I'm considering getting a new pack for a moose hunt I have coming up in 2018 in Alaska. We will be hunting from a drop camp so I'll just need a daypack and way to pack meat. I currently have a J34 that works well as a daypack and to take out the first load of meat, then I go back in with my Cabelas Alaskan pack frame. That adds up to a lot of weight though taking both packs. That plan has worked well on elk for me, but keeping my gear weight down for the plane wasn't a concern then. I'm considering upgrading and have looked at several options. I thought I'd ask here and get some more opinions.
I tried a Kuiu Ultra 1800 recently with a 50lb bag of mineral in the load sling set-up between the pack and bag. It didn't fit well for me no matter how I adjusted it, wasn't real comfortable. I like Kuiu as a company but I think I'm going to stay away from their packs.
I am considering spending the money on a Kifaru Duplex frame with a Nomad bag. The problem I see with this option is that I will be spending lots of time in thick cover and the 26" frame Kifaru recommended for my size will be sticking up and out catching on stuff. I definitely see the benefit for these packs for high country hunts where most time is spent around or above timberline, but I'm not sure they are right for my hunt.
This thinking brings me back to Eberlestock. I like my J34 a lot. It isn't the most comfortable pack with a really big load just due to the load lifter set-up, but it's a great daypack and sure gets the job done packing elk or smaller game. I think I want a stouter frame though before tackling a moose. I'm looking at the F1 mainframe pack from Eberlestock, and the Transformer or just a J type dry bag that would zip on for daypack use. The narrower pack frame looks like it would be more comfortable navigating brush or carrying a slung rifle. The Eberlestock packs harness system has always seemed comfortable to me when packing loads, the hip belt fits me well. I also have a scabbard already I could put between the F1 frame and F2 Transformer bag to make a set-up similar to my J34.
The J107 is another option I've considered since I like my J34 a lot. I think I like the option the set-up above gives me of ditching the bag and it's weight, just using the frame when packing meat though. Also should help keep the pack less bloody and smelly for the hunt. 2 of us are going so after taking one moose we'll still be hunting for a second.
I'm not overly worried about cost on this pack. I figure it's an investment I'll have for a long time, and I have several packs I don't use much I'll sell to fund it. I bought several Eberlestocks over the years to try that I didn't end up loving for one reason or another and will sell several that are nearly new, a mini-me, gunrunner, operator, and X1A1. As my optics got a little bigger and I started packing a fairly bulky Hill People Gear mountain serape to throw on while glassing in the cold more often I just kept using the J34 and not the smaller stuff as much.
Anyone have any experience with these or thoughts?
I tried a Kuiu Ultra 1800 recently with a 50lb bag of mineral in the load sling set-up between the pack and bag. It didn't fit well for me no matter how I adjusted it, wasn't real comfortable. I like Kuiu as a company but I think I'm going to stay away from their packs.
I am considering spending the money on a Kifaru Duplex frame with a Nomad bag. The problem I see with this option is that I will be spending lots of time in thick cover and the 26" frame Kifaru recommended for my size will be sticking up and out catching on stuff. I definitely see the benefit for these packs for high country hunts where most time is spent around or above timberline, but I'm not sure they are right for my hunt.
This thinking brings me back to Eberlestock. I like my J34 a lot. It isn't the most comfortable pack with a really big load just due to the load lifter set-up, but it's a great daypack and sure gets the job done packing elk or smaller game. I think I want a stouter frame though before tackling a moose. I'm looking at the F1 mainframe pack from Eberlestock, and the Transformer or just a J type dry bag that would zip on for daypack use. The narrower pack frame looks like it would be more comfortable navigating brush or carrying a slung rifle. The Eberlestock packs harness system has always seemed comfortable to me when packing loads, the hip belt fits me well. I also have a scabbard already I could put between the F1 frame and F2 Transformer bag to make a set-up similar to my J34.
The J107 is another option I've considered since I like my J34 a lot. I think I like the option the set-up above gives me of ditching the bag and it's weight, just using the frame when packing meat though. Also should help keep the pack less bloody and smelly for the hunt. 2 of us are going so after taking one moose we'll still be hunting for a second.
I'm not overly worried about cost on this pack. I figure it's an investment I'll have for a long time, and I have several packs I don't use much I'll sell to fund it. I bought several Eberlestocks over the years to try that I didn't end up loving for one reason or another and will sell several that are nearly new, a mini-me, gunrunner, operator, and X1A1. As my optics got a little bigger and I started packing a fairly bulky Hill People Gear mountain serape to throw on while glassing in the cold more often I just kept using the J34 and not the smaller stuff as much.
Anyone have any experience with these or thoughts?
). Then I put the straps of a small lightweight day-pack over the posts. I hook the gun sling over one of the post and use a strap to attach the butt. It's not fancy, but has served me well on many hunts. I am really interested in trying some of the suggested packs though, if money ever allows. Sounds like they would be a lot more comfortable! Good luck on your hunt mcseal2, and enjoy all that anticipation, that's part of the adventure!