Best Elk Hunting Pack, 2016

[WapitiTalk1]

Sooo, what is the best elk hunting pack? For the purpose of this ultra-scientific question (grin), let's pretend that many of you/us are not already locked in to a particular brand that you/we have spent a ton of money on which we may have an association/certain loyalty to (double grin). Fast forward to this point in time and comment on which pack you feel is the best of the best for elk hunting features (construction/material, pack weight, load lifting functionality, ability to use as all-in-one pack system (pack camp in, compressed daypack configuration, ability to pack large quantities of meat out), system expansion features, hunter friendly gear pocket/compartment and lashing features, and price point/value if you wish to consider that, etc.

So, what' the best of the best out there for an elk hunt pack? I have my opinion/preference but am curious to hear what some of you cats think. Thanks for playing along. RJ

[Kessler10]

love this topic, just about to make this HUGE purchase. I have went back and forth on a lot of packs. I think the EXO 3500 is my top pick. But price tag is just a bit to high.

i am thinking about going on the Tenzing 5000? Anyone have feedback on the Tenzing 5000?

I need a pack that can carry enough gear for a 6 night trip into back country. I only do this trip once per year so i am trying to get away with a pack like the Tenzing 5000 that will get me through 6 nights, but also a pack i can carry on my day hunts comfortably. I have a place/deaeler that carries the tenzing 5000 where I live so i am able to go there and inspect the pack, try on, etc. its tough for me to purchase a pack like the EXO 3500 without being able to try it on and look it over. i know I can order it and return, but pain in the butt to do that. If there was an EXO dealer in my area I might be persuaded to spend the extra money if I was able to try on and inspect the pack before purchasing.

Phantom,

whats your feedback on the Tenzing 5000? know you have a lot of experience with packs and a buddy you mentioned that has a lot of good insight. Interested to hear your thoughts.

thanks!

[Northman]

I've used the Bison Gear packs for the last 5 years. They are custom built one at a time out of Montana, it takes about 3 weeks. You can have them add the features you like so they fit really nice. I like a 3 litter Platypus water bladder so they built in a sleeve for it. I also like longer hip pads so they did that for me too. I just had one made for my daughter that works great! I guess you just have to were one through the woods to appreciate how well you can get around, and shoot with one on your back.

[T.B.]

After my seventh year of elk hunting and somewhere around five different packs I finally bit the bullet and bought a high end backpack. After much internet research and several phone conversations I went with the exo 3500. My only question is WHAT took me so long to spend the extra money . I must admit I was a little apprehensive about not being able to see one in person but after a year in the elk woods couldn't be happier.

[Ben Nicholson]

I'm very happy with my Exo 3500. It fits my needs, and my back , perfectly. They aren't cheap, but it ought to last quite a while. It was because of reviews on this site I went with the Exo. As per usual the folks here know what they're talking about!

[WapitiTalk1]

Luke, I've never been around any of the Tenzing Packs. They look up to the mark with a ton of features, but, as with some of the packs, the Tenzing seems pretty darn heavy to me.

[Osprey]

I've been looking at getting a stone glacier or Exo for extended back country hunts. I'm leaning more towards the SG but both look like excellent packs. I currently have a Eberl X2 for day hunts and its worked good especially for its price point but I want something that holds the meat close to my back and I need one for extended hunts.

[steveo]

I guess I am a EXO 3500 fanboy. This pack is lighter than my Badlands superday and can pack elk quarters comfortably. It collapses down to nothing in size. It might not be a Kifaru but it is a very nice pack for someone who doesn't hunt but a week or two a year.

[swmoelk]

Has anyone looked into the Mystery Ranch cabinet or pintler? I've been looking and think they'd make a great day or weekend pack but still haul a quarter out. I use a cabelas external for load hauling and enjoy it but am looking for a smaller more hunting friendly pack. Right now I'm tore between the MR's and the exo3500. I just saw where the Mystery Ranch are no longer made in USA so that's one con.

[Ben Nicholson]

If you are looking at Mystery Ranch, camofire currently has a a couple for 30-40% off.

[Brendan]

Kifaru fan here. They stopped producing their bikini frame and the old version of the duplex frame and released an update last September that comes in many different flavors from ultralight day pack use to heavy load hauler to military / tactical. Add to that that the actual bag is separate from the frame - I have two different bags I picked up used and can switch back and forth in about 5 minutes.

They are expensive, the number of different options can be intimidating, but they're a great company and if you take the time you can achieve a pretty perfect fit and a layout that works for your style of hunting.

[swmoelk]

I pulled the trigger on an exo this year. Went with the 5500 . This is the first top tier hunting pack I've had and I am impressed. It's definitely a cut above the tenzing and eberlestocks I've tried. Not saying anything bad about either as I've never actually owned them. This exo is very minimalistic but everything has a purpose. I've been putting a mile in every night with 40lb in it tweaking and fitting it to me. Tonight I wanted to try some heavier stuff so I doubled my load to 80lb and its still very comfortable. The weight locks into your back and rest on your hips nicely. I am aware the load is there but it feels almost like it's connected to you. The side pockets are handy too. It's nice being able to reach back there to grab a water bottle while still moving.

[husky390]

Stone Glacier Sky 7400 with a Kifaru EMR II with Guide Lid coming in at a close second.

[jmez]

Stone Glacier for me. I used and Eberlestock Blue Widow for several years and it served me well. I upgraded three years ago and went with a SG. I ordered both a Kifaru T1 and SG Sky 5100. Hiked with them both for the summer and sold the Kifaru. The Stone Glacier was better for my needs. It fit well and and has a lot of adjustment. Very light pack that can also carry as much weight as I would like in a "reletively comfortable" fashion.

I would like more pockets to place stuff in but that wasn't really offered in any design I looked at. I now use small, color coded stuff sacks and that works very well. It compresses down to nothing for day hunting. The compression system, which is a key feature for me, is second to none on this pack.

I really have no need to try any other offerings. If this one ever dies it will be replaced with a like model.

[otcWill]

Kifaru Mountain Warrior. I did over 400 miles in Sept this year wearing this pack and shot my bull with it on in daypack mode. I loaded it with well over half my bull and hiked up and out and never had a hot spot. Packed another out the next day. I literally forget I'm wearing it while hunting in daypack mode.

[BlackOvis]

I would check out the 2016 Mystery Ranch Marshall. They changed the frame from last year to this year, and the New Guide Light frame is pretty impressive. The pack has enough space for your gear for the full trip, and has a good way to get your meat on there as well. The only bad thing is they aren't in stock yet. I saw and tested out their beta run packs, and was really impressed with the design and hauling capabilities. They should be in stock in May.

Sorry for the link, but James Taylor did a really good product description here: http://www.blackovis.com/mystery-ranch-marshall-pack

It's definitely a bit pricey, but if you're looking for the best, it could be a good option for ya.

[WapitiTalk1]

Lots of solid pack recommendations folks, thanks for chiming in. I'm sure a lot of it comes down to a multitude of factors but for me, the EXO Mountain Gear 3500 has got to be the best thing I've ever had the pleasure of owning. So many good features, it's hard to list them all . I just ordered the 5500 bag (which incidentally, fits the same frame as the 3500) to round out my EXO assault gear. If you're browsing for a new elk pack, certainly give the EXO line up it's due diligence.

http://exomountaingear.com/

[Ridgernr]

I have a Nimrod system I am using this year, so far it has been great for shed hunting and hiking. I like that I can hunt with a small pack and just add the frame when needed. It is a very modular setup and very quiet material for hunting bow season in the N Idaho brush fest.