Post by: uplandhunter870 on April 08, 2013, 10:51:35 AM
i honestly do not know much about this type of hunting and am new to the backpacking world, although i do believe i have enough of the basic skills to not die while on a camping trip
what im looking at is hiking in a few miles from the rig (get away from the roads and people) not necessarily high hunt wilderness trip, but once im in a few miles find a place to camp for two or three days. looking at packing in a tent, sleeping bag and pad, camping gear essentials (MSR white gas stove, camp dishes, couple liters of water, food map compass gps etc) Hunting essentials (weapon rifle/bow, ammo, binos/spotter, rangefinder, misc required items) and of course ability to pack an animal out if im so fortunate along with packing out my gear taken in.
i know packs can be a very personalized item so some info on me is im 5' 9" and weigh in at 260 currently, im a bigger sized dude and am working on slimming down but im still just a naturally big dude.
ive looked at few packs like mystery ranch and eberlestock but mostly out of curiousity, i dont really know what to look for specifically that will make a pack ok versus good versus great, although i dont see the mystery ranch (crew cab pack specifically) fitting the bill just cause i cant see where all the gear would do with becoming cumbersome and sloppy
so with that info and all of your personal experiences what would you recommend for a multi-day sized pack that is suited towards hunting?
Post by: jackelope on April 08, 2013, 10:55:13 AM
They really run the spectrum.
Post by: uplandhunter870 on April 08, 2013, 11:06:27 AM
i dont have a problem spending decent money on quality dependable proven gear but i dont want to take out a loan either :chuckle:
id say 400 max but wont rule out good gear thats around the $200 range either as long as its quality gear
Post by: jackelope on April 08, 2013, 11:21:16 AM
I have an Eberlestock J107 and it works well. For example, last fall I did a 4 day hunting trip and it was maxed out size-wise, but I am still working with sort of "beginner" level gear and haven't gone to the ultralight/ultracompact stuff. I did an overnighter on Mt Adams in July, non hunting trip and it was plenty big. There are better options, but you're going to drop some bigger $$. I think theres a J107 in the classifieds right now for $325 or there abouts. The scabbard on the Eberle packs is nice. People complain that they are too heavy at 7-8 pounds. There's a Sitka Flash 30 in the classifieds here which is 3200 cubic inches. I think that pack is borderline not big enough, at least with my gear, but it is a nice pack and a good price. Something to consider.
Post by: Smossy on April 08, 2013, 11:24:18 AM
Post by: shootnrun on April 08, 2013, 02:35:19 PM
Post by: HighCountryHunter88 on April 08, 2013, 02:36:48 PM
Post by: uplandhunter870 on April 08, 2013, 04:11:22 PM
$400 will get you an Eberlestock or a Badlands 4500 or something like that unless you go used. If you want to go with a backpacking/REI style pack and not a hunting specific pack, that would open up more options. Mystery Ranch, Kifaru and the like I don't think you'll touch for $400.00 unless you go used and a few years old with some miles on them.
Jackelope-- Im not dead set on a hunting specific brand pack, what i guess im after more is a good quality pack that can hold all the gear a person would need for 3-4 days afield and have ability to pack out meat.
so a north face pack, high sierra, mystery ranch or eberlestock it doesnt matter to me as long as its a good pack that works and i can afford it, heck it could even be neon colored. yeah a rifle/bow scabbard would be nice to have but im sure i can figure out a way to lash my weapon to any pack
thanks again
Uplander
Post by: et1702 on April 08, 2013, 04:19:39 PM
i like my eberlestock blue widow
me too :tup:
ET
Post by: et1702 on April 08, 2013, 04:22:12 PM
The LL Bean one in this thread interests me too, as you could just strap bivy bag on and go! Plus it's cheap
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,120170.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,120170.0.html)
ET
Post by: scottcrb on April 08, 2013, 04:33:30 PM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 08, 2013, 05:21:34 PM
That being said, as mentioned earlier, backpacks seem to come in a variety of sizes, shapes, functionalities, weights, and prices. You have to look at a couple of different things. Many "hiking" packs aren't designed to carry the giant loads hunters will have to carry upon successful harvest of an animal. That's not saying they won't, it's just that it won't be a lot of fun. And who wants a strap to break 10 miles from the road...
So the basic functionality you want is a pack that will put the weight on your hips, and off your shoulders. This is done with the use of a good comfortable waist belt that's tight, and functional load lifters. Functional meaning, they actually freaking work. Lots of load lifters are there for looks and don't quite lift the load off your shoulders.
In your price range I'd look at a Sitka, Badlands, or possibly grabbing a used KUIU. I know there is a used Kifaru T2 over on Rokslide for like 629.
Next you want to look at barreling in the frame. Many sheet frames and internal packs will barrel (meaning flex from flat) and cause the load to shift away from your body a bit. This isn't desireable, but also isn't a big deal. You also want a pack that will carry your loads high, and you want to try and avoid getting the bowling ball syndrome in the bottom of your pack.
I've had a serious revelation this year, with gear. I've gotten tired of investing in cheap to moderate gear over and over again. I did some serious upgrades this year and haven't looked back.
Without going to crazy, I'd say you can get away with a Solo or T2 (DT2) from Kifaru for not much more then what your spending limit is. I'd also recommend trying out some packs so you can really see the difference in quality.
My pack should be here April 17th give or take...I can't wait to post my review!
Good luck in your pack shopping! It's a lot of fun!
Post by: Tim in Wa. on April 08, 2013, 06:36:39 PM
Post by: colockumelk on April 08, 2013, 06:45:57 PM
http://www.mysteryranch.com/hunting/nice-frame-packs/nice-longbow-pack (http://www.mysteryranch.com/hunting/nice-frame-packs/nice-longbow-pack)
Here's a few pics of it in action
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi45.tinypic.com%2F23u5y6f.jpg&hash=468615d765cefa13ae688902d4185d19c90b6235)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi45.tinypic.com%2Fjhv9ys.jpg&hash=ce3d93db3dbd2a9556fb756ad874ba588e3eb956)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.tinypic.com%2Fm0px5.jpg&hash=9d59e8f82bb379501e18c9bccff30c267a38c7bb)
Now if you want something with more bag space than 2,400 cubic inches than check out the brand new Metcalf. This will be my next bag. It costs $469 and seems to be a great pack. Same concept as the Longbow, just a bigger bag. The nice thing about the Mystery Ranch NICE frame is once you have it you can use the Longbow for a day pack/meat hunter and then you can take it off and put on the 6500 bag if your doing a 10day bivy hunt.
http://blog.mysteryranch.com/2013/02/nice-metcalf/ (http://blog.mysteryranch.com/2013/02/nice-metcalf/)
Here's some more propoganda :chuckle: a bunch of pictures of Mystery Ranch packs hauling meat and gear.
http://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?t=245278 (http://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?t=245278)
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 08, 2013, 07:11:03 PM
For $439 you can get a Mystery Ranch Longbow. It has enough room in the bag to carry 3-4 days worth of gear. Furthermore ( this is why I bought it). You can put meat between the bag and the frame, while at the same time carrying ALL your gear. I have used it as a day pack, and as a bivy hunting pack. I have boned out meat and carried it in the bag and I have also sandwhiched a quarter of elk between the bag and frame with gear in my bag. Both work well. Very comfortable and durable pack. The 3 zip design is awesome. If I have a rain jacket stuffed in the bottom of my bag I don't have to dump my bag to get to it like other packs. I unsold it down and pull out the jacket. This feature is priceless. It also has inside pockets which seperate and organize gear well. I LOVE them. Check it out.
http://www.mysteryranch.com/hunting/nice-frame-packs/nice-longbow-pack (http://www.mysteryranch.com/hunting/nice-frame-packs/nice-longbow-pack)
Here's a few pics of it in action
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi45.tinypic.com%2F23u5y6f.jpg&hash=468615d765cefa13ae688902d4185d19c90b6235)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi45.tinypic.com%2Fjhv9ys.jpg&hash=ce3d93db3dbd2a9556fb756ad874ba588e3eb956)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.tinypic.com%2Fm0px5.jpg&hash=9d59e8f82bb379501e18c9bccff30c267a38c7bb)
Now if you want something with more bag space than 2,400 cubic inches than check out the brand new Metcalf. This will be my next bag. It costs $469 and seems to be a great pack. Same concept as the Longbow, just a bigger bag. The nice thing about the Mystery Ranch NICE frame is once you have it you can use the Longbow for a day pack/meat hunter and then you can take it off and put on the 6500 bag if your doing a 10day bivy hunt.
http://blog.mysteryranch.com/2013/02/nice-metcalf/ (http://blog.mysteryranch.com/2013/02/nice-metcalf/)
Here's some more propoganda :chuckle: a bunch of pictures of Mystery Ranch packs hauling meat and gear.
http://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?t=245278 (http://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?t=245278)
Post by: actionshooter on April 08, 2013, 07:22:45 PM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on April 08, 2013, 07:45:18 PM
Post by: colockumelk on April 08, 2013, 08:53:12 PM
Is the Mystery Ranch packs the greatest end all be all packs? Absolutely not. But for the price range he listed and what he wants out of it (3-4 day bivy pack able to carry a load of meat and all his gear) you wilm be hard pressed.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 08, 2013, 09:45:44 PM
Silkonthewestside. You are wrong about the NICE frame. Not sure where you got ten pounds from but your way off. The frame itself weighs 4lbs 4oz. My Longbow bag weighs 2lbs 4oz (6lbs 8oz total) Also have you ever used a Mystery Ranch bag? Because the load lifters work great :tup: Now if your a taller guy then I could see where the lifters wouldn't work that great. But the new Metcalf has functional load lifters for all sizes and heights of men. As does the 6500 and the 7500. Just like the Kifaru. And yes the kifaru weighs less but it also costs alot more. :tup:
Is the Mystery Ranch packs the greatest end all be all packs? Absolutely not. But for the price range he listed and what he wants out of it (3-4 day bivy pack able to carry a load of meat and all his gear) you wilm be hard pressed.
I was looking at the total weight for the NICE 6500 which is comparable to the Duplex Frame or Bikini with a DT1.
The total weight is 9 Pounds, 8 Ounces.
The 7500 adds 3 ounces.
The 7500 with the frame is the exact same price +/- a few bucks of the Bikini with the DT1 which weighs in at 5 pounds 7 ounces. Which is FOUR pounds less, for the same price.
NOW. I will say, I have never had a MR on my back, and so I cannot speak to the load lifters, but during my research that has been a major complaint I've seen on multiple forums.
I do not know if it's been addressed.
But at the end of the day, I can't imagine spending the same amount on a pack that weighs nearly twice as much for the same functionality.
But to each there own! I refuse to participate in brand bashing as MR, for all I've heard makes very high quality products!
Post by: Worldhunter on April 08, 2013, 09:50:10 PM
Post by: jbeaumont21 on April 08, 2013, 10:07:14 PM
http://shop.outdoorsmans.com/category.sc?categoryId=58 (http://shop.outdoorsmans.com/category.sc?categoryId=58)
Post by: JM on April 09, 2013, 07:13:22 AM
Post by: Bearhunter on April 09, 2013, 07:29:43 AM
Post by: lghtnquik on April 09, 2013, 09:00:07 AM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on April 09, 2013, 10:26:16 AM
It comes down to what your needs are now, and how likely they are to change in the future. That would be my first step in choosing a pack. Identify what you absolutley need. IMO the perfect pack doesnt exist, all have weaknesses. Even the mighty Kifaru, whos biggest weakness is the fact that I can go on an out of state elk hunt for the price of the pack. So although I would love to have one, my personal budget constraints say buy tags for experiences, and make do with my "junker" pack. For many that is not an issue, and I understand why Kifaru is the "perfect" pack.
If money were no object, purchasing the pack that most apropriatley fit your specifications from the "big 3" would make the most sense. Use and abuse them and choose the one that you like the best. Similar to optics reviews of Zeiss, Swaro, And Leica. At the top of the heap its all personal opinion, none are really "better" than others. Just better for you :tup:
If thats out of the cards, I agree with lghtnquick shop for used, quality packs. Although personnally I wouldnt turn away from eberle or badlands. I have used and own both and they functioned fine. Again they are not perfect, but purchased on ebay for a fraction of the cost of new, and even smaller fractions of the other pack companies, they have been well worth the money.
One other thing look hard at the cabelas Alaskan 2. Its a tuff bombproof pack that will effectivley haul more than you want to carry. Being an external frame it is easy to expand as your tent, sleeping bag, pad etc... can be lashed to the frame. Giving you plenty of space in the bag for extended stays if needed. I know many hardcore guys swear by them. I have one myself purchased many years ago, and it still sees a TON of use after all these years. Although its not my main go to bag anymore, its still gets passed along to friends, and used all the time for meat hauling, etc... for the money its a great addition to your pack arsenal.
Post by: uplandhunter870 on April 09, 2013, 05:45:16 PM
come the weekend ill be able to go through all this at greater depth.
thanks for all the pointers and leads on classified ads
uplander
Post by: timberghost72 on April 09, 2013, 06:26:51 PM
I bought a Deuter 75+10 last year and it is one of the lightest most comfortable packs I've owned. I think I got it for around $230 from backcountry.com. A friend of mine has a Gregory and he swears by it. One thing that I would do if I were you though is stick with something around 5000cc though.
:tup: I bought the Deuter ACT lite 65+10 last year and it is by far the most comfortable pack I have ever owned.
The best thing you could do is find a shop near you that has a ton of packs to try. REI is great for that. Put weight in them and walk around the store. Packs are personal so one pack might be great for one person but suck for another person. Don't get caught up on price and camo. Those features should come second. :twocents:
Post by: colockumelk on April 09, 2013, 07:03:38 PM
I guess like you said different strokes for different folks. All my research and trying on different packs led me to the NICE frame. The selling point was Tue ability to have one frame but be able to put different bags on for different hunts. Also the ability to haul meat and all my gear in one trip. Only Mystery Ranch offered this. It also didn't help I'm not a tall guy so the liftets on the NICE frame work.
You made some good points which I agree with. :brew:
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 09, 2013, 07:06:26 PM
Silkonthewestside I see what you were comparing them to now and where you got 10lbs from.
I guess like you said different strokes for different folks. All my research and trying on different packs led me to the NICE frame. The selling point was Tue ability to have one frame but be able to put different bags on for different hunts. Also the ability to haul meat and all my gear in one trip. Only Mystery Ranch offered this. It also didn't help I'm not a tall guy so the liftets on the NICE frame work.
You made some good points which I agree with. :brew:
Not that I'm pimping any brand, but the Kifaru's and Stone Glaciers will also allow you the versatility to put any bag you want on the frame. I know of some guys who have other bags on the duplex frames, and plan on transferring them to the bikini. Also, both of those frames will handle more weight then you can put on them. As will the KUIU from what I understand. Again, not saying you made the wrong choice with your pack, I'm glad you found one you really like, and keep slaying them critters!
Post by: couesbitten on April 09, 2013, 09:13:37 PM
Also the ability to haul meat and all my gear in one trip. Only Mystery Ranch offered this.
Bad news, MR isn't the only ones that offer this feature, see information below.
Here's a link to a picture of the Kifaru Highcamp bag and Bikini frame with a simulated load of meat (in the green bag) in between the bag and frame, with all that excess webbing, you could really bump that bag out if you needed to.
http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u387/AronSnyder/DSC03889_zps067e847d.jpg (http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u387/AronSnyder/DSC03889_zps067e847d.jpg)
Stone Glacier also offer this feature, just go to their site, click on either the Terminus or Solo bags, and then click on the tab that says "load shelf". http://stoneglacier.com/products.html (http://stoneglacier.com/products.html)
Probably still time to change your mind. :dunno:
Post by: Swannytheswan on April 09, 2013, 10:15:53 PM
http://www.wildernesspacks.com/big-horn-combo (http://www.wildernesspacks.com/big-horn-combo)
Post by: colockumelk on April 10, 2013, 06:32:17 AM
Also the ability to haul meat and all my gear in one trip. Only Mystery Ranch offered this.
Bad news, MR isn't the only ones that offer this feature, see information below.
Here's a link to a picture of the Kifaru Highcamp bag and Bikini frame with a simulated load of meat (in the green bag) in between the bag and frame, with all that excess webbing, you could really bump that bag out if you needed to.
http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u387/AronSnyder/DSC03889_zps067e847d.jpg (http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u387/AronSnyder/DSC03889_zps067e847d.jpg)
Stone Glacier also offer this feature, just go to their site, click on either the Terminus or Solo bags, and then click on the tab that says "load shelf". http://stoneglacier.com/products.html (http://stoneglacier.com/products.html)
Probably still time to change your mind. :dunno:
Nope I packed 5 elk with it this year. Had a half an elk twice on my back. The Longbow exceeded all my expectations. Can't imagine a pack being more comfortable or handling the weight any better. Also did some evasion training with it for a few days in Vermont in February and it worked great. It also is the perfect size for a "go" bag in the event I am shot down.
Yes bot the Stone and Kifarus are good packs.
Post by: Ridgerunner on April 10, 2013, 06:43:41 AM
Post by: jbeaumont21 on April 10, 2013, 04:12:53 PM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ILBE-Pack-Gen-2-Complete-w-Lid-Waist-Belt-US-Military-Prepper-Backpack/160981062578?_trksid=p2045573.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555003%26algo%3DPW.CAT%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D14622%26meid%3D6873468467333218209%26pid%3D100034%26prg%3D7118%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D281081759711%26 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/ILBE-Pack-Gen-2-Complete-w-Lid-Waist-Belt-US-Military-Prepper-Backpack/160981062578?_trksid=p2045573.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555003%26algo%3DPW.CAT%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D14622%26meid%3D6873468467333218209%26pid%3D100034%26prg%3D7118%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D281081759711%26)
Post by: iflyils on April 10, 2013, 06:55:46 PM
Post by: couesbitten on April 10, 2013, 07:13:18 PM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 10, 2013, 08:26:01 PM
Mystery ranch I have 4 of them nothing even compares!!!
Do you wear all four at the same time? So you can pack out four deer?
Post by: shootnrun on April 10, 2013, 10:32:01 PM
Mystery ranch I have 4 of them nothing even compares!!!
Do you wear all four at the same time? So you can pack out four deer?
:chuckle:
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 11, 2013, 06:02:18 AM
Called Kifaru yesterday, and my pack should ship no later than Friday.
When was your ship date? I'm waiting on an email back from Heath...not because I'm impatient, but because I'll be traveling for two weeks for work and might have them ship the pack to my hotel.
Post by: couesbitten on April 11, 2013, 09:47:07 AM
Post by: ridgefire on April 12, 2013, 09:50:20 AM
Post by: couesbitten on April 12, 2013, 12:03:46 PM
Post by: Smossy on April 12, 2013, 02:13:59 PM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 12, 2013, 02:28:01 PM
BADLANDS 2200 HUNTING BACKPACK On sale for $169.99 marked down from $269.99 Right now on camofire.com for the next 5 minutes. Get it while its hott!
That's a fine day pack but this thread is about backcountry backpacks...
Post by: kentrek on April 12, 2013, 02:30:47 PM
BADLANDS 2200 HUNTING BACKPACK On sale for $169.99 marked down from $269.99 Right now on camofire.com for the next 5 minutes. Get it while its hott!
That's a fine day pack but this thread is about backcountry backpacks...
2200 inches is more than enough for a weekend in the backcountry..
Post by: jackelope on April 12, 2013, 02:34:08 PM
BADLANDS 2200 HUNTING BACKPACK On sale for $169.99 marked down from $269.99 Right now on camofire.com for the next 5 minutes. Get it while its hott!
That's a fine day pack but this thread is about backcountry backpacks...
2200 inches is more than enough for a weekend in the backcountry..
If your sleep system consists of moss and pine boughs.
Post by: Smossy on April 12, 2013, 02:36:04 PM
Back-country Is person specific. Not the BACKPACK itself. Some people can go out with virtually nothing and be successful.BADLANDS 2200 HUNTING BACKPACK On sale for $169.99 marked down from $269.99 Right now on camofire.com for the next 5 minutes. Get it while its hott!
That's a fine day pack but this thread is about backcountry backpacks...
Some people need every accommodation known to man. :dunno: was Just shooting out a deal. Jeesh
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 12, 2013, 02:36:42 PM
And to get an animal out?
BADLANDS 2200 HUNTING BACKPACK On sale for $169.99 marked down from $269.99 Right now on camofire.com for the next 5 minutes. Get it while its hott!
That's a fine day pack but this thread is about backcountry backpacks...
2200 inches is more than enough for a weekend in the backcountry..
If your sleep system consists of moss and pine boughs.
Post by: kentrek on April 12, 2013, 02:38:27 PM
BADLANDS 2200 HUNTING BACKPACK On sale for $169.99 marked down from $269.99 Right now on camofire.com for the next 5 minutes. Get it while its hott!
That's a fine day pack but this thread is about backcountry backpacks...
2200 inches is more than enough for a weekend in the backcountry..
If your sleep system consists of moss and pine boughs.
lol i was just saying it can be done,just gota spend more time tweaking your gear :tup:
Post by: Smossy on April 12, 2013, 02:39:43 PM
Post by: jackelope on April 12, 2013, 02:40:32 PM
BADLANDS 2200 HUNTING BACKPACK On sale for $169.99 marked down from $269.99 Right now on camofire.com for the next 5 minutes. Get it while its hott!
That's a fine day pack but this thread is about backcountry backpacks...
2200 inches is more than enough for a weekend in the backcountry..
If your sleep system consists of moss and pine boughs.
lol i was just saying it can be done,just gota spend more time tweaking your gear :tup:
And not bringing food.
I'm just joking. I know some people can do it. I just don't feel like I could fit my food for a weekend into a 2200" pack.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 12, 2013, 02:41:23 PM
Its cool Ill just start keeping stuff to myself.
Wasn't trying to be a downer, just thinking that might deserve it's own thread and pointing out this thread was tailored towards backpack hunting.
Post away smossy.
Post by: jackelope on April 12, 2013, 02:47:12 PM
Its cool Ill just start keeping stuff to myself.
Wasn't trying to be a downer, just thinking that might deserve it's own thread and pointing out this thread was tailored towards backpack hunting.
Post away smossy.
If you want to be like that, then the ship dates and all the other Kifaru talk you guys have been having deserves it's own thread as well. This OP asked about a $400 pack recommendation. Not a $700 pack, or the ship dates of your Kifaru packs, etc. Just sayin...
Post by: kentrek on April 12, 2013, 02:55:46 PM
BADLANDS 2200 HUNTING BACKPACK On sale for $169.99 marked down from $269.99 Right now on camofire.com for the next 5 minutes. Get it while its hott!
That's a fine day pack but this thread is about backcountry backpacks...
2200 inches is more than enough for a weekend in the backcountry..
If your sleep system consists of moss and pine boughs.
lol i was just saying it can be done,just gota spend more time tweaking your gear :tup:
And not bringing food.
I'm just joking. I know some people can do it. I just don't feel like I could fit my food for a weekend into a 2200" pack.
just keep working at it :tup:
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 12, 2013, 03:07:13 PM
Its cool Ill just start keeping stuff to myself.
Wasn't trying to be a downer, just thinking that might deserve it's own thread and pointing out this thread was tailored towards backpack hunting.
Post away smossy.
If you want to be like that, then the ship dates and all the other Kifaru talk you guys have been having deserves it's own thread as well. This OP asked about a $400 pack recommendation. Not a $700 pack, or the ship dates of your Kifaru packs, etc. Just sayin...
Post by: dreamingbig on April 12, 2013, 03:30:21 PM
If mystery ranch had made the metcalf earlier than I might have gone that route. Functional load lifters are key IMO.
I have also used a blacks creek Canadian, a eberlestock x2, a Gregory Whitney, and a cabelas Alaskan external. They all worked but the kifaru experience puts all of those to shame at crunch time when you have100 lbs of meat to pack.
Post by: uplandhunter870 on April 17, 2013, 09:21:09 PM
over the weekend i ended up getting a Mystery Ranch Nice frame and Crew cab pack. i sort of lucked out on this deal, got talking to one of the guys at the trap club i shoot at here that does a lot of over night elk hunts had a crew cab bag that he used once before upgrading to the new metcalf and said hed sell me it for $100, so i jumped on that deal and went an picked up a nice frame from the factory here in town.
told a sales rep in the shop what went down, and he was more than willing to show me how to set it all up and even fitted it to me. we threw 60lbs in it, walked around and climbed some stairs certainly did not feel like 60lbs. I think its a pretty awesome pack and a load rides well in it for me. personally i think itll be the last pack i ever need to buy, we'll see later this summer as i have a 30 mile trek from rainy pass to stehekin planned and have a few tenative 3 day hunts planned for bear and archery deer, cant wait to get out and put it through its paces
thanks again everyone, HW never fails with the vast wealth of info and helpful demeanor of our members
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on April 17, 2013, 09:31:07 PM
Post by: 7mag. on April 18, 2013, 08:33:14 PM
Post by: bmccalister on April 21, 2013, 04:20:24 PM
http://eberlestock.com/J34%20Just%20One.htm (http://eberlestock.com/J34%20Just%20One.htm)
But I have also been looking at Nimrod packs especially the wilderness pack system or the apex pack system. However, nimrod packs can get costly with the accessories but is a very versatile pack.
http://www.nimrodpacks.com/n325.html (http://www.nimrodpacks.com/n325.html)
These packs are good investments.