Expedition Backpack reviews thoughts opinions

[boneaddict]

I currently use the Eberstock Battleship.    I've been very happy with it and have hauled out some serious loads.   I am contemplating replacing it.   The only bad thing I have to say about it is that its heavy.  8 pounds I think.    I have looked at Kuiu and have eyeballed their two big expedition packs.  Does anyone have one of these and anything to say about its performance.  They are a bit lighter than the Eberstock albeit not much.    Any other awesome packs out there?   Not looking for bargains, looking for the best   

[Bucks2Ducks]

In my opinion- id rate

Kifaru as the best

Second Tier-Exo, Stone Glacier

Third Tier- Mystery Ranch, Kuiu, Badlands.....

Also I wouldnt want to go much over 5lbs on a pack

[boneaddict]

I'd forgotten about Kifaru, thank you.  I think I originally looked at them and then decided they didnt save me much for weight so moved on.  Frame plus bag.   I will revisit that. 

[James]

I like my Stone Glacier 7,900.  It's not perfect, but so far the best I have tried so far.

The issue I ran into with Kifaru's were they were very optimistic on their sizing.  The 7,200 ci pack I bought carried less gear than my previous 5,200 ci pack. They told me it's because they count every little pocket and some other companies don't.  Still didn't quite add up...

Hopefully they are not doing that anymore, but I did like the weight savings of going to a Stone Glacier.

[boneaddict]

How are the materials on the stone glacier?   I do alot of bushwhacking and that was one thing the eberstock was good for (heavy touch materials).  As mentioned, didnt do much for it's weight.   

[hughjorgan]

I'd forgotten about Kifaru, thank you.  I think I originally looked at them and then decided they didnt save me much for weight so moved on.  Frame plus bag.   I will revisit that.

They just came out with a carbon fiber frame and they probably have the most options when it comes to bags. Kifaru may not be the lightest but what you get is the most comfortable pack on the market for hauling heavy loads. Lots of great packs to choose from, good luck in your search.

[PacificNWhunter]

I’d say make sure you check out, StoneGlacier, Kifaru, KUIU and Exo Mountain Gear.

I know guys that run all 4 of the mentioned brands above and durability has not been an issue with any of them. And if anything were to happen I know the companies would stand behind their stuff.

If I were looking at a new pack I would decide on what I want for a bag…what size, features, pockets, straps and such. All the frames are comfortable and can haul as much as we can put in them…the layout of your bag and how you like to pack gear/meat is going to point you in the direction of the company you want. If you don’t care about bag layout then the next thing I would consider is the frame options as far as torso height and curvature of your back. Most of the companies offer options for all, some having more adjustment then others. There is not a better time to be buying a pack as all the companies are putting out great stuff.

This better mean we are going to see a big high country mule deer take a ride this fall.

[92xj]

Left kifaru for stone glacier and don’t regret that decision. 

I’d only stick with stone glacier, kifaru or exo, if money is not apart of the equation. 
I’d order all three and send the two back that don’t fit your body the best.   

[Sakko300wsm]

I’ve had eberlestock, Kuiu, kifaru and Exo , and my Exo is the best by far!

[boneaddict]

Thanks for the info and help.   My eyes have been opened for even more choices. 

[zwickeyman]

Ive ran Kifaru, Stone Glacier, Exo, Mystery Ranch, Eberlstock  and KUIU. I have been using Exo for the last 5 years and couldnt ask for a better pack or company

Another one to look at is Initial Ascent out of Idaho. Their pack carries weight like no other I have tried. 120# feels like 80# Owners are good guys and their bags are well thought out

[pickardjw]

I've had an SG 5900 for the last 3 years and it's been excellent. Plenty of room for a 7 day trip, but also packs down small enough for a day hunt. Doesn't have much in the way of organization, which is my preference. I don't like having tons of little pockets everywhere. I just organize with ziplocks. 

If I ever do replace it, I'll only look at Exo as an alternative. Listened to their podcast for a while and a buddy has one that I've fiddled with. The padding in the shoulder straps and hip belt is a good bit thicker than the SG.

Both would serve you well in terms of durability. If something does break on them, both have excellent CS for repairs.

[O. Nerka]

Talk to as many friends as possible and figure out who has packs you are interested in trying out. Pack fit can sure be a fickle thing. I've got a Seek Outside pack I've been quite happy with that. You're welcome to take it out for a hike if you find yourself in Winthrop before you buy something.

[jackelope]

I'd forgotten about Kifaru, thank you.  I think I originally looked at them and then decided they didnt save me much for weight so moved on.  Frame plus bag.   I will revisit that.

I went from Eberlestock to Kifaru. Not sure what the hell I waited so long for. They may be the same weight but the comfort level is night and day. Any of the higher end packs will be night and day from any Eberlestock.

Packs seem to be like boots. They don’t all fit the same people the same way. Also seem to be a little bit of a Chevy/Dodge/Ford debate. 

We’re not too far from the same size. Could probably figure out a way to let you try my Kifaru pack if you wanted to. I don’t have a big bag right now. That’s the only thing lacking. I’ve got a 3300” bag and then the OG lid and a bunch of pockets to add or take off. The bag is big enough to put a load into though if you want to try it.

[teanawayslayer]

I bought the new kuiu pack a couple years back. Dumped close to 700 bucks on it. I took it on one trip. Hated it and sold it. Last year I bought the exo k4 and really like it. But I don’t think any of these new era packs can wave a candle to old school frame packs when it comes to hauling serious meat. My Barney’s of Alaska pack is my go to if I have a call to pack meat.

[jackelope]

The pocket comment was a reminder. You have to decide if you want one big bag or if you’re a guy who likes lots of pockets and organization. Something to consider when you’re shopping. I’m not too familiar with the other brands but Kifaru has some of each. I don’t like a bunch of seperate pockets. I’d rather organize internally with individual pullouts and ditty bags.

[leonpeon2]

What bag did you end up getting?
I like the kuiu but it’s always hard not being able to look at it before you buy it.  Always like to have them side by side.

I got this promo code if you want.
 $50 off your first order at KUIU with my referral link: http://rwrd.io/9ycbg0h?s

[edaniels97]

Not to highjack your thread boneaddict, but I am also in the market for a new pack. I’ve narrowed it down to the stone glacier sky 5900, Exo 5k and the initial ascent 5k.

Ive ran Kifaru, Stone Glacier, Exo, Mystery Ranch, Eberlstock  and KUIU. I have been using Exo for the last 5 years and couldnt ask for a better pack or company

Another one to look at is Initial Ascent out of Idaho. Their pack carries weight like no other I have tried. 120# feels like 80# Owners are good guys and their bags are well thought out

What did you like/not like between the stone, Exo and initial ascent?

[zwickeyman]

I havent ran a SG for about 5 years but at that time I didnt care for bag configurations and couldnt keep the pack on my hips. They are very high quality though

IA, the good and the bad is the frame. It can carry a *censored* ton of weight but is very stiff when using as a hunting/day pack. Very well built and great guys running it

Been running the EXO for a few years and for me its the best all around pack. Well organized but not too many pockets. Can carry more weight than I can yet great as a day pack. I have older K2 frames with K2 and K3 bags. Very well thought out

[edaniels97]

I havent ran a SG for about 5 years but at that time I didnt care for bag configurations and couldnt keep the pack on my hips. They are very high quality though

IA, the good and the bad is the frame. It can carry a *censored* ton of weight but is very stiff when using as a hunting/day pack. Very well built and great guys running it

Been running the EXO for a few years and for me its the best all around pack. Well organized but not too many pockets. Can carry more weight than I can yet great as a day pack. I have older K2 frames with K2 and K3 bags. Very well thought out

Thanks for the info. I don’t know anyone with real experience with the initial ascent but the only complaint I’ve heard with the stone glacier is that is kind of a pain to separate the bag from the frame to access the load shelf. Which has pretty much tipped me into getting the Exo. Thanks again hope that helps anyone else out

[deerlick]

stone glacier here, super easy to separate the bag to access the load shelf

[CoryTDF]

https://seekoutside.com/hunting-packs/

I'm a big fan of this Revolution Suspension system. Packed many animals with it and it's still my go-to.