Packs…..what do you all use?

[highcountry_hunter]

I’m using the mystery ranch beartooth 80. 5200 cubic inches, weighs just over 6 lbs and so far it’s earned it’s keep. Cinches down small and tight for day hunts, has tons of room for packing in. Last Friday I went in with 12 days worth of gear and food, total pack weight was 71 lbs including my rifle and 3L of water and it handled it great. 2 days later I came out over 100lbs with meat and horns and gear. It was friggin heavy and I was hurtin but no pressure points, no pack failures, just a lot of damn weight!

[MtnMuley]

Back to the OP's initial thoughts on a batwing style pack. That's the set up I still use after many of years. I've got a several Kifaru frames and multiple bags for different types of hunts. The pack I use 80% of the time is the Duplex Hunter frame with the original Nomad bag. I have a custom built non-branded Nomad II with some features I wanted added that I need use more, but am too lazy to switch over to.  I will run various types of lids if necessary, but more often than not on day hunts, I leave the lids off. It's pretty much a standard these days to leave the Sherman pocket attached on the bottom to use as the "Grab it" as well as flipping down as a rifle butt carrier. Even on trips up to 5 days I'll use this set up, but will add an Oregon Pack Works scabbard attached with Condor clips and throw on the Kifaru Camp Bag or a dry bag depending on how much gear I need. The system works very well for my style as I can throw the camp bag off and still have my normal day hunting set up. If you're the kind of guy that looks like you have a full load while day hunting, this set up might not be for you. I like to pack the bare minimum for day hunts. I've used most of the other brands and a few are very nice as well, but this is by far the best for my needs and seems very lightweight to me for packing loads in excess 100# if needed. There's a ton of options to customize any Kifaru to your exact liking and for me that seals the deal.

[Mulie87]

Ive ran an Eberlestock dragonfly for 10yrs. Looking at Kuiu PRO LT now, but can’t decide between 4000 or 5500 pack. I don’t camp out of my pack, but want meat carrying capability. Don't want to get too small of a pack. Any suggestions between the two?

My dragonfly is great big pack with plenty of space, but just too heavy at 8lb. The Pro LT complete w harness system and frame is half the weight.

[Skyvalhunter]

go with the 5500

[Mulie87]

Thanks skyvalhunter.

[actionshooter]

Packs are like boots... what works for one guy won't for the next... fit is really a personal thing..

I like my SG 6900  and I have a MR Kodiak that I love, but it's almost 10# alone... BUT I can get a whole moose rear quarter in it LOL

[lewy]

 Have really liked my kifaru over the years     

[jrebel]

I think I have it narrowed down to three...in no particular order.

1.  Stone Glacier 6900 sky talus or Evo
2.  Kifaru fulcrum with duplex light frame
3.  Just buy another bag for my kuiu frames.....pro 7800. 

I love my kuiu packs and they have worked well.  I don't need two bags so I'm looking for one big bag that can collapse down for day trips or expand out for longer trips.  Waiting to hear back from Stone glacier on their belt size.  The large says 37+....I need a 42 so want to make sure it goes that big.  If not, that will narrow the search to Kifaru or another Kuiu bag. 

[WapitiTalk1]

EXO……..

[jrebel]

EXO……..

A buddy just bought an EXO....I'm gonna take a look at it in the next couple days.  I'm not a fan of the pack not having a load lifting shelf.....it just has two straps at the bottom to support the meat.  I can see this being a weak point in the pack.....especially when packing big elk quarters. 

[WapitiTalk1]

EXO……..

A buddy just bought an EXO....I'm gonna take a look at it in the next couple days.  I'm not a fan of the pack not having a load lifting shelf.....it just has two straps at the bottom to support the meat.  I can see this being a weak point in the pack.....especially when packing big elk quarters.

They work just fine JR, no BS.

[pickardjw]

Load shelf seems intentionally designed on the Exo. Wouldn't consider it a weak point, especially knowing how Steve designs things and the testing they put the bags through before they hit retail. 

Pics on their page for the K3 frame seem to give a good idea of how they handle heavy weight in the load shelf.
https://exomtngear.com/products/k3-frame-system

If I ever switch from SG it will be to an Exo.

[fowl smacker]

I've had a Mystery Ranch Metcalf for several years now.  I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

[actionshooter]

I think I have it narrowed down to three...in no particular order.

1.  Stone Glacier 6900 sky talus or Evo
2.  Kifaru fulcrum with duplex light frame
3.  Just buy another bag for my kuiu frames.....pro 7800. 

I love my kuiu packs and they have worked well.  I don't need two bags so I'm looking for one big bag that can collapse down for day trips or expand out for longer trips.  Waiting to hear back from Stone glacier on their belt size.  The large says 37+....I need a 42 so want to make sure it goes that big.  If not, that will narrow the search to Kifaru or another Kuiu bag. 

I'm a size 40 and my SG 6900 Sky fits well with a large belt and has some room to spare...

[OltHunter]

Exo has a separate strap kit for meat hauling in between bags that I think would ease your worries. Looks and works pretty slick. A buddy of mine had one when helping with an elk this year. Think it's called a load panel or something like that. Exo also has something on the frame where you can expand it out or in a few inches to make the frame taller/shorter depending on if you have a heavy or light load. I found that very clever. 3 of my close hunting buddy's all run Exo, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Just not for me.

Actionshooter is right, packs are like boots and very preference based. Very hard to get a true feel for them until you're at 50 pounds + for lots of miles and days. Support USA made gear when you can.