I'm trying to decide, need some help please.

[Hycntryhtr]

Right now I'm running the eberlestock blue widow, I've hauled a lot of meat and gear out on it. I don't like the weight of it. So I'm in the reading and watching you tube time of trying to find the pack I want. I have it narrowed down to stone glacier, mystery ranch and kifaru. I understand they are all great packs. My brother loves the mystery ranch, but its the same wright as my blue widow. I would like to hear your pros and cons if you would be willing to share. I'm leaning towards the stone glacier sky archer. Thanks guys.

 

[TimberJunkie]

Right now I'm running the eberlestock blue widow, I've hauled a lot of meat and gear out on it. I don't like the weight of it. So I'm in the reading and watching you tube time of trying to find the pack I want. I have it narrowed down to stone glacier, mystery ranch and kifaru. I understand they are all great packs. My brother loves the mystery ranch, but its the same wright as my blue widow. I would like to hear your pros and cons if you would be willing to share. I'm leaning towards the stone glacier sky archer. Thanks guys.

I really don't think you could go wrong with any of those packs. I use a mystery ranch pack for firefighting. It's much different from their hunting packs, but it bullet proof. Honestly, their hunting packs seem heavy and way overpriced. Kifaru would be my favorite among the packs you mentioned. I think they have a pretty good warranty as well.

Not sure why Kuiu didn't make your list. Myself and two other hunting buddies switched from eberlestock to Kuiu icon pro 5200 this year and love them. The research and design to make those packs was extensive. It's a light pack that can carry a shitload of weight. I had 120+ on mine packing out a deer 6.5 miles and it was mostly comfortable and stable.

I suggest going to rokslide.com and reading some reviews . Good info on there as far as equipment goes.

Good luck, to me a good pack and good boots are the best and most important investments in hunting.

 

[Slugz]

What Timber Junkie said on rokslide.com and the 5200. Check em out.

 

[eye in sky]

I own the SG Sky 5100 and really like it. I have friends that own Kifaru, Kuiu and Exo mountain. I have compared my pack with theirs and really like mine the most. The Exo mountain is a close second. I just like my frame and suspension a lot more. I think SG, Exo, Kifaru are worth the extra money. I wasn't impressed with the icon pro frame and it doesn't have a good reputation. The Kuiu bag wasn't bad. I just think the other three I mentioned are in a league of their own.

 

[mntnguide]

I run an Exo 5500...first time ive ever owned a pack that i dont have any negative reviews...From a full camp on my back for multiple days, to using it as a daypack. Its a great pack, light but sturdy as heck. Just my 2 cents. Kifaru is well regarded as top of the line. Mystery ranch are good, but heavier packs already without anything on them..I would lean towards Kifaru out of the ones you have listed with the ability to eventually buy different bags to attach to the frame for whatever you need. I personally will stick with my Exo for many years to come.

 

[25contender]

I have been using my Kifaru for the past three seasons and have really enjoyed it. I know that they have a new lighter frame and new lighter bags. I would check them out. The great thing about Kifaru is they really stand behind there packs and they pretest everything in real life testing not just on the drawing board. The new stuff looks good and lighter than my Bikini frame and DT1 bag. Remember also almost all the Kifaru bags and accessories can be interchanged or switched with other Kifaru bags and accessories. A big plus if you want a lighter smaller pack on the frame in the off season
I will tell you this much, weight is one thing but how that weight is carried is another. I absolutely love the way the Kifaru carries the weight and their belts are the best in my opinion. I spent a lot of money on cheaper packs and learned my lesson on packs. I will say that all the packs you mentioned will be good packs and you will see a huge performance jump compare to the pack you are using now.

 

[wisconsinvette]

Of the 3 you mentioned I would go with the SG or the Kifaru. Consider the simplistic nature of the SG though. Some people have issue with the lack of pockets and organization. You cannot go wrong with the new Kifaru frame. I used it this fall and it is amazing, way better than my Bikini frame. Kifaru also stands behind their products. I liked the early version of the KUIU I had. I think the KUIU bags are the best out there with their layout and function. I plan to adapt a Icon Pro bag to my Kifaru frame for next year.

 

[ore hunter]

im not sure what pack size your runnin,,but I just got the new kuiu 1850 icon pro day pack and like it a lot,,,very lightweight and did use it to pack out 100lb elk qtrs. this year in Colorado,,,for a 4 lb pack,empty,,it handled 100lb elk qtrs. fine with its 11oz carbon fiber frame,,,very impressed.

 

[Work2hunt]

I have the stone glacier solo and I like it, but I know it is not for some of my buddies. The pack fits real well, adjusts for multiple body types real well, and is light. But, I know some people do not like that it is one bag with a small pocket in the lid. For those that like to be able to store certain items in small compartments the basic pack does not do it. You can purchase small pockets to add, but the basic pack does not come with them.

 

[Hycntryhtr]

Thank you all for your input. It was tough, but I went with the mystery ranch metcalf. I know the weight is a big thing, but the fit is amazing and it rides really nice for me with weight. The other part I like, is it makes me be simple about what all I'm packing. And if I want to do a 5 to 7 day pack trip, which will be this coming sept again, man does it have the room.

 

[CoHiCntry]

Thank you all for your input. It was tough, but I went with the mystery ranch metcalf. I know the weight is a big thing, but the fit is amazing and it rides really nice for me with weight. The other part I like, is it makes me be simple about what all I'm packing. And if I want to do a 5 to 7 day pack trip, which will be this coming sept again, man does it have the room.

If the fit is that much better, the little bit of extra weight of the pack probably won't be noticed. I think you made the right decision. I would take a better fitting pack over a lighter one any day of the week!