Thanks for all the replies!
In the last few days, I have gotten so much advice, there are so many good options. I think the broadness of the advice comes from the fact that hunting areas, styles and conditions vary so much that there are many options.
I took back my BL Clutch, as I decided it was too heavy, and for the most part, I did not need the big space, unless I was hauling meat. I also did not like the rifle carrying system. But for 99% of my use, it was too big, which caused the real problem, which was weight.
In the beginning, as in months ago when I started thinking about this, I wanted a frame pack, with just a small daypack strapped to it. Then if I got something on the ground, the frame could haul it comfortably. But in the meantime, I could just lash my rifle to the frame as well as the small pack, so a light and versatile solution.
I've kind of come back to that, albeit at a much higher price point which I seriously question. I am thinking of going with a Kifaru frame, but then getting a small (like 1800 ci) bag to strap on it. Due to cost and the fact that I like their layout, I am looking at a Kuiu 1850 pro. It has been suggested that it will mate up to the Kifaru frame no problem, it's lightweight, it has the organization style that I like and it's relatively cheap. Money aside, I would find a Kifaru solution, but that's just too much for me to swallow in one bite, and I might actually prefer the Kuiu layout. Later, as funds and usage dictate, I can add a Kifaru bag and pass down the Kuiu to my son if I think that's best.
If I go this route, I'll have a lightweight solution with the frame I mentioned that can really comfortably pack weight, the small bag size I wanted for manueverability and general use, a good rifle hauling system, and a system I can grow into that has a great reputation for quality, durability, and flexibility.
The downsides that are keeping me from pulling the trigger? COST. Even forgoing the Kifaru bag, this is not (for me) a very affordable choice. And really arising from that, while one does not want to underbuy, overbuying is also stupid when resources are as limited as they are for me. I am also concerned that despite what I am told, the Kuiu bag will not fit, and in that case, I just can't go that far.
That being said, the price on the Clutch was $340. Once I am spending that much, I am then looking for a complete longterm solution that works in as many circumstances as possible, even if I have to spend more. If I am spending $100 I can afford to move on to something else in a few years, but at that level, I am willing to go further to get significantly more.
So to that end, I am talking with Aron from Kifaru hopefully today to get his advice. Hopefully I can work out a good solution that hits the spot and provides me the long term flexibility I am looking for. If it works, it will only cost me about $100 more than the price for the Clutch for what I am told is a higher functioning system that has great growth potential. Just not sure I am ready to go quite that far, or if it makes sense in terms of need etc...
In the last few days, I have gotten so much advice, there are so many good options. I think the broadness of the advice comes from the fact that hunting areas, styles and conditions vary so much that there are many options.
I took back my BL Clutch, as I decided it was too heavy, and for the most part, I did not need the big space, unless I was hauling meat. I also did not like the rifle carrying system. But for 99% of my use, it was too big, which caused the real problem, which was weight.
In the beginning, as in months ago when I started thinking about this, I wanted a frame pack, with just a small daypack strapped to it. Then if I got something on the ground, the frame could haul it comfortably. But in the meantime, I could just lash my rifle to the frame as well as the small pack, so a light and versatile solution.
I've kind of come back to that, albeit at a much higher price point which I seriously question. I am thinking of going with a Kifaru frame, but then getting a small (like 1800 ci) bag to strap on it. Due to cost and the fact that I like their layout, I am looking at a Kuiu 1850 pro. It has been suggested that it will mate up to the Kifaru frame no problem, it's lightweight, it has the organization style that I like and it's relatively cheap. Money aside, I would find a Kifaru solution, but that's just too much for me to swallow in one bite, and I might actually prefer the Kuiu layout. Later, as funds and usage dictate, I can add a Kifaru bag and pass down the Kuiu to my son if I think that's best.
If I go this route, I'll have a lightweight solution with the frame I mentioned that can really comfortably pack weight, the small bag size I wanted for manueverability and general use, a good rifle hauling system, and a system I can grow into that has a great reputation for quality, durability, and flexibility.
The downsides that are keeping me from pulling the trigger? COST. Even forgoing the Kifaru bag, this is not (for me) a very affordable choice. And really arising from that, while one does not want to underbuy, overbuying is also stupid when resources are as limited as they are for me. I am also concerned that despite what I am told, the Kuiu bag will not fit, and in that case, I just can't go that far.
That being said, the price on the Clutch was $340. Once I am spending that much, I am then looking for a complete longterm solution that works in as many circumstances as possible, even if I have to spend more. If I am spending $100 I can afford to move on to something else in a few years, but at that level, I am willing to go further to get significantly more.
So to that end, I am talking with Aron from Kifaru hopefully today to get his advice. Hopefully I can work out a good solution that hits the spot and provides me the long term flexibility I am looking for. If it works, it will only cost me about $100 more than the price for the Clutch for what I am told is a higher functioning system that has great growth potential. Just not sure I am ready to go quite that far, or if it makes sense in terms of need etc...
