Post by: dyhardhuntr on March 09, 2017, 10:34:48 AM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on March 09, 2017, 10:49:10 AM
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Post by: buglebrush on March 09, 2017, 10:52:15 AM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 09, 2017, 10:55:09 AM
Just curious what your hold up is with meat in the bag?:yeah: I find with a large dry bag it is the cleanest and easiest way to pack meat.
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Post by: coop2424 on March 09, 2017, 11:02:57 AM
Post by: dyhardhuntr on March 09, 2017, 11:21:57 AM
Just curious what your hold up is with meat in the bag?I guess it came down to having to load meat on my gear and having enough gear to keep the load up higher. If you guys have other ways to load up I'm all ears. I definitely like the kifaru but I just wasn't sure I could keep the load high enough. How do you load your animal. Are there straps to make sure load doesn't slide to the bottom? Any pictures? I appreciate the feedback!
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Post by: kentrek on March 09, 2017, 11:24:27 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on March 09, 2017, 11:24:41 AM
If I was carrying a camp on my back I would want the Kifaru with big plush suspension. With really big loads there are advantages to going vertical with loads arrangements and not back. This is contrary to the meat shelf design.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on March 09, 2017, 11:29:43 AM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 09, 2017, 11:30:52 AM
My mystery ranch has a load shelf that clips in the pack it separates the main part of the bag with the lower sleeping bag part. Holds the weight up plenty high enough.Just curious what your hold up is with meat in the bag?I guess it came down to having to load meat on my gear and having enough gear to keep the load up higher. If you guys have other ways to load up I'm all ears. I definitely like the kifaru but I just wasn't sure I could keep the load high enough. How do you load your animal. Are there straps to make sure load doesn't slide to the bottom? Any pictures? I appreciate the feedback!
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Though with one in moose or bull elk quarters I took it out to let now of the quarter fit inside.
I think kifaru has a similar design but someone with one can say
Post by: coop2424 on March 09, 2017, 11:32:46 AM
Just curious what your hold up is with meat in the bag?I guess it came down to having to load meat on my gear and having enough gear to keep the load up higher. If you guys have other ways to load up I'm all ears. I definitely like the kifaru but I just wasn't sure I could keep the load high enough. How do you load your animal. Are there straps to make sure load doesn't slide to the bottom? Any pictures? I appreciate the feedback!
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With the dt1 or 2 there is a compression strap on bottom on the outside I tighten that then when you put the qtr in it doesn't go to the bottom..
Post by: dyhardhuntr on March 09, 2017, 11:42:32 AM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 09, 2017, 11:47:38 AM
Post by: coop2424 on March 09, 2017, 11:56:13 AM
Do the kifaru bags collapse down pretty well for daypack use?
Yes they do I run mine that way a lot. My collapsed dt1 isn't that much bigger than the collapsed Exo when I had it.. On their website look at the amr and there is a pic of it collapsed which is very similar to dt1.
https://store.kifaru.net/mobile/amr-7800ci--127liters-bag-only-p176.aspx
Post by: dyhardhuntr on March 09, 2017, 12:15:20 PM
Post by: dyhardhuntr on March 09, 2017, 12:16:50 PM
The Kuiu Ultra or Icon pro 3500 is handy for day hunts. Can carry 100# without an issue but finger light as a day pack and not bulky- if you need to stuff a couple with buddies in back seat can do it. Throw meat in bag between pack and frame in 30 seconds.I had the icon pro but I just didn't care for the fit.
If I was carrying a camp on my back I would want the Kifaru with big plush suspension. With really big loads there are advantages to going vertical with loads arrangements and not back. This is contrary to the meat shelf design.
Post by: fisheral87 on March 09, 2017, 01:05:04 PM
The new exo K2 looks closer to Kifaru with the larger lumbar, bigger lid, more rigidity etc.
Al
Post by: whacker1 on March 09, 2017, 01:10:01 PM
12 days wilderness backpacking in 3 different trips
Post by: dyhardhuntr on March 09, 2017, 01:25:39 PM
I have the Stone Glacier Sky6900. I can't say enough good things about it. I am happy to share anything you might want to know. Participated in packing 3 different bulls, a mule deer, and a white tail last year. very happyWhat made you choose stone glacier? I have a buddy with the same one and he loves it but he went from a badlands superday to that so not much comparison. I love their setup as it's pretty minimal but I like the pocket lay out of the new Exo 5500. How is the padding on the stone glacier belt?
12 days wilderness backpacking in 3 different trips
Post by: dyhardhuntr on March 09, 2017, 01:29:59 PM
I had a 2015 Exo 3500 for two years. My Kifaru reckoning with carbon arrow hunter frame arrives Friday. Planning on doing a write up to compare at a high level and discuss why I decided to change.I've been looking at the same kifaru setup. I like the meat between the bag concept. If the pack had the comfort of kifaru, the weight of a stone glacier and the layout of the Exo I would be set! Lol
The new exo K2 looks closer to Kifaru with the larger lumbar, bigger lid, more rigidity etc.
Al
Post by: fillthefreezer on March 09, 2017, 01:44:45 PM
I've been looking at the same kifaru setup. I like the meat between the bag concept. If the pack had the comfort of kifaru, the weight of a stone glacier and the layout of the Exo I would be set! Lolthe new exo's arent shipping yet, but im pretty sure they will mount to a kifaru pretty easily. should know in a few weeks... :twocents:
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on March 09, 2017, 01:58:05 PM
I had a 2015 Exo 3500 for two years. My Kifaru reckoning with carbon arrow hunter frame arrives Friday. Planning on doing a write up to compare at a high level and discuss why I decided to change.I've been looking at the same kifaru setup. I like the meat between the bag concept. If the pack had the comfort of kifaru, the weight of a stone glacier and the layout of the Exo I would be set! Lol
The new exo K2 looks closer to Kifaru with the larger lumbar, bigger lid, more rigidity etc.
Al
This is why FillTheFreezer designed a custom bag for the Kifaru Frame!
On the Stone Glacier...I just wasn't real wild about the frame and belt compared to the Kifaru...
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Post by: whacker1 on March 09, 2017, 02:07:18 PM
I have the Stone Glacier Sky6900. I can't say enough good things about it. I am happy to share anything you might want to know. Participated in packing 3 different bulls, a mule deer, and a white tail last year. very happyWhat made you choose stone glacier? I have a buddy with the same one and he loves it but he went from a badlands superday to that so not much comparison. I love their setup as it's pretty minimal but I like the pocket lay out of the new Exo 5500. How is the padding on the stone glacier belt?
12 days wilderness backpacking in 3 different trips
Last year I had the Sky Archer 6200 and bought a spotting scope and wanted the 6900 configuration for the spotting scope and tripod. I also lost enough wait that I needed to move a size down in belt. So that was an opportunity to sell both. I have no qualms with the padding on the belt, and it sounds like the X-curve frame improves upon both the belt and frame.
With regard to the why, it came down to a few things for me. At the time I didn't like the Kifaru duplex or the Bikini frame and I couldn't find a bag configuration that I really wanted to latch onto. Exo was back ordered when I first bought the Stone Glacier. It was the lightest of all the packs, had water resistant zippers, and all made in the u.s. Kurt and his crew in the multiple times I called them to ask questions and delivered within one week of order. So, I like the pack so much in 2015, when I needed a smaller belt size and like the other bag configuration better, it was a no brainer to make the second plunge.
One of my friends has an EXO 3500, which I was very impressed with in 2015 and if it was for me and my needs I would get the 5500 and be completely content. But Kurt has been so good to me and another hunting partner that I won't likely be trying anything else anytime soon unless it is the new xcurve frame and belt.
Post by: Shawn Ryan on March 09, 2017, 02:29:52 PM
I'm skinny with boney hips, as well. The Kifaru hauls so much better than the Blue Widow I had before. The farthest I've hauled a hunting bivy camp (25-30lbs) is about 9 miles in and have hauled backpack/fishing camps (35-45lbs) on 35-40 mile trips. You may want to haul on longer trips, IDK. Never a hotspot or rub issue on the hips or shoulders for me.
I wear the same pack, tucked down, as a day pack hunting every day, which I find very comfortable and I shoot with the frame on. I also use the guide lid with its own shoulder straps as a day pack for fishing once at camp. It doesn't hold enough (for me) for an all-day hunting outing, but for carrying tackle, lunch, water, rain gear, etc. while I cast around a lake or up a stream, its great.
If I'm not paying attention, it will start to sway from side-to-side at times. The whole pack sways; not the load on the frame. That is probably because I'm carrying more on my hips than I should and when I allow more to rest on my shoulders and generally tighten the pack to my body, the sway stops. Silk also tells me that that sway is eliminated or decreased in the hunter frame v. the bikini frame.
Post by: huntnfmly on March 09, 2017, 02:58:05 PM
I also went thru all kind of different Packs but this is the one for sure.
I've seen the light and I am no longer a backpack whore looking for my next fix lol.
Post by: dyhardhuntr on March 09, 2017, 04:36:45 PM
I just picked up a kifaru duplex Hunter frame and emr2 bag it cinches down real well and is the most comfortable pack I've had on.I'm also a backpack- aholic. I'm hoping to see the light soon but it's a hard decision when I'm dropping $700+. Everyone's feedback is helping to make it easier.
I also went thru all kind of different Packs but this is the one for sure.
I've seen the light and I am no longer a backpack *censored* looking for my next fix lol.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on March 09, 2017, 07:34:45 PM
I just picked up a kifaru duplex Hunter frame and emr2 bag it cinches down real well and is the most comfortable pack I've had on.I'm also a backpack- aholic. I'm hoping to see the light soon but it's a hard decision when I'm dropping $700+. Everyone's feedback is helping to make it easier.
I also went thru all kind of different Packs but this is the one for sure.
I've seen the light and I am no longer a backpack *censored* looking for my next fix lol.
To be honest, you're going to be exponentially more happy with any of the big 3.5 (I count KUIU as a half 😂) then with whatever pack you were running.
I've been able to mess with all of the major brands, minus the 2017 Exo setup (which looks very very good), and still come away with Kifaru as the best frame available. (Though that 2017 Exo...)
I think if I were you I'd look at the 2017 Exo or a Kif Hunter Duplex Frame with your bag of choice. The reckoning is a fine bag. I've ran the EMR2 and it was a good bag, but had some issues...(worthless pockets).
Where are you located at? I'm sure there's someone in your area with bags to check out.
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Post by: dscubame on March 09, 2017, 07:50:20 PM
Post by: Stickerbush on March 09, 2017, 10:13:08 PM
Post by: dyhardhuntr on March 10, 2017, 07:39:44 AM
I actually just sold my icon pro to find the new pack. I live in Kelso,Wa. I've got a guy I know that has a kifaru DT2 but he's hard to get a hold of. The Exo has the layout I like(pocket location and such). I've been eyeballing that new Exo hard but everyone says the kifaru frame and belt is super comfortable but I don't care for the bag layouts much. I've talked to reps from all 3 manufacturers. They have all been great to deal with.I just picked up a kifaru duplex Hunter frame and emr2 bag it cinches down real well and is the most comfortable pack I've had on.I'm also a backpack- aholic. I'm hoping to see the light soon but it's a hard decision when I'm dropping $700+. Everyone's feedback is helping to make it easier.
I also went thru all kind of different Packs but this is the one for sure.
I've seen the light and I am no longer a backpack *censored* looking for my next fix lol.
To be honest, you're going to be exponentially more happy with any of the big 3.5 (I count KUIU as a half 😂) then with whatever pack you were running.
I've been able to mess with all of the major brands, minus the 2017 Exo setup (which looks very very good), and still come away with Kifaru as the best frame available. (Though that 2017 Exo...)
I think if I were you I'd look at the 2017 Exo or a Kif Hunter Duplex Frame with your bag of choice. The reckoning is a fine bag. I've ran the EMR2 and it was a good bag, but had some issues...(worthless pockets).
Where are you located at? I'm sure there's someone in your area with bags to check out.
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Post by: buglebrush on March 10, 2017, 07:48:22 AM
Post by: 3dvapor on March 10, 2017, 07:48:51 AM
Post by: dyhardhuntr on March 10, 2017, 07:53:01 AM
Unless you are over 6' 2" and like a stiff feel to your pack I would definitely go with the new Exo. Really tall or big guys usually prefer Kifaru among my buddies, but us average sized 6' 190 guys all prefer Exo.I'm actually right at 6'2". Tall and skinny with bony hips :chuckle:. I need a good waist belt just for that reason. I'm not planning on hauling any 100+ loads anyway.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on March 10, 2017, 08:23:29 AM
Kifaru definitely more comfortable but what is up with not adding interior pockets. I also having trouble finding true weight of kifaru pack and frame combos. The timberline seems to have outside pockets anyway.
Some guys like all those pockets, some don't.
I would go crazy with the amount of pockets say the Icon Pro 7200 has.
Plus it adds unnecessary weight when you start adding all that pocket and zipper material.
If you must have interior pockets, grab some pullouts.
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Post by: couesbitten on March 10, 2017, 10:03:02 AM
I have read of Kifaru packs taking on water in rainy conditions and specifically on the west side. One hundred percent vote for Stone Glacier. It press downs to nothing if you desire. Speaking of Sky Talus 6900.
Unless you have a rain cover over your pack, they're all going to take on water. All of them compress down to almost nothing when necessary.
Post by: Ironhead on March 10, 2017, 10:21:00 AM
Check out the Stone Glacier Sky 5900 with the Xcurve frame. The Xcurve has two hip adjustment buckles that may help bony hips.Unless you are over 6' 2" and like a stiff feel to your pack I would definitely go with the new Exo. Really tall or big guys usually prefer Kifaru among my buddies, but us average sized 6' 190 guys all prefer Exo.I'm actually right at 6'2". Tall and skinny with bony hips :chuckle:. I need a good waist belt just for that reason. I'm not planning on hauling any 100+ loads anyway.
Post by: huntnfmly on March 10, 2017, 02:16:44 PM
The belt is seriously the most comfortable one I've had I'm sure the other high end ones are good too.but after adjusting the shoulder straps and belt it seriously fits like a glove.
Look at rockslide classifieds they have a few kifaru over there now and could save you some money that's where I got mine good luck with your decision
Post by: dyhardhuntr on March 10, 2017, 05:50:24 PM
Post by: bearpaw on March 10, 2017, 06:07:50 PM
I know dropping that much coin for a pack is tough I avoided it for as long as I could trying different Packs but finally pulled the trigger us backpack ahalics have to stick together 😆
The belt is seriously the most comfortable one I've had I'm sure the other high end ones are good too.but after adjusting the shoulder straps and belt it seriously fits like a glove.
Look at rockslide classifieds they have a few kifaru over there now and could save you some money that's where I got mine good luck with your decision
Do you have any idea why there are kifarus for sale, are they buying a different brand?
Post by: 92xj on March 10, 2017, 06:15:03 PM
I know dropping that much coin for a pack is tough I avoided it for as long as I could trying different Packs but finally pulled the trigger us backpack ahalics have to stick together 😆
The belt is seriously the most comfortable one I've had I'm sure the other high end ones are good too.but after adjusting the shoulder straps and belt it seriously fits like a glove.
Look at rockslide classifieds they have a few kifaru over there now and could save you some money that's where I got mine good luck with your decision
Do you have any idea why there are kifarus for sale, are they buying a different brand?
Kifaru folks are like new bow buyer folks, they buy them, sell them a month later and then buy a different size or color option, sadly, I know this personally. I bought a brand new one last fall, a 24" and just sold it and ordered a 26" just to try something new this year, I had zero need to switch or sell, but I did and I am loving the new frame. It would take an act of God to get me out of a kifaru now that I've had one and packed out 3 elk and countless 50 pound bags.
Post by: bearpaw on March 10, 2017, 06:16:58 PM
I know dropping that much coin for a pack is tough I avoided it for as long as I could trying different Packs but finally pulled the trigger us backpack ahalics have to stick together 😆
The belt is seriously the most comfortable one I've had I'm sure the other high end ones are good too.but after adjusting the shoulder straps and belt it seriously fits like a glove.
Look at rockslide classifieds they have a few kifaru over there now and could save you some money that's where I got mine good luck with your decision
Do you have any idea why there are kifarus for sale, are they buying a different brand?
Kifaru folks are like new bow buyer folks, they buy them, sell them a month later and then buy a different size or color option, sadly, I know this personally. I bought a brand new one last fall, a 24" and just sold it and ordered a 26" just to try something new this year, I had zero need to switch or sell, but I did and I am loving the new frame. It would take an act of God to get me out of a kifaru now that I've had one and packed out 3 elk and countless 50 pound bags.
thx :tup:
Post by: huntnfmly on March 10, 2017, 06:33:42 PM
Post by: coop2424 on March 10, 2017, 07:16:52 PM
Exactly what 92xj said
I think this is true and grass is always greener with each new pack they come out with. I think once you find the right setup for your hunting and body type you then don't want to change anything br use the heck out of it.
Post by: buglebrush on March 11, 2017, 08:01:20 AM
I know dropping that much coin for a pack is tough I avoided it for as long as I could trying different Packs but finally pulled the trigger us backpack ahalics have to stick together 😆
The belt is seriously the most comfortable one I've had I'm sure the other high end ones are good too.but after adjusting the shoulder straps and belt it seriously fits like a glove.
Look at rockslide classifieds they have a few kifaru over there now and could save you some money that's where I got mine good luck with your decision
Do you have any idea why there are kifarus for sale, are they buying a different brand?
Really depends on your body type. Some of my buddies sold their Kifaru for EXO. Packs are similar to boots. You may prefer what others don't.
Post by: haugenna on March 11, 2017, 08:42:45 AM
Post by: Bmcox86 on March 11, 2017, 09:23:55 AM
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Post by: HawkCreek on March 12, 2017, 02:31:11 PM
Post by: dscubame on March 12, 2017, 03:19:17 PM
That answers some questions I have. It sounds like if I don't want blood in the bag I can use a contractor bag or a waterproof dry bag.
Really think about that one. With the meat still not cool to the core {even boned} I would be very uncomfortable not allowing the cooling process to continue. Peace of mind anyway as it weighs on my mind with the meat treatment process. Many many hours later and into the miles left to pack out the meat is still warm in the Alaska bags on my SG meat shelf.
Post by: Antlershed on March 12, 2017, 03:19:51 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 12, 2017, 05:13:47 PM
Not a concernThat answers some questions I have. It sounds like if I don't want blood in the bag I can use a contractor bag or a waterproof dry bag.
Really think about that one. With the meat still not cool to the core {even boned} I would be very uncomfortable not allowing the cooling process to continue. Peace of mind anyway as it weighs on my mind with the meat treatment process. Many many hours later and into the miles left to pack out the meat is still warm in the Alaska bags on my SG meat shelf.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 12, 2017, 05:16:05 PM
Post by: fisheral87 on March 12, 2017, 05:33:23 PM
Quote
Quote from: dscubame on Today at 03:19:17 PM
Quote from: dyhardhuntr on March 09, 2017, 12:15:20 PM
That answers some questions I have. It sounds like if I don't want blood in the bag I can use a contractor bag or a waterproof dry bag.
Really think about that one. With the meat still not cool to the core {even boned} I would be very uncomfortable not allowing the cooling process to continue. Peace of mind anyway as it weighs on my mind with the meat treatment process. Many many hours later and into the miles left to pack out the meat is still warm in the Alaska bags on my SG meat shelf.
Not a concern
Can you elaborate your position a bit more? Why isn't it a concern for you?
Thanks,
Al
Post by: dscubame on March 12, 2017, 05:47:36 PM
QuoteQuote from: dscubame on Today at 03:19:17 PM
Quote from: dyhardhuntr on March 09, 2017, 12:15:20 PM
That answers some questions I have. It sounds like if I don't want blood in the bag I can use a contractor bag or a waterproof dry bag.
Really think about that one. With the meat still not cool to the core {even boned} I would be very uncomfortable not allowing the cooling process to continue. Peace of mind anyway as it weighs on my mind with the meat treatment process. Many many hours later and into the miles left to pack out the meat is still warm in the Alaska bags on my SG meat shelf.
Not a concern
Can you elaborate your position a bit more? Why isn't it a concern for you?
Thanks,
Al
Ya curious to. Why not Chris?
Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 12, 2017, 05:49:52 PM
Not a concern for my I guess I should have said.QuoteQuote from: dscubame on Today at 03:19:17 PM
Quote from: dyhardhuntr on March 09, 2017, 12:15:20 PM
That answers some questions I have. It sounds like if I don't want blood in the bag I can use a contractor bag or a waterproof dry bag.
Really think about that one. With the meat still not cool to the core {even boned} I would be very uncomfortable not allowing the cooling process to continue. Peace of mind anyway as it weighs on my mind with the meat treatment process. Many many hours later and into the miles left to pack out the meat is still warm in the Alaska bags on my SG meat shelf.
Not a concern
Can you elaborate your position a bit more? Why isn't it a concern for you?
Thanks,
Al
I've packed out numerous elk and moose, both on and off the bone where the meat was inside my bag for 3-5 hours after being field processed and didn't lose any of the meat. Once the hide is off and initial body heat is dissipated, meat is actually quite resilient. I killed my moose in Idaho in a clearcut when it was 55 out at 830 am. Meat came out of my pack at 130 pm in 60+ degree weather and was just fine.
Post by: Houndhunter on March 12, 2017, 06:07:00 PM
Post by: dyhardhuntr on March 12, 2017, 06:09:04 PM
Post by: fisheral87 on March 12, 2017, 06:12:01 PM
Al
Post by: huntnfmly on March 12, 2017, 06:57:05 PM
Congrats on your decision I know it wasn't easy.Enjoy your new pack
Post by: coop2424 on March 12, 2017, 06:59:56 PM
Well after looking at every pack a bazillion times and watching videos about all the packs and everybody's very appreciated input here I've decided to go with the kifaru hunter frame and reckoning bag. I plan to add a few pockets to customize it for easy access to puffy jacket and rain gear among other items. I'm pretty stoked to get it and I'll post some pics once it shows up!
Congrats.. I know someone that bought that exact setup and loves it.
Post by: Antlershed on March 12, 2017, 09:26:18 PM
:chuckle:5-6 days boy that looks like 2 weeks worthLots of food, clothes since the temp swings were from the 20's to 70's, and a sleeping bag that didn't compress well at all.
Post by: fisheral87 on March 12, 2017, 10:11:48 PM
Al
Post by: huntnfmly on March 17, 2017, 08:16:49 AM
Post by: mossyoak arrow slinger on March 17, 2017, 10:08:40 AM
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Post by: Stickerbush on March 17, 2017, 08:16:14 PM
Post by: huntnfmly on March 17, 2017, 08:54:01 PM
I heard the same thing about the internal bag
Post by: mossyoak arrow slinger on March 17, 2017, 10:07:45 PM
Random but just heard exo is adding an internal dry bag to their pack system. Kinda cool ideaYeah I believe the dry bags will be released sometime this summer. Should be a nice addition to the bag itself.
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Post by: dyhardhuntr on April 07, 2017, 08:46:32 AM
Post by: buglebrush on April 07, 2017, 11:00:17 AM
Random but just heard exo is adding an internal dry bag to their pack system. Kinda cool idea
I am a big EXO fan, and love my 3500, but this is a bad idea imo. I made myself a Silnylon Cover, and much prefer this route. Even with their waterproof cordura bags the face fabric will take on water when pounding the jungles of the NE without an exterior cover. You will then be toting around a pack that is several pounds heavier. Why not use an external cover? Mine only weighs a couple ounces and compresses down to the size of a lemon. :twocents:
Post by: fisheral87 on April 07, 2017, 12:34:39 PM
One benefit of this design is that you can have your "camp" in the bag while the meat is on the frame and not have water or blood get to your gear. It could be more difficult to achieve that functionality with a cover.
In WA you might want a cover and internal bag for water and blood respectively.
WA is a unique environment, most companies develop on the basis of 80/20. I don't think WA, especially western WA makes it into the 80% as often as other environments.
Al
Post by: buglebrush on April 09, 2017, 08:12:12 PM
You may have answered your own question. Backpack covers already exist. Exo is trying to innovate, that takes trying new things.
One benefit of this design is that you can have your "camp" in the bag while the meat is on the frame and not have water or blood get to your gear. It could be more difficult to achieve that functionality with a cover.
In WA you might want a cover and internal bag for water and blood respectively.
WA is a unique environment, most companies develop on the basis of 80/20. I don't think WA, especially western WA makes it into the 80% as often as other environments.
Al
Fair enough, but they are marketing it as a better option than a rain cover. IMO I would never leave my rain cover for a dry bag. I do have a waterproof meat-baggie that I love for keeping my pack blood-free. The Exo guys are from Boise, and I even saw where steve said he doesn't pack rain-gear, so your comment on different environments probably has the most to do with it.
Post by: fisheral87 on April 10, 2017, 07:55:44 AM
Post by: buglebrush on April 10, 2017, 10:28:45 AM
Which bag do you use for your meat?
I made my own. My wife and I make Shelters, game bags, rain covers, pullouts, etc... In the last couple years we've made so many for friends and friends of friends that we're actually getting ready to launch our own business.
Post by: bradslam on April 10, 2017, 11:30:57 AM
You may have answered your own question. Backpack covers already exist. Exo is trying to innovate, that takes trying new things.
One benefit of this design is that you can have your "camp" in the bag while the meat is on the frame and not have water or blood get to your gear. It could be more difficult to achieve that functionality with a cover.
In WA you might want a cover and internal bag for water and blood respectively.
WA is a unique environment, most companies develop on the basis of 80/20. I don't think WA, especially western WA makes it into the 80% as often as other environments.
Al
Fair enough, but they are marketing it as a better option than a rain cover. IMO I would never leave my rain cover for a dry bag. I do have a waterproof meat-baggie that I love for keeping my pack blood-free. The Exo guys are from Boise, and I even saw where steve said he doesn't pack rain-gear, so your comment on different environments probably has the most to do with it.
I live in Western Washington and have backpacked for over 40 years. In my opinion, a dry bag inside of your pack (I use a trash compactor bag) is a much better option than a rain cover. A rain cover will never completely protect the interior contents of your pack because the rain will eventually find its way through seams around the back panel, which will be soaking wet either way, along with the harness. Rain covers are also susceptible to getting torn in brush and reduce functionality of the pack because they cover compression straps, pockets, etc. There are times I have used both, but if it was a choice between one or the other, there is no way I would rely on a rain cover to protect my gear. Also, if one happened to take a dunk while crossing a river, a dry bag will definitely protect your gear better than a rain cover.
Post by: buglebrush on April 10, 2017, 06:15:08 PM
I am saying that what is most important to me is preventing my packs face fabric from wetting out. The one dry bag would actually be nice, but they are advertising it as a replacement for an exterior cover. IMO they don't provide the same function.
Another issue here is that most people are using pack covers with an HH of only about 1,000 which will eventually get wet through.
Post by: dscubame on April 12, 2017, 07:12:05 AM
I think we may be talking apples & oranges here. The reason I would never abandon my pack cover is that I don't want my packs face fabric taking on water. I pounded the NE jungles for four days of rain living out of my pack. My pack stayed dry, and even if it wouldn't I have anything that matters in water-proof kit bags.
I am saying that what is most important to me is preventing my packs face fabric from wetting out. The one dry bag would actually be nice, but they are advertising it as a replacement for an exterior cover. IMO they don't provide the same function.
Another issue here is that most people are using pack covers with an HH of only about 1,000 which will eventually get wet through.
:tup:. Spot on. Water weight is heavy weight.
Post by: dyhardhuntr on April 16, 2017, 12:44:14 PM
Post by: dyhardhuntr on April 16, 2017, 12:54:07 PM
Post by: huntnfmly on April 16, 2017, 02:41:51 PM
Post by: huntnfmly on April 18, 2017, 03:12:45 PM
Post by: dyhardhuntr on April 18, 2017, 05:13:56 PM