I know folks that like them. 


Mid range, a friend has the Eberlestock RMEF Team Elk pack (has load shelf), and it works well as well as I liked it after trying it for awhile.  I thought about picking one up myself, but have too many packs already.


High end:  lots of options.  From the solid reliable old dependable brands of Kifaru and Mystery Ranch to around-for-awhile Kuiu to the newer kids on the block of Exo, Stone Glacier, etc.   Depends on your preference.   My Kuiu Ultra is lighter and I have a 3000 and a 6000 ci bags, but if I know I'm going elk I usually prefer the Mystery Ranch Crew Cab (it's now called the Cabinet).  It's heavier, but so much more comfortable to pack heavy loads with.  I've never seen or tried an EXO, but have heard nothing but good things about them.