Hey all I am very interested in this company and their packs. I am looking. Thinking heavy loads capable but need to be able to use it everyday too?
What are the opinions of those who have experience with them.
Randy,
Since last year I was looking into getting a new pack. After months and months of deliberation, I pulled the trigger on a Stone Glacier. I ended up with the Sky 5100, due to it's ability to compress/convert into a 3500 "daypack/bivy" mode. For me, it's the best of both worlds.
I'll be sure to post more pics and info when I get home.
Aloha!
Ryan
Here's the SKY 5100 in it's full size.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/5100full.jpg)
The SKY 5100 in it's 3500 mode.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/5100bivymode.jpg)
The SKY 5100 in it's 3500 mode "side view"
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/bivymodeside.jpg)
I know you were asking about heavy loads. I'm assuming elk quarters??? ;)
Here's an excerpt from Kurt.
"After three years of design and testing with loads from 70 to 135 pounds without any structural issues, the goal was to test the pack to failure. Starting with 1 inch steel plates 13" by 25", I worked my way up to four plates in the pack. Each plate weighed about 85 pounds, 40 pounds a square foot. When it was time to add the third and fourth plate, I welded the plates together, lifted them with a crane, wrapped the Solo around the plates, and set it back down on edge of the welding bench where I could get it on my back. The final load weight on my back was 340 pounds with no damage, failure, or signs of stress. While the goal of testing to failure was not accomplished, the load test did prove the 130 pounds plus rating structurally conservative."
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/340lbs.jpg)
Here's the Sky 5100 with the load shelf.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/skyloadshelf.jpg)
This Solo may be a good option for you Randy. Here's a look with the expanded load shelf.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/soloexp-1.jpg)
What is the price range of the packs pictured?
Also in the market, thanks for the pictures and write up Ryan, they look and sound really nice. worth a look for sure.
David,
I paid $599 for my KRuX Frame, Load Shelf and 5100 Bag.
You're welcome Tim.
The customer service is awesome and these packs are Made in the USA.
Aloha!
Ryan
I don't have as many miles in the field as I would like, but I'm hoping to change that soon!
Here are my initial impressions...
For an "ultralight" frame, this design can handle loads like a "rigid" frame pack. The first thing I do with every brand new pack is I remove it from the box, load it with weight and take it for a quick walk. (My last brand new pack of another reputable brand broke within the first 5 mins.) When the "actual" weight "feels" lighter on my back than it actually is, I know I've got something well designed. Being a "non-rigid" frame also allows for the pack to adjust with your body's motion as you traverse through hunting terrain. For me, this is a very comfortable pack with infinite adjustments. Keep in mind, I'm only 5' 6" and 145lbs. I'm sure this pack was designed for guys in or near the 6ft range. With the innovative hook and loop adjustments, this pack fits my torso perfectly. The straps are adjustable and I bought the 3pc belt which allows for lumbar modifications. On my first trip, I had about 25lbs and hunted with my pack on for a good 6hrs. Initially, I was concerned about the 26" stays, but after one trip in some thick brush, I realized that it would not be an issue. Deboning meat is a big thing in the areas that I hunt. The load shelf allows for some ventilation and it keeps the heavy meat tight and close to your back to minimize excessive force. I primarily hunt with a day pack in Hawaii, but need a backcountry pack for my upcoming Western hunts. As most of you know, I'm a "one bow" kind of guy and would like to be a "one pack" kind of guy too... LOL! With these packs, I have the option of getting accustomed to one frame and just changing the bags or as I did, buy one bag that transforms from 5100 to 3500, plus I have the added space of the load shelf or I could even add accessories for additional storage.
I could go on and on about this pack... Let me know if you guys got any further questions as I'll be more than happy to help answer any questions. As you guys know, I'll stand behind anyone who "stands behind their product" and so far I've had exceptional customer service from Kurt Racicot, owner of Stone Glacier.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/journey3.jpg)
Aloha!
Ryan K Sanpei
Nice overview Ryan!! I've had my eye on these packs for a while now just waiting to hear some "in the field" reviews. It all sounds good so far. Thanks!
I've been yearning for a new pack myself and these have been on my short list. I'd love to see one actually in person. They sure look impressive. For my normal uses I think the Approach could replace at least two of the packs I currently have with the option to add another larger bag latter if needed.
I've been using a Krux frame this spring with a Hill People Gear Highlander compression panel and roll top sil-nylon bag on it in a few configurations to see if it will work for high country elk and mule deer this fall.
After about ten days of spot and stalk bear hunting i'm a believer. The frame has the older one piece hip belt, and i'll probably upgrade to a three piece this summer.
This is probably pack number ten or eleven for me (including Kifaru), and i can't see me changing it anytime soon.
What a great review Ryan. Daz thank you for your input as well.
You're welcome Gang!
Joe, the approach is what got me hooked! My buddy came down for a hunt and it was the perfect bag for my applications here. I'm sure in the near future I'll be buying more than one bag... :D
I think you have a full 30 days from the date of purchase to return the pack for a full refund if you're not happy with it, provided there are no stains, damage, etc...
I just bought the minimalist w/ frame. I plan on picking up their Solo bag used this summer hopefully. With the Skys coming out I think you will be able to find some used bags for a bit of a discount. I only have a couple hike w/ 50lbs in it but it fits me so much better than the Kuiu Ultra did. Finally got a winner for myself.
Also they say when you get the pack put as many miles on it as you can to make sure it wil work for you. Schnees has a 100% satisfaction policy so not sure how that would work with the packs and return policy.
Brandon
Does anybody else have input on these.
Great review Ryan, thanks! Great post Randy.
Kris
Don;t own one but I like the packs alpine heritage. Climbers know a thing or two about packs that allow you to remain agile.
A lot of "hunting" packs tend to ignore narrowness as an asset. Narrow allows the user to do a lot of things better like sneak through tight passages whether timber or walking a rock shelf where keeping balance is vital. And the taller design lets you use it as the lower half of an emergency bivy if you get caught out overnight in a bad place.
I like that there are not a million pockets all over the outside too.
Joshua
Thank you Kris!
I've been dragging this pack through some pretty steep and thick terrain...
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/im5.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_4155.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_4163.jpg)
Thanks Ryan,great review.
Anytime Felix!
Really starting to dig this pack, so much I just ordered another one... :D
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/sg10.jpg)
Just ordered the Sky 5100 for elk and mule deer this fall. Haven't heard anything but positives about Stone Glacier, and am hoping to put it to the test...
My Solo should be here tomorrow. Wanted a Exo pack but after a 2 1/2 mo. wait and no pack, I went with stone glacier. After talking to Kurt, Iam sure the Solo will fill my needs. Should have done this first.
I got a Sky 5100 for a goat hunt this Sept. The first thing I did with my Sky 5100 was take it on a 70 mile hike through a large wilderness area. The pack preformed great. It sits very well and has the ability to be modified very easily to fit your back. I trimmed all the zippers to be shorter, put paracord on the top cinch strap, put small webbing inside to hold my camelback bladder. I don't see using the brain pocket to much but will have it with me at camp. The shelf is so light it goes everywhere. I feel like it would be possible to carry someone (hopefully light) out of the woods like a baby carrier back pack.
As JHG said, climbers know a thing or two about packs and I like to consider myself one. I climb cell towers professionally and mountains/rock faces for recreation. I have owned many packs (Cilo, BD, Badlands, Sitka, Metolius, etc) and Kurt got it right with his packs. They ride super close and comfy with lots of simplicity in the design. The zipper up the middle is awesome. As well, the pack weighs half the amount of any other pack.
Not a great pick of the pack, but it shows how small the Sky 5100 can compress. This is day 2 of 5. It looks like I barely have anything on. Have my T/D whip and arrows for the boys in BP. I KNOW I could carry a whole deer out and the better part of an elk with this pack. It is the one! If you are between bigger or smaller sizes I would go larger as the frame will be the same and the 5100 could carry more than you ever could, yet packs down to nothing. Seriously.
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p169/DeanTowarnicki/DSC01755.jpg) (http://s128.photobucket.com/user/DeanTowarnicki/media/DSC01755.jpg.html)
for the past week I have been walking my new SOLO with 55 lbs. in it. it is a great pack and I can not say enough good about customer service.
Kurt is top notch with service and stands behinds what he sells.
flying out in a few days for a sheep hunt, the first real test of this new pack....
for the past week I have been walking my new SOLO with 55 lbs. in it. liking it more everyday.
you will not find better customer service or any one that stands behind their product like Kurt!
flying in a few days for a sheep drop off, the first real test for this new pack...
oops. didn't think the first post went so sent it again. sorry...
In the pics it looks like the load lifters sit pretty high and actually do what they are designed for...unlike some packs. Thanks, David
David it sits high on me because I'm only 5'6". Yes, they are very functional load lifters. Give me a buzz if you've got any questions.
Aloha!
Ryan
What about the 3 piece belt option?
Felix, I opted for the 3pc belt.
******Felix, here's another review I wrote a while back.
For the past year, I've been in search of a pack that would adapt to my varied needs as a traveling bowhunter. Ideally, I was searching for one frame with a single bag or at the very most two which could be used as a day pack and a multi-day pack with meat hauling capabilities.
Here in Hawaii, we're able to hunt year round, but many areas don't allow for bivy hunting so I wouldn't need a large capacity bag for those trips. Something in the 3000ci range with meat hauling capabilities would be perfect for my island excursions.
For my upcoming Fall hunts in North America, I would need a pack that would be able to carry all my equipment to camp with the ability to spike out from there. Additionally, if I could use the same pack for short day trips while in the backcountry, I would have the best of both worlds.
After much research, I discovered that there were a few packs that fit the bill. With this type of investment, it took a while for me to make a decision. It was Stone Glacier's customer service that finally sold me. Once I decided on which company to go with, it was time to select a specific pack. At first, I was torn between the SOLO and the SKY5100. I ended up purchasing the the SKY 5100 due to what I felt was a unique bag which was transformable.
Upon receiving the pack, the first thing that I did was watch the instructional video for proper fit. After loading the pack with weight as advised, I threw on my pack to adjust the shoulder straps. The hook and loop attachment points made for easy and infinite adjustments. I was able to get the straps to fit perfectly given my torso height, plus I was able to adjust the straps slightly to sit closer to trapezius muscles rather than sitting closer to my shoulder. Next was adjusting my waist belt. Taking the advice given by the owner of Stone Glacier, I upgraded to the 3 pc belt. The medium sized belt fit my 29" waist perfectly. I adjusted the small foam insert (provided for the lumbar pad) until it sat comfortably in my lumbar region. After my initial adjustment, I took the weighted pack for a quick walk. At first, I only loaded the pack to 35lbs. I was impressed with how well the frame handled a minimum load. Being 5'6" and a 145lbs, I usually have a hard time getting my hunting packs to fit correctly, but this wasn't the case with the Stone Glacier.
Next, I was curious to see the carrying capacity of the 5100 bag. I unloaded everything from my storage unit. Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, water filter, all my kits, extra clothes, food, etc... Everything fit, plus I had room to spare. It would be a while until my Fall hunts, so I put all my equipment back and focused on the day pack mode.
I jumped backed on the internet and watched the video on how to transform the bag from the 5100 mode to the 3500 mode. Removed the hood, adjusted a few of the top webbings and in a couple minutes, I had a front load day pack. On my island day hunts, I usually pack my DSLR, tripod, food, 3L water bladder, deboning kit, first aid kit, rain jacket and other accessories. All my equipment fit with ease. The front load with twin sliders was a great addition to this pack. I was able to access the top, middle or bottom of the bag with ease. Given that this pack has three compression straps on each side as well as two on the bottom allowed for a maximum or minimum amount of load carrying with no slop.
After experimenting with the bag, I removed it to fiddle with the KRuX frame and load shelf. The frame also allowed for further versatility. I would able to pack additional gear in a dry bag, store my water bladder or carry out deboned meat. Given the design, I was able to use the frame stand alone or in conjunction with my bag. And once again, the compression straps on the pack and load shelf on the frame would secure everything fully in place.
Once I got accustomed to the features of the pack, it was time to take it into the field. For the first trip, I decided to take it into some steep, uneven and thick terrain. If I could maneuver well though this specific hunting area, I knew this pack would work out well for my applications. Given that I'm short, I was worried about the stays in the thick vegetation. I was pleasantly surprised that I only got hung up a few times. I believe that part of it is due to the fact that the top of the bag completely covers the stays and the frame moves well in conjunction with the twists of your body while ducking and maneuvering through low hanging branches and thick brush. Climbing was the next step. I was curious to see if the design of the waist belt would impede my ability to climb. I climbed some pretty steep stuff that day with no issues. Before heading downhill, I decided to see if I could shift the weight in my bag. I opened the front load, rearranged a few things and lashed everything down. Everything remained in place the entire trek downhill. My last test for the day was to see if I could shoot with the pack on. I drew my bow back a few times. Nothing got in the way of my bowstring. Fired a few shots with my blunts, uphill, downhill, crouched and kneeling. No problems there either! My last test for the Islands will be to haul out deboned meat. Only one way to find that out, hopefully it'll be soon!
I've been out a few times after that and the more I use this pack the more I like it! Each time, I try something different in terms arranging the pack. Most recently, I've been playing around with my three liter water bladder. When I first got the pack, I hung it in the bag, but now, I've got it sitting in the load shelf, compressed between the frame and bag. In terms of organization, I still need to purchase a few more accessories as I only have the belt pockets and it sounds like Kurt's working on a few additional items. Can't wait to see what he has in store!
This is definitely one versatile pack that I'm extremely satisfied with. Hopefully in a couple months, I'll be able to run the 5100 through it's paces in the backcountry! I'll be sure to keep everyone posted as it'll be part two of my SKY 5100 pack review.
I now have the SOLO bag too. LOL!
Thanks Ryan,for your great review.
Great review Ryan. I looked at several packs a few years back and ended up purchasing a Kifaru DT3. I did not look at SG...not sure if there were even in existence. There is a really good review on Rocslide of the SG vs. Kifaru. Both get get high marks and each has advantages over the other. Debated whether to peddle my Kifaru and get a 5100 or solo SG. I really like the center zip and ability to change it to 3500 (and compress to less) and convert to cargo with ease. The Kifaru frame is rated better and I really like mine. My DT3, which is 4000, can be compressed down and used as a day pack and then I have add on bags to increase over 4000. Converting to a cargo shelf is no easy task and while I have one I have never even tried to convert it. The meat carrying bag set up on the Kifaru is pretty neat. I think if I was starting from scratch today, I'd likely pick the SG.
What is the purpose of adding a solo to your collection? Seems to me one or the other would work.
Steve,
It wasn't a rational decision... LOL! I wanted an extra frame to train with, so I just ordered the Solo bag with it. Heck, I just ordered the Approach bag too... :knothead:
Yes Rokslide has some great info and it's tough to beat a Kifaru!
Ryan you need some help! LOL I am next on line.
I'm beyond help Felix! Just ask Staci...
Ryan
My hunting room is full of really nice un-rational purchases.
Great looking pack but I can't help to notice that it looks very, very similar to my Mystery Ranch pack (also from Bozeman, MT). Is Stone Glacier a spin-off from Mystery Ranch?