Backcountry Packs

[JLS]

Michael,

Are you doing more early season or late season hunting?  If you are early season hunting, you will find the Longbow is capable of more than 2-3 days.  I plan on using mine mostly for archery hunting.  I can fit all of my gear and clothes in the bag itself.  I will lash my food on the sides using the compression straps with the food packed in game bags.  Get to camp, hang food, hunt.

If you are trying to do later season hunts, this probably wouldn't work for the extended periods I will be able to use it for.

The Kifarus look nice, but I couldn't justify the coin either.

Good luck in your search.

[MichaelJ]

Michael,

Are you doing more early season or late season hunting?  If you are early season hunting, you will find the Longbow is capable of more than 2-3 days.  I plan on using mine mostly for archery hunting.  I can fit all of my gear and clothes in the bag itself.  I will lash my food on the sides using the compression straps with the food packed in game bags.  Get to camp, hang food, hunt.

If you are trying to do later season hunts, this probably wouldn't work for the extended periods I will be able to use it for.

The Kifarus look nice, but I couldn't justify the coin either.

Good luck in your search.

All my backpacking multi night trips will probably be done august/september...  However I don't think I could do 5 days out of the pack.  I have good lightweight, compressable gear just not sure if I could do more than 2-3 days.  Does the daypack lid clip into designated buckles like on the 6500/CC?  I'm thinking that if I could add the daypack lid, and two large verticle stuff sacks on either side/bottom then I would be good to go kind of like Colockum is saying... But at that point you're back at an 8.5 lb pack.  I was really hoping for something in the sub 7 lb range though I guess once you get to camp that dropping off the extra sacks/toplid would drop the weight back down... That kuiu is looking pretty tempting as well though...

Mike

[Benny]

I would not opt to do multi day trips out of a LB. 6500 will compress down to nearly the same size and when it's loaded up to over a hundo those extended load lifters make a huge difference. I've packed many 100lbs plus loads w/ a CC and LB and it really isnt even the same pack as the 6500 when it's on your back.

Not knocking the LB or CC as I own both and use all three. Just my experience.

[JLS]

Benny,

I would not disagree with you.  My issue came down to price, I found a decent deal on a Longbow and tried it out to make sure it would work for what I want it to.

I plan on adding a 6500 bag later on when funds allow. 

If I strictly did backpack hunts right now, I would have saved for the 6500.

[et1702]

Michael,

Are you doing more early season or late season hunting?  If you are early season hunting, you will find the Longbow is capable of more than 2-3 days.  I plan on using mine mostly for archery hunting.  I can fit all of my gear and clothes in the bag itself.  I will lash my food on the sides using the compression straps with the food packed in game bags.  Get to camp, hang food, hunt.

If you are trying to do later season hunts, this probably wouldn't work for the extended periods I will be able to use it for.

The Kifarus look nice, but I couldn't justify the coin either.

Good luck in your search.

All my backpacking multi night trips will probably be done august/september...  However I don't think I could do 5 days out of the pack.  I have good lightweight, compressable gear just not sure if I could do more than 2-3 days.  Does the daypack lid clip into designated buckles like on the 6500/CC?  I'm thinking that if I could add the daypack lid, and two large verticle stuff sacks on either side/bottom then I would be good to go kind of like Colockum is saying... But at that point you're back at an 8.5 lb pack.  I was really hoping for something in the sub 7 lb range though I guess once you get to camp that dropping off the extra sacks/toplid would drop the weight back down... That kuiu is looking pretty tempting as well though...

Mike

Just got an e-mail this morning, the Kuiu packs are 40% off right now for the Icon 3000 or 6000.  Frame is not on sale.

ET

[slim9300]

I've seen the review by Aron, good stuff thanks!

Right now I am looking at the Kuiu Icon 6000, MR Longbow (with option to add 6500 down the road), or the Kifaru T1 (though I'm not sure I would justify the price...) 

Biggest things for myself is the need to swap out packs on the MR packs if going more than 2-3 days and then I'm with a 9.5 lb pack starting weight which I really don't want.

The Icon 6000 I've heard great things about, from being able to daypack it, to multiday trips with being able to haul meat out.  People say they don't like the pivoting hip belt at 80+lb loads.  Though I've heard that they haven't had the compression straps on the hip belt strapped down properly in this case.

Kifaru is probably what I would go for, but with buying their "grab it" and other bag accessories, it'll come out to almost $1k which for a pack is just insane on my current budget.

Gotta love these kind of problems eh?   Right now I'm leaning towards the Kuiu, though who knows what'll happen?

Mike

Don't go with the Icon. Trust me on this one. The other option is to purchase it and give it a try but make sure you return it before the 30 days are up.

The thing had a perfect bag design minus being a tad fragile at the seams.

The frame is a huge liability. My first pack had a seized bolt for the torso adjustment and it ended up blowing out the carbon channel when I tried to loosen it. Once I finally got the correct replacement (they sent me a 3000 by mistake) I had my first chance to load up the pack. If you only limit yourself to 50 lbs. or less loads you might love the pack. However with anything more than that the lower legs of the frame dig in horribly to your hips through the waist belt. Also, I can't tell you his name but I know of a guy that broke three of the frames in a short period of time while testing it. He may have been pushing the limits of the pack but that's not something I would stake my life on.

On a side note my pops kept his Icon and loves it, but keep in mind he's 57 years old and won't carry over 60 lbs.

My suggestion is pay the extra money and purchase a brown T1. That should run you about $750 with what you want. If I could do it over I would go with brown over the Multicam.


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[MichaelJ]

Just got an e-mail this morning, the Kuiu packs are 40% off right now for the Icon 3000 or 6000.  Frame is not on sale.

ET

Dang!  Just bought new boots too so I'm waiting on more funds for a new pack...  How'd you get on the mailing list for these deals?

Don't go with the Icon. Trust me on this one. The other option is to purchase it and give it a try but make sure you return it before the 30 days are up.

The thing had a perfect bag design minus being a tad fragile at the seams.

The frame is a huge liability. My first pack had a seized bolt for the torso adjustment and it ended up blowing out the carbon channel when I tried to loosen it. Once I finally got the correct replacement (they sent me a 3000 by mistake) I had my first chance to load up the pack. If you only limit yourself to 50 lbs. or less loads you might love the pack. However with anything more than that the lower legs of the frame dig in horribly to your hips through the waist belt. Also, I can't tell you his name but I know of a guy that broke three of the frames in a short period of time while testing it. He may have been pushing the limits of the pack but that's not something I would stake my life on.

On a side note my pops kept his Icon and loves it, but keep in mind he's 57 years old and won't carry over 60 lbs.

My suggestion is pay the extra money and purchase a brown T1. That should run you about $750 with what you want. If I could do it over I would go with brown over the Multicam.

I have heard of a few problems with the pack, but I was hoping that they would be only a result of a first year in production...  Like their straps slipping under heavy loads, which they've now fixed with heavier webbing.  Not glad to hear about this.

I would definitely pick up the MR 6500, but I want to buy a pack that I'll use for years to come and not feel the need to upgrade or buy a different one.  Before I started doing backpack hunts I ran a BL2200 for 4 or 5 years and loved that thing and never felt the need for more.  Now I do... and buying a pack that weighs in at 9.5 lbs just isn't going to satisfy me.  It's probably just mental, but every year I try and buy a few new things to save a lb or two and starting out at 9.5 lbs just isn't going to work...

Mike

[et1702]

Just got an e-mail this morning, the Kuiu packs are 40% off right now for the Icon 3000 or 6000.  Frame is not on sale.

ET

Dang!  Just bought new boots too so I'm waiting on more funds for a new pack...  How'd you get on the mailing list for these deals?

Just go to their home page and enter your e-mail address in the lower right hand corner.


http://www.kuiu.com/

ET

[Houndhunter]

I have the cabelas outfitter backpack, works great for me. the only problem i have is when im riding a bike with a fully loaded pack it digs into my back. they a bit on the heavy side but very well built and tons of room.

as far as packing out a elk in one trip you guys are crazy, one mature elk equals 5 trips for me. approx 90lbs of meat in four packs then the horns and cape in another counts for the 5th.

[slim9300]

I have the cabelas outfitter backpack, works great for me. the only problem i have is when im riding a bike with a fully loaded pack it digs into my back. they a bit on the heavy side but very well built and tons of room.

as far as packing out a elk in one trip you guys are crazy, one mature elk equals 5 trips for me. approx 90lbs of meat in four packs then the horns and cape in another counts for the 5th.

Are you saying that you get 360 lbs. of boned out meat from your mature elk? Or is that with the bone?


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[slim9300]

Just got an e-mail this morning, the Kuiu packs are 40% off right now for the Icon 3000 or 6000.  Frame is not on sale.

ET

Dang!  Just bought new boots too so I'm waiting on more funds for a new pack...  How'd you get on the mailing list for these deals?

Don't go with the Icon. Trust me on this one. The other option is to purchase it and give it a try but make sure you return it before the 30 days are up.

The thing had a perfect bag design minus being a tad fragile at the seams.

The frame is a huge liability. My first pack had a seized bolt for the torso adjustment and it ended up blowing out the carbon channel when I tried to loosen it. Once I finally got the correct replacement (they sent me a 3000 by mistake) I had my first chance to load up the pack. If you only limit yourself to 50 lbs. or less loads you might love the pack. However with anything more than that the lower legs of the frame dig in horribly to your hips through the waist belt. Also, I can't tell you his name but I know of a guy that broke three of the frames in a short period of time while testing it. He may have been pushing the limits of the pack but that's not something I would stake my life on.

On a side note my pops kept his Icon and loves it, but keep in mind he's 57 years old and won't carry over 60 lbs.

My suggestion is pay the extra money and purchase a brown T1. That should run you about $750 with what you want. If I could do it over I would go with brown over the Multicam.

I have heard of a few problems with the pack, but I was hoping that they would be only a result of a first year in production...  Like their straps slipping under heavy loads, which they've now fixed with heavier webbing.  Not glad to hear about this.

I would definitely pick up the MR 6500, but I want to buy a pack that I'll use for years to come and not feel the need to upgrade or buy a different one.  Before I started doing backpack hunts I ran a BL2200 for 4 or 5 years and loved that thing and never felt the need for more.  Now I do... and buying a pack that weighs in at 9.5 lbs just isn't going to satisfy me.  It's probably just mental, but every year I try and buy a few new things to save a lb or two and starting out at 9.5 lbs just isn't going to work...

Mike

I forgot about the webbing. Yes. It was impossible to keep the shoulder straps from slipping and it drove me crazy. The webbing was way too thin.


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[kentrek]

I have the cabelas outfitter backpack, works great for me. the only problem i have is when im riding a bike with a fully loaded pack it digs into my back. they a bit on the heavy side but very well built and tons of room.

as far as packing out a elk in one trip you guys are crazy, one mature elk equals 5 trips for me. approx 90lbs of meat in four packs then the horns and cape in another counts for the 5th.

Are you saying that you get 360 lbs. of boned out meat from your mature elk? Or is that with the bone?


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that is a very achievable number for a mature bull elk

[Branden]

that is a very achievable number for a mature bull elk

Again, I think it depends on the state and area you are hunting. I've even noticed a difference between bulls in Washington state depending on the area. Probably would make a good thread 

Anyway back to packs. I have another Timberline coming my way. Going to try it again and try to get it to fit better with weight in it.

MJ, I believe for what you are looking for you need a Kifaru. No other pack on the market is as light, with the cubic inch capacity, and weight handling capabilities. 

[slim9300]

I have the cabelas outfitter backpack, works great for me. the only problem i have is when im riding a bike with a fully loaded pack it digs into my back. they a bit on the heavy side but very well built and tons of room.

as far as packing out a elk in one trip you guys are crazy, one mature elk equals 5 trips for me. approx 90lbs of meat in four packs then the horns and cape in another counts for the 5th.

Are you saying that you get 360 lbs. of boned out meat from your mature elk? Or is that with the bone?


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that is a very achievable number for a mature bull elk

Not a Rocky Mountain bull, it could have been a Roosevelt but it's unlikely. Show me some evidence of a Rocky Mountain bull living in the wild that weighed over 1000 lbs on the hoof. The vast majority of mature Rocky Mountain bulls will never exceed 700-750 lbs. even it they live to 8 or 9 years old. A 750 lb. bull would have roughly 250 lbs. of meat on their entire body and that would be a huge bull.

To get 360 lbs. of boned put meat from an elk would indicate that the bull weighed around 1080 lbs. on the hoof. (If they took every scrap of meat) If you look at scientific data on the weight of elk this just does not happen and the few times that elk were recorded that weighed 1100 lbs. or more, they were from Vancouver Island and Afognak. I read this info in North American Elk Ecology and Management, if you are curious where I got my info.

Maybe someone has proof of getting 360 lbs. of meat from an elk, but I would bet it's more likely an over estimation.


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[slim9300]

that is a very achievable number for a mature bull elk

Again, I think it depends on the state and area you are hunting. I've even noticed a difference between bulls in Washington state depending on the area. Probably would make a good thread 

Anyway back to packs. I have another Timberline coming my way. Going to try it again and try to get it to fit better with weight in it.

MJ, I believe for what you are looking for you need a Kifaru. No other pack on the market is as light, with the cubic inch capacity, and weight handling capabilities.

Which one did you go with T or DT?


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