What hunting pack is better and why?

[ssssnake529]

McHale backpacks are the best load carriers out there. Custom made to your body and to your needs. Expensive, but amazing. http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/index.htm

 

[Timber338]

I own a Kifaru w/ the Mountain Warrior pack as well as an EXO 3500. Both are awesome. I like the Kifaru better mostly because the frame fits my body better. I think the 3500 pack is thought out just a little bit better with pocket locations and strap adjustability. But that's splitting hairs.
A buddy of mine owns a Kuiu and it squeaks and is just more flimsy. Cool packs maybe great for shorter trips.

But you will likely be very happy with any of the high end packs. Remember the best pack is the one that's strapped to your back filled with meat.

 

[Danehunter]

IMHO the only thing that could be better about the Eberlestock "Just One" is to make it lighter by 2 lbs.

Look at the packs Len sells here. I really like the Badlands Clutch for hunting with enough space for survival gear for a forced overnight.

Eric B.

 

[shedhunt]

Likehiker, I agree 100% on your statement. That is the exact reason why I just sold my Eberlestock "Just One". Great pack, but just to heavy in the end.

 

[ssssnake529]

A lesser known hunting pack line that seems to get universally good reviews by people who own and use them are the Seek Outside packs. I'm actually tempted to try one of their lightweight (sub 4 pound) offerings.

 

[Danehunter]

#1 for Seek Outside B/C they are modular (configurable to your needs) and very durable.

And McHale packs are also extremely well made. They can be made to (most of) your custom specs by conversing with the owner of the company.

Eric B.

 

[JMHNL]

not sure if you made your pack purchase yet, but here are some observations on 2 Kifaru packs I own and use:

1. Spike Camp

Great day pack can handle a deer quarter or 2 for shorter distances. Internal frame makes it super comfortable for lighter loads (day hunt kind of load, extra clothes, etc). I've packed way more than I should in meat with this more than once, it probably looked hilarious with deer heads and quarters strapped to it every way possible....it worked but not what it was intended for. But again, very comfortable day pack. Don't think they're made anymore but I bet they pop up used from time to time.

2. Woodsman on 26" duplex frame

After using and abusing the Spike camp for a couple of years, I decided I needed a better meat hauler. I upgraded to this system and man what a difference. I'm 6'3 so I required a 26" frame. Last year in ID I packed whole, quartered mule deer on 2 occasions out in one trip by myself, in steep, ****** country. Pack handled it, no problem. Comfortable too considering how much weight was in it. I have also done smaller pack jobs (while hunting axis deer, considerable smaller) in the 40lb range and this kind of weight it can do all day long. So far I really like this pack, only complaint is its a frame pack and its tall, so its kind of awkward if you have to get prone to take a quick shot, the pack stays kind of make it difficult to get comfortable. But once you get in the habit of just quickly taking it off for shooting, that problem goes away.

Both packs were outfitted with the long pockets on the side of the pack, and small pockets on hip belt for organization. Both packs are super durable and built well. Not cheap but as usual you get what you pay for. Good luck!

 

[Sykes]

I have the outdoorsman optics hunter pack. I went back and forth between it and a kuiu. It may be the heaviest pack in this discussion but it worked well for me on the few day hunts I took it on and the three elk I packed out with it. I am by no means an expert or have a ton of experience on different packs but the outdoorsman seems to fit me really well and took the heavy loads great. The last cow i packed out i had a front and hind quarter loaded in it using just the frame and the meat harness It comes with. Some of the main reasons I chose it over the kuiu is it comes with the meat harness and the gun\bow holder , those are extras you have to buy for the kuiu. The shelf at the bottom of the frame was another feature i was after. Besides being heavy, 7lbs empty i think, I feel its a really good pack made with quality material that should last. That being said I think all the packs mentioned are quality and have great features. Always tough decisons!

 

[Landscaper]

Stone Glacier sky talus 5900 - amazing pack. Sold my kuiu pack and got that one. I really think the most important thing with any pack is getting it to fit you properly. I hunted with a buddy that bought a kuiu pack like mine, but his squeaked really bad and was wondering what in the heck was wrong - he never adjusted it to himself. So back at camp I helped him adjust it properly and walla - squeak gone. Might not work for everyone with a squeaky kuiu pack, but it solved his issue. Back to your original question - the stone glacier packs in general are a simple layout. Just a few large pockets depending on model. I like this personally because the more pockets I seem to have, the more places I forget where things are! Heavy hauling is great with the krux frame and i really like the rifle holder once you get used to it.


Get a stone glacier and watch every single video on how to properly fit a pack to yourself and go hunt!

 

[Ndfarmer]

Last season I bought my first pack. I went with the kiui icon pro 1850. I used it as a day pack only and the only thing I would change so far is I should have stepped up one size for possible longer trips. It fit me well and was nice and light and no issues so far. Good luck it's a difficult decision not getting to try them out!

 

[schwanman]

I have a Kuiu 7200 and 1850 Icon Pro and like them just fine. They are light, handle loads well, and affordable. I would really like to try a Stone Glacier or Kifaru as I believe they are the two best made right now but they are twice as much as the Kuiu and don't know if you get twice the pack.

 

[jgal72]

I know 2 people that bought Kifaru packs last summer and used them on a 10 day hunt in Montana. They both have sold them since. One bought a Mystery Ranch, the other a Stone Glacier. I think finding the right pack for you is trial and error. I'm on my 4th pack which is exo 3500. Really pleased the layout and quality of the pack.

 

[Josh Young]

I used a Kuiu for 5 yrs. Great lightweight pack with good layout of pockets etc. The last 2 yrs. packing heavy loads it began hurting my lower back. I switched to a Kifaru with the Reckoning bag. Although it is heavier than the Kuiu it carries the weight better for me. Not knocking Kuiu or any of the other packs (which I haven't tried) but for me the Kifaru works and carries the heavy loads better (for me).

 

[shedhunt]

Just picked up a new EXO 3500. So far haven't packed with it yet, but seems to be very well built and the fit is exceptional so far. Will post more once I get it set up and haul some weight with it.
Thanks for all of the information that everyone has offered to share.