I'm.thinking about buying a quality pack
 

I'm looking at the kuiu and the exo mountain. Any feedback or other suggestions would be appreciated. Probably going to go with around the 3500 size.

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Just recently bought the exo mountain 2000, I got two hip pockets and the lid as well. They are expensive but the quality is exceptional and I can’t see needing anymore room for a day pack with the lid and pockets. I haven’t used it a bunch but it is very comfortable and it’s all very well thought out.

I'm torn between the 2000 and the 3500. Very similar in size when compressed. The 3500 is only 6 inches longer.

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The way I looked at it is that I can buy the 2000 and if I ever need something for multiple nights I can buy just the 5500 bag and put it on the frame. Where the 3500 isn’t really ment to be a day pack and isn’t really meant to be an extended period of time pack even though it will work for both. Just my view on it though.

I would suggest you look at exo, stone glacier and kifaru. I wouldn’t bother with mystery ranch (if your talking about the NICE frame) or kuiu. The best option is find a few guys who have packs your interested in and try some on. If your around red deer I’ve got a kifaru you can check out.

When it comes time to buy watch rokslide or the kifaru forums classifieds and wait for the right deal.

I went with the kuiu 3200 for my usual day pack mule deer and elk got a smoking deal full set up pack and frame and harness 420$

Packs
 

I agree the KUIU might be light but if you shoot a sheep the frame is too light weight to carry it out. Go with KIFARU or Arcteryx they make good packs for sheep hunting and carrying big loads

If you’re in the Edmonton area I have an exo3500 you can try on.


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Look at Seek Outside,, seekoutside.com They pack a ton of weight and are lightweight, built super tough. The X-pack material they use is the toughest pack material of any pack I own and is waterproof.

Kifaru all the way. Not sure what U r using this pack for but seems a bit small unless u r only day hunting.

Why don't you go with a larger pack, something you can use for multiple days? They all have compression straps that you can crush the pack down to a small size if you are only day hunting. I use my 7200 for everything.
Just a suggestion.

I have 2 Kuiu packs, never had any issues. Sheep partners uses a Stone Glacier. The Kuiu can certainly haul as much as I can carry, half a sheep and all my gear no problem.

I bought a Exo 3500 last summer.
I am really happy with it and I’m considering buying the 2000 pack as well for day hunts and just switching bags back and forth as needed

I enjoy my Mystery Ranch Metcalf! It compresses down a lot to be used as a day pack (like most of these packs can) but also can expand and carry a ton of gear/meat! I packed out two deer this year with it and it was great! I got Mystery Ranch because of their reputation of being "bombproof". It's a tad heavier than the SG or Kuiu, but I tend to be hard on equipment, so I will accept the little added weight.

If you have been doing your research, you may of come across this video! Too bad they don't text the Exo, but it may still help with your decision!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2NQmtWUQqc

I use the mystery ranch crew cab. Its held up to a couple years of light use. I loaded it up with 150 lbs with the load sling and i was able to get it up and comfortable. had it on for an hour and realized i am out of shape and i usually dont pack out that much. lol

Solid gear from mystery ranch. The new hunting specific packs are nice and am contemplating if i need my wife or the pack more.

If I was looking to buy another pack frame and bag I would consider the Frontier Gear of Alaska Freighter Frame ($289.00 US) and a Frontier Gear of Alaska Hunter Pack ($404.60 US). Hunter Pack is 6800 cubic inches but can be compressed. Expensive but has good reviews and should last a lifetime.

Osprey packs, forget the hunting specific rip offs, go with mountain gear already made for it for 1/3rd the price maybe less. I’ve tried it all, the money i wasted...ugh

You cant compare an Osprey to a Stone Glacier. Ive used both and an Osprey wont take the same load with the same comfort period. Ive used both.

If you want to back pack seriously get a quality pack with a load shelf and exchangable bags. Make sure it fits properly and is supported by good company.

I agree. I have also used Osprey. They cannot remotely compare to Stone Glacier or Mystery Ranch.

Fully agree!

My level of misery while packing meat with the ‘hunting’ packs has been equal to or higher, and my gear only comfort while looking for meat (the majority of time spent) has been much greater with the mountain packs. Your mileage may vary...that’s been my experience.

What “hunting specific ripoffs” have you tried?

MR
 

Love my mystery ranch, carrys nice fits alot ot gear and meat..packed 2 elk and a moose out of the mountains.. no complaints
Darrell

They aren’t all born in hunting.

https://youtu.be/vV2BeEctqck

I have a mystery ranch pintler for sale.

We are lucky to have so many very high quality hunting specific packs available to us now day. But don't underestimate some of the equally high quality backpacks made for mountaineering/backpacking. We hunters don't have sole claim to needing to carry brutally heavy loads. I've packed many many miles into climbing base camps packing 100+ lb loads in the only packs that we had available to us at the time. Suspension systems and materials used to build packs have evolved over the years but when it come to packing really heavy loads nothing compares to a high quality frame pack like Barneys. If your looking at a good comfortable multi purpose pack for hunting just about any quality pack will do. I currently own 8 quality packs for climbing, backpacking, hunting, ski touring, packrafting, etc. I sold one of my Mystery Ranch packs because I have a pack of equal or better quality and capacity that weighs almost 1/2 of what it weighed,, and is more comfortable to carry. There's a BIG difference in going out for a couple days vs packing many miles in to high altitude for weeks at a time. Weight becomes extremely important the further and higher you plan on going. A lot of "hunting packs" look like they're marketed to the boy scout crowd with accessory pouches hanging off all over the place adding weight and snag potential. To each there own but don't be fooled by slick marketing and high prices. There are LOTS of alternatives. The main thing is to just get out there with whatever you have enjoy!

I have a KUIU Icon Pro 5200. Overall I like it, but what spoils the enjoyment for me is that mine usually has a squeaky type noise when I walk. Every step, squeak, squeak, squeak...

It's the fabric rubbing against the carbon fiber frame. I like the various pockets, and the straps pull everything in nice and tight. The top lid is another area I'm underwhelmed by. If the pack isn't right full, the lid sort of sags down and away from me. Not really a big deal, but it just doesn't seem...right. The pack is good, but not amazing. Mine is a few years old, so perhaps the new models have improved design features. But I would make some changes/refinements to the one I have to improve it.

I shouldn't have ANY squeaking on a HUNTING pack that's supposedly "revolutionary", as KUIU likes to brag about their equipment. I might try putting some tape or something wherever the fabric rubs the frame and see it it improves the situation. I own other KUIU clothing, which I like, so I'm not anti-KUIU. Just giving my personal opinion on the pack after several years experience with it.

I'm considering buying something else, maybe EXO Mountian or Mystery Rance. But we'll see. I'm not ready to part with my KUIU...yet. Ideally I would try a couple other brands and see what I prefer, and then sell the ones I don't like. But that gets expensive.

KUIU should have just stuck to the clothing market.

Try the Exo 5500 too

x3. Or whatever it is now. There's no comparison, IME.

I've been looking at mystery ranch pop ups....don't think I can swing the expense but they sure look to fit my hunting style/ needs