What Back Pack Got The Nod For You This Year?

by **ElkNut1** » 08 29, 2015 • [Post 1]

I think it would be very interesting to hear who settled on what pack for their elk hunts this year! Feel free to say why you chose the one you did!

I'm once again using the an Exo Pack, it's the 2015 3500" model. It's lightweight at 4-lb-14-oz & suits me for an all day hunt or bivy style. It packs 100# like a dream so doubles perfectly as a daypack or meat hauler all in one! It saves from leaving the kill site without a load & having to go back with a different meat hauler. It serves us well.

Which one are you using?

ElkNut1

by **Heartwood** » 08 29, 2015 • [Post 2]

Exo 3500 Very nice pack, well thought out for bivy hunts. Still getting used to new layout after using the same pack for 10 years. Lumbar pad gives me discomfort somtimes but seems to be getting better. Probably won't need another pack for a long time.

by **Deafirishman** » 08 29, 2015 • [Post 3]

I have a 2014 Badlands 2200 model. Very comfortable for me and used it last year to haul out a hind quarter from the kill sight. One less trip

I don't think I even have enough stuff to fill this thing to the brim....

by **Trophyhill** » 08 29, 2015 • [Post 4]

Kifaru BT1. Can't afford to try others after the coin I dropped on this one. I really do love this pack too so I'm good to go.

by **idahoghost** » 08 29, 2015 • [Post 5]

Blacks Creek G-3. Would love the Exo but can't justify the price.

by **WapitiTalk1** » 08 29, 2015 • [Post 6]

Eberlestock Blue Widow.

by **vertical limit** » 08 29, 2015 • [Post 7]

KUIU Icon 6000. Been using it for 3 years now. Packed out 2 elk and 3 deer in it. Best pack I have ever owned.

by **bowhunter04** » 08 29, 2015 • [Post 8]

Eberlestock Blue Widow

by **phall** » 08 29, 2015 • [Post 9]

2015 EXO 5500. i did the day pack and ext frame cabelas alaskan guide combo for three years. was really looking for a all in one pack. been hiking good bit with up to 80 lb with the exo really like it so far, but still trying to find the sweet spot for the harness. i have a short toros to be 6'1 and barrell chest. the pack seem to ride to high on my shoulders in order to get the chest strap off my neck and when i move the harness down the chest strap comes up literally across my neck. im sure im doing something wrong but still searching for that sweet spot. all ready watched their pack fitting video that came out bout a month ago, but i guess too many years playing in the weight room just make me a tough fit for a pack

by **Rangerz** » 08 29, 2015 • [Post 10]

phall wrote:2015 EXO 5500. i did the day pack and ext frame cabelas alaskan guide combo for three years. was really looking for a all in one pack. been hiking good bit with up to 80 lb with the exo really like it so far, but still trying to find the sweet spot for the harness. i have a short toros to be 6'1 and barrell chest. the pack seem to ride to high on my shoulders in order to get the chest strap off my neck and when i move the harness down the chest strap comes up literally across my neck. im sure im doing something wrong but still searching for that sweet spot. all ready watched their pack fitting video that came out bout a month ago, but i guess too many years playing in the weight room just make me a tough fit for a pack

Try emailing Steve at EXO. He might have some ideas.

by **michiganelkfever** » 08 29, 2015 • [Post 11]

UA 1800 pack...fits all i need perfectly...i pack in with my cabelas packframe....but once camp is set, i love my 1800!

by **Brendan** » 08 30, 2015 • [Post 12]

Kifaru EMRII with a duplex frame. Packs down tight enough that I'm comfortable day hunting with it, and it expands out to hold all my gear for any situation along with more elk than I can carry.

by **Clawsar** » 08 30, 2015 • [Post 13]

Mystery Ranch Longbow. Seemed like a great pack from reviews and have been impressed playing with it so far. Sucks down well for day hunts and holds all my stuff for the first three night bivy opening weekend. Hopefully I can test hauling out loads of elk this year.

by **Pmcgee** » 08 30, 2015 • [Post 14]

Brendan wrote:Kifaru EMRII with a duplex frame. Packs down tight enough that I'm comfortable day hunting with it, and it expands out to hold all my gear for any situation along with more elk than I can carry.

Same here.

by **bownarrow** » 08 30, 2015 • [Post 15]

Stone Glacier Solo. Bought it this summer after going through a number of solid "mid-market" packs over the years. I was at the point where I was using three different packs: 1) a day pack, 2) bivy pack and 3) a hauling pack. The Stone Glacier is (in theory) light enough for a day pack and stout enough to bivy and haul with. I've hiked this summer with loads up to 60 lbs with it and it has performed well. I'll hopefully find out if it was "worth" the money this first week of elk season: )!

by **Rangerz** » 08 30, 2015 • [Post 16]

After a lot of research, I ended up with an EXO 3500. I like the versatility and the simplicity of the pack. I added a load shelf, waist bag and the water bladder carrier for even more versatility.

A pack with a lot of pockets adds weight and makes it harder to keep track of where I put everything.

by **husky390** » 08 30, 2015 • [Post 17]

Stone Glacier Sky 7400. It did a great job hauling my gear up to base camp and then condensing down to day pack mode. I wore it all day yesterday while hunting and have no complaints.

by **raxafarian** » 08 30, 2015 • [Post 18]

Pmcgee wrote:
Brendan wrote:Kifaru EMRII with a duplex frame. Packs down tight enough that I'm comfortable day hunting with it, and it expands out to hold all my gear for any situation along with more elk than I can carry.

Same here.

same. I pieced together some used buys and the frame arrived saturday while I was scouting so I haven't put it all together yet. Picked up a gun bearer too but not sure if I'll use it.

by **Indian Summer** » 08 30, 2015 • [Post 19]

Man you guys spend lots of money on packs. Still using me trusty old (new model actually) Badlands 2200. I love it for my every day hunting pack and it gets an unboned hind quarter out no problem.

I have a Barney's Freighter for the other packs after that first load. I also like my horses.

by **Indian Summer** » 08 30, 2015 • [Post 20]

Hey Elknut.... this belongs in the DIY Gear Forum! lol (grin) :lol:

by **Chuckdslayer** » 08 30, 2015 • [Post 21]

I currently have a badlands 2200 but seriously looking at the exo 3500 and the horn hunter full curl system.

The 2200 does good for my whitetail hunts but I'm thinking I'm going to need more space and the ability to haul an elk out. If you guys had to choose between the exo 3500 and the full curl system which one would you go with?

I think the full curl system offers a lot more versatility.

by **Brendan** » 08 30, 2015 • [Post 22]

raxafarian wrote:
Pmcgee wrote:
Brendan wrote:Kifaru EMRII with a duplex frame. Packs down tight enough that I'm comfortable day hunting with it, and it expands out to hold all my gear for any situation along with more elk than I can carry.

Same here.

same. I pieced together some used buys and the frame arrived saturday while I was scouting so I haven't put it all together yet. Picked up a gun bearer too but not sure if I'll use it.

I use a gun bearer on the left side of my belt to hold my bow when I need to free up my hands - works pretty well...

by **BrentLaBere** » 08 31, 2015 • [Post 23]

Yukon Frame & Pack,Wilderness Pack Specialties 5000 cu in

by **whitingja** » 08 31, 2015 • [Post 24]

Stone Glacier Sky Archer 6200. Love the bag. Carries weight really well. Have tried the other "K" bags, but this is the one for me.

by **one_elk** » 08 31, 2015 • [Post 25]

Exo Mountain 3500, first year using this pack but it work great from me so far...

by **Njdiverdan** » 08 31, 2015 • [Post 26]

I have a Kifaru Duplex with the Mountain Warrior pack. Decided to go this way as Kifaru is "semi-custom" and could provide the long torso and shoulder straps I would need being 6'5" and having a 56 inch chest. Best fitting pack I have ever had. Can handle more weight than I can. Most I have work with it to date is 80 lbs but it can easily handle more.

by **Indian Summer** » 08 31, 2015 • [Post 27]

Chuckdslayer wrote:The 2200 does good for my whitetail hunts but I'm thinking I'm going to need more space and the ability to haul an elk out.

That pack will carry any quarter bone in and hide on. I don't think you really want to hunt all day every day with a pack designed specifically for packing heavy loads. I prefer one designed to be a day pack with the ability to get a load out and then another that makes packing dead weight a breeze.

Trying to hunt and pack with only one pack is like shopping for a sports car with 4 wheel drive and a dump bed.

by **elk.addict** » 08 31, 2015 • [Post 28]

I'm sporting the Kuiu Ultra again this year. I'm not crazy about it when loaded with meat, but I'm too cheap to buy something different. Maybe next year.

by **husky390** » 08 31, 2015 • [Post 29]

Chuckdslayer wrote:I currently have a badlands 2200 but seriously looking at the exo 3500 and the horn hunter full curl system.

The 2200 does good for my whitetail hunts but I'm thinking I'm going to need more space and the ability to haul an elk out. If you guys had to choose between the exo 3500 and the full curl system which one would you go with?

I think the full curl system offers a lot more versatility.

I haven't used either but in that price range I'd also check out the Hill People Gear Ute. I have one and like it, it's very comfortable and I'll use it for quick overnight trips. If you decide to go with the Full Curl System, check out Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear. They pretty much have the best price on that pack.

by **jmez** » 08 31, 2015 • [Post 30]

Stone Glacier Sky 5100. Perfect for my style of hunting. Packs all the gear into spike camp and doubles as a comfortable day pack. Can also use as a meat hauler. Great packs.

by **dtrkyman** » 09 01, 2015 • [Post 31]

Kuiu icon pro 5200, lightweight enough for a day pack and plenty big for a 10 day pack in. Unfortunately have not been able to pack any meat yet, but it hikes well with 50lbs while training!

by **Vids** » 09 01, 2015 • [Post 32]

I picked up a Kifaru Duplex Timberline 2 this summer, I love it so far after some 75lb training hikes. It was time to upgrade, after ten years of using my Black's Creek Alaskan and hauling 5-6 elk the stitching would tear apart too often. I have to say the Kifaru packs are designed extremely well, it's amazing how comfortable a heavy load can be!

by **chiledog** » 09 01, 2015 • [Post 33]

Nice packs you all seem to have.
Went over my budget and recently bought an Eberlestock X2 this year.
Seems to work good for hauling day hunt items. Have hiked with it at 40 lbs.
Not sure about packing out meat but hope to challenge it - SOON.

by **Ridge Ghost** » 09 01, 2015 • [Post 34]

Kifaru T2 for me

by **Dbllung** » 09 01, 2015 • [Post 35]

I bought the eberlestock transformer with the mainframe. Hopefully I'll be able to give a review soon.

by **elkaholic** » 09 02, 2015 • [Post 36]

Another vote for the Exo 3500 with The meat hauler and two waistbelt pouches.

by **BRazz** » 09 02, 2015 • [Post 37]

I love my Sitka Flash 20. Fantastic day pack (or couple-nighter) and can haul 1st load of meat if needed. Then I take my trusty Cabela's Alaska frame for the rest of the meat.

by **Ponyboy_jonas** » 09 02, 2015 • [Post 38]

I went with the cheap alps commander pack. I've liked it so far while training for the hunt. Cant wait to put some elk meat on it!

by **good2eat** » 09 03, 2015 • [Post 39]

elkaholic wrote:Another vote for the Exo 3500 with The meat hauler and two waistbelt pouches.

Same here. I have about 60 miles on it so far. Pleased with the comfort and ability to shrink it down as a day pack.

by **ramirojpc** » 09 03, 2015 • [Post 40]

I bought the Outdoorsman Optics Hunter pack. I looked at several and some I really liked were really outside of my budget, specially since this is my 1st year hunting elk and I had a bunch of stuff to buy in addition to the pack.

by **smokingunz** » 09 07, 2015 • [Post 41]

I'm new to the whole backpacking and elk hunting scene. We don't do much packing in Texas. I opted for the sitka 45. We'll see how it works out this week in Idaho!!