I had a Sitka 45 for awhile and really liked it (quiet, comfortable, rides well, light).

Have a Mystery Ranch Crew cab, really like that, fits and balances extremely well.  Unfortunately did not have the need to haul a heavy load with it this fall if you know what I mean   :rolleyes:  .  Will probably get a 6500ci or 7500ci bag for it if I find a good deal.

Friend has a Kifaru Longhunter and it seems hard to get very heavy loads to balance into-the-body.

x2 what DAZ said. my wife has a Dana glacier it has worked good for her. we just put a quarter in a garbage bag and slide it in the pack and your ready to go. hind quarters can be a tight fit, but we always find a way. I have also hunted with other guy that used none hunting packs. they work just fine.

neargeezer,

Let me know how you like that pack.

I've been using a Zulu pack for that purpose these days.


Jason

Jason - Will do, it will be a few weeks before it arrives though.

Terry K.

X2 on the Mystery Ranch crew cab. It's the best pack I've ever owned. I have a Kifaru long hunter rendezvous, and while it was great, it wasn't as good as the MR.

Most guys I know around here are Mystery Ranch Crew Cab junkies.  With that said they are based here in Bozeman and we try to support local.  Truthfully though, in my 20 plus years of backpacking in the backcountry, I have never owned a pack that is as versatile and well thought out.    It will do about anything for you (from larger daypack to major cargo carrier).  Anymore I use a bison gear wool pack as a day pack, but for loads... hard to beat the crew cab.

I've jogged with the MR crew cab loaded to 42lbs and, other than load shifting which I didn't take the time to situate properly, it was VERY comfortable.

Ive had the Badlands 4500, great pack but too long for my 5'5" frame. My mate still owns one and loves it. I have gone to the Badlands Ox and so far am very impressed. You can take the main pack off and strap a lot of other packs in. I need more time on the Ox but it gets the nod so far. I will also be looking at a custom Kifaru as well.

I know I am one of the guys around the campfire but have you looked at Eberlestock? I have the Just One pack and I cant find anything wrong with it. I would say its definitely not an ultralight rig by any means but it has the Molle system, place to carry your gun or bow, H20 pocket that fits 3liters. Compressed it is if I am not mistake around 2400 cu in and if I open it up it expands to 4500 cu in. I would have to go back to the website for specifics but thats pretty close. You can also add a duffle sack for more room if thats not already enough room bringing the capacity to around 8k cu in. The compression straps keep the weight close to your body as well. The center compartment is webbing so your meat gets plenty of airflow. I have not had the chance to carry any meat in it but have used it for backpacking purposes and love it. The shoulder and waist belt are extremely comfortable.

Might take a look a Go Lite packs.The Pinnacle. Not a hunting pack but very similar to Kifaru. Lots cheaper. Have used mine on 4 elk hunts with no problems packing out meat. First year our crew was very skeptical of it at 1.75lbs and about 4400 cuin's. After boneing out my elk and packing it to the brim with meat it made a 1.5 mile trip out with no problems. The following year my brother brought one and did the same thing. Might be worth a look. JG

Mystery Ranch Crew Cab  

Mystery Ranch LongBow here!      

Come on, how can you not like that name?   :D

My Cabelas Alaskan Outfitters pack works great to pack out meat and such...for 2-3 days trips I really like the Badlands 2200...for day trips I like the Badlands diablo. Good thing about Badlands, they work great and I'll never have to buy another.

I'll second, third or fourth (whichever) the Mystery Ranch.  I've had mine for 4 seasons and am very happy with it for day hunts (where I'll bring a change of clothes, lunch and bivi stuff just in case) or for multi day hunts.  It really is a great pack for me.  And I hunt a lot.