I've been planning on taking a trip out west to hunt elk within the next few years and am currently looking at a pack system to use. Ideally it will be a 5-7 day hunt. I've narrowed it down to a Kifaru Mountain warrior with hunting frame or an Exo mountain gear 3500 or 5500. Price is a factor as I am new to this style of hunting but want the most reliable and durable pack I can afford. I am open to any suggestions you guys may have, Thanks!
I bought the Exo 5500 last year. Between workouts and hunts I have probably about 70 miles with it on in rough terrain. Heaviest I have had it was 75#. I am happy with mine
Come see me in Georgetown, I think I can help.
I would suggest you don't need the latest and greatest. A marine corp. ILBE or older Kifaru could suit you well.
Biathlonman, That would be awesome. I go to school at UK so I am close by. Would you be free this Sunday afternoon?
This was my first year elk / mountain hunting since moving from the flatlands of NYS to Idaho.
I bought an erblestock just one pack.
Really like it, fully adjustable, probably more room than I need. Hardly knew I was wearing it most days.
A little $$ as far as packs go but probably the last one I'll ever need.
Check out Oregon Pack Works.
58
Expensive but X2 on Oregon Pack Works
I strongly suggest you break down your pack usage: How much time will be spent in day pack mode, versus a bivy mode or full pack in/packing meat out mode. Most packs are compromise solutions to different problems of overall weight, pack space, silence and durability/comfort with different weights.
The following are based on my use of the mentioned packs:
Not trying to pick a fight here, but if kevsuperg used his Eberlestock JustOne to pack out 100lbs of meat (rather just as a day or bivy pack)and found it comfortable, he is a better man than me. Great day pack/3-4 night spike camp pack. Sucks under load due to a horrible belt and lack of load lifters. Heavy empty weight for what it can carry. If you have a short torso, you may be able to make it work, but couldn't, and i learned that packing a moose out years ago.
The OPW is a great daypack, and you can easily get a 60# load of meat out in relative comfort. Quiet, durable and a well thought out design.
Put more weight in it, and the light stays without a cross tie at the top will show you how much a pack can barrel under load. You can fab up heavier aluminum stays, and rig a cross piece, but all you have done is made a heavier modified Kifaru Bikini style frame.
A new Kifaru pack is great, if you can justify the cost to yourself. The Mountain Warrior is a great bag (but pretty big for daypack use), but the 500D is noisy, and unless you are packing a lot of weight on a regular basis is a bit of overkill.
A used second generation Kifaru Duplex can be had cheaper (as can a Gen 1), and you aren't sacrificing much (bare pack weight). Used Stone Glacier Krux Frames are a great deal (if you don't have a flat back profile).
A Marine Ilbe (if the torso fit is right) or an Arc'Teryx Bora with a Kifaru Duplex belt on it (that is the right size) will handle all of the weight you can throw at it. Heavier than an SG or Kifaru, and not as glamorous.
If you are on a budget, spend more money on boots and less on a pack for your first kick at mountain hunting. And remember, like boots pack FIT is everything.
Take five days and try a backpack style hunt/trip where you are and see if it fits for you before making the big cash committment. It looks great from a distance to a lot of guys, but it really isn't for everyone, and i have seen a lot of gear sold really cheap by folks who learned the hard way that it wasn't for them AFTER they dropped the money.
I have a Kifaru T2 that I really enjoy. I have loaded a full mule deer buck in it and it felt great.
I have a kifaru timberline .. I really like it
I've been using the same kifaru long hunter for the past 10 years. When I ge to my hunting area I day hunt in the frame with lid and load shelf. Love it.
I used the Dwight Schuh pack for extended backcountry elk hunts. It is modular and holds a lot of stuff. Went on two, two week backcountry hunts with it and it worked well for me. The top pack comes off to be used as a day pack and the bottom pack can be used as a fanny pack. There is one on the classifieds for under $100. I almost bought it as a spare.
Good luck
Gil
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Keep in mind, you can utilize these packs for alot of uses. I have the EXO 3500, and to be honest, I think it is plenty big for a week long hunt (if you have decent backpacking gear). The way the EXO bag can seperate from the frame, means I can carry treestands when I am whitetail hunting out east, I've even managed to get my double-bull back there and use the pack to carry that. I honestly dont think there is much difference in most of the top tier packs, BUT one that fits one guy might not fit the next. I love Kifaru and they are just down the road from me, but the EXO just fit my body type better, and it was lighter to boot. I think Kifaru, EXO, Stone Mountain Gear, Mystery Ranch, all would serve you well for years of hard use. If you know that backpack hunting is what you do, and you do alot of it, then I would definitely splurge on a top tier pack. If you have little experience backpack hunting, and have never been out west, I would go to your local REI or similar outdoor store and get a decent mid-level backpacking pack. It will serve you well for a few hunts, and it wont break the bank. I have packed out a slew of deer and a cow elk in an REI brand 6500 ci pack. I paid $90 on the clearance rack 10 years ago when I moved to Colorado. I replaced it last season with an EXO 3500 and accessories that were north of 500 I believe
I appreciate all the feed back guys! I do have a cheaper meat packing frame from Sportsman's Warehouse that i have used for backpacking trips in to fish, camp, hauling stands, etc. with a few buddies. But have never been able to truly backpack hunt like I have wanted. I hope to move out west after college and do some things Ive dreamed of doing cause as my dad always told me: "Your knees aren't getting any younger." haha I have hunted a few WMA's here in Kentucky using this put together system I have and it has done well for me thus far. Just looking to make a good investment now so that I can have a go to Pack for years to come. I already have a pretty good small day pack but mainly was after a solid pack for going into a large area and for hauling out meat. I am also going to look into those REI packs too. Keep the ideas coming, I love hearing from you guys out west or guys that have frequently backpacked in to hunt.
Gil, I love the Pictures! I have a safari tuff quiver as well that i was going to strap to the pack and I like your set up!
Daz, Thank you for all the tips. I am also looking into purchasing boots for backpacking. I actually am planning with a buddy on doing a camping/ hunting trip into the Daniel Boone national forest if regulations allow me to do so. It would be for whitetails this coming fall. I don't know how successful I'll be but I think it will help me get a feel for backpack hunting like you said.
If you look close you will see a camo fleece bag. It is holding my two piece longbow. That quiver is very handy back packing or dragging a deer if you have a takedown.
Gil
Sent you a PM, I'm sold on Kifaru for their packs! Rest of their gear is bombproof too though!
Good Luck!
Personally, I'd rather pack 50 lb twice than 100 lb once. I don't know how some of you guys do it.
As many have said, pack fit is just as important as boot fit. And until you've hiked 10 miles with a load, you haven't yet learned if the pack fits. For that reason alone, it's worth shopping at a store like REI where you can test the gear out a couple times and exchange it for something different if it doesn't work. A couple years ago, I got an ultralight flash-series pack from them. I took it on an overnight trip but ended up not liking it by around mile 2. It was right about then that a nice little 1x2 showed himself to me & I took the shot. I spent the rest of the night quartering & packing out the deer by headlamp back to the car -- never even made it to setup camp. I managed to only get a couple small blood stains on the pack. When I took the pack back to REI, they took it back without any questions. That, to me, is well worth giving them my business for my serious gear.
It may or may not be very difficult for you to plan a few trips ahead of time. But even if you just do some longer day hikes or quick weekenders with some weight, you'll know if it's a good pack for you or not before the big trip arrives.
I've been using a EXO 3500 the past two Elk hunts out west and couldn't be happier. Packed in for 6 days off hunting and had plenty of room. We set up spike camp and the packed doubled as my day pack. Was very pleased.
I've done a couple trips using a 3500ci ext frame Dwight Schuh Hunt Pack, I much prefer my internal frame Badlands 2800 pack for daypack and/or 4 days, 3 nite hunts. I could jam food for 6 days, 5 nite hunts but prefer the shorter trips. Also I can carry my camp and meat out together.
Gil! Some big ugly guy photobombed your pictures! Wow, what a shame! :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
I've got about 15 fine packs hanging in the rafters in my shop. All are damned good! I've used a Schuh pack and they're not bad at all. But I found not long after moving west that I agree with Yosemite Sam. Even when younger and stronger than I am now, I didn't find it very workable to hunt with a big pack on. And I never cared for large fanny packs. I know-getting deep is the secret to avoiding other hunters and hunter-wise game. But, I have found smaller pack systems are way better for me to use when hunting. Been through a number of truly fine ones, and no real argument against any of them. But, when I found the Eberlestock X2 I became a convert. It's a big daypack, weighs half what some other excellent daypack "systems" weigh, can carry an elk quarter if necessary and tough as nails.(and I know a lot of others could make those claims as well, several are on my wall now.) The X2 simply suspends so well that it "carries" less than it actually weighs. To describe the size, I'd say it's big enough to carry provisions for a night or two out----if need be! But, those would be pretty tough conditions, and your pad/bag would be tied on the outside. and, a lot of trips to bring an elk out. More like: one load with a quarter and as much of your stuff as you can carry. Then, back in with a freighter frame!
I know: this may have avoided the OP question. But, I'm not the only one who has learned that carrying a big pack for miles at 7-11000 feet will reveal some things about yourself!! Just be ready with a back up plan!
I would give a serious look at the Mystery Ranch Marshall or Metcalf. One of these would be my choice.
Ha!!
Had bad experience dealing with EXO Mountain Gear company. Can't recommend it.
Myself and MANY others have had nothing but excellent dealings with EXO and I would highly recomend them!
I've had an Exo for 2 years now and I'm happy with it as well
Tim
I run a kifaru DT1 with a guide lid and hunting frame. Im pretty much sold on Kifaru and their products. I also run a sawtooth and smith cylinder stove.
Top quality gear that wont fail you.
Love my Stone Glacier Sky 5100 pack. I recently purchased the Aproach bag that I can attach to the frame itself for shorter hunts, or piggy back off the bigger Sky 5100 bag whenever I get to take my dream 3 week Alaska moose hunt!
Inexpensive it was not, but it's an excellent quality pack that I will not be getting rid of any time soon, should last me at least 15 years.
Stone Glacier is a great pack. I went with the Solo which offers many options for use from daypack to weeklong Goat hunts. Great company with service and support after the sale. Spendy but will outlast me.
Out of the last five packs that I had (Badlands, Tenzing, Blacks Creek, Stone Glacier), the Kifaru has been my favorite. Definitely durable and for me it's very comfortable. So far I have no complaints and the customer service has been spot on. But as you know, packs are like hunting boots, sometimes it's tough to find the "right" one. By the time I figure out whether or not I like the pack, it's too late for any type of return. LOL!
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All day climbing and hiking with no issues.
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Getting ready to pack out deboned meat
Ryan, What kifaru pack is that and what accessories did you get with it?
Not meant to confuse or muddy the waters but Seek Outside Revolution or the Evolution frame with your bag of choice, works well for me.
I believe it all depends on the type of hunting/hiking you will be doing. Hiking in with a base camp on your back setting up once and then hunting from there daily is one way. This is how I've been doing it the past few trips out west. In this scenario I bring in both a large frame pack that is covertable to a meat hauler, and a moderate size day pack. The day pack is pre-packed with everything needed plus other items for space and put in the large pack and hauled in together. Hauling in a heavier load with base camp one time is doable. Carrying your camp around all day the whole trip while you hunt is a different game all together. In this case, quality and fit of your pack is crucial.
I have been using the packs made by Alps Outdoorz. They are affordable for my budget, are comfortable,and get the job done. They don't have the street cred of all the other packs mentioned, but my thinking is- I'm only using the pack for 1-2 weeks each year, I hike in under load set up camp and hike back out at the end of the trip. I could probably do this for the next 20 years and not wear the pack out. And I could buy 3 or 4 of them for the price of the high dollar rigs. Check them out.
I am leaning towards a kifaru pack and also getting the guide lid with it. It functions also as a removable day pack which I really liked. Has anyone used a kifaru with a guide lid?
I'm running a Kifaru tactical frame with an argali pack, hard to go with anything else when kifarus system can be so modular with different bags.
QuoteOriginally posted by Ky longbow:
Ryan, What kifaru pack is that and what accessories did you get with it?
It's a Kifaru hunting frame and I use an apollo bag with guide lid for my day hunts. I also have a bunch of pockets and a grab it for when I hunt in areas that deboning isn't allowed and I have to pack out the animal whole.
New guy here. I hunt with a Kifaru duplex timberline 2 and a longhunter lid (predecessor to the guide lid). I carry the lid as a waste pack for day hunting out of a spike camp and just use the frame pack to pack in and pack out. I filled my bull tag in Az this year 3+ miles in. To pack out I split my camp/gear into two loads and stuffed a 70lb bag of meat between the bag and frame for each load. My buddy (built like a pack mule) came to help and just hauled meat on a frame pack, two meat bags the first trip and one on the second. The Kifaru frame is comfortable at 100lb and is a well built modular system. Made in the USA makes it worth the extra dollars to me.
I just bought my first trad bow, so that hunt was with a wheel bow. If I can figure out how to, and won't get chastised for posting a compound picture I can show you what it looks like loaded.
Go for it man and welcome to the Gang! I personally will always support an American owned and operated company. Plus I can never get enough of seeing some great back country hunts! What bow did you get for your first trad bow?
....and thanks for the welcome. I picked up a 70's Black Bear, 45lb@28 as a trial to see how I like a recurve. Planning on learning to shoot 3 under and am a bit timid on starting without any instruction on form. I feel like I shoot the wheel bow well, but want to be sure I have a smooth transtion to a stick bow without developing bad habits out of the gate.
Just focus on building up form as your main priority. Blank bale shooting and really focusing on consistent anchor with back tension is a great start. The shooting forum here is a great help. I also used masters of the bare bow frequently when i was younger as a reference for shooting form. Thanks again for the pack pictures, I believe they were removed for containing compound bows as well. No biggie, Great elk too!
Ryan and Andrew, I think I am going to get a Kifaru Mountain warrior with a Hunting frame. I also was going to get a guide lid as well. It would be great to have when scouting around basecamp. I like the reckoning also though. Your thoughts on these packs if any of you have tried or used them?
Ky longbow....
I'm not going to recommend a pack system for you. I'm going to recommend you grab your credit card and purchase your 2 or 3 favorite packs at the same time, with the understanding you can return any of them. Evaluate them and keep the best. Of course it will cost you extra money, but you'll have the security of knowing you selected the best pack for YOU and not anyone else. I did this almost 2 years ago when I compared an EXO 3500 to a Mystery Ranch Metcalf. It took me about one hour to doubt the EXO and another couple days to confirm the Metcalf suited me a lot better. I was actually hoping the EXO would win out but 'twas not the case.
I wish I had done this when I purchased a Kifaru a few years back. They are totally superb packs but I ended up miserably sore while packing meat with it. I had no choice but to sell it.
Comparing high end packs is a difficult prospect, but worth the effort and expense when you think about their importance to your hunt and health.
Kevin, That is a very valid point. I may do that! How do you like the mystery ranch packs? Ive heard great things about them.
Mystery Ranch happens to be my favorite. That's because they feel great on my body under serious loads. I just (Sept) packed out 11 loads of moose with my new MR Pintler and ended up with NO hotspots or soreness caused by the pack.
The other thing I happen to prefer in a pack is simplicity. Though they are popular with many hunters, I don't care much for modular pack systems with additional pouches, bags, cells, etc. I did that deal once and it was too fussy for my tastes when hunting. Please give me a pack that is straightforward and uncomplicated with fast access and a few interior pockets.
One of the best things I've ever used is the Overload Shelf which allows meat (or excess gear) to be sandwiched between the bag and the frame. I will want that on any pack which is intended to carry meat, if I kill something.
Most of the Mystery Ranch packs are sold to be complete and ready to hunt. No additional lids or upgrades usually. No deciding between belts at additional cost. They do have accessories, but one price buys a pack which is ready to go as soon as you receive it.
Mystery Ranch packs are great but they tens to be quite heavy empty.
I have been looking into mystery ranch also. Randy Newburg has given a few reviews on them that i have watched and they look like they're built solid. I personally have not used any of these packs back country hunting so I have yet to find preference but I do like the modular idea currently so that I may have a "do it all frame" with 1-2 bags and adjustments. I have a meat frame currently with an old tubular backpacking pack that is good for a 3-4 day hike with gear but im looking to upgrade before I head out west. Do you have the Guide Light Frame by Mystery ranch?
Yes...Guide Light frame. The rap on MR packs is/was their weight but that has been largely relegated to the past now. The Guide Light frame and harness took considerable weight out compared to the previous NICE frame. My Pintler is feather light when empty. I go more by comfort and usability than weight anyway.
Trying out multiple packs is definitely sage advice. I carried an Exo for a day and knew immediately it wasn't for me. The Kifaru platform was much mor comfortable and the fact that the pack and frame are separate so you can stuff meat or a duffle in between just makes sense to me. I didn't have acces to an MR or Hill People Gear bag, so I couldn't test them. The other thing you should do is call the company you're interested in. The guys at Kifaru are all hardcore hunters, most of em with a bow and a handful with a trad bow. They use and know their gear. I would expect the same from MR or HPG. They should be able to guide you in what pack and frame will suit your hunting style.
I also like the modular approach to Kifaru gear. I can have multiple bags for the same frame to suit different situations and I can load it up with pockets and a lid or slim it down to bare bones and use it for shed hunting. Even though it isn't ultralight, it has replaced my ultralight backpacking pack. These packs also hold their resale value like a well made trad bow. If you end up with something you don't like, you can get most of your money back out of it. This also means you can pick up pockets, pouches and even different bags from some other classifieds.
Thanks for the elk comliment. Yes pictures removed due to the technology shown, which I understand. Pm me if you have any further in depth questions.
Cheers,
DJ