Help choosing between a couple packs

[Ilikefire]

Hey guys I am upgrading my pack this year to a larger one that I can do a 5-10 day backcountry elk hunt, as well as one that I can use for a 20-25 day hike through on the Oregon section of the PCT. Ive looked at different packs a lot and have narrowed it down to a few different hunting packs.

Option 1:

Tenzing 6000, I like this pack for its size and ability to haul enough gear and meat with ease, I also like the shelved main compartment that allows for your sleeping system and shelter to be stored inside and you don't have to unload the pack to get to it.

Option 2:

Slumberjack bounty 4500, I like this pack for its versatility and that it's basically 3 packs in 1. I've only been able to see the video and pictures on their website and it seems like a decent option. After reading reviews everyone seems to like them so that is a plus.

I was curious if anyone had any experience with either pack but especially the Slumberjack bounty 4500.

Thanks for any help and recommendations


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[Kessler10]

EXO 3500

Just got mine. Carries 50 pounds with ease. Have yet to haul an elk with it yet, but have heard its one of the best under that heavy of a load. If your willing to spend $400 on a pack I would suggest bitting the bullet and spending the extra $150 that will get you bumped up to another level in terms of packs. That $500-$650 range gets you into packs that are at another level (i.e EXO, Kuiu, etc.)

Did lots of research before finally spending the $550 of the EXO 3500. I almost bought the Tenzing 5000 for $375. But decided to spend the extra $175 and get the EXO. glad i did. In my opinion (and thats all it is, an opinion) the Tenzing are great packs, but if you will be carry 40-50 pounds or more on a consistent basis I would spend the extra money and go with EXO or KUIU or similar price point packs.

Slumberjack is a fairly new pack on the scene I think.Have not heard anything good or bad. So might be risky getting it., with it being fairly new to the market.(has not had time to work out the kinks) But again this is just my opinion. Purchasing a good pack is HUGE decision and one that took me the better part of a year.

[Kessler10]

also do not let the name fool you. the EXO 3500 can carry around 7000 ci when utilizing all the pockets and load shelf.

The 3500 ci is just what it can carry in the main compartment and main pocket.

[Indian Summer]

My garage is too big and I have way too much storage space at home said no one ever.

If you want a pack that will never leave you short on space go big. It's great going in with food and all and when you kill an elk and want to make as few trip as possible to get that and you camp out there is no such thing as too big. I'm all about versatility and the ultimate pack is a freighter that has a built in day pack you can take out separately. Take your pick but I'd highly recommend at least 6000 ci. for a 5 day plus back country hunt.

[Brendan]

No experience with those packs, but what's your budget? That might help people offer suggestions. Lots of Exo Fans here, lots of Kifaru fans here, but things can get expensive fast.

[Ilikefire]

I am a pretty lightweight pack guy, my current setup minus food and water weighs in about 21 pounds and I usually pack a days water in and use ways to sterilize water when I'm to my camp area. In the past I've packed 1-1.5 pounds of food per day and that's worked out well for me. I want a big pack to have more room to store some of my winter gear if I draw my late season cow tag which is December-February. I would utilize the pack as a haul in camp and then as a day pack for hunting so something big enough for that but that is also comfortable and small enough to be a day pack.


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[husky390]

Sorry, I do not have any experience with those packs. I'm not sure what your budget is but here are a couple lighter options to look at as well.

Stone Glacier 7400 weighs 4.75lbs. Sometimes they'll pop up used on forums for a decent deal.

Kifaru Ultralight Frame with EMR II and standard lid should come in around 5.5-7lbs depending on what lid you run. Not bad weight wise for an 8,300ci bag. Both are tough to find used as the frame is a new design and the bag is pretty popular with those that use them.

I have both (my Kifaru is a Duplex frame though) and they're impressive packs. I'll hike in, drop camp and then run it in daypack mode until I leave. Both compress down very well and having center zip access to the main bag is awesome. Good luck to you.

[dotman]

Based on the two packs you mentioned I would say neither. I don't usually recommend this pack but at a $300 or less price point it is worth looking at, the Kuiu Ultra line which is currently 25% off. Another option would be to buy a Kifaru T2 or T1 out of the rhino den, they also have a 15% off code that could end any minute. It is BGF15.

With the Kuiu you can get a 3200 or 1800 with frame and then for anothe $89 add the 6000 ultra bag. The two Kifaru bags are internal frames so no swapping out but the big dog T1 compresses way down and works well as a day pack.

Both of these options should keep you close to $400 price point, the Kuiu will probably end up less and the Kifaru a little more.

[Brendan]

they also have a 15% off code that could end any minute. It is BGF15.

Got an email blast about that discount over the weekend - That was supposed to be taken down last night at midnight after it started going wild on the Internet.

[dotman]

It's still up though.

[mottlet]

Camofire had the Bounty 4500 on sale last week, so I said WTH and bought one. I needed to replace my old hand me down REI pack that my dad bought for a caribou hunt back in 04 anyway. For $173, including shipping, seemed like a chance worth taking. It should have been delivered by the time I get home today. I'll see how it goes.