Post by: nw_bowhunter on July 12, 2015, 10:40:44 PM
I prefer to hunt without a pack as I don't get as fatigued but need the water to ensue I stay hydrated. My brother in law recently purchased a Mystery Ranch with bikin frame and longbow bag. I tried it and it was very comfortable. Had load lifters and I felt no weight on my shoulders.
I'm trying to decide if I need to invest in a nice pack or just stick to the used frame pack for packing and keep my day pack :dunno:
Post by: Crunchy on July 12, 2015, 10:44:43 PM
Post by: MountainWalk on July 12, 2015, 11:02:03 PM
Point of all this, I'd like a weight capable pack that doesn't stick up and out and across. Not a burden to wear. Good topic man.
Post by: buglebrush on July 13, 2015, 12:01:04 AM
Post by: Bean Counter on July 13, 2015, 12:27:36 AM
Im a daypack guy. Inside, food, water, knives, game bags, flagging tape, first aid, wallet, and that's about it. I kill, butcher, bag, and haul out a quarter to the truck or camp. Get external pack frame and get the rest.
^this. Esp when bow hunting. If you're planning to hunt with a large backpack, I hope you're practicing your draw with that pack on. I can shoot with my small camelback on all day. It's got 2 liters of water, myriad flashlights, small trauma kit, compass, some food, tags, keys, etc
Post by: hughjorgan on July 13, 2015, 05:44:42 AM
I'm looking for input on weather you hunt with a backpack ? If so what type of backpack and why? I personally used a rei McGregor day pack which holds the basics. Reason I'm asking is whether it's necessity to have a framed pack when hunting elk during archery season? Do you just go back to the truck, prefer to carry so you can hike out the first load, etc?
I prefer to hunt without a pack as I don't get as fatigued but need the water to ensue I stay hydrated. My brother in law recently purchased a Mystery Ranch with bikin frame and longbow bag. I tried it and it was very comfortable. Had load lifters and I felt no weight on my shoulders.
I'm trying to decide if I need to invest in a nice pack or just stick to the used frame pack for packing and keep my day pack :dunno:
Your brother in law is using a kifaru frame for his mystery ranch longbow bag? How does that work, wouldn't think they are compatible.
Anyways I use the mystery ranch longbow as my day pack. They are well made but not the lightest of packs. Very comfortable, lots of little pockets for organization. I like the idea of being able to haul my first load of meat on the way back to the truck and then use a pack frame. There is more than enough room to pack everything you need and it compresses down real nice to be low profile while hunting. And if you ever decide you want to do some backcountry hunts the bag is big enough to do a couple day hunt out of it or you can just buy one of the bigger bags to meet your demand.
Post by: RadSav on July 13, 2015, 06:00:27 AM
It used to be that I carried a Black Creek Western pack as my primary. That gave me a first load limit of about 50-60 pounds. Then I'd trade that out for a larger external frame for remaining loads. But that two pack need is no longer an issue. The newer larger load packs compress so nicely that they aren't much different than a day pack. Actually my new EXO pack is about 3 pounds lighter than the Western was, packs closer to my back and allows for much more mobility without losing the back support. Now if it only had as good a waist belt as the BC I'd have zero reason to keep the smaller pack.
Few things better in the woods than busting your tail chasing critters from sun up to 11 or noon. Then breaking out the Jet Boil and fixing a couple hot dogs followed up with a nice Mountain Mocha. Take a happy nappy in a comfy elk bed then bust tail for the evening hunt. If you are solo, just settle in for the night wherever the hunt takes you.
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on July 13, 2015, 06:08:41 AM
I find I hunt much harder with a pack on. Supports the back and I stay better hydrated. I also don't worry about being out too late or wanting to go back to camp for lunch.
It used to be that I carried a Black Creek Western pack as my primary. That gave me a first load limit of about 50-60 pounds. Then I'd trade that out for a larger external frame for remaining loads. But that two pack need is no longer an issue. The newer larger load packs compress so nicely that they aren't much different than a day pack. Actually my new EXO pack is about 3 pounds lighter than the Western was, packs closer to my back and allows for much more mobility without losing the back support. Now if it only had as good a waist belt as the BC I'd have zero reason to keep the smaller pack.
Few things better in the woods than busting your tail chasing critters from sun up to 11 or noon. Then breaking out the Jet Boil and fixing a couple hot dogs followed up with a nice Mountain Mocha. Take a happy nappy in a comfy elk bed then bust tail for the evening hunt. If you are solo, just settle in for the night wherever the hunt takes you.
I'd swear you hunt with us rad. Thank god I talked the wife into drinking out of the elk bed creek :puke: or we never would have got that evening hunt in. :chuckle: I always wear a pack. I see guys that don't have anything and just laugh to myself. every year I expand the inventory with new items. It's like Yuppie living in the woods with a well set up pack. :chuckle:
Post by: RadSav on July 13, 2015, 06:17:04 AM
Post by: nw_bowhunter on July 13, 2015, 07:12:37 AM
I'm looking for input on weather you hunt with a backpack ? If so what type of backpack and why? I personally used a rei McGregor day pack which holds the basics. Reason I'm asking is whether it's necessity to have a framed pack when hunting elk during archery season? Do you just go back to the truck, prefer to carry so you can hike out the first load, etc?
No sorry I was looking at both frames meant to say "nice frame".
I prefer to hunt without a pack as I don't get as fatigued but need the water to ensue I stay hydrated. My brother in law recently purchased a Mystery Ranch with bikin frame and longbow bag. I tried it and it was very comfortable. Had load lifters and I felt no weight on my shoulders.
I'm trying to decide if I need to invest in a nice pack or just stick to the used frame pack for packing and keep my day pack :dunno:
Your brother in law is using a kifaru frame for his mystery ranch longbow bag? How does that work, wouldn't think they are compatible.
Anyways I use the mystery ranch longbow as my day pack. They are well made but not the lightest of packs. Very comfortable, lots of little pockets for organization. I like the idea of being able to haul my first load of meat on the way back to the truck and then use a pack frame. There is more than enough room to pack everything you need and it compresses down real nice to be low profile while hunting. And if you ever decide you want to do some backcountry hunts the bag is big enough to do a couple day hunt out of it or you can just buy one of the bigger bags to meet your demand.
Post by: nw_bowhunter on July 13, 2015, 07:20:39 AM
I don't see myself doing over nights as my current gear is for car camping. I do hunt all day so taking my jet boil and extra gear is common. I hunt from camp a lot and my truck. I do hunt hard but typically there are roads so I wouldnt say I'm hunting areas where I can't access back to my truck with a little effort.
Post by: Rainier10 on July 13, 2015, 07:25:10 AM
Post by: RadSav on July 13, 2015, 07:32:52 AM
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 13, 2015, 07:40:50 AM
Post by: vandeman17 on July 13, 2015, 07:42:20 AM
Post by: jackelope on July 13, 2015, 07:54:43 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on July 13, 2015, 08:08:37 AM
Two pack elk days are long gone for us! Nowadays even four pack elk seem like more than I want to do :oWe did it last year for the late season on pretty much flat/rolling ground dropping in elevation. I hope two pack trips are in the rear view mirror for me soon. The guy I hunt with is 5 years younger than me, some day he is going to have to slow down.
Post by: MountainWalk on July 13, 2015, 08:30:56 AM
Post by: j_h_nimrod on July 13, 2015, 08:45:16 AM
Post by: buglebrush on July 13, 2015, 09:19:34 AM
To me the issue is small day pack vs. Meat capable pack.
Here's the thing. The frame packs in the 2000 CI range compress down just as small as a daypack. I used to run just a camelback daypack, and at the end of the day I would be sore in between my shoulder blades. I don't really take more with my bigger pack, but it carries the 20 lbs. effortlessly and if I get one down I am bringing 80lbs. of meat out with my first load. Seriously is no other way to go unless you never get more than a mile or so from the truck, and even then I wouldn't change because functional load lifters makes even light loads much more comfortable over a long day.
Post by: Cylvertip on July 13, 2015, 09:22:41 AM
My pack is on my back anytime I leave the truck/ camp with the bow.
Post by: MountainWalk on July 13, 2015, 09:38:10 AM
Guess more than anything, the ol hips and shoulders are needing an assist...
Were below poverty level round here, so I'll properly have to trade a gun for a good pack instead of buying one. I dunno.
Post by: Mudman on July 13, 2015, 09:57:30 AM
Post by: fisheral87 on July 13, 2015, 09:57:47 AM
Just bought a new Exo mountain 3500 for the upcoming year, but I used the $80 l.l. Bean Hunter carry-all two years and carried out that bull with it. it was a great pack for the money.
I could see where a guy who archery hunted could want more mobility.
Al
Post by: jackelope on July 13, 2015, 10:08:13 AM
To me the issue is small day pack vs. Meat capable pack.
Here's the thing. The frame packs in the 2000 CI range compress down just as small as a daypack. I used to run just a camelback daypack, and at the end of the day I would be sore in between my shoulder blades. I don't really take more with my bigger pack, but it carries the 20 lbs. effortlessly and if I get one down I am bringing 80lbs. of meat out with my first load. Seriously is no other way to go unless you never get more than a mile or so from the truck, and even then I wouldn't change because functional load lifters makes even light loads much more comfortable over a long day.
A 2000 cubic inch pack is a day pack. I've got a 6000 cubic inch pack that compresses down to a size smaller than a day pack. You can barely tell it's there.
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on July 13, 2015, 10:15:22 AM
I went with the Kuiu icon pro 1850. Super lightweight. Small enough as a day pack. They have an attachment for a load hauler too if u look in their "accessories".
My plan would be to be able to pack out at least a quarter with this pack to the truck then switch out to my pack frame or if I get the load hauler for the kuiu pack, take the bag off and use that.
Here's the link: http://store.kuiu.com/ICON-PRO-1850-p/62006.htm
If u decide u want a bigger bag, they're interchangeable with the frame.
There are also other packs that do essentially this same idea. I just went with the kuiu.
Post by: MountainWalk on July 13, 2015, 10:40:22 AM
Post by: Big6bull on July 13, 2015, 10:42:57 AM
Post by: coachcw on July 13, 2015, 12:45:53 PM
Post by: stromdiddily on July 13, 2015, 01:49:48 PM
Icon pro ! super light , gonna pull my 7200 bag and opt for the 1800 with a dry sack for meat .
I've been looking at those Icons...look a pretty good value
Post by: JimmyHoffa on July 13, 2015, 02:08:36 PM
Post by: MountainWalk on July 13, 2015, 02:35:56 PM
I like my pack plenty, it just has never felt at home on my body. Even when empty, never could wait to take it off. Just doesn't fit right. A little too short for me.
Post by: Instinct on July 13, 2015, 03:30:03 PM
Post by: nw_bowhunter on July 13, 2015, 04:10:23 PM
I'm looking for input on weather you hunt with a backpack ? If so what type of backpack and why? I personally used a rei McGregor day pack which holds the basics. Reason I'm asking is whether it's necessity to have a framed pack when hunting elk during archery season? Do you just go back to the truck, prefer to carry so you can hike out the first load, etc?
No sorry I was looking at both frames meant to say "nice frame".
I prefer to hunt without a pack as I don't get as fatigued but need the water to ensue I stay hydrated. My brother in law recently purchased a Mystery Ranch with bikin frame and longbow bag. I tried it and it was very comfortable. Had load lifters and I felt no weight on my shoulders.
I'm trying to decide if I need to invest in a nice pack or just stick to the used frame pack for packing and keep my day pack :dunno:
Your brother in law is using a kifaru frame for his mystery ranch longbow bag? How does that work, wouldn't think they are compatible.
Anyways I use the mystery ranch longbow as my day pack. They are well made but not the lightest of packs. Very comfortable, lots of little pockets for organization. I like the idea of being able to haul my first load of meat on the way back to the truck and then use a pack frame. There is more than enough room to pack everything you need and it compresses down real nice to be low profile while hunting. And if you ever decide you want to do some backcountry hunts the bag is big enough to do a couple day hunt out of it or you can just buy one of the bigger bags to meet your demand.
No sorry I was looking at both frames meant to say "nice frame".
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on July 13, 2015, 05:01:25 PM
Post by: Johnb317 on July 13, 2015, 05:59:05 PM
Personally I think anyone who goes in the woods without basic survival gear is taking unnecessary risks. I also would not get a pack without a setup for a camelback type setup. I find my muscles rebound much faster if I stay hydrated.
Plus never hurts to be able to carry out the backstraps or horns on the first trip out.
😊.
Post by: PA BEN on July 13, 2015, 06:54:46 PM
Post by: j_h_nimrod on July 13, 2015, 07:07:23 PM
Just looked through my trash, and my pack is an Estock. X2. Ultra solid and tough, and not even that heavy. But paying more attention to these threads has shed some light for me. Details like torso length.
I like my pack plenty, it just has never felt at home on my body. Even when empty, never could wait to take it off. Just doesn't fit right. A little too short for me.
I find too short better than too long, but how a pack feels is the most important. Head into one of the stores and try on packs, even if you don't plan to buy anything, until you find what fits. Take advantage of a knowledgeable sales associate, if there are any, to get the adjustments correct. Most packs now have so many adjustments that unless you know what they do you will not be able to get the pack to feel right. A properly fitted pack will make 70 feel like 40 but a poorly fitted pack will make 30 feel like 80.
Post by: j_h_nimrod on July 13, 2015, 07:20:56 PM
Are you using this pack while out hunting elk from camp? If so I use a large fanny pack with suspenders. I get too hot hunting with a back pack. I take enough to bone out my elk and hang it. You can take a small load back to camp the get your meat pack and the rest of your meat bags. I use a Frame Pack with a Pouch like this one. http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Company-Aluminum-Processing-Break-Up/dp/B003TWYQP6/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1436838700&sr=1-3&keywords=pack+frame&pebp=1436838737054&perid=0XTX6MJ2TH0G0AKBPKHD
Not to knock your choice, but I used these frames for two years for work, and while well constructed, the hip belt is poorly designed and does not transfer weight well compared to better pack designs. It is not the worst that I used but I eventually stripped the hip belt off it because it added nothing to the packs ride and was just an encumberance. If it were my personnel frame I would try and adapt a different hip belt or modify the existing one. The overall construction and quality was very good for the price though.
Post by: M_ray on July 13, 2015, 07:25:51 PM
Post by: ridgefire on July 14, 2015, 05:56:13 AM
Post by: jackelope on July 14, 2015, 06:20:58 AM
Jackolope, what are you using can I ask?
I've got an original Kuiu Icon with the 3k and 6k bags. Just waiting for the frame to break on it but it's 10x better and more comfortable than the multiple eberlestock packs I've owned. Torso length/pack fit is what it's all about, regardless of what brand you're using.
Post by: kentrek on July 14, 2015, 07:09:35 AM
It's got everything a guy needs
Post by: BigBullDreamer11 on July 14, 2015, 08:05:43 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 14, 2015, 08:11:50 AM
Post by: Tbob on July 14, 2015, 08:29:28 AM
Post by: vandeman17 on July 14, 2015, 09:15:13 AM
Post by: MountainWalk on July 14, 2015, 11:44:12 AM
Post by: SniperDanWA on July 14, 2015, 12:59:38 PM
Don't mean to hijack the thread though. I can start another, if OP wants me to do that.
Post by: jackelope on July 14, 2015, 01:06:50 PM
Is the Kuiu. 1800 meat capable?
The Kuiu Icon Pro, if that's what you're talking about...has the ability to put meat between the frame and the pack bag.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 14, 2015, 01:11:45 PM
Is the Kuiu. 1800 meat capable?
All Kuiu Ultra's are interchangeable bags - carbon fiber frame and choice of bag. So yes - Frame - Meat - Choice of bag.
Post by: kentrek on July 14, 2015, 01:30:21 PM
Is the Kuiu. 1800 meat capable?
All Kuiu Ultra's are interchangeable bags - carbon fiber frame and choice of bag. So yes - Frame - Meat - Choice of bag.
This is with the 1800 ultra
Post by: MountainWalk on July 14, 2015, 02:17:32 PM
How do you guys like the whole meat tween frame-bag set up?
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 14, 2015, 02:21:43 PM
Bitchin'.
How do you guys like the whole meat tween frame-bag set up?
Is there any other way? :)
Post by: swashington2128 on July 14, 2015, 03:06:09 PM
Post by: huntinluva on July 15, 2015, 07:44:05 AM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on July 15, 2015, 08:05:37 AM
Post by: Labredog on July 15, 2015, 02:23:24 PM
Post by: nw_bowhunter on July 16, 2015, 08:49:50 AM
Kuiu Ultra 1800 looks awesome. Based on pictures I guess my questions how does it hold up are answered...Yikes what a load!
Ok so I was able to try the Mystery Ranch and I liked it. Where do you guys go check out the Kuiu/Kifaru? Did you try on first before buying? Are you guys using the Kuiu because they are lighter base weight?
Kifaru and Kuiu are different companies I assume?
Why chose the Bikin frame vs Nice frame?
I read alot of recommendations/reviews on HW - I now think I'm the market for a new pack but now I need some help as I'm not sure what type of pack is best suited.
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on July 16, 2015, 09:40:02 AM
What about the fabrics..noisy in the brush?
Kuiu Ultra 1800 looks awesome. Based on pictures I guess my questions how does it hold up are answered...Yikes what a load!
Ok so I was able to try the Mystery Ranch and I liked it. Where do you guys go check out the Kuiu/Kifaru? Did you try on first before buying? Are you guys using the Kuiu because they are lighter base weight?
Kifaru and Kuiu are different companies I assume?
Why chose the Bikin frame vs Nice frame?
I read alot of recommendations/reviews on HW - I now think I'm the market for a new pack but now I need some help as I'm not sure what type of pack is best suited.
Kifaru and kuiu are different yes. As far as testing out the kuiu you'll have to find someone with one to try it on as kuiu only sells directly off their website. I have an icon pro if ur ever around Vancouver... I don't have any experience with the kifaru.
I went with the kuiu cuz I was very impressed with all of their other gear I got. And figured why not get the pack too. Price was comparable to other packs of that caliber, if not better. There's lots of videos and review on them. You'll see older reviews claim broken frames, but that's been addressed. I haven't hauled an animal out yet. But I've loaded it with about 50lbs a few times and hiked absurd very comfortable!
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on July 16, 2015, 10:22:20 AM
As far as Bikini over NICE frame. The Mystery Ranch is heavier than the bikini. The Duplex from Kifaru is probably a more apples to apples comparison, and then it would boil down to individual comfort. I prefer the Duplex for a better waist belt and more load lift with heavy weight.
Post by: MountainWalk on July 16, 2015, 10:27:10 AM
Bingo.
That's exactly what I envision in my head. Almost like a flatbed truck with a box. Wow.....
Post by: fisheral87 on July 16, 2015, 10:51:05 AM
selling direct is great but I'm surprised that these companies can't see the value in customers actually touching the gear. Sounds like kifaru is branching out some? Maybe they have always had vendors?
Post by: fillthefreezer on July 16, 2015, 12:59:04 PM
What about the fabrics..noisy in the brush?when comparing like packs, the bikini clocks in at almost half the weight of the nice system.
Kuiu Ultra 1800 looks awesome. Based on pictures I guess my questions how does it hold up are answered...Yikes what a load!
Ok so I was able to try the Mystery Ranch and I liked it. Where do you guys go check out the Kuiu/Kifaru? Did you try on first before buying? Are you guys using the Kuiu because they are lighter base weight?
Kifaru and Kuiu are different companies I assume?
Why chose the Bikin frame vs Nice frame?
I read alot of recommendations/reviews on HW - I now think I'm the market for a new pack but now I need some help as I'm not sure what type of pack is best suited.
i work in kent and have a couple kifarus youre more than welcome to check out.
they kuiu has a lower price point which is more inline with some peoples budget, but they have yet to prove their long term durability the way kifaru and MR have.
to make any sort of recommendation on a pack, IMO theres a few questions that need answered. do you plan to overnight out of it at all. if so, how many days?
do you routinely pack a spotter/tripod?
are you looking for a do everything pack or will you change to something else once an animal is down, or after the first load?
Post by: nw_bowhunter on July 16, 2015, 01:48:28 PM
What about the fabrics..noisy in the brush?when comparing like packs, the bikini clocks in at almost half the weight of the nice system.
Kuiu Ultra 1800 looks awesome. Based on pictures I guess my questions how does it hold up are answered...Yikes what a load!
Ok so I was able to try the Mystery Ranch and I liked it. Where do you guys go check out the Kuiu/Kifaru? Did you try on first before buying? Are you guys using the Kuiu because they are lighter base weight?
Kifaru and Kuiu are different companies I assume?
Why chose the Bikin frame vs Nice frame?
I read alot of recommendations/reviews on HW - I now think I'm the market for a new pack but now I need some help as I'm not sure what type of pack is best suited.
i work in kent and have a couple kifarus youre more than welcome to check out.
they kuiu has a lower price point which is more inline with some peoples budget, but they have yet to prove their long term durability the way kifaru and MR have.
to make any sort of recommendation on a pack, IMO theres a few questions that need answered. do you plan to overnight out of it at all. if so, how many days?
do you routinely pack a spotter/tripod?
are you looking for a do everything pack or will you change to something else once an animal is down, or after the first load?
Thanks for the offer to tryout. When I get back from Montana I will PM you (be gone till July 26th)
Overnight: Maybe in the future but not currently. Thinking might be nice to do overnight hikes with my son. I don't have any real light backpacking gear currently.
Spotter: No
Everything pack: For cost I'm thinking I would like the pack to be flexible/multiple purpose (hydration is a must, jet boil, knives, food, etc)
Post by: nw_bowhunter on July 26, 2015, 12:10:53 PM
Post by: Eli346 on July 26, 2015, 07:20:50 PM
Post by: FLIZZ on August 11, 2015, 11:39:55 AM
Post by: nastybynature on August 11, 2015, 12:39:09 PM
I called mystery ranch last week and they told me that going forward you won't be able to buy separate items.( different bags to attach to frame) So when I clarifyed if I purchased a nice frame with longbow bag and wanted to upgrade to the met calf that I would need to buy a new frame since they are going to a modular system. Doesn't make any sense to me :dunno: Why would anybody want to have to repurchase a new frame for simply upgrading to a different bag! Isn't this the point? They advise so they can get product out quicker.
I called Mystery Ranch to try and get a replacement belt for my G-5000 backpack and they said they don't carry parts for this older line of product anymore. Makes me think I will go with kifaru or even bullpac for my next setup.
Post by: nw_bowhunter on August 11, 2015, 04:13:09 PM
I called mystery ranch last week and they told me that going forward you won't be able to buy separate items.( different bags to attach to frame) So when I clarifyed if I purchased a nice frame with longbow bag and wanted to upgrade to the met calf that I would need to buy a new frame since they are going to a modular system. Doesn't make any sense to me :dunno: Why would anybody want to have to repurchase a new frame for simply upgrading to a different bag! Isn't this the point? They advise so they can get product out quicker.
I called Mystery Ranch to try and get a replacement belt for my G-5000 backpack and they said they don't carry parts for this older line of product anymore. Makes me think I will go with kifaru or even bullpac for my next setup.
Thats a bummer. Makes me wonder which direction they are going. They moved to the kited system on the Longbow and can no longer purchase the bag separately. I would imagine the other bags will end up being the same. I like their products but do have some concerns. Kiraru packs are out of my budget.