Pack suggestions please

CoHiCntry

CoHiCntry

Veteran member
Mar 31, 2011
1,390
21
Colorado Mountains
Umpqua Hunter said:
You can typically get far better cost/performance by going to a non-hunting backpack, like the ones you get at REI. I read a great article on this and I wish I knew where to find the link.
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I agree with this. The only problem with non-hunting packs is they don't have a meat shelf. That alone makes me use a hunting pack. If you pack in with all your stuff then can't expand to haul out meat and or antlers it creates WAY more work.
 
AT Hiker

AT Hiker

Very Active Member
Aug 2, 2012
638
0
Tennessee
CoHiCntry said:
I agree with this. The only problem with non-hunting packs is they don't have a meat shelf. That alone makes me use a hunting pack. If you pack in with all your stuff then can't expand to haul out meat and or antlers it creates WAY more work.
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I use a Kelty redcloud 5600 and this is the problem I have. Everytime I have to pack an animal out it makes for tough work, I can never get it loaded well enough.
 
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AzCamoLife

New Member
Jul 8, 2014
41
0
Peoria, AZ
www.dialedinhunter.com
Eberlestock packs are great and hardy packs. I had the J34 for exactly what you are describing. Good durable pack. I have since upgraded to the Kuiu Icon Pro 5200 for the same uses. Tenzing is another great pack that I don't think gets the press that it deserves. The TZ-5000 mentioned earlier in the thread would fit your desires and for the price mentioned for it, you can't beat it. Just remember though that you DO get what you pay for. Buying a pack just because of price could for sure bite you in the behind out in the mountains. Good luck in your search.
 
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LaHunter

Active Member
Aug 24, 2012
322
0
N.E. LA
I used a J34 Just One pack on my first mulie hunt. It is a tough pack, but it is significantly heavier than the Kuiu Icon Pro packs. My impression of the J34, based on months of training hikes loaded to about 60 lbs and a week of hunting is that it sags and sways with 30-40# in it. For me, it seemed that my shoulders were carrying most of the load. Also, it felt as though the pack was pulling me backwards when loaded. I sold the J34 and bought an Icon Pro 5200. For me, it is a night and day difference how these two pack carry weight. The Icon Pro keeps the load close and secure with no sag or sway at all. My Icon Pro at 70# feels better and much more secure than the J34 at 30-40#. With the Icon Pro, you can adjust for personal fit very easily and quickly. The Icon Pro compresses down very small as well.
Hope this helps. If you have any specific questions, let me know.
 
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Boehunter

Boehunter

Member
Mar 26, 2014
146
0
Wyoming
I would suggest looking at the exo mountain gear packs they are new up and coming pack company out of boise idaho comparable to mystery ranch stone glacier and kuiu.
 
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Bubba19

New Member
Feb 22, 2011
35
1
I used the Eberlestock Blue widow for a few years and agree with Lahunter. Its a night and day difference in how the pack carries the weight. If you do buy a Kuiu pack get the new Pro or ultra. Don't buy the old ICON. You can also look at the Outdoorsman pack I have heard a lot of good things about it...
 
RSHusker

RSHusker

Member
Jan 6, 2013
71
0
Rock Springs, Wyoming, United States
I have a Badlands 2200 that I use as a day/hunting pack. Great suspension, fit and features. Has a rifle carrier built in. I use my cabela's alaskan guide frame pack for overnight summer hikes and second trips out with meat. Holds more and has an external frame that I really like. Only paid 150 for the Cabela's pack (caught it on sale) and 125 for the badlands as I bought it off a buddy that wanted a newer model of the badlands pack. I really like them both.
 
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eodmickelson

New Member
Dec 28, 2014
35
0
Cheyenne Wyoming
I know they are a bit pricey, but if you can find a used one I can't say enough about mystery ranch. I'm new to hunting, but I'm a military EOD tech and used mr exclusively on my deployments to Afghanistan. From throwing them around, conducting air assaults, strapping them to the outside of trucks, and loading them down with 80+ lbs of kit, its never let me down. Just my 2¢
 
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jimss

Active Member
Jun 10, 2012
234
96
If you want to save a pile of cash and want a quality pack for hauling camp/meat take a look at Arcteryx Bora 95. I've used and abused mine for over 15 years and have packed out numerous elk, deer, antelope, dall/bighorn sheep, mtn goat, and moose...the list goes on! I usually can pack it with enough meat that I can barely stand up! Never had a zipper problem or rip...and I've totally abused it! If you keep your eyes open you can probably find one almost new on ebay, Craigslist, or a backpack shop for around $100.
 
Grantbvfd

Grantbvfd

Active Member
Jun 10, 2011
223
0
Anderson, CA
Kifaru makes a very quality pack that gets rigorously tested before it is put on the market. It is made in America as well which is a much plus. I currently own a duplex frame with the dt3 bag and the emr2. Definitely something to check out for something that will last a lifetime and not fail under a heavy load.
 
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Elkfitness

Member
Oct 4, 2014
130
0
Colorado
I will say kifaru rocks. Customer service for me has been second to none. They have a new pack coming out called the rambler that has a rifle scabbard and a load shelf. Likely just out of your price range but you would not be disappointed. I will say that a pack that fits is priceless! Before going to a kifaru I used eberlestock packs which were good but not great great. You can find used ones for decent prices.


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sodaksooner

Member
Jul 7, 2014
88
0
I have had the J34 and the Icon Pro and the x2. Don't get the x2 if you are over about 5'6". I am 5'10 and it is way too short. you can never support your load with the hip belt and after a week, my shoulders were dead. I never did much with the j34. It was nice, but at the time I felt it was too big for what I was doing. I have the Icon now, not the pro. and loved it during this years hunt. The suspension is phenomenal, and the power pull (like the osprey packs) waist is phenomenal. you can cinch it down like nobody's business. I has the 1850 bag, but bought a discounted 5200 after xmas. Funny, now I don't feel that is too much space. BTW...the J34 has stays, not a full frame. The icon series is a full carbon fiber external frame pack. I have seen used ones for around $200 with the 1850 ci bag. bigger bags command more money. Don't get the 1st generation. I have the last one before the pro, and I think the frames are a touch better in response to the issue with the bottom stays breaking.
 
25contender

25contender

Veteran member
Mar 20, 2013
1,638
90
+1 I love my Kifaru. I looked for a used one but never found one. Plenty of used Eberlestocks to be found at decent prices.

Elkfitness said:
I will say kifaru rocks. Customer service for me has been second to none. They have a new pack coming out called the rambler that has a rifle scabbard and a load shelf. Likely just out of your price range but you would not be disappointed. I will say that a pack that fits is priceless! Before going to a kifaru I used eberlestock packs which were good but not great great. You can find used ones for decent prices.


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Click to expand...
 
CoHiCntry

CoHiCntry

Veteran member
Mar 31, 2011
1,390
21
Colorado Mountains
laxwyo said:
How do you pack meat on your icon pro? In the bag? Between bag and frame? I have 1850 and saw that you can put between bag and frame . Anyone have experience?
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Both, depending on the situation. The meat shelf, sling or whatever you wanna call it between the frame and bag on the new packs sure is nice!
 
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