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Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: Pa hunter on August 13, 2018, 07:04:19 AM


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Title: best backpack
Post by: Pa hunter on August 13, 2018, 07:04:19 AM
what do you feel is the best back pack for bear hunting ? thanks ahead for your opinions
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: 92xj on August 13, 2018, 07:12:00 AM
One that does whatever you need it to do.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: X-Force on August 13, 2018, 07:13:42 AM
The most important question is budget, second is what are you going to do with it.
What do you plan on spending?
Day hunt, weekend, 5-7 day?
Do you want to put the meat and hide in the bag or between the bag and frame?
What kind of lbs do you expect to carry with it?

Limitless options out there.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: trophyhunt on August 13, 2018, 07:16:39 AM
The most important question is budget, second is what are you going to do with it.
What do you plan on spending?
Day hunt, weekend, 5-7 day?
Do you want to put the meat and hide in the bag or between the bag and frame?
What kind of lbs do you expect to carry with it?

Limitless options out there.
:yeah: And limitless opinions, all the higher end models are really good, the cheaper badlands are just fine as well.  Kuiu, stone glacier, kafaru, just to name a few.  Then you have to pick the sizes.   
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: Pa hunter on August 13, 2018, 07:51:04 AM
Have been looking at eberlestock team elk.  $300  range
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: tlbradford on August 13, 2018, 08:00:30 AM
I have been using the Badlands 4500 for a long time.  It does great for my bear hunts and has held up extremely well to some "single-trip" pack outs, where it has hauled close to 150 pounds. 
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: huntnfmly on August 13, 2018, 08:08:41 AM
Have been looking at eberlestock team elk.  $300  range
@pa hunter
Those packs are really nice they have a built in meat shelf.
Got 1 for my daughter she used it for 1season. Just a little heavy empty so I got her a kuiu 1850
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: X-Force on August 13, 2018, 08:29:29 AM
Have been looking at eberlestock team elk.  $300  range

How tall are you?
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: Pa hunter on August 13, 2018, 08:34:39 AM
Will take a look at badlands thanks.  I am 5' 10"  175 lbs   65 yrs. old and still work out every day. So not in too bad shape.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: X-Force on August 13, 2018, 08:43:58 AM
That price range a badlands summit or slumber jack bounty 2.0 wouldn’t be a bad option. If you step up in price a mystery ranch cabinet would be worth looking at.

I haven’t used a badlands but I have used a bounty 2.0 and it’s has some good things; functional load lifters, lots of organization, etc.

Eberlestock is hard to get excited about because of weight and no functional load lifters.

You could also look on rockslide for a used Kifaru Timberline 2 (internal frame) in about that price range.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: Pa hunter on August 13, 2018, 08:48:51 AM
Wow you guys are opening my eyes! I better look at more options thanks for all the help!
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 13, 2018, 08:49:37 AM
I think the hunt matters more than the species.  If you plan on doing day trips near roads, you could get away with a decent fanny pack and a garage sale external frame.  If you're planning on doing mountain hunts, I would save a little more and get a higher end pack. 

I looked at the Eberlestocks for a long time and came really close to buying one for awhile.  Someone talked me into checking out Exo and I've never regretted it (ok, I'll admit it hurt to pay that much up front).

Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: Crunchy on August 13, 2018, 09:34:21 AM
The average bear are mostly bones, you dont get a lot of meat off of one.  Most dont back country hunt for bear.  So it depends on whether you plan on trying to haul it all out in one trip (not easy with the hide) or twp trips.  On the small size if you bone out 2200 cubic inch pack would work, and on the medium size 3000 cubic inch would do the trick.  I would go as small as you think you can get away with. 
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: Stein on August 13, 2018, 11:18:05 AM
I love Exo packs, the 2000 is as close to a perfect day pack as I have seen and you can get bigger bags for backcountry trips.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: hunter399 on August 13, 2018, 11:24:01 AM
Daypack this is what I use
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1918161877/military-surplus-molle-ii-assault-pack
Not available sold out

Next best thing for daypack
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018976414/military-surplus-molle-ii-medium-rucksack-complete-assembly
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 13, 2018, 11:26:08 AM
Ah the assault pack - AKA "Assault my Back"
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: spin05 on August 15, 2018, 01:16:55 AM
I love Exo packs, the 2000 is as close to a perfect day pack as I have seen and you can get bigger bags for backcountry trips.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree my EXO 3500 does it all...... but spendy
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: dmoua on August 15, 2018, 04:38:37 PM
I use a Kuiu Icon PRO 3200. Not perfect but not $800+ either.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: WAElkhunter89 on August 15, 2018, 04:55:19 PM
I think I'm going to be purchasing the Mystery Ranch Metcalf here pretty soon. After watching plenty of Randy Newberg videos, I'm sold on this pack.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: opdinkslayer on August 15, 2018, 05:03:09 PM
Just a heads up waelkhunter89, MR metcalf is 20% off at argali outdoors right now. Not a better time to buy!  8)
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: WAElkhunter89 on August 15, 2018, 05:47:16 PM
Just a heads up waelkhunter89, MR metcalf is 20% off at argali outdoors right now. Not a better time to buy!  8)

You sir are a true hero. Thank you.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: hunter399 on August 15, 2018, 06:05:16 PM
I think the hunt matters more than the species.  If you plan on doing day trips near roads, you could get away with a decent fanny pack and a garage sale external frame.  If you're planning on doing mountain hunts, I would save a little more and get a higher end pack. 

I looked at the Eberlestocks for a long time and came really close to buying one for awhile.  Someone talked me into checking out Exo and I've never regretted it (ok, I'll admit it hurt to pay that much up front).
Ah the assault pack - AKA "Assault my Back"

This comes from the guy who wears fanny packs. :chuckle:
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 15, 2018, 06:41:09 PM
Lol never actually wore one.  I went straight from a Gamehide or a MOLLE ruck to my Exo.

That being said, if I had a good pack I wouldn’t be against it. I’ve heard great things.  Shoot, even Steven Rinella recommends them :tup:
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: hunter399 on August 15, 2018, 07:18:26 PM
Lol never actually wore one.  I went straight from a Gamehide or a MOLLE ruck to my Exo.

That being said, if I had a good pack I wouldn’t be against it. I’ve heard great things.  Shoot, even Steven Rinella recommends them :tup:
If I had a good pack I wouldn't be against it.
Does that even make sense if you had a good pack why in the world wear a fanny pack.

Did find your comment about my day pack a little rude.
Do you have a problem with military surplus packs or what?
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: hunter399 on August 15, 2018, 07:32:37 PM
Hope the fanny pack your talking about looks something like this. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :dunno: :tup:
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: opdinkslayer on August 15, 2018, 07:37:52 PM
Just a heads up waelkhunter89, MR metcalf is 20% off at argali outdoors right now. Not a better time to buy!  8)

You sir are a true hero. Thank you.

Always nice to help a guy save $100!😎👍🏻  Good luck with your purchase
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 15, 2018, 08:31:19 PM
It wasn’t surplus to me, it was standard issue.  For hiking it’s literally the worst pack I have ever had. I kept mine in the truck on most missions, or loaned it to my interpreter because he didn’t have anything.

As for the “if I had a good pack I would use one” comment, I meant fanny pack.  I would totally rock a fanny when grouse, pheasant, or rabbit hunting.  It’s lightweight and if it’s got suspenders it should sit just fine.  It’ll also be more comfortable to swing a shotgun with.

Sorry I upset you.  I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, I just really can’t stand the assault packs.  When the Army changed to ACU, went to MOLLE, and picked up the assault pack, I have no idea what their goal was.  The only environment I’ve ever seen the ACU blend well with was the walls inside the WA state capital building.  The MOLLE packs served best as rugged equipment and clothing storage strapped to the outside of a vehicle.  The best use I found for an assault pack was as a resupply bag inside a vehicle.

As for surplus, I would take the old ALICE pack. Just plan to have to bend it a little.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: Sakko300wsm on August 16, 2018, 08:47:26 PM
Also think about weight that you want to pack out- I’ve had Eberlstock, badlands ect . Big difference of comfortable light and packing weight! My eberlestock is my best weight packing pack by far
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: Pa hunter on August 17, 2018, 04:18:44 AM
Have you ever used the EXO ?A lot of people like it.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 17, 2018, 06:03:29 AM
Yes.  Most would say Exo, Stone Glacier, and kifaru are the top tier packs.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: X-Force on August 17, 2018, 10:45:52 AM
Have you ever used the EXO ?A lot of people like it.

Its hard to recommend Exo, SG or Kifaru to someone with a budget of $300.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 17, 2018, 10:53:21 AM
Have you ever used the EXO ?A lot of people like it.

Its hard to recommend Exo, SG or Kifaru to someone with a budget of $300.

Very true.  I can tell you what someone told me, and I didn't like it.  If you have a pack that you can get one more year out of, put the $300 in your safe and keep adding to it. 

But again, it really all depends on what kind of hunting you're doing.  If you're walking a half mile into the woods and hanging out in a tree stand, you really have no need for the top tier packs.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: huntnfmly on August 17, 2018, 03:04:49 PM
@Pa hunter
There is a badlands 4500 in the classifieds for $200
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: X-Force on August 17, 2018, 03:19:45 PM
Have you ever used the EXO ?A lot of people like it.

Its hard to recommend Exo, SG or Kifaru to someone with a budget of $300.

Very true.  I can tell you what someone told me, and I didn't like it.  If you have a pack that you can get one more year out of, put the $300 in your safe and keep adding to it. 

But again, it really all depends on what kind of hunting you're doing.  If you're walking a half mile into the woods and hanging out in a tree stand, you really have no need for the top tier packs.

If I could just keep the money in the safe...  :chuckle:
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: Pa hunter on August 18, 2018, 05:02:07 PM
OK first of all I am not cheap! I collect Sako rifles (have 16 of them so far) I have a john deere tractor and I drive a dodge 3500 with a cummins. Now that being said if I need to spend more I will! This is my first trip to Washington  and if I enjoy the trip it will be yearly. I have spent lots of money on this trip and I was just looking for a first time pack, but decent. thanks for all the input I didn't realize there were so many good ones out there. Thanks again everyone you have opened my eyes !
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: Jpmiller on August 29, 2018, 05:41:24 PM
If you're willing to up your budget ive loved my stone glacier solo and hear equally good things about their other packs. It was eye opening the difference between my old rei brand pack and the new SG one.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: WaltAlpine on August 29, 2018, 06:15:01 PM
I finally got a Mystery Ranch Cabinet. It is the pack I always wanted. I use it for everything. Wish I had always had it.
Using this kind of pack is not for everyone, but it is Awesome.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: X-Force on August 30, 2018, 08:11:31 AM
I finally got a Mystery Ranch Cabinet. It is the pack I always wanted. I use it for everything. Wish I had always had it.
Using this kind of pack is not for everyone, but it is Awesome.

If the layout is close to the Crew Cab I agree with you. Awesome pack.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: Yakirack on August 30, 2018, 08:48:16 AM
Have you ever used the EXO ?A lot of people like it.

I have an Exo 3500, wish i had a Kifaru or something else..... :(
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: WaltAlpine on August 30, 2018, 02:16:18 PM
I finally got a Mystery Ranch Cabinet. It is the pack I always wanted. I use it for everything. Wish I had always had it.
Using this kind of pack is not for everyone, but it is Awesome.

If the layout is close to the Crew Cab I agree with you. Awesome pack.

It is the Crew Cab with a new name. I'm not sure when they changed the name, but it is identical as far as I understand.
It is far more versatile and has a lot more uses than advertised or as I have seen it reviewed.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: bfranklin81 on September 02, 2018, 12:29:38 AM
I went through all of this recently  - looking for a new hunting pack for around $300. Looked at Eberlestock, Badlands, Tenzing, etc. Ended up buying a Full Curl System pack from Horn Hunter. I have not been disappointed. I've found it to be more flexible and much more comfortable carrying weight than anything else I have tried. It's a good option to check out if you can't or don't want to spend more than twice your budget for one of the top tier brands.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: boneaddict on September 02, 2018, 06:42:01 AM
I have an eberstock "battleship" and move mountains with it.(literally)   A lot of packs wont fit my back.  Im 6 5.   The only thing I dont like about it is its weight out of the gate, but i guess if you want heavy duty and not featherweight.....    I am looking into Stone glacier as an eventual replacement.    Its not cheap and also isnt the lightest out there I dont think.   Im not sure if its woodsie enough for me.  Ill investigate more before I spend that kind of coin. 
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: jackelope on September 02, 2018, 08:36:04 AM
I have an eberstock "battleship" and move mountains with it.(literally)   A lot of packs wont fit my back.  Im 6 5.   The only thing I dont like about it is its weight out of the gate, but i guess if you want heavy duty and not featherweight.....    I am looking into Stone glacier as an eventual replacement.    Its not cheap and also isnt the lightest out there I dont think.   Im not sure if its woodsie enough for me.  Ill investigate more before I spend that kind of coin.

If you like the eberlestock pack you’ll think you died and went to heaven and now have someone else carrying your pack for you in an SG or other top tier pack. There’s no comparison. Been there done that with the Eberle. And I didn’t even upgrade to SG quality either.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 02, 2018, 09:00:00 AM
I have an eberstock "battleship" and move mountains with it.(literally)   A lot of packs wont fit my back.  Im 6 5.   The only thing I dont like about it is its weight out of the gate, but i guess if you want heavy duty and not featherweight.....    I am looking into Stone glacier as an eventual replacement.    Its not cheap and also isnt the lightest out there I dont think.   Im not sure if its woodsie enough for me.  Ill investigate more before I spend that kind of coin.

I know you’re not telling the truth Bone.  It’s not possible to even see a trophy animal without a $500 pack and I’ve seen your pictures.   :rolleyes:
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: jackelope on September 02, 2018, 09:18:22 AM
I have an eberstock "battleship" and move mountains with it.(literally)   A lot of packs wont fit my back.  Im 6 5.   The only thing I dont like about it is its weight out of the gate, but i guess if you want heavy duty and not featherweight.....    I am looking into Stone glacier as an eventual replacement.    Its not cheap and also isnt the lightest out there I dont think.   Im not sure if its woodsie enough for me.  Ill investigate more before I spend that kind of coin.

I know you’re not telling the truth Bone.  It’s not possible to even see a trophy animal without a $500 pack and I’ve seen your pictures.   :rolleyes:

It pretty much is a $500 backpack.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: tlbradford on September 02, 2018, 01:44:44 PM
I have an eberstock "battleship" and move mountains with it.(literally)   A lot of packs wont fit my back.  Im 6 5.   The only thing I dont like about it is its weight out of the gate, but i guess if you want heavy duty and not featherweight.....    I am looking into Stone glacier as an eventual replacement.    Its not cheap and also isnt the lightest out there I dont think.   Im not sure if its woodsie enough for me.  Ill investigate more before I spend that kind of coin.

I just listened to a podcast while on a long commute with the Stone Glacier founder.  He basically took mountaineering packs and a sewing machine, and made them into something that works with his sheep hunting and for packing meat.  He was very laid back and not a salesman, just a guy that needed a better product.  I will definitely be looking at these when my Badlands gets passed down.  Meat Eater Episode 130.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: spin05 on September 05, 2018, 12:25:21 AM
I have an eberstock "battleship" and move mountains with it.(literally)   A lot of packs wont fit my back.  Im 6 5.   The only thing I dont like about it is its weight out of the gate, but i guess if you want heavy duty and not featherweight.....    I am looking into Stone glacier as an eventual replacement.    Its not cheap and also isnt the lightest out there I dont think.   Im not sure if its woodsie enough for me.  Ill investigate more before I spend that kind of coin.

I just listened to a podcast while on a long commute with the Stone Glacier founder.  He basically took mountaineering packs and a sewing machine, and made them into something that works with his sheep hunting and for packing meat.  He was very laid back and not a salesman, just a guy that needed a better product.  I will definitely be looking at these when my Badlands gets passed down.  Meat Eater Episode 130.

Yea. Ive seen a few stone glaciers in action.  If i didnt buy a EXO pack then the next one i bought woulda been a stone glacier. They got a pretty slick gun strap
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: huntnnw on September 05, 2018, 06:43:38 AM
I own a Mystery ranch and love it..its bomb proof, but a little heavy. If I ever replace it Id go with a SG pack Ive looked at them at the sheep show and they super light and very well made packs
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: Jonathan_S on September 05, 2018, 07:07:46 AM
^ seems like MR is losing some love on these threads last couple years.  Even seems it's been bumped out of the perceived "Big 3" which I always thought was a joke anyway.

I've never touched a Stone Glacier pack.  I've fiddled around with Exo packs and can't imagine I'd take one before a MR Marshall or most bags that fit a Kifaru frame.

For the budget and some shopping, you could get just about anything for a great deal.  Folks that really geek out on packs are always buying and selling.
Title: Re: best backpack
Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 05, 2018, 07:11:27 AM
^ seems like MR is losing some love on these threads last couple years. 

For the budget and some shopping, you could get just about anything for a great deal.  Folks that really geek out on packs are always buying and selling.

Both good points.

I believe Mystery Ranch makes an appearance on Camofire every now and then.
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