New pack??

[Mtnwalker]

Exo, Stone glacier and Kifaru will have the highest resale value if you decide it isn't right for you. On the other end, Mystery Ranch goes on sale a lot and can be had for about half the price of the others mentioned. Kuiu has had a lot of packs on sale in their outlet lately but doesn't look like much available right at the moment. They are good packs but don't handle extreme weight as comfortably as some of the others, and I don't think I'd pay full price for one. 

[fowl smacker]

Most packs are fairly comfortable when not loaded with meat.  What I care about is the "comfort" when I've got 100 lbs in it.  That's why I love my Mystery Ranch Metcalf.  It is slightly heavier than some other packs when empty but it is the most comfortable pack I've ever worn when loaded.  Get one on sale and there's really not much comparison in my opinion.

[Sakko300wsm]

I’ve had multiple different brands of packs - eberlestock , mystery ranch , badlands, Kuiu ect - my EXO packs are definitely the most comfortable and definitely the most comfortable with a load.
I’m sure they are just like boots - try a few if you can.
FYI eberlestock packs are built great , but would never own another one - heaviest pack I’ve owned

[CastleRocker]

I've had several different brands, and still have one Stone Glacier frame with 3 different sized bags, a Kifaru frame with an Exo bag, and an old packboard with no brand on it.  They all have a purpose, and I'm happy with each and every one.  I purchased each one "used" or I wouldn't be able to afford/justify any of them.  I do have an old Barney's that will outpack any of the others.  There's a reason you don't often see used Barney's up for sale...they are the best I've used for heavy packing.  My knees don't like heavy packs anymore, so my son uses it.

[shedhunt]

I'd go with EXO. You won't be disappointed, love mine and looking to add another one to my gear.

They are able to do everything you are looking to do and you can upsize or downsize bags if you'd like.

[Barodir393]

I have a Kifaru that I am happy with. But I would get a bag that has more pockets for better organization. That being said, if I bought a new pack I would try an Exo.

[HikerHunter]

If your primary use is a day pack, the mystery ranch pop up might be a good option. The frame slides down and out of the way when you don't need it, then you raise it when you have a load. I've had up to 70 lbs in mine and it did great. You'd be limited in the backpack hunting though because they only come in 30 and 40 liters.

[GASoline71]

I got one of the Sitka Mountain Hauler 4000 packs.  So far so good, but have yet to haul meat out with it.  It's comfortable, and I am a tall dude (6' 5") so the adjustability of it was a plus for me.  It's comfortable, and has enough room for a 2 or 3 night stay in the woods, or use it just as a day pack.  If I ever get the chance to strap some meat on it, I'll report back. lol

Gary

[jackelope]

Whatever you choose, if you plan to haul heavy loads, make sure your pack has functional load lifters.  They get the weight off your shoulders and onto your hips. Eberlestock makes a great pack that won’t ever fall apart, but their load lifters that I’ve seen are pretty much non functional. Look to the alpha packs Exo, Kifaru, stone glacier etc. to have this feature. The comfort level is apples and oranges when compared to other packs. I have a Kifaru setup but can’t really say it’s any better than the others.

[highside74]

I'm sure Initial Ascent is a fine pack but the reason they are heavily promoted is they are fairly new and influencers like Gritty get commission on promo code use. Exo, kuiu, kifaru all make a great packs. Kifaru is 100% USA made.

Where do you live? I have a kifaru Duplex lite frame setup for day hunting with a Hellbender bag and a Kuiu icon pro also setup for day hunts with the 1850 bag that you could check out and try on.

[Wingin it]

I’ve been really happy with my Mystery Ranch pack. No complaints with a load of meat either.

[CamoDup]

Go with EXO and never look back! I’ve got a 4800 and it does everything I need and what you explained you need. Lightweight , built great and can really pack

  Buy an EXO... I love my EXO 4800

[dreadi]

I got a Kifaru Hellbender last year for the same reasons you detailed. Then I found myself in Montana for b tag whitetails with all that you mentioned and on opening day of modern elk with all the same things. Worked out great.


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07/02 NFA Dealer

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[salt n sage90]

Go with EXO and never look back! I’ve got a 4800 and it does everything I need and what you explained you need. Lightweight , built great and can really pack

  Buy an EXO... I love my EXO 4800

Second that.

[Rat44]

I have a Bull Pac that is built like a tank.
A little on the heavy side but it works.
A Badlands silent daypack works OK for light duty