Who has experience with these packs and which do you prefer. Been hunting with cheap packs for years carrying out deer and so fourth. Use them for western mountain hunting Elk/mule deer. Will use them to carry gear and pack the meat out once harvested. Hunt both private and public land.
kuiu icon pro 5200 vs MR Metcalf
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MuddyBoots
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Several years ago I looked at Kuiu and MR both closely. I went with the Metcalf when it was new. They?ve actually improved on the design since then. It may be little heavier than some of the ultralight options out there but I'd rather sacrifice a few more ounces of pack weight that allow me to comfortably carry 45+ pound loads for days. It's a bomb proof pack that doesn't have a lot of frills but is very well thought out. It's a serious pack if you're doing backpack hunting. I'd honestly look at the Marshall now though since I'm often going solo backcountry and a little extra space would be nice.
OLDHORNHUNTER
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I have the 5200 ICON PRO love it I use mine for everything from a day pack - use it for horn hunting - & it has hauled elk & deer quarters with ease . I have never even had the top pack on since I got it, Right at 5 pounds has way more room than I will ever need & I have done 3 & 4 day hints .
HIcountryman
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!!!! I wondered about that!
If you want the best available take a look at Kifaru and Stone Glacier. They both are designed for 100+ lb loads. Take a look at the Rokslide website. There are lots of reviews on different packs. The Kifaru website has gobs of videos on their line of packs.
I've been using and abusing my Kifaru for years for dall sheep, bighorn, mtn goat, elk, deer, antelope, moose, turkey...etc with excellent luck! Packed out gobs of critters out of hell hole type country with extremely bulky, hefty loads. Once you have a kifaru frame you can switch out several different bags. Kifaru also offers a large selection of accessory, lid, and add-on options that you can personalize your pack. I would recommend a 6000+ cu in bag. You can always cinch down smaller loads with a large bag but if you don't have enough room you are screwed with a smaller bag plus frame! The new pack/frame materials are so light weight so there really isn't that much of an advantage hunting with a daypack. I prefer to pack out a full load on my first trip back to the truck after harvesting a critter so that is another advantage to hunting with a larger bag and a frame capable of 100+ lb loads.
I've been using and abusing my Kifaru for years for dall sheep, bighorn, mtn goat, elk, deer, antelope, moose, turkey...etc with excellent luck! Packed out gobs of critters out of hell hole type country with extremely bulky, hefty loads. Once you have a kifaru frame you can switch out several different bags. Kifaru also offers a large selection of accessory, lid, and add-on options that you can personalize your pack. I would recommend a 6000+ cu in bag. You can always cinch down smaller loads with a large bag but if you don't have enough room you are screwed with a smaller bag plus frame! The new pack/frame materials are so light weight so there really isn't that much of an advantage hunting with a daypack. I prefer to pack out a full load on my first trip back to the truck after harvesting a critter so that is another advantage to hunting with a larger bag and a frame capable of 100+ lb loads.
COLOhunter
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I agree with jims. I have the Kuiu and I am happy with it, but I have used a Kifaru pack and it is definitely the next the step up.
mightyhunter
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I have the Metcalf from Mystery ranch. I like it. Unfortunately, a lot of the accessories that go with it (Quick Release Rifle Sling) are overpriced junk. just sayin...mh
