One Pack that will do it all

L

leadhead

Guest
I am on a quest to find the most versatile, yet user-friendly pack for backcountry hunting, one pack that does it all. I have looked closely at the following: Exo Mtn Gear, Horn Hunter Full Curl System, SlumberJack 4500, Alps Outdoor Z, The Outdoorsman, Tenzing 6000, a couple Eberlestock, and Kuiu. Every pack has something that I like and don't like. Leaning towards the Horn Hunter. Just wanting to get any other input from you guys that might have experience with these packs or any others not listed. Thanks in advance for the input, let me know what you like and dislike of any of these, thanks.
 
Might want to add Stone Glacier to your list, very nice light weight pack. I do not think there is one true do it all pack. Or at least that is the excuse I give my wife every time she asks why I need over a dozen packs.

Bill
 
I haven't found the perfect one yet, but getting close. This is where I've evolved to:

-I'm so over camo! Color doesn't matter at all in my opinion, well, not some crazy neon yellow or purple, but you get the idea.
-I'm over the 500lb mega carrying capacity bomb proof packs. No doubt, they're durable, but dang they're heavy.
-I don't like strapping a bunch of gear to the outside of an extra large daypack to make it into a backcountry multiday pack.
-I don't like an external frame, because it absolutely doesn't work as a day pack after packing in.
-I won't do expensive. Seriously, $400 up to $800 for a pack? Not for me.

What I do like:
-4000-5000 cu/in, enough space to haul in my backcountry camp. And in a pinch could haul out meat and camp with pad/bag strapped to the outside.
-A good waist belt. Comfy overall.
-light weight but durable enough. Not talking the minimalist Sil/Nylon ultralights, but just good, tough lighter weight cordura/material.
-expandable/compactable to accommodate pack in then day packing.
-Accommodations for gun or bow carrying (outside of hunting packs, non-existent)

What I've found gets me closest is just your run of the mill backpacker pack (Kelty, REI, North Face). Not that surprising, they've been making and researching pack design far longer than the recent startups/hunt pack/marketing craze. I get everything I want, minus a designated gun/bow tote (though you can make it work), for 1/4 of what some of the high brand hunting packs are going for. They?re plenty big for multiday packing, and still compress down real well for a day packer once you're packed in and hunting.

Something like this for example:
http://www.rei.com/product/881184/kelty-coyote-80-pack#tab-specs
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Whether Kelty knows it or not, you even have gun carrying capability with the side mesh pocket and a spotting scope pocket on the back!
 
Take a look at the paradox evolution. serious load hauler, different bag options, best belt I've tried, and very lightweight.
 
Does the Kelty have a good way to haul meat separate from gear? That is one thing I definitely am looking for.
 
I've gone full-circle over the years and I'm right back to where ForkWest is.

My last backpack sheep/caribou hunt was with an OLD JanSport which I rebuild for the trip a couple years ago.

Dang good "backpacks" out there from "backpack" companies! Light, priced right, whatever feature a guy could want.

...but, isn't it great that we have all the quality choices out there? There's something for everyone.

There's my 2 cents, for free. LOL

Zeke
 
I have the Horn Hunter Full Curl, and have been very impressed with it thus far, and the brand new version seems to have some really great features that mine does not. I have carried many loads of meat with this pack, and it continues to perform! It is comfortable, and will haul more than I care to carry. A couple of years ago I packed in 12 miles with it for an elk hunt. The cool thing is that once you arrive at camp, the large portion of the pack separates and can stay there, and you may use the remaining portion as a day pack. I don't think that you could go wrong with this pack. It is great, and priced attractively.

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LAST EDITED ON Apr-03-15 AT 07:46AM (MST)[p]Leadhead,
If you are looking for a "do it all" type of pack then I believe you are on the right track with the Horn Hunter Full Curl System. I usually set camp 5+ miles into the backcountry and I have loved the Full Curl. Having the two separate bags is great when you get motivated to get up there early to scout on your first morning. I get to where I am going to set camp, pull off the large bag and take off to scout with the Full Curl in daypack mode. This way your camp is all still contained in the large bag and not spread all over the ground.
As far as hauling meat with this pack you will come to find that it is designed to keep the weight pulled in nice and tight to your body so you dont have to walk around all hunched over because it feels like you are going to fall over backwards. You also are capable of hauling the entire Full Curl System while loaded with meat so if your body is tough enough to make it in one trip I promise you this pack is too.
I am not sure if you have done your research on the new 2015 model of the Full Curl but they have made a few upgrades that are going to make this pack even better. One of the biggest changes is that it is now adjustable for torso length so you will be able to get a custom fit to you.
If you have any questions about the Full Curl or Horn Hunter in general feel free to ask.

_______________________________________________
Pro Staff Horn Hunter
Pro Staff Landing Gear (Splash)
Pro Staff Beard Buster
Pro Staff Tarantula
Pro Staff Sly Dog
Pro Staff Snug Fit
/https://www.facebook.com/HornHunterPacks?fref=photo
 
I don't know the best pack, but the one I have that I go to for most everything, Is my badlands 2200. I have a good KUIU pack and several others but my go to pack is my 2200. Its a little heavier than I like, but It does everything good. Packs meat real good. Packs a gun or bow real good. I've heard good things about the horn hunter pack but haven't tried one yet. Lots of good packs out there.
 
Better add a Mystery Ranch 6500 to that list. You won't find a more durable pack out there.
 
I've had the hornhunter for a little while. Got mine for 280 at the hunt expo. Used it for an overnighter and loved it. Compression straps are Awesome. I almost went with a kelty or mountainsmith but i really wanted something that could hold a weapon. The warranty is Awesome and they are built tough. Great meat hauling capibilities. Used the badlands 2200 for years. Great daypack, but it was a nightmare for me to try and do overnighters with it.
 
I really like the options I see with the Horn Hunter. I wish it had a way to offer quick access for your scope and tripod, the exo and outdoorsman have the big side pouches that allow you to access a scope or tripod without having to unbuckle anything, and they are kept out of the weather as well. It does have the 2 internal spots built for them, and it probably isn't a big deal to quickly unbuckle and get them out. Do you know anywhere in Northern Utah that carries the horn hunter? I would really like to put it on and get a feel for it to see all of the options. I am on the smaller side and getting a pack to fit my body is tough at times.
 
Another one not on the list could be arguably the best there is, Kirafu.

I have a Stone Glacier Solo pack and think it is awesome. Weighs less than half what my old Eberlestock J34 did and carries a heavy load much better as well.

Their new Sky series packs look even better.
 
>Take a look at the paradox
>evolution. serious load hauler, different
>bag options, best belt I've
>tried, and very lightweight.

This. Paradox has gotten a ton of great pub lately from guys that know a lot more about it than I do.

Vi Et Armis Invictus Maneo
 
"Does the Kelty have a good way to haul meat separate from gear? That is one thing I definitely am looking for."

A couple heavy duty garbage bags take care of that.
 
Hey lead head, depending on where you are located, I might be able to help you out.
I went on the same journey you are on.
I ended up with a Stone Glacier, a Kuiu, a Horn Hunter, and a Sitka.
Still have them all.
You are welcome to come play around with all of them and see what you like best.

I have found things that I like about all of them.

The Stone Glacier sky 5100 is my overall favorite for backcountry hunting stuff.
The Sitka is my favorite general use.

Like I said, depending on where you live, you might just bring your stuff, pack each bag, put them on and carry them around the block. Test for your self.

Your opinions might differ from mine.
Finding the best pack is tough. Thats why I ended up with several.

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I've seen rave reviews for both Stone Glacier and Kifaru. The nice thing about Kifaru is you can use the same frame with several bags. Take a look at the Kifaru website and view some of the videos of some of their bags. Kifaru actually have some unique ideas that make a lot of sense. Both of these packs are expensive but you usually get what you pay for! Both packs are designed for 100+ lb loads and are still fairly light in weight.

If it were me and I was buying one pack I would consider buying one that is capable of hauling 100+ lb loads....there aren't that many that are designed for hauling that much weight and weigh under 7 lbs.
 
Kifaru is the best option out there imho, I have used a bunch of other packs.

Ones I would not recommend from expirience:

1. Elberlestock j107- heavy and hot
2. Oregon pack works - broke on a heavy pack out
3. Badlands 4500 - Not enough storage pockets
 
This is what I usually put in mine.
The photos does not show a water filtration pump, or tripod for the spotting scope.
Food also is not pictured.

What is in there is a sub zero sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping pad, an 8.5 ft tipi tent, with liner, and wood burning stove.
3 sets of shirts, pants and hats. A sweatshirt, a down jacket, gloves and beanie, and gaiters.
Spotting scope, binoculars, essentials bag (knives, matches, flashlight ect.)
And a jet boil mini mo cold weather cooking system, with a large 100 fuel can, cook pot, frying pan, and tools.

The entire set up weighs 20 pounds in the Stone Glacier pack, and a couple pounds over 20 in the KUIU because the KUIU is heavier.

Add food and a weapon and you end up around 30 pounds.

That will get you out there for a week.

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As you can see, there is a little more than a foot of depth in the main bag, that is room that remains for food. Both bags are very similar when packed.

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There is nothing in the top bag on either pack. Both are empty. The big difference now is that the KUIU has several side pockets that are also empty, but the stone glacier has no side pockets.
I don't find that to be an issue. I have plenty of room when fully packed. So, the side pockets just stay empty anyways.
If its light weight you are interested in, having enough room to haul your gear is all you need. More room to fill with junk is just more weight to carry.
Both packs have load shelfs, so hauling elk quarters and all your gear is not an issue.

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As you can see, a 8.5 foot tall tipi with wood burning stove and liner, a 95mm spotting scope and several changes of warm clothing, plus all the cooking gear you need to eat.

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I don't know what your specific needs are, but if they look similar to mine, I can tell you that the Stone Glacier is fantastic.
It kind of sounds like you wear a medium belt. I do as well. I weigh 165 and have a 32 inch waist. 6 ft tall. That stone glacier pack can be worn all day. Plus I love the day pack mode. Its incredible.
The KUIU is stunningly well built. Its fits nicely, it feels solid on your back, its a bit heavier than the S.G. but it has more room with the pockets.

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The Sitka pack is my favorite for day trips where I take a lot of gear.
the suspension system in that thing is so nice in summer.
It keeps the pack off your back and lets the air flow right through. No more soaking wet, sweaty back. Plus there is a ton of room in there to haul all your gear and a domed out deer. But for hauling the load and multi day trips, the Stone Glacier and KUIU are much better.
The Horn Hunter is my least favorite system. Its heavy, it feels heavy when its on your back. I hold onto it only because you my wife can use it with a light load, just to help spread some of the weight.

like willamette river outlaw said, kifaru makes some very nice stuff. I did not buy one of their options. I did look at them. I can not speak to comparing the kifaru to the others, as I have not tested them.

If you want to go super light and get crazy with it, one of the others that I looked at was HMG (hyper light mountain gear)
You are talking about a pack that weighs in at 2.0 lbs even. but, no load shelf for packing meat.
Not a great option for backpack hunters. But some serious gear for backpacking.

Like I said, you are welcome to try my stuff out.

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Sorry, forgot something.
I also recommend, that no matter what pack you choose, get a couple dry bags to go on the load shelf.
It just makes using the load shelf 100 times easier.
The Stone Glacier dry bags are breathable.
Thats good for the meat.
The other nice thing is that you don't get blood all over your pack, your pants, ect.
Most make dry bags that fit the pack and load shelf perfectly, but I use the Stone Glacier dry bags on both the KUIU and the Glacier.

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You guys are all out of your minds!

All this Kuiu Kifaru garbage.
Overpriced, fancy pants junk.

There is only one backpack in the entire world worth wearing

It is found in this video.


Anyone who watches that and then buys one of these other packs is an idiot.
I know that some people have bought packs prior to seeing this.
But I assume that the internet will be full of used backpacks for sale, once you all see this pack.

Honestly, based on the advertising alone, its the only pack to buy.
But not only that, the product testing that they do on this video is second to none.

Amazing!
 
LAST EDITED ON Jun-21-15 AT 12:39PM (MST)[p]I have packs from Eberlestock, HornHunter and Kuiu. I have used the Eberlestock J104 for years but replaced it with a Kuiu icon Pro recently. The J104 is a bomber pack and the scabbard system is second to none on Eberlestock packs. The pack is very heavy and can be hot on your back. The main compartment is also small when not in meat hauler mode (way too small for the weight of the pack). Those are the 3 main reasons I am going with another pack. Oh, another thing that sucks is the buttbucket bow hauler, worthless.

I use a HornHunter pack primarily as a shed hunting pack and it works well for this purpose. The basic design of those packs are good but the execution of their designs in the form of materials, features, and workmanship is not so good. If they were built better, used better hardware, had a better suspension system for fitting & airflow onto your back they would be very good packs. With that being said the HH is still my go to pack for shed hunting because the strap configuration works well, I can put a lot on it with the existing straps and they don't slip. It can be uncomfortable with loads over 40#

I am impressed with the Kuiu Icon Pro 3200 so far. It is built well and fits well. It is light and has a lot of room. One thing I do not like is the frame comes out of the sleeves on top of the pack almost every time I sit it down. This might be operator error but it is annoying. I also tried to use the included exterior straps to lash a couple medium sized elk sheds to it and realized very quickly that this pack sucks as a shed hunting pack. the buckles will hold the straps when the straps pull exactly opposite to one another. If there is any other angle involved (which is true in most real world applications), the strap slips easily through the hardware. Need a less slippery strap or a different buckle. This will be a great pack for most hunting situations, IMO; just not a good shed hauling pack (in its defense, not many packs are).
 
Here's another vote for Stone Glacier. They are awesome packs. I use a sky 7400 for everything from hauling a salt block half a mile down a canyon to packing multiple days and heavy loads. It sounds massive but compresses down to the same size as my old Badlands 2200 when empty.
The only other company I would look at for the purposes stated is Kifaru. They build awesome stuff and offer a lot of options.

I went with Stone Glacier because I like the load shelf and the construction of the back panel. They are a couple pounds lighter but if a pack is really comfy and built right a couple pounds shouldn't be a deal breaker.

My $.02
 
I've used my J-104 for years,even as a daypack.
It fits me and carries loads comfortably.Very quiet.The scabbard has come in handy too many times to count,for more than just the gun.
Does it weigh more than some I have picked up in the store,maybe? I can dump the camp bag with the gear and go hunt.
Hot? Try carrying a load of any sort in any pack,you will get hot.It's not a video game in the AC room...
Do they ride on me as well as the J-104,not really. But it fits my long slim torso excellent.
Now I just picked up a slightly used MR Crewcab from a friend and used it this year for dayhunts and it works and fits fine. Bullet proof material,but a bit noisey(nylon)scratchy. Frame support works great,but sticks up off my shoulders,catching. It carried my buck out this year no problem,but not as comfortable as the old J-104.
But no scabbard.....so it will be scouting/dayhunt pack and I'll keep using my heavy J-104 for elk,camp,long distance thru tough terrain day/hunt pack.
I still have an Alaska freight for real loads as back up in easy country too.

But in all honesty this talk of extremely light pack weights and loads you run around the hills with,then the boast of carrying out a 100#s of meat/gear comfortably ? I call BS. Maybe across the motel parking lot....or on one of your CREW....lol
 
Used the SG 5100 on some Bulls this year. I had what I believe was right at a 100 # load one night with the ham off a big bull and my other gear. It carried the weight nicely, but you can't go up and down hills all day not because of the pack but simply due to the fact that your legs are carrying 100#.
 
When I was shopping for a new pack I had it narrowed down to Stone Glacier and Kifaru. I'm somewhat amazed that SG didn't have a camo pattern for their pack....and that was one of the deciding factors in choosing Kifaru. Now that I purchased and have used/abused my Kifaru I am certain I made the right choice. I really like the idea of having the flexibility of switching out bags on the same frame...all of which are capable of 100+ lb loads. It's nice to have a bag for hauling super bulky/hefty loads (such as elk, capes, sheep camp/meat, etc) or switching out for a smaller hunting bag that can be used for day or light overnighter spike camps. My smaller bag has lots of pouches and pockets for quick, easy, and quiet access to gear...and I love the camo patterns available!
 
I have a eberlestock X1 and love it use it all time also have a Sitka pack use it mainly for deer and elk hunts and sawbucks for the mules they pack anything and everything I want them to
 
Bought a Kifaru Mountain Warrior pack and frame over the summer. Used it for the first time in Wyoming last September. Very comfortable in daypack mode and is absolutely the best pack I've ever used for hauling heavy loads.
 
It's pretty hard to be Kifaru! When I was looking I cringed at spending that much $ on a pack...but I use and abuse mine on a fairly regular basis so it's definitely worth it. I was able to pick mine up at bargain prices on Craigslist, Ebay, and classified adds on this and other websites (notably Rokslide website). Rokslide has a bunch of posts on their website that may help in your decision.
 
LAST EDITED ON Apr-15-16 AT 06:48PM (MST)[p]Went down the same path not too long ago. I had an Eberlestock J104 that I used for several years. I thought it was ok. Then I went on a quest to find something better. At the end of the day I ended up with a Kifaru Tactical frame and mounted a Kuiu Icon Pro 3200 bag on it. Works great in day pack mode and I can drop a dry sack between the frame and the bag if I need to haul more.

The superiority of the Kifaru frame is undeniable (with possible exception given to Paradox, Stone Glacier and Exo). The thing I couldn't ever get past with Kifaru is that I hated their bag options. I really like the Kuiu Icon Pro bags and they happen to fit the Kifaru frame like they were made for eachother.

Just my $.02
 
I've owned a few different packs from the old and faithful external frame camptrails, Barney, Tatonka. To some internals Eberlestock J104, and my current pack a Mystery Ranch 6500

Mystery Ranch 6500 is great but in an attempt to shave off some weight as the MR is 10lbs I ordered a different pack.

With kids and mortgages and exchange rate...the disposable income isn't quite there for another mega expensive pack, I looked at the Slumberjack Bounty 4500. Ordered it last night as I really liked some of the design features.

Shaving 4 lbs off your alpine pack setup and still have a big load hauling capability has me excited.

Here's hoping it's well made.
 
Shedy:I watched the video...Wow, I have to have one!!! Whipsnake!! Ya, I'm in!......I started with a Gregory,nice but no way to haul rifle. Eberlestock J107, good for 2-3 days, but it rides way to low, and it will break you're back if you put more than 50lbs. in it. I went external frame Alps-freighter and I really like it!!! But I bought a Kelty cache hauler and used the bags from the Alps for 10 day horn hunt and it was awesome (17mi. in Backcountry) it hauled everything I needed!! But I will probably try Kifaru next ...And every Guide in Alaska uses a Barney's....Keep trekking!!!!
 
I'm a huge fan of Kifaru's Mountain Rambler, expands away from frame to take a heavy load, secure gun scabbard that is rock solid and secure, all the versatility of modules and lids to round out your system how you like it. Utterly bombproof. Have used it for everything from day hunts to 8 day backcountry bivy hunts with nothing but positives.
 
Don't be afraid to look at Alps Commander for a one stop pack system as well. I currently have the Alps commander(7200cu) and also the Slumberjack Railhauler with the 4500 bounty pack. both to me are exceptional packs and handle anything you throw at them. I have hauled out multiple species in Alaska with the Alps and shes still kicking. KUIU is nothing but problems. massive reports across the sheep forums of guys having breaks in the composite subframe. any pack you go with just make sure it fits you well and is comfortable.
 
I have Eberlestock, Kifaru, Arcteryx, and Badlands.

I can't get away from Eberlestock. The rifle scabbard feature is just too important for me. I have found nothing even remotely as good for carrying a rifle. I have a J107, a J104, and an X1A2. They are heavy, yes, but I just live with it.

The Kifaru and Arcteryx are great for backpacking fishing trips.
 

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