Backcountry Packs

[Benny]

Having packed two elk quarters out at a time, I know the value of a true load hauler.  I want comfort when I have 100 lbs on my back for 7+ miles.

I agree and am by no means saying you don't. I am saying some people do not want to haul two quarters at the same time, thus requiring something different from their pack.

what kinda critters or UL gear are you running to pack critter and camp at 80lbs...?
camp and mule deer in a 4k cube pack is going to end up with stuff strapped everywhere. 7k cube pack you could just throw it all in and go...

You could absolutely throw everything in a 7k inch pack and roll. But there is a penalty on the front end for being able doing that. I can't make a blanket statement that "no you wouldn't have stuff strapped everywhere with a 4k in pack" but that is very dependant on what the hunt is for, what time of year it is and what one packs...or doesn't.

What I am saying is that most people love what they have and defend it passionately...which is great I think. But there are so many variables to a "backcountry pack" that I don't think there is one answer. And every time I do only think there is one answer...a better pack comes out.

[bassquatch]

What I am saying is that most people love what they have and defend it passionately...which is great I think. But there are so many variables to a "backcountry pack" that I don't think there is one answer. And every time I do only think there is one answer...a better pack comes out. [/quote]

I couldn't agree more... also you run into the defense of dollars spent, many times people are extra passionate about their item because they paid 3-5 times what another similar option costs. Kifaru's are nice and U.S. made absolutely, but dropping $700-$1200 on a pack and potential 'options' or 'accessories' isn't for everyone. Same with optics and various other pieces of gear, perhaps the better question would be "For X amount of dollars what is my best option for a backcountry pack?". Just saying...

A ton of good info in this thread though!!

[actionshooter]

What I am saying is that most people love what they have and defend it passionately...which is great I think. But there are so many variables to a "backcountry pack" that I don't think there is one answer. And every time I do only think there is one answer...a better pack comes out.

[/quote]

WELL SAID,

I think most people do a little internet research, maybe go look at a couple of packs and then love what they buy.............if it works for you then its good.
 In the last 15 years I have had 2 packs a Dana archflex terraplane and then moved into a MR Grizzly,  they are heavy but they pack heavy loads awesome.
 I have tried several packs through the last couple of years that just ddin't work for me. a Lowe (don't remember the model), a Badlands 4500, KUIU to be fair iit had an elk quarter and the pack wasn't adjusted for me, A Kifaru didn't work for me at all. I think that is b/c I'm too big for it, 6'-5"
I gues what I'm getting at, everyone is going to be different.

[7mag.]

What I am saying is that most people love what they have and defend it passionately...which is great I think. But there are so many variables to a "backcountry pack" that I don't think there is one answer. And every time I do only think there is one answer...a better pack comes out.

WELL SAID,

I think most people do a little internet research, maybe go look at a couple of packs and then love what they buy.............if it works for you then its good.
 In the last 15 years I have had 2 packs a Dana archflex terraplane and then moved into a MR Grizzly,  they are heavy but they pack heavy loads awesome.
 I have tried several packs through the last couple of years that just ddin't work for me. a Lowe (don't remember the model), a Badlands 4500, KUIU to be fair iit had an elk quarter and the pack wasn't adjusted for me, A Kifaru didn't work for me at all. I think that is b/c I'm too big for it, 6'-5"
I gues what I'm getting at, everyone is going to be different.
[/quote]

I have the same pack, I think. I have the MR BDSB, which, I believe is the early model of either the Grizzly or the Kodiak. It's 7400 ci. and hauls heavy loads really well. They are expensive, but, it's worth it to save my back and shoulders. I looked at many packs, and to me, good suspension and functional load lifters are paramount.

[PacificNWhunter]

It really comes down to personal preference, your body type/size as well as your expectations and hunting style. I have tried most of the "big hitters" Badlands, Eberly, KUIU, MR, and Kifaru and each in its own right is awesome. I had pretty specific expectations of what I wanted and chose a pack and company that offered what I needed. It took a few years of trial and error but I think I've found what I'm looking for with Kifaru.

Someone already mentioned it too, but depending on what you want there are awesome non hunting packs out there too. I loved my arcteryx bora, probably my favorite pack of all time. It just can't handle 80 lbs loads.

Lastly, don't let price be a deciding factor. Buy the best you can afford, or like me and many others save up for it. I spent 18 days/nights last year living out of my pack and already before elk and deer season have around 16 this year. In my opinion when you spend the money for top notch gear it hurts at first but then during crunch time its worth every penny and then some when your loaded up 8 miles from truck.

[slim9300]

Having packed two elk quarters out at a time, I know the value of a true load hauler.  I want comfort when I have 100 lbs on my back for 7+ miles.

I agree and am by no means saying you don't. I am saying some people do not want to haul two quarters at the same time, thus requiring something different from their pack.

what kinda critters or UL gear are you running to pack critter and camp at 80lbs...?
camp and mule deer in a 4k cube pack is going to end up with stuff strapped everywhere. 7k cube pack you could just throw it all in and go...

You could absolutely throw everything in a 7k inch pack and roll. But there is a penalty on the front end for being able doing that. I can't make a blanket statement that "no you wouldn't have stuff strapped everywhere with a 4k in pack" but that is very dependant on what the hunt is for, what time of year it is and what one packs...or doesn't.

What I am saying is that most people love what they have and defend it passionately...which is great I think. But there are so many variables to a "backcountry pack" that I don't think there is one answer. And every time I do only think there is one answer...a better pack comes out.

There is one pack that's 7000+ cu. inches that has no "penalty" that I can think of when compared to any other hunting oriented 4k inch backpack. I'm curious what you would say the "penalty" is for a 5.6 lb. Kifaru T1. It pack's down smaller than a BL 2200, and carries 80+ lbs. better than any other pack I have owned / tried (and that's been quite a few external frame packs, a few Eberlestocks and Badlands and the Kuiu Icon)


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[Benny]

There is one pack that's 7000+ cu. inches that has no "penalty" that I can think of when compared to any other hunting oriented 4k inch backpack. I'm curious what you would say the "penalty" is for a 5.6 lb. Kifaru T1. It pack's down smaller than a BL 2200, and carries 80+ lbs. better than any other pack I have owned / tried (and that's been quite a few external frame packs, a few Eberlestocks and Badlands and the Kuiu Icon)


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About a pound over a T3.....

[bassquatch]

You guys have all but sold me on a new Kifaru T1

[fillthefreezer]

You guys have all but sold me on a new Kifaru T1

seriously huh..

[bassquatch]

Yep! Watched some videos on them and I like the design. Wish they were sold in stores though...it would be nice to test fit one before dropping the coin

[slim9300]

There is one pack that's 7000+ cu. inches that has no "penalty" that I can think of when compared to any other hunting oriented 4k inch backpack. I'm curious what you would say the "penalty" is for a 5.6 lb. Kifaru T1. It pack's down smaller than a BL 2200, and carries 80+ lbs. better than any other pack I have owned / tried (and that's been quite a few external frame packs, a few Eberlestocks and Badlands and the Kuiu Icon)


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About a pound over a T3.....

You were referring to other hunting packs and brands. I assumed you meant something other than a Kifaru. So other than the T3 and KU, what 4k cu. inch pack?


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[slim9300]

Yep! Watched some videos on them and I like the design. Wish they were sold in stores though...it would be nice to test fit one before dropping the coin

If you don't like it you can send it back for a 100% refund. But I bet that wont happen.


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[Miles]

Here it is, search no further.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nM6wfjuirE

[Miles]

Why won't the youtube videos automatically embed themselves now?

[fair-chase]

Why won't the youtube videos automatically embed themselves now?

When you click on the share button in youtube, select "options" below the link, then choose "long link". Copy and paste as usual.

Flextrek 37trillion