Post by: MountainWalk on May 12, 2014, 09:16:59 AM
Post by: JLS on May 12, 2014, 09:19:00 AM
Most of the recommendations I would give you are apparently out of your price range.
Good luck.
Post by: MountainWalk on May 12, 2014, 09:21:25 AM
Post by: jackelope on May 12, 2014, 09:26:27 AM
Those other packs are expensive for a reason. That's what I'm finding in my shopping adventures recently.
There's a big difference when it comes to a heavy load.
Post by: JPhelps on May 12, 2014, 09:28:33 AM
I will tell you the Horn Hunter will not be as nice (durable and comfort) as the Kifaru or Mystery ranch.
Post by: MountainWalk on May 12, 2014, 09:32:17 AM
Post by: JLS on May 12, 2014, 09:38:05 AM
Very helpfull. Now, do you know anything about the company and pack itself?
No, I don't, but using the search function I found at least 8 threads on here that talked about it and by using Google I found quite a few more.
Post by: JPhelps on May 12, 2014, 09:47:59 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 12, 2014, 09:48:39 AM
I must be missing something. Only four of the twelve are five hundred bucks and up. So I guess the other eight must be junk..........Not junk at all, just not as good as the higher end stuff. No experience with the full curl packs personally but I'm sure it would be very functional for what you said you are wanting it for. Turn offs for me were that you couldn't adjust the suspension system on them, it didn't come with a spotter and tripod pocket, weight, and also from what I read, heavy loads did not carry well. I bought a Kifaru because in the last decade I have spent WAY more than $700 on multiple packs that have all failed! If this Kifaru holds up and hauls the way everyone has testified that it will, I will be BIG money ahead for biting the bullet and picking one up.
Post by: MountainWalk on May 12, 2014, 09:52:29 AM
Post by: stw on May 12, 2014, 10:21:17 AM
Between my brothers and friends we got 12 of them
The oldest one from o7. We also have different packs by them
To. All i can say is a great pack
Post by: klikboom on May 12, 2014, 10:24:13 AM
Post by: jackelope on May 12, 2014, 10:31:02 AM
Besides the full curl, I've given thought to the outdoorsmen optic pack.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,104616.msg1361362.html#msg1361362 (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,104616.msg1361362.html#msg1361362)
There's a bunch of threads on that one too.
Post by: JLS on May 12, 2014, 10:37:09 AM
Apparently you offended a lot of people who spent $600 on a pack. Check out granite gear patrol pack also. These can be had surplus for a couple/few hundo. Used can get the expensive packs into your price range. I wanted to read that mag review, did you find a copy locally?
I am not offended and could care less what he uses.
The internet has search functions for a reason, some folks just find it easier not to use them I guess.
A used pack is a GREAT option.
Post by: MountainWalk on May 12, 2014, 10:46:17 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 12, 2014, 10:48:20 AM
Apparently you offended a lot of people who spent $600 on a pack. Check out granite gear patrol pack also. These can be had surplus for a couple/few hundo. Used can get the expensive packs into your price range. I wanted to read that mag review, did you find a copy locally?Honestly, it wasn't all that in depth and mind blowing. pretty much just gave a basic run down of functions, weights, pros and cons. You could get the same exact info from the manufacturers websites. They did not put any of these through extensive field testing.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 12, 2014, 10:51:52 AM
Apparently you offended a lot of people who spent $600 on a pack. Check out granite gear patrol pack also. These can be had surplus for a couple/few hundo. Used can get the expensive packs into your price range. I wanted to read that mag review, did you find a copy locally?And no I was not offended. Good quality gear is worth every penny and if someone thinks its excessive so be it. Besides, it was closer to $750 than it was $600! :chuckle:
Post by: MountainWalk on May 12, 2014, 10:57:21 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 12, 2014, 10:57:52 AM
I've used Eberlestock products, before(tailhook), and liked it ok. And when I guided I borrowed one. Liked it. But the blue widow an dragonfly, im not sure how small they compress. Im not going into wilderness and packing in a campor anything. For that, I have a dedicated pack frame. No, what I'm after is xompactness, mobility and versatility and the abilitu to pack meat. I gave away my badlands 2200. It was a good pack, but not as versatil.Check out the Mystery ranch Longbow! It might be a bit over what you want to spend but is very versitile, compresses nicely, has a slim profile, and the NICE suspension system is very comfortable and can carry more weight than you would ever want. From what I have read, the mystery ranch products are the most durable out there. My little brother is with the 75th Ranger Regiment and he uses MR and to say they abuse those packs is an understatement! He has never had an issue with them. Also they are made in the U.S.A which is an important thing for me personally.
http://www.mysteryranch.com/hunting/daypacks/nice-longbow-pack (http://www.mysteryranch.com/hunting/daypacks/nice-longbow-pack)
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on May 12, 2014, 11:28:40 AM
Durability. Comfort. Price.... Pick any 2. Thats the way I see it for the most part. Top tier packs that are durable and comfortable like Kifaru, MR, Stone Glacier, Kuiu etc... come with a price tag that depending on your pack needs and/or pain tolerance :chuckle: may not be worth the investment.
What I call second tier packs, IMO give up the most in comfort. And depending on the pack may be more susceptible to durability issues as well. This seems to be the direction you are looking. I will be honest, if you are going in deep and plan on hauling out 100+ have some tylenol and Ibu's handy. That said, they will get the job done no doubt and wont wipe out your out of state elk tag fund to do it.
Post by: jackelope on May 12, 2014, 11:34:24 AM
No functional load lifters which will make for an uncomfortable packout of a heavy load. That's the way I understand it.
Those other packs are expensive for a reason. That's what I'm finding in my shopping adventures recently.
There's a big difference when it comes to a heavy load.
I stand corrected. I've been told this Horn Hunter pack does have functional load lifters.
Sorry for the mis-information.
Post by: jackelope on May 12, 2014, 11:40:46 AM
:dunno:
Now that you mention specifically what you're after, I'd suggest a look at the Eberle x2 or their Team Elk pack. Great pack.
:twocents:
Post by: Bean Counter on May 12, 2014, 12:36:04 PM
Post by: jackelope on May 12, 2014, 12:38:55 PM
Post by: huntingaddiction on May 12, 2014, 12:59:45 PM
Post by: MountainWalk on May 12, 2014, 02:34:26 PM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on May 12, 2014, 02:45:47 PM
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Post by: jackelope on May 12, 2014, 02:47:11 PM
What applications are you going to be using it for? Wilderness hunting? Pack frame from truck? Day hunting? Just as a meat hauler?
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I've used Eberlestock products, before(tailhook), and liked it ok. And when I guided I borrowed one. Liked it. But the blue widow an dragonfly, im not sure how small they compress. Im not going into wilderness and packing in a campor anything. For that, I have a dedicated pack frame. No, what I'm after is xompactness, mobility and versatility and the abilitu to pack meat. I gave away my badlands 2200. It was a good pack, but not as versatil.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on May 12, 2014, 03:20:06 PM
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Post by: MountainWalk on May 13, 2014, 09:01:20 AM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on May 13, 2014, 09:29:14 AM
To be honest, I am having a hard time deciphering what your priorties are. Your OP sounds like you are looking for a daypack that will haul a meat load back, and an occasional spike trip? ( To be clear spike trip to me is no more than three days ) But you have hauler frame for return trips for meat, and/or extended wilderness treks?
But now you are talking about a frame option you can attach different bags to with ease, i.e... external frame. But you dont want to hunt off that frame, correct? So essentially your looking for a modular system?
Post by: huntingaddiction on May 13, 2014, 12:34:39 PM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on May 13, 2014, 12:57:57 PM
So, I buy this elk hunting magazine for the review on the cover. There were twelve packs. Most are way too expensive for what they are. I don't care how cool or functioning they are. No pack is worth six hundo. But, the horn hunter full curl system caught my eye.. I guess whatt I'm after is a pack that is slim enuff to elk hunt with all day while holdin jacket, knives, water and lunch, and be low profile, but still abley to pack out quarters with ease, w/o having to return to camp for a hauler pack.. But still be able to use it for 3-5 day $pike outs. Any ideas or knowledge about this particular pack or brand?
And for the record...yes, there are packs worth more then 600. I've got about 800 into mine and I'd pay it again before
going with a subpar pack.
But it sounds like you truck camp so your needs are different.
This whole thread is really strange to me, I have to agree that the OP is a bit all over the map. If you want me to tell you the HHFC
System is the same as a Kif, you will be disappointed.
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Post by: jackelope on May 13, 2014, 01:09:14 PM
So, I buy this elk hunting magazine for the review on the cover. There were twelve packs. Most are way too expensive for what they are. I don't care how cool or functioning they are. No pack is worth six hundo. But, the horn hunter full curl system caught my eye.. I guess whatt I'm after is a pack that is slim enuff to elk hunt with all day while holdin jacket, knives, water and lunch, and be low profile, but still abley to pack out quarters with ease, w/o having to return to camp for a hauler pack.. But still be able to use it for 3-5 day $pike outs. Any ideas or knowledge about this particular pack or brand?
And for the record...yes, there are packs worth more then 600. I've got about 800 into mine and I'd pay it again before
going with a subpar pack.
But it sounds like you truck camp so your needs are different.
This whole thread is really strange to me, I have to agree that the OP is a bit all over the map. If you want me to tell you the HHFC
System is the same as a Kif, you will be disappointed.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Why bother mentioning the "subpar" pack part? Just because it's not up to your standards doesn't mean it's "subpar".
Folks buy the best gear they can afford. No need to sling the "subpar" crap around.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on May 13, 2014, 01:23:20 PM
So, I buy this elk hunting magazine for the review on the cover. There were twelve packs. Most are way too expensive for what they are. I don't care how cool or functioning they are. No pack is worth six hundo. But, the horn hunter full curl system caught my eye.. I guess whatt I'm after is a pack that is slim enuff to elk hunt with all day while holdin jacket, knives, water and lunch, and be low profile, but still abley to pack out quarters with ease, w/o having to return to camp for a hauler pack.. But still be able to use it for 3-5 day $pike outs. Any ideas or knowledge about this particular pack or brand?
And for the record...yes, there are packs worth more then 600. I've got about 800 into mine and I'd pay it again before
going with a subpar pack.
But it sounds like you truck camp so your needs are different.
This whole thread is really strange to me, I have to agree that the OP is a bit all over the map. If you want me to tell you the HHFC
System is the same as a Kif, you will be disappointed.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Why bother mentioning the "subpar" pack part? Just because it's not up to your standards doesn't mean it's "subpar".
Folks buy the best gear they can afford. No need to sling the "subpar" crap around.
Don't really understand the need for political correctness to make someone feel good?
I'll call it mid tier pack to make sure everyone's feelings don't get hurt.
There's functionality capabilities that many mid tier packs don't have. There's also many uses and niches that the mid (and lower tier, aka super sub par) packs fit.
My post wasn't to look down my nose at the original poster not wanting to drop the coin, but instead attempt to understand his logic.
1) the top tiered (par) packs are marketed towards and contain features that make backpack hunting easier physically. Functional load lifters, weight, belts, modularity, reliability, quality. So IMO his logic that they aren't worth it is flawed.
2) the OP is all over the map on what he wants, and when reading a review in a publication targeted towards backpack hunting seems to want a top tier (par) backpack for mid tier (sub par) price.
If the OP is looking at strictly the best pack he can afford in that price range I'd look at the KUIU ultra or that HHFC system, though it appears his mind was made up and looking for confirmation.
I hope that cleared everything up.
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Post by: Bean Counter on May 13, 2014, 01:59:08 PM
And for the record...yes, there are packs worth more then 600. I've got about 800 into mine and I'd pay it again before
going with a subpar pack.
:yike: $800? I can buy a car for that!
Post by: fillthefreezer on May 13, 2014, 02:32:15 PM
my pack cost more than the car its in the trunk of.And for the record...yes, there are packs worth more then 600. I've got about 800 into mine and I'd pay it again before
going with a subpar pack.
:yike: $800? I can buy a car for that!
the optics in said pack were close to double the car. same goes for the bow laying next to the rest of that junk... :dunno:
its all about a persons priorities. some people only use their pack 1 week, maybe 2 weeks a year. or only need it to pack 50lbs. or 75lbs. none of that fits my situation. therefore i use something different than that person.
Post by: jrebel on May 13, 2014, 02:53:00 PM
What I do know....
- It is narrow and not very bulky at all.
- it compresses nicely and does not weigh a ton empty
- It will carry a bow or a rifle very easily and comfortably
- It is very comfortable to wear and also wear when I am on my dual sport (this is very important as I will ride my dual sport to trail heads where the hiking begins.
- It was reasonably priced
- It has the ability to pack an elk quarter easily
- So far it is a dream pack for me.
Good luck
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on May 13, 2014, 05:44:09 PM
So, I buy this elk hunting magazine for the review on the cover. There were twelve packs. Most are way too expensive for what they are. I don't care how cool or functioning they are. No pack is worth six hundo. But, the horn hunter full curl system caught my eye.. I guess whatt I'm after is a pack that is slim enuff to elk hunt with all day while holdin jacket, knives, water and lunch, and be low profile, but still abley to pack out quarters with ease, w/o having to return to camp for a hauler pack.. But still be able to use it for 3-5 day $pike outs. Any ideas or knowledge about this particular pack or brand?
And for the record...yes, there are packs worth more then 600. I've got about 800 into mine and I'd pay it again before
going with a subpar pack.
But it sounds like you truck camp so your needs are different.
This whole thread is really strange to me, I have to agree that the OP is a bit all over the map. If you want me to tell you the HHFC
System is the same as a Kif, you will be disappointed.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Why bother mentioning the "subpar" pack part? Just because it's not up to your standards doesn't mean it's "subpar".
Folks buy the best gear they can afford. No need to sling the "subpar" crap around.
Don't really understand the need for political correctness to make someone feel good?
I'll call it mid tier pack to make sure everyone's feelings don't get hurt.
There's functionality capabilities that many mid tier packs don't have. There's also many uses and niches that the mid (and lower tier, aka super sub par) packs fit.
My post wasn't to look down my nose at the original poster not wanting to drop the coin, but instead attempt to understand his logic.
1) the top tiered (par) packs are marketed towards and contain features that make backpack hunting easier physically. Functional load lifters, weight, belts, modularity, reliability, quality. So IMO his logic that they aren't worth it is flawed.
2) the OP is all over the map on what he wants, and when reading a review in a publication targeted towards backpack hunting seems to want a top tier (par) backpack for mid tier (sub par) price.
If the OP is looking at strictly the best pack he can afford in that price range I'd look at the KUIU ultra or that HHFC system, though it appears his mind was made up and looking for confirmation.
I hope that cleared everything up.
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Haha.... This post got me laughing. Jack hit the nail on the head, when talking packs, subpar should mean Subjective Par. Every review, test, evaluation, whatever I have seen done about packs is different. There is no standard pack test that I am aware of. And even the best "unbiased" tests I have seen, still only account for that individuals, or (small) group of individuals needs. Not everybody needs a pack that is comfortable with 120+ pounds of gear. But to read some reviews you would think a Kif pack will walk along next to you packing your gear by itself unassisted. And I am not singleing Kifaru out, because I have read glowing reviews on EVERY single pack and company I am aware of. The opposite is true as well.
My earlier post about Second tier packs, was not meant to insinuate that they are not up to standard. Or even that they are inferior. ( thats what I use :chuckle:) But When I buy a Bentley I expect it to PERFORM better than a Toyota. Doesn't mean they wont both get me to the same place. The price should be a reflection of craftsmanship and materials. If not then it is "subpar"
Personally I would love to have a kifaru. I have been able to use a DT2 (borrowed) with alot of weight, and no it didn't carry itself but yes it did carry dang nice and the fit and finish was second to none. I have done the same thing with, a badlands 4500, a Eberlestock, A cabelas alaskan frame, A Dwight Schuh Pack, a blacks creek pack ( :chuckle: actually that one may have been subpar for what I needed it to do) and several no name frames that came from the backs of buddies pickups from who knows where. Nothing carried as well as the Kifaru, but all got the job done. Have I returned packs for warranty work. Yep. Do I think a top tier brand would cure that? To be honest I am skeptical.
Post by: jackelope on May 13, 2014, 06:20:23 PM
Post by: JPhelps on May 13, 2014, 07:46:21 PM
Every time I purchased a new pack it was a step up, but I wouldn't hesitate to hit the woods in a Cabelas frame pack. It worked just fine, just not as comfortable, feature rich or durable as the Kifaru :tup: Get whatever gear you need to go out and get it done.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on May 13, 2014, 08:48:05 PM
All I was saying is just because it's not a top tier pack doesn't mean it's inferior. A lot of folks work dang hard to save up money for a an eberlelestock pack. They buy it. It's their dream pack, then they come on here and folks are calling them "sub-par". Every time a pack thread comes up, there's someone who comes across as saying if you don't buy a top tier elite pack, you're wasting your money. Not the case. 90% of guys do fine with a good quality pack without having to spend $800. Me included. Can I afford a Kifaru? Yup. Will I buy one? Nope. Much better or more important things to spend my money on. Different strokes for different folks. No PC.
For what I do (and am going to do) a high quality light weight pack is important. The OP made a claim that what is generally referred to as a top tier pack wasn't worth it.
Based on what information? I don't know.
To me it sounds like he liked the look of the horn hunter. From the video I watched it has some neat features and what appear to be functional load lifters. The belt looks ok, but tough to tell, because the guy doesn't tighten it much. Also the video didn't show any extreme loads so you couldn't tell if it barreled or flexed or cannon balled.
The weight? Not so much. Starting weight for a pack that size was a lot.
It sounds like price is the most important attribute to the OP, which is why I rec the Alaskan frame which I think gets you a lot of benefit for minimal price.
There are other packs like a bora arcteryx that can be had cheap and function well but isn't an external hauler.
I haven't seen any elitism on any pack threads, I've tried and seen a few other known kif users quantify what a user finds important and make recommendations.
I rec an eberlestock to a very good friend of mine who didbt want to spend a ton.
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Post by: JPhelps on May 13, 2014, 08:51:14 PM
Post by: xXLojackXx on May 14, 2014, 06:47:02 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 14, 2014, 07:10:59 PM
I got my Mystery ranch NICE 6500 brand new for $450. Not much more than an Eberlestock pack, but having had several Eberle's I can honestly say it's a world of difference in fit, comfort, durability and features. You can find "top tier" packs for good deals, look at other forums as well. Every now and then people are hurting for money and deals can be had.there is always stuff on rokslide for sale. Good tip!
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 14, 2014, 07:22:17 PM
Post by: xXLojackXx on May 14, 2014, 08:00:00 PM
I got my Mystery ranch NICE 6500 brand new for $450. Not much more than an Eberlestock pack, but having had several Eberle's I can honestly say it's a world of difference in fit, comfort, durability and features. You can find "top tier" packs for good deals, look at other forums as well. Every now and then people are hurting for money and deals can be had.there is always stuff on rokslide for sale. Good tip!
Shhhh :bash: all the good deals go fast enough as it is :chuckle:
Post by: JLS on May 15, 2014, 10:04:05 AM
I have used a Badlands 2800 (bought used and sold it) that worked okay, but it sure couldn't handle a really heavy load. I have a Dana Design Bridger that I still use for climbing, but it had too large of a profile to make it a good hunting pack.
I now have a Mystery Ranch Longbow that I bought as a return from their showroom.
There are lots of good packs out there. However, quality and comfort are not free. How much of each you need is entirely your personal decision. If you're unsure how much of each you need, find a used one and buy it. You can always resell it and get back most or all of your money.
http://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?t=258356 (http://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?t=258356)
MR Crew Cab for $350.
Post by: Morrison4375 on May 17, 2014, 09:32:39 AM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on May 17, 2014, 11:42:32 AM
I have run the gamet in cheap gear because it was all I could afford and of corse within one or two years had something go wrong or was to uncomfortable. About 8 years ago or so I bought the eberlestock dragonfly.. I loved that pack and put it thru hell and never had a problem with it. As I get have gotten older comfort has become a little more important. I still rough it but if I can make things a little easier I will. I recently sold my eberlestock which I have some regret about and purchased a stone glacier skyy7200. At first glance it is really a stripped down basic pack but has awesome features. I will say it is almost 7 pounds lighter than my dragonfly. It can be compressed down to almost nothing and can go up to more room than I need. I needed a pack that not only could I use for hunting but backpacking as well and I felt this fit the bill. Was it on the high end of what I could afford? You bet... I used the excuse that this will be the last pack I will have to buy with my wife.. She maybe believed me.. :dunno:
In the end go with what feels right for you. Try on as many packs as you can and make your decision.