Which Hunting Pack should I buy?

[300rum700]

Thanks everyone who had responded so far. It seems there isn't tons of consensus yet. What I'm reading is something like I may be able to get something less expensive than the top end bags if it fits me reasonably well, but it's hard to beat going to the top end for comfort and durability. Oh and the meat shelf is a big deal, and I must agree based on my use case. Love to hear more weigh ins. I live in greater Vancouver, so might mean some visits to stores to try things on.

Load shelves suck balls. Buy a big enough bag to fit everything in.

[tjt2050]

Load shelves suck balls. Buy a big enough bag to fit everything in.

What do you recommend then?

[tjt2050]

Thanks to those like AgSilver who have offered me to look at their packs, particularly for the ones you can't easily see at the store (i've had a few private offers as well) Really appreciated. When I get to the stage where I need to try some things out before I make a final decision, I will see if I can take some of those offers up.

Any other people feel load shelves don't really live up to the advertisements.

[todbartell]

Save your pennies and buy an EXO 2200. Or 3500 and be ultra versatile.

I have both and they're the best pack I have used

[RadHimself]

I roll with an eberlestock j107 dragonfly.... couldnt be happier

[Weatherby Fan]

I have both and they're the best pack I have used

Hey Mark, other than being a cpl pounds lighter than a MR Nice frame and bag, they look quite similar, what are the main differences between the two or what makes the exo better ?

Thanks
WF

[TreeStandMan]

I roll with an eberlestock j107 dragonfly.... couldnt be happier

I've been eyeing that one myself, so I'm glad to hear that it's working for you. This year I used the Eberlestock H2 gunrunner for my day pack, and I'm very happy with it, but I'm not carrying anything bigger than a rabbit in it.

[300rum700]

What do you recommend then?

Doesn't matter the brand just don't go into a 10 day hunt with a 5000 ci pack and depend on a load shelf to get you out with an animal. I'm partial to kifaru but the stone glaciers look nice with a big bag.
I've had a J107 and sheep hunted with it and it was bar non the worst experience I've had with a pack, a 10 lb ox would be a be a better option than the eberlestock.

[todbartell]

Hey Mark, other than being a cpl pounds lighter than a MR Nice frame and bag, they look quite similar, what are the main differences between the two or what makes the exo better ?

Thanks
WF

I really liked my MR packs, used the NICE frame with Crew Cab for about five years as a daypack. Heavy, but comfortable and very durable. Didn't use the new guidelight frame MR stuff much, but did put some KM on the trail with the new Metcalf, it was good in all regards. I just prefer the Exo, nice thick lumbar pad, great waistbelt pockets which are easier to open one handed than my old MR NICE (new MR no waist pockets, boooooo), really like the stretchy stuff pockets on outside. New 2200 will be a great daypack that can haul meat, it has some real nice organization going on

[twoSevenO]

Load shelves suck balls. Buy a big enough bag to fit everything in.

why do they suck?.