Post by: OhioState84 on January 31, 2020, 06:16:27 PM
Post by: Crunchy on January 31, 2020, 06:27:45 PM
Post by: Stein on January 31, 2020, 06:36:00 PM
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Post by: Crunchy on January 31, 2020, 06:43:25 PM
Post by: huntnfmly on January 31, 2020, 06:51:30 PM
Post by: vandeman17 on January 31, 2020, 06:55:05 PM
Post by: Milkman on February 01, 2020, 07:08:31 AM
Post by: Timberstalker on February 01, 2020, 07:52:22 AM
Post by: dilleytech on February 01, 2020, 07:53:22 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on February 01, 2020, 07:56:58 AM
Looking at buying a new pack..... how about your preferences and why...... three day would be plenty...... looking to pack out elk - so a meat shelf would be needed..... Thanks in advance!!
If you're packing out meat and not bones, no meat shelf is needed.
Post by: kentrek on February 01, 2020, 10:01:56 AM
Just some thoughts
Post by: Buckhunter24 on February 01, 2020, 10:28:57 AM
As others have commented in reviews of this pack there are a few negativrs. Its not quiet, and the rifle scabbard is attached to the bag not the frame.
I got mine for 125, looks like it can now be bought for 100
Post by: optic2 on February 02, 2020, 01:25:33 AM
Post by: Coulee on February 02, 2020, 07:01:11 AM
The best pack I have owned. I assisted in hauling out 4 animals last season. My EXO performed flawlessly.
Post by: kselkhunter on February 02, 2020, 07:23:44 AM
The options range from $100 to $800. Depends on how much you want to spend, and for what weight of pack.
On the lower cost end, the Alpz Outdoors with the load shelf get the job done. My brother in law has one and it works fine. The Horn Hunters are also a good cost and I know folks that like them.
Mid range, a friend has the Eberlestock RMEF Team Elk pack (has load shelf), and it works well as well as I liked it after trying it for awhile. I thought about picking one up myself, but have too many packs already.
High end: lots of options. From the solid reliable old dependable brands of Kifaru and Mystery Ranch to around-for-awhile Kuiu to the newer kids on the block of Exo, Stone Glacier, etc. Depends on your preference. My Kuiu Ultra is lighter and I have a 3000 and a 6000 ci bags, but if I know I'm going elk I usually prefer the Mystery Ranch Crew Cab (it's now called the Cabinet). It's heavier, but so much more comfortable to pack heavy loads with. I've never seen or tried an EXO, but have heard nothing but good things about them.
Post by: big wood on February 02, 2020, 09:36:01 PM
Post by: buglebrush on February 02, 2020, 11:08:18 PM
Post by: elkchaser54 on February 02, 2020, 11:09:52 PM
Post by: huntnnw on February 03, 2020, 12:02:30 AM
Post by: gutsnthegrass on February 03, 2020, 08:32:53 AM
Post by: dilleytech on February 03, 2020, 10:25:12 AM
Looking at buying a new pack..... how about your preferences and why...... three day would be plenty...... looking to pack out elk - so a meat shelf would be needed..... Thanks in advance!!
If you're packing out meat and not bones, no meat shelf is needed.
Not “needed” maybe. But a meat shelf is a HUGE improvement over just stuffing it in the main compartment. Both for keeping stuff clean and for getting the meat where it should be. Strapped right up against your back.
Post by: Rainier10 on February 03, 2020, 10:36:11 AM
Bull Pac has worked well for me.:yeah:
Post by: vandeman17 on February 03, 2020, 10:39:43 AM
Looking at buying a new pack..... how about your preferences and why...... three day would be plenty...... looking to pack out elk - so a meat shelf would be needed..... Thanks in advance!!
If you're packing out meat and not bones, no meat shelf is needed.
Not “needed” maybe. But a meat shelf is a HUGE improvement over just stuffing it in the main compartment. Both for keeping stuff clean and for getting the meat where it should be. Strapped right up against your back.
Not to mention being able to still pack out your gear at the same time. Its nice being able to stuff your jacket, gloves and all that in the pack and have the meat on the shelf
Post by: MR5x5 on February 03, 2020, 11:20:57 AM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on February 03, 2020, 11:24:59 AM
Doesn’t get any cleaner than the meat inside a dry bag inside the pack. Don’t have to take the bag apart that way either. Put the meat bag in and pack the rest around it to fit where you want it. :twocents:Looking at buying a new pack..... how about your preferences and why...... three day would be plenty...... looking to pack out elk - so a meat shelf would be needed..... Thanks in advance!!
If you're packing out meat and not bones, no meat shelf is needed.
Not “needed” maybe. But a meat shelf is a HUGE improvement over just stuffing it in the main compartment. Both for keeping stuff clean and for getting the meat where it should be. Strapped right up against your back.
Post by: Stein on February 03, 2020, 11:41:55 AM
An added bonus is that you can stash stuff between the bag and the frame. On my Exo, I have my kill kit vac sealed and strapped to the frame. It's there if I need it but it doesn't take up space in the bag, get left behind or get in the way when I'm looking for something else.
Finally, if you can switch bags you can have 2 packs for far less than double the cost. I have the smaller Exo for a day hunting rig and will be getting a larger bag for late season hunts where you pack a bunch of extra clothing as well as overnight trips.
Post by: Jonathan_S on February 03, 2020, 12:16:52 PM
Post by: 2MANY on February 03, 2020, 01:02:57 PM
Post by: theleo on February 03, 2020, 02:08:29 PM
Ray HolesYou sir, are a connoisseur of fine elk hauling equipment. :tup:
I'd pit a Ray Holes pack and bags against any Exo, SG, Kuiu... pack out there and laugh against the fools that bet against me.
Post by: dilleytech on February 03, 2020, 03:04:28 PM
My stuff stays clean, the meat is tight to my back, I fit everything else in the pack AND I dont have to fiddle with a meat shelf.
I have done both. Utilizing the meat shelf on my exo is faster and easier then using the main compartment on my older packs. Not to mention sooo much more comfortable and secure. Your essentially more then doubling your packs capacity to carry stuff by having the meat shelf option as well.
Post by: Jonathan_S on February 03, 2020, 06:54:42 PM
Post by: Jimmybelltown on February 03, 2020, 07:10:03 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on February 03, 2020, 07:20:20 PM
its physics Jake. A load is gonna carry far better when loaded vertically and tight to the body, not moving weight away from your body aka bag outside of a load of meat. If a bag is designed properly with functional compression straps there won't be any barreling or shifting of weight. I've packed out hundreds and hundreds of heavy loads of meat. On frames, in bags, on meat shelfs. In fieldlines, and kuiu's, and eberlestocks, nimrods, mystery ranch, kifaru, etc, etc. Jon is spot on with his comments in my opinion. Meat and gear go in my pack 100% of the time :twocents:My stuff stays clean, the meat is tight to my back, I fit everything else in the pack AND I dont have to fiddle with a meat shelf.
I have done both. Utilizing the meat shelf on my exo is faster and easier then using the main compartment on my older packs. Not to mention sooo much more comfortable and secure. Your essentially more then doubling your packs capacity to carry stuff by having the meat shelf option as well.
Post by: millerwheeler on February 03, 2020, 07:33:35 PM
Post by: ridgefire on February 03, 2020, 09:50:03 PM
Post by: huntnnw on February 03, 2020, 10:14:47 PM
Post by: dilleytech on February 04, 2020, 11:35:07 AM
its physics Jake. A load is gonna carry far better when loaded vertically and tight to the body, not moving weight away from your body aka bag outside of a load of meat. If a bag is designed properly with functional compression straps there won't be any barreling or shifting of weight. I've packed out hundreds and hundreds of heavy loads of meat. On frames, in bags, on meat shelfs. In fieldlines, and kuiu's, and eberlestocks, nimrods, mystery ranch, kifaru, etc, etc. Jon is spot on with his comments in my opinion. Meat and gear go in my pack 100% of the time :twocents:My stuff stays clean, the meat is tight to my back, I fit everything else in the pack AND I dont have to fiddle with a meat shelf.
I have done both. Utilizing the meat shelf on my exo is faster and easier then using the main compartment on my older packs. Not to mention sooo much more comfortable and secure. Your essentially more then doubling your packs capacity to carry stuff by having the meat shelf option as well.
Agreed have the meat tight vertically against your back. Preferably separate from all my other gear on a meat shelf. For me it’s night and day better with a lot more carry options. But we all have our opinions.
Post by: dilleytech on February 04, 2020, 11:39:41 AM
Doubling it from what though? My pack and lid are 9,000 cubic inches and I've carried 130-150 in it. How is my load not secure when it is all in the main bag compressed against the frame?
You walk around with a 9000 pack? If you have the meat shelf you could throw another bag between your pack and frame if you wanted too. But ya with a giant 9000 you probably have all the room you could ever need. It’s not that your loads not secure in the bag it’s that you have a lot more options as to how you want to carry the weight with the loadshelf option. Again not “needed” but better. Imo
Post by: Jonathan_S on February 04, 2020, 12:41:12 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on February 04, 2020, 12:42:22 PM
Yeah I walk around from September to mid December with it. With lid it's 9000 and it compresses down just fine :tup: happy huntingmines bigger 8)
Post by: CastleRocker on February 04, 2020, 01:29:11 PM
Post by: Stein on February 04, 2020, 01:34:32 PM
Yeah I walk around from September to mid December with it. With lid it's 9000 and it compresses down just fine :tup: happy huntingmines bigger 8)
I might have you both beat. I bought a pack for winter camping in college and one of the selling points is that you could use it for an emergency bivy sack. I actually dug it out of the garage and will post it for sale here in the next few days.
I hauled all my winter gear, winter tent, ski stuff, 12 pack, an extra blanket and half my buddies stuff and had room to spare.
Post by: CoryTDF on February 04, 2020, 02:31:08 PM
Tight on money?
I would look at the Slumberjack Deadfall 65 Pack. Yeah, I know Slumberjack is not some super high end pack but I have hauled 4 elk and 3 deer with mine. My testing partner has one as well and he hauled his share of meat this year with his. For the money it is a fantastic pack.
Looking for a traditional frame with optional pack? Have to shout out to BullPac's! Sam is an absolutely awesome guy and he has a solid product.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on February 04, 2020, 02:42:51 PM
Yeah I walk around from September to mid December with it. With lid it's 9000 and it compresses down just fine :tup: happy huntingmines bigger 8)
I might have you both beat. I bought a pack for winter camping in college and one of the selling points is that you could use it for an emergency bivy sack. I actually dug it out of the garage and will post it for sale here in the next few days.
I hauled all my winter gear, winter tent, ski stuff, 12 pack, an extra blanket and half my buddies stuff and had room to spare.
:chuckle:
Post by: 7mmfan on February 04, 2020, 02:52:55 PM
Yeah I walk around from September to mid December with it. With lid it's 9000 and it compresses down just fine :tup: happy huntingmines bigger 8)
I might have you both beat. I bought a pack for winter camping in college and one of the selling points is that you could use it for an emergency bivy sack. I actually dug it out of the garage and will post it for sale here in the next few days.
I hauled all my winter gear, winter tent, ski stuff, 12 pack, an extra blanket and half my buddies stuff and had room to spare.
:chuckle:
Finally, someone posted something that makes sense!
Post by: kselkhunter on February 04, 2020, 03:04:00 PM
Yeah I walk around from September to mid December with it. With lid it's 9000 and it compresses down just fine :tup: happy huntingmines bigger 8)
I might have you both beat. I bought a pack for winter camping in college and one of the selling points is that you could use it for an emergency bivy sack. I actually dug it out of the garage and will post it for sale here in the next few days.
I hauled all my winter gear, winter tent, ski stuff, 12 pack, an extra blanket and half my buddies stuff and had room to spare.
:chuckle:
I felt like that on a recent November elk hunt in the snow. Those Mystery Ranch packs can exxppppaaaannnndddddd……
Post by: 2MANY on February 04, 2020, 03:43:40 PM
Steve is an icon.
Post by: buglebrush on February 05, 2020, 04:28:22 PM
its physics Jake. A load is gonna carry far better when loaded vertically and tight to the body, not moving weight away from your body aka bag outside of a load of meat. If a bag is designed properly with functional compression straps there won't be any barreling or shifting of weight. I've packed out hundreds and hundreds of heavy loads of meat. On frames, in bags, on meat shelfs. In fieldlines, and kuiu's, and eberlestocks, nimrods, mystery ranch, kifaru, etc, etc. Jon is spot on with his comments in my opinion. Meat and gear go in my pack 100% of the time :twocents:My stuff stays clean, the meat is tight to my back, I fit everything else in the pack AND I dont have to fiddle with a meat shelf.
I have done both. Utilizing the meat shelf on my exo is faster and easier then using the main compartment on my older packs. Not to mention sooo much more comfortable and secure. Your essentially more then doubling your packs capacity to carry stuff by having the meat shelf option as well.
:chuckle: In our group we have Kifaru guys that argue just like you, and then the rest of us have Exo's and couldn't disagree more. We've exchanged packs for pack-outs, but what it really comes down to is personal preference. Me? Give me an Exo all day everyday. However, I advise people to look at both Kifaru and Exo. Pros and cons to both systems, and one of those two will be the answer to their pack question.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on February 05, 2020, 05:06:53 PM
never said a word about kifaru or Exo. I was was talking load slinging vs running a large bag and putting meat inside the bag. I could care less what kind of pack people run. If I used an Exo (which I have) the meat would be getting dropped into the main bag.its physics Jake. A load is gonna carry far better when loaded vertically and tight to the body, not moving weight away from your body aka bag outside of a load of meat. If a bag is designed properly with functional compression straps there won't be any barreling or shifting of weight. I've packed out hundreds and hundreds of heavy loads of meat. On frames, in bags, on meat shelfs. In fieldlines, and kuiu's, and eberlestocks, nimrods, mystery ranch, kifaru, etc, etc. Jon is spot on with his comments in my opinion. Meat and gear go in my pack 100% of the time :twocents:My stuff stays clean, the meat is tight to my back, I fit everything else in the pack AND I dont have to fiddle with a meat shelf.
I have done both. Utilizing the meat shelf on my exo is faster and easier then using the main compartment on my older packs. Not to mention sooo much more comfortable and secure. Your essentially more then doubling your packs capacity to carry stuff by having the meat shelf option as well.
:chuckle: In our group we have Kifaru guys that argue just like you, and then the rest of us have Exo's and couldn't disagree more. We've exchanged packs for pack-outs, but what it really comes down to is personal preference. Me? Give me an Exo all day everyday. However, I advise people to look at both Kifaru and Exo. Pros and cons to both systems, and one of those two will be the answer to their pack question.
Post by: buglebrush on February 05, 2020, 05:33:32 PM
never said a word about kifaru or Exo. I was was talking load slinging vs running a large bag and putting meat inside the bag. I could care less what kind of pack people run. If I used an Exo (which I have) the meat would be getting dropped into the main bag.its physics Jake. A load is gonna carry far better when loaded vertically and tight to the body, not moving weight away from your body aka bag outside of a load of meat. If a bag is designed properly with functional compression straps there won't be any barreling or shifting of weight. I've packed out hundreds and hundreds of heavy loads of meat. On frames, in bags, on meat shelfs. In fieldlines, and kuiu's, and eberlestocks, nimrods, mystery ranch, kifaru, etc, etc. Jon is spot on with his comments in my opinion. Meat and gear go in my pack 100% of the time :twocents:My stuff stays clean, the meat is tight to my back, I fit everything else in the pack AND I dont have to fiddle with a meat shelf.
I have done both. Utilizing the meat shelf on my exo is faster and easier then using the main compartment on my older packs. Not to mention sooo much more comfortable and secure. Your essentially more then doubling your packs capacity to carry stuff by having the meat shelf option as well.
:chuckle: In our group we have Kifaru guys that argue just like you, and then the rest of us have Exo's and couldn't disagree more. We've exchanged packs for pack-outs, but what it really comes down to is personal preference. Me? Give me an Exo all day everyday. However, I advise people to look at both Kifaru and Exo. Pros and cons to both systems, and one of those two will be the answer to their pack question.
Yes, I get that. Was referring to my experiences, and just found it funny that this same point most be argued everywhere. IME if a person doesn't like meat shelves, they usually end up Kifaru. Those that prefer Meat Shelves usually end up with Exo. Not wrong, just different.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on February 05, 2020, 05:40:02 PM
Post by: dilleytech on February 05, 2020, 09:19:48 PM
All kifaru models have the ability to load sling as well. I see weirdo's doing it all the time :chuckle:
To be clear you believe a pack with a meat shelf is a worse pack option for elk then one that doesn’t have the option?
Post by: huntnnw on February 05, 2020, 09:37:31 PM
Post by: kentrek on February 05, 2020, 10:26:18 PM
Step 1, kill elk
Step 2, determine most efficient way to take care of elk...some times bone out..some times bone in...imo
Step 3, determine the most efficient way to pack out said elk...if you have alot of gear & its bone out, it's nice to have it all together..such as in the bag
It sucks having a full camp and water out away from your body
But if your only packing a few hours it isnt that big of deal..it doesn't need to be perfect...strap it on and get to work...maybe your not far from the truck...lots of scenarios
Some weirdos bone out animals even if its 5 feet from the truck! More power to them but gotta take that into consideration.
Which is why I would recommend having both options...the weight consequence isnt worth not having it and if your style evolves to wear you never need a shelf then awesome...cut the sling off ! No biggy
Post by: Karl Blanchard on February 06, 2020, 06:05:10 AM
no. What I'm saying is the option is irrelevant. I could load sling with my current pack right this second but I won't. Been there done that.All kifaru models have the ability to load sling as well. I see weirdo's doing it all the time :chuckle:
To be clear you believe a pack with a meat shelf is a worse pack option for elk then one that doesn’t have the option?
This is still a conversation?pretty spot on except for the bones in part. What weirdo doesn't bone out elk :chuckle:
Step 1, kill elk
Step 2, determine most efficient way to take care of elk...some times bone out..some times bone in...imo
Step 3, determine the most efficient way to pack out said elk...if you have alot of gear & its bone out, it's nice to have it all together..such as in the bag
It sucks having a full camp and water out away from your body
But if your only packing a few hours it isnt that big of deal..it doesn't need to be perfect...strap it on and get to work...maybe your not far from the truck...lots of scenarios
Some weirdos bone out animals even if its 5 feet from the truck! More power to them but gotta take that into consideration.
Which is why I would recommend having both options...the weight consequence isnt worth not having it and if your style evolves to wear you never need a shelf then awesome...cut the sling off ! No biggy
Post by: Dawgfather1 on February 06, 2020, 06:32:37 AM
Post by: 2MANY on February 06, 2020, 09:00:02 AM
Just Sayin.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/ff374/triggerhappy12/b812e50f-029a-4eed-bb39-859f6dbe832e_zpsfr0b8ang.jpg) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/triggerhappy12/p/6a1e345e-d32b-4095-90b5-df4229c59e00)
Post by: 7mmfan on February 06, 2020, 09:47:28 AM
Just Sayin.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/ff374/triggerhappy12/b812e50f-029a-4eed-bb39-859f6dbe832e_zpsfr0b8ang.jpg) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/triggerhappy12/p/6a1e345e-d32b-4095-90b5-df4229c59e00)
Show off
Post by: Karl Blanchard on February 06, 2020, 10:15:16 AM
Post by: kentrek on February 06, 2020, 01:47:01 PM
The age old question, who works harder. The guy who just grinds it out a few times a year or the guy who deals with horses 24/7? I think you gotta be a weirdo and like horses :chuckle:
How bout the guys that have horses and still dont use them cuz 4miles or less it's still easier to just pack it out yourself :dunno:
Dang horses have it too good some years
Post by: Sassquatch on February 06, 2020, 09:52:09 PM
Post by: Jhughes32 on February 07, 2020, 07:30:59 PM
Post by: Jonathan_S on February 07, 2020, 09:43:08 PM