Post by: Evoac05 on March 31, 2014, 08:31:00 PM
I want a pack that will have enough room to pack stuff for an overnight or two and also have the ability to haul meat. I would like something that can compress and not too overly bulky. I am looking at Mystery Ranch, Kuiu, and Kifaru. Any suggestions on which packs I should look at? Feel free to suggest other things to keep in mind when looking for a pack.
-Thanks
Post by: hogslayer on March 31, 2014, 08:39:11 PM
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wXBsGzwEd2A (http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wXBsGzwEd2A)
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on March 31, 2014, 09:54:48 PM
I don't have any experience with MR personally, but starting at 9 lbs for a pack is not something I'm interested in. There was also some issues people claimed to have with load lifters not doing the job on some of there older packs, but this issue seems to be rectified at this point.
I went the Kifaru route and haven't looked back. If you can stomach the price point, there customer service is impeccable and I've been very happy with the pack. I run a bikini frame currently with a DT1 bag last year. I won my fantasy football league and decided I wanted the new EMR2 bag. Should be here in a few weeks, but the frame and belt is where you get your bread and butter. I had 115 +/- lbs in mine last year and I can't imagine having a different pack...
If at all possible I'd try on a few of the packs with 60-75 lbs of weight and see how they feel.
Post by: JLS on March 31, 2014, 10:03:33 PM
That said, if I was going the Mystery Ranch route I would buy the Metcalf this time around. It would be more functional for the longer trips without losing the versatility of the NICE system.
I did add the frame extender made by Oneiros Valley. It was $40 to add it. I've not yet had a chance to load it up and test it, but I'm sure it will do exactly what I wanted it to do, which was make the load lifters a functional lifter versus a load stabilizer.
There are TONS of really good options. A MR will give you durability beyond belief, but it comes at a price which is weight. The Stone Glacier and Exo packs look very intriguing also.
Figure out what your key gotta have items are, establish a budget, and go from there. I would have probably bought a Kifaru if I had the money, but I got the Longbow for a good price.
Post by: Rider on March 31, 2014, 10:06:34 PM
like it so far. Holds my bow very securely
Post by: haugenna on March 31, 2014, 10:14:59 PM
1. lightweight pack but durable to carry heavy loads over long distances
2. Versatile day pack with expansion as a multi day pack
3. Meat shelf
Durable material as well.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on March 31, 2014, 10:15:48 PM
I picked up a Pinnacle pack from Nimrod Packs http://www.nimrodpacks.com/ (http://www.nimrodpacks.com/)
like it so far. Holds my bow very securely
Looks like a good day pack, but at that price point...with what appear to be non-functional load lifters, a lack of a power pull on the belt...you'd find better options elsewhere IMO.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on March 31, 2014, 10:27:51 PM
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Post by: northwesthunter84 on March 31, 2014, 10:40:40 PM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on March 31, 2014, 10:44:39 PM
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Post by: bowhunterty on March 31, 2014, 11:06:13 PM
Post by: 7mag. on March 31, 2014, 11:22:42 PM
I picked up a Pinnacle pack from Nimrod Packs http://www.nimrodpacks.com/ (http://www.nimrodpacks.com/)
like it so far. Holds my bow very securely
Looks like a good day pack, but at that price point...with what appear to be non-functional load lifters, a lack of a power pull on the belt...you'd find better options elsewhere IMO.
I had one and sold it. It was an awesome day pack, but when I hauled meat with it, even with the frame attached, it killed my shoulders and back.
Post by: RadSav on April 01, 2014, 02:00:11 AM
exomountaingear.com/ check these guys out. Its definitely worth a look. They will be getting my business soon enough. Weight and ride tested with 250lbs. :yike: If you read the specs this pack is pretty impressive for the price point.
I've been looking at these packs with a lot of interest. These guys seem to have thought things out extremely well. I expect I will have one before my next big hunt up north!
Post by: Evoac05 on April 02, 2014, 06:36:09 AM
Post by: Hornseeker on April 02, 2014, 07:01:04 AM
I use the MR Crew Cab and honestly cant imagine anything better... except for a quiet fabric... This pack though, will compress to almost nothing on my back...carrying just day hunting necessities, but expand to carry more than I...or YOu... or anyone else, could honestly carry. I've used it to pack 7 days camps in... i've used it for day hunts. Go in with 15 pounds of water and gear, come out with 85# of elk meat. The suspension system, shoulder and waist straps and the durability and quality of construction are second to none in my opinion.
Good Luck!!
Post by: Evoac05 on April 02, 2014, 07:16:43 AM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 02, 2014, 03:41:02 PM
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Post by: Evoac05 on April 02, 2014, 04:08:39 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on April 02, 2014, 04:32:28 PM
1) Side tripod and spotting scope pockets. When fully loaded I can still have my spotter and tripod tucked safely away in pockets rather than lashed to the pack in some strange way (I know all the ways :chuckle:)
2) Cubic inches of space to compressed size ratio. 7200ci pack that I can lash down to the size of most of my old day packs and its still very functional.
3) Pockets. I am a less is more kind of guy but the Metcalf was a little too simple of a design. If they had added even a couple more pockets including an outside pocket I may have grabbed one up.
I ended up choosing the DT1 over the DT2 because..........why not! More space, not enough added weight to spit at, still compresses small. The micro adjustability in the Duplex frame to fit it to your exact body structure is amazing and very simple and fast to do. This truly is the cadillac of packs! I wish it had the large side zipper like the MR Metcalf though! That was the one feature that really hung me up. Stuff can get lost in a big duffle style pack if your not careful. Whether you go Kifaru or not, I recommend picking up some Kifaru grab it bags for organizing your stuff. Super lightweight and very handy. Keeps your pack from becoming the bottomless pit! All in all, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the top name packs. They are all very high quality. Just make sure whatever you choose says MADE IN AMERICA!
Also, I gave the Nimrod system a good run and packed a lot of game with it and I would not recommend them for serious weight hauling like back country hunts and meat hauling. The finest quality, customer service, and durability but just lacking in the things that make a pack a serious weight carrier. I will continue to use mine for predator hunting in a day pack function but that will be the extent of its use.
Post by: aorams on April 02, 2014, 05:21:16 PM
I've got one of these and love it. I took it on multiple overnighters and packed out a bear, deer and elk with it. I never loaded it very heavy(preferred to make multiple trips) but it was always very comfortable.
Post by: Smossy on April 02, 2014, 05:34:32 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on April 02, 2014, 05:35:30 PM
Kifaru DT3 Here. :tup:Its fun to say isn't it! :chuckle:
Post by: Smossy on April 02, 2014, 05:41:44 PM
:yeah:Kifaru DT3 Here. :tup:Its fun to say isn't it! :chuckle:
Ive definetly joined the club and I havent even touched the bag yet. :drool:
Post by: Evoac05 on April 02, 2014, 06:55:16 PM
I recently just completed this same process Evo. It came down to the Kifaru DT2 and the Mystery Ranch Metcalf. I ended up getting the DT1 :chuckle:. What it came down to for me was:
1) Side tripod and spotting scope pockets. When fully loaded I can still have my spotter and tripod tucked safely away in pockets rather than lashed to the pack in some strange way (I know all the ways :chuckle:)
2) Cubic inches of space to compressed size ratio. 7200ci pack that I can lash down to the size of most of my old day packs and its still very functional.
3) Pockets. I am a less is more kind of guy but the Metcalf was a little too simple of a design. If they had added even a couple more pockets including an outside pocket I may have grabbed one up.
I ended up choosing the DT1 over the DT2 because..........why not! More space, not enough added weight to spit at, still compresses small. The micro adjustability in the Duplex frame to fit it to your exact body structure is amazing and very simple and fast to do. This truly is the cadillac of packs! I wish it had the large side zipper like the MR Metcalf though! That was the one feature that really hung me up. Stuff can get lost in a big duffle style pack if your not careful. Whether you go Kifaru or not, I recommend picking up some Kifaru grab it bags for organizing your stuff. Super lightweight and very handy. Keeps your pack from becoming the bottomless pit! All in all, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the top name packs. They are all very high quality. Just make sure whatever you choose says MADE IN AMERICA!
Also, I gave the Nimrod system a good run and packed a lot of game with it and I would not recommend them for serious weight hauling like back country hunts and meat hauling. The finest quality, customer service, and durability but just lacking in the things that make a pack a serious weight carrier. I will continue to use mine for predator hunting in a day pack function but that will be the extent of its use.
Thanks BLRman for taking the time to reply. I will definitely keep everything you wrote in mind. I just have to keep saving because all of the packs I am looking at are going to do some damage to my wallet. :chuckle:
Post by: klikboom on April 02, 2014, 07:06:29 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on April 02, 2014, 07:07:45 PM
No way to beat around the bush on that one! Like they say, buy once, cry once. Seriously though, I am a very frugal guy so every time I buy something like this I always have a little (lot) of buyer remorse, until I use it and then I wonder why I waited so long! Probably the worst was when I bought my outdoorsmans tripod and head! It was a "what did you do!" type feeling but that tripod is hands down my favorite piece of gear, and the piece of equipment I use the most. I have a good feeling my Kifaru will be about the same.I recently just completed this same process Evo. It came down to the Kifaru DT2 and the Mystery Ranch Metcalf. I ended up getting the DT1 :chuckle:. What it came down to for me was:
1) Side tripod and spotting scope pockets. When fully loaded I can still have my spotter and tripod tucked safely away in pockets rather than lashed to the pack in some strange way (I know all the ways :chuckle:)
2) Cubic inches of space to compressed size ratio. 7200ci pack that I can lash down to the size of most of my old day packs and its still very functional.
3) Pockets. I am a less is more kind of guy but the Metcalf was a little too simple of a design. If they had added even a couple more pockets including an outside pocket I may have grabbed one up.
I ended up choosing the DT1 over the DT2 because..........why not! More space, not enough added weight to spit at, still compresses small. The micro adjustability in the Duplex frame to fit it to your exact body structure is amazing and very simple and fast to do. This truly is the cadillac of packs! I wish it had the large side zipper like the MR Metcalf though! That was the one feature that really hung me up. Stuff can get lost in a big duffle style pack if your not careful. Whether you go Kifaru or not, I recommend picking up some Kifaru grab it bags for organizing your stuff. Super lightweight and very handy. Keeps your pack from becoming the bottomless pit! All in all, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the top name packs. They are all very high quality. Just make sure whatever you choose says MADE IN AMERICA!
Also, I gave the Nimrod system a good run and packed a lot of game with it and I would not recommend them for serious weight hauling like back country hunts and meat hauling. The finest quality, customer service, and durability but just lacking in the things that make a pack a serious weight carrier. I will continue to use mine for predator hunting in a day pack function but that will be the extent of its use.
Thanks BLRman for taking the time to reply. I will definitely keep everything you wrote in mind. I just have to keep saving because all of the packs I am looking at are going to do some damage to my wallet. :chuckle:
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 02, 2014, 08:56:46 PM
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Post by: TriggerHappy on April 03, 2014, 07:41:21 PM
Post by: Smossy on April 03, 2014, 07:51:27 PM
Post by: jackelope on April 03, 2014, 07:56:24 PM
I've been using a bunch of hikin packs up to now but decided t preorder the exo mtn since I drew Monroe spring bear. I can't recommend it till I try it but I hope it's what they crack it up to be. I'm a little worried no independent folks have reviewed it yet but there will be soon enough assuming all is on schedule ...
Pretty sure Phelps has seen the pack in person. They had the pack at the Extreme Elk booth at the Oregon sportsmans show a couple months ago.
Post by: kentrek on April 03, 2014, 08:05:57 PM
I have a wilderness pack specialties made in Oregon. I looked at this pack for 3 years at the sportsman show. It is the best hunting tool I have. It's comfortable to wear all day and more comfortable then anything I've ever used packing out. :twocents:
Was gona add a few more pics to that wilderness pack thread you started but never did....after 7 years Im retiring the pack for a kuiu ultra..if it wasnt for the ultra id be buying the same pack again
That pack has done some amazing things tho...
Post by: TriggerHappy on April 03, 2014, 08:19:15 PM
Post by: kentrek on April 03, 2014, 08:25:29 PM
..if the ultra does half as good il be a pretty happy camper
Il have to get those pics up for the wilderness pack fans
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 03, 2014, 09:02:33 PM
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Post by: deerslyr on April 03, 2014, 09:24:27 PM
I've been using a bunch of hikin packs up to now but decided t preorder the exo mtn since I drew Monroe spring bear. I can't recommend it till I try it but I hope it's what they crack it up to be. I'm a little worried no independent folks have reviewed it yet but there will be soon enough assuming all is on schedule ...
Pretty sure Phelps has seen the pack in person. They had the pack at the Extreme Elk booth at the Oregon sportsmans show a couple months ago.
I'm getting one to do a video review on. I talked with Steve to see what some things he wanted me to cover in the video and just discuss the pack some more in general. He straight up told me if I thought the pack wasn't comfortable, to say so; If it didn't handle heavy loads well enough for me, say so etc.
He truly believes in the pack, makes me excited to try it out.
If you guys have some stuff you want me to cover in the video, just ask and I'll try and work it in.
Post by: kentrek on April 03, 2014, 09:30:54 PM
In reality it would be nice to know a soaking weight vrs a dry weight
Post by: JPhelps on April 03, 2014, 09:57:09 PM
Steve Speck (the pack designer) was in our booth at the Portland show and the titanium frame is tough!!! He would step on it bend it over and it goes right back in place. They have a horizontal titanium rod to prevent barreling. The real test is loading it down with 100 lbs and checking the comfort.
It will take an amazing pack to get me to switch from my Kifaru though.
Post by: northwesthunter84 on April 03, 2014, 10:07:41 PM
Post by: TriggerHappy on April 03, 2014, 10:41:17 PM
Post by: kentrek on April 03, 2014, 10:44:07 PM
Kentrek, are you still using the bags that you used on you pack in the previous pictures?
Yup, dry bags only for me :tup:
Post by: Evoac05 on April 20, 2014, 01:43:10 PM
No way to beat around the bush on that one! Like they say, buy once, cry once. Seriously though, I am a very frugal guy so every time I buy something like this I always have a little (lot) of buyer remorse, until I use it and then I wonder why I waited so long! Probably the worst was when I bought my outdoorsmans tripod and head! It was a "what did you do!" type feeling but that tripod is hands down my favorite piece of gear, and the piece of equipment I use the most. I have a good feeling my Kifaru will be about the same.I recently just completed this same process Evo. It came down to the Kifaru DT2 and the Mystery Ranch Metcalf. I ended up getting the DT1 :chuckle:. What it came down to for me was:
1) Side tripod and spotting scope pockets. When fully loaded I can still have my spotter and tripod tucked safely away in pockets rather than lashed to the pack in some strange way (I know all the ways :chuckle:)
2) Cubic inches of space to compressed size ratio. 7200ci pack that I can lash down to the size of most of my old day packs and its still very functional.
3) Pockets. I am a less is more kind of guy but the Metcalf was a little too simple of a design. If they had added even a couple more pockets including an outside pocket I may have grabbed one up.
I ended up choosing the DT1 over the DT2 because..........why not! More space, not enough added weight to spit at, still compresses small. The micro adjustability in the Duplex frame to fit it to your exact body structure is amazing and very simple and fast to do. This truly is the cadillac of packs! I wish it had the large side zipper like the MR Metcalf though! That was the one feature that really hung me up. Stuff can get lost in a big duffle style pack if your not careful. Whether you go Kifaru or not, I recommend picking up some Kifaru grab it bags for organizing your stuff. Super lightweight and very handy. Keeps your pack from becoming the bottomless pit! All in all, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the top name packs. They are all very high quality. Just make sure whatever you choose says MADE IN AMERICA!
Also, I gave the Nimrod system a good run and packed a lot of game with it and I would not recommend them for serious weight hauling like back country hunts and meat hauling. The finest quality, customer service, and durability but just lacking in the things that make a pack a serious weight carrier. I will continue to use mine for predator hunting in a day pack function but that will be the extent of its use.
Thanks BLRman for taking the time to reply. I will definitely keep everything you wrote in mind. I just have to keep saving because all of the packs I am looking at are going to do some damage to my wallet. :chuckle:
So I found a great deal on a Kifaru DT1 with bikini frame on Rokslide and decided to bite the bullet. Now I just have to wait for it to arrive. :IBCOOL:
Post by: couesbitten on April 20, 2014, 08:26:02 PM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 20, 2014, 08:35:19 PM
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Post by: 7mag. on April 20, 2014, 08:40:31 PM
Welcome to the koolaide club!
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Yeah, once you get a Kifaru, you're hooked.
Post by: JPhelps on April 20, 2014, 09:04:11 PM
You won't be disappointed.
Post by: Evoac05 on April 20, 2014, 10:44:17 PM
Evoac, did you buy the pack from that guy in Vancouver? That was a great deal for somebody, tried to get a buddy of mine to buy it.
Post by: Evoac05 on April 20, 2014, 10:48:21 PM
I love my DT1 on the bikini frame. It is the perfect pack for me.
You won't be disappointed.
Good to hear. I was a little hesitant to drop that much coin on a pack, but figured I might as well do it. All I hear are great things about Kifaru so I knew I made a good choice. Buy once, cry once.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on April 21, 2014, 12:27:46 PM
awesome choice my friend! You will not be disappointed!I love my DT1 on the bikini frame. It is the perfect pack for me.
You won't be disappointed.
Good to hear. I was a little hesitant to drop that much coin on a pack, but figured I might as well do it. All I hear are great things about Kifaru so I knew I made a good choice. Buy once, cry once.