Another back pack question

BPKHunter

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I need the ability to carry 80-90lbs a few miles in my pack without having to hunch forward 20 degrees. I've tried the Eberlestock J34(Too heavy, can't handle big loads), KUIU Ultralight(Too light to make a good shooting platform, doesn't carry heavy load well), and Eberlestock X1E(can't carry load over 50lbs well).

I'd like a pack that weights no more than 5-6lbs. Enough compartments to keep a full sized spotter and med sized tripod separate and ideally covered(dust free), and ideally 2-3 separate compartments other than a main bag. Could live with a ~+/-3000 Cubic Inch main bag, if I can strap tent/meat outside. Most important is ability to carry a 3 day camp and meat tight against me, where I'm not fighting the weight hanging back or the pack slipping down. Lastly, I can't have buckles regularly breaking when synching down. I carry rifles that vary between 8.5 and 12.0 lbs all in including ammo, so while I don't expect the Eberlestock type carrier, I need a reasonable system as I Won't, just sling over my shoulder on one side.

I'm not shy about spending money on a good product.
 
I really like my outdoorsmans optics pack. I don't have a lot of experience with other packs, but I've had that much weight in it. It's hard to keep a good posture with that kind of weight. All the criteria described you desire in a pack I believe would be met by an outdoorsmans.
 
LAST EDITED ON Jan-28-17 AT 01:44PM (MST)[p]If you want the best go with either Kifaru or Stone Glacier. I decided on Kifaru a few years ago. I didn't like SG because they didn't offer camo. Both are designed for 100 lb loads. The other thing I like about Kifaru is there are so many different bag options and it's possible to add accessories as needed. You likely won't find many complaints from Kifaru owners and mostly rave reviews. Their frames and belts are known for being super comfortable. They have lifetime warrantees and are super well made here in the USA!

I actually have 2 bags. I have a Timberline II that has nice pockets for easy access to gear I often use for hunting. I switch over to my EMRII bag for sheep, mtn goat, moose, bear, or elk hunts where I'll be packing super bulky/heavy lifesized capes and lots of boned meat. It has large outside pockets and pouches that will fit the largest spotting scopes.

If you plan on doing many hunts in your future it is well worth forking over a few more $ for a Kifaru or Snow Glacier. If you are pinched for cash you can usually find nearly new one on the Monstermuleys or Rokslide classified adds.
 
the KUIU ICON PRO 5200 will haul more weight than most people will want to pack for any distance !! Awesome pack frame & harness system mine weighs in at just over 5 #
 
I have been looking more closely at the Kifaru. Also at the EXO, with the new frame. I'm in Boise, so all things being equal I would go with EXO.

Right now I feel things are fairly equal, as the EXO has edge on weight, and yes every lb counts, and Kifaru has edge on carrying capacity.

That said I am still looking. Fact is I can't carry as much as the Kifaru can, and a 1lb difference in weight is not a deal breaker.

Seems the reviews I read leaned to preferring EXO bags and Kifaru frame, but I think I may like the bag config's on Kifaru, which may be the deciding factor.
 
Just a few ideas,Tatonca is a really good pack also every guide in Alaska uses a Barney's pack, and I have found out the hard way Eberlestock are crap for packing any load. Although they are well made otherwise. I ended up taking a cheap frame (Alpz Freighter) and adding on aluminum bottom shelf and top shelf, now it stands up by itself and carries meat up, over my head. Also excellent antler hauler.Switch
 
I'm surprised no one has mentioned mystery ranch, so I'll just say it. Check out the Metcalf or Marshall for larger stuff (I just picked up a used Metcalf), and Pintler for smaller day hunts (have pintler as well)- all of those plus a few others use the NICE (old) or Guide Light (recently updated) frame, either of which are load shelf systems that'll get you the carrying capacity you're lookin for.
 
Ok gentlemen: The biggest problem with all these packs to me is. They won't stand up by themselves!!! I'm carrying 60-70 lbs of meat,horns,gear, or whatever up a rock slide and cannot set it down and walk off to glass, and over it goes again... It's Maddening . So I did weld alum. Pegs on bottom shelf and it has really helped. But you would think one of these ###**dam manufacturers would figure it out!!!!
 

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