Best backpack/framepack

[sdurango41]

Hi All,
I am hoping to get lots of feedback on what everyone feels is the best back pack/framepack for an extended hunt. We are doing a 10-14 day sheep hunt this fall and the research has started. I am looking for a pack that can handle all of the necessary gear and then be able to handle the weight of an animal on the way out. (if we are lucky enough to get one) I have looked at many packs online and in some stores. A couple of questions that have come out of this search for me are:
1. is it best to find a pack that can be broken down from the large pack to a smaller one for the day hunt away from base camp?
2. should I get a pack that has a meat tray on it or go the route of one that has a compartment. Why is one more beneficial than the other?
3. Are there any packs we should stay away from?
4. What is the best size? 85 litre? or do we not have to go that big?


Thank you in advance for your help.

[BgBlkDg]

My first choice in packs now is the Seek Outside models, they have an outstanding series of modular packs/frames, ate made in the USA and are simply outstanding to deal with.

They have a new large pack under development as we speak and this is what I would strongly recommend. Google them and then call them to discuss your needs.

Size, you need a larger pack than 85 liters and SO packs are much lighter than any others, except very costly custom Dyneema rigs. I would go with at least 6500 cu. in. and preferably larger. Mu current choice is an older Dana Design Terraframe, modded to my needs to pack meat and my daily is a SO Divide-4500+ as KI always carry a light emerg. camp as I often go solo.

HTH.

[Trekker]

Kifaru or Stone glacier

[todbartell]

I'll throw in the Exo 5500

[dellis]

I'll be the odd man out(not an unusual occurrence:mrgreen:), as I prefer an external frame. I have a Bullpack, and if I can't carry it comfortably with that, I need a forklift!

Darcy:)

[Lastcar]

My experiences and mine alone. Based on my fitness, body type and efforts to fit the pack properly to my body.

Others and your mileage may vary.

Packs I've owned and tried. Although not on a trip of the length you are planning. But in the end, the only difference would be more food and the volume and weight of it.

1. Stone Glacier - good fit for me so far, light weight, well built, smart design, no extra stuff like little pockets and zippers here there and everywhere. Unless you choose to add them. Packed out a few critters in it now, which went well and it handled the weight well.

2. Mystery Ranch NICE frame - fit me real good, used the Longbow bag which was well thought out, but had all kinds of internal pockets and sections etc, which added weight. It was almost 8 lbs for what was a day pack or if well packed an overnighter. If it had been lighter I'd have kept using it much longer than I did. Did not pack an animal nor based on size a really heavy load. Did load it up to about 65 pounds for testing and training, though.

3. KUIU - many love them, many do not. I couldn't ever get a good fit out of it. A lot of extra pockets and stuff internally. Not a fan of that. Loaded it up to about 65lbs for testing. No critter went for a ride in this one as it was put up for sale after a week. In general, I'd steer clear of them. But I also have a bias, as Hairston drives me nuts. That said, I have and still do use a few KUIU products as in the end I'll use what works or works best for me.


Packs I would like to try at some point.

1. Seek Outside - as BBD says great company. I have the LBO shelter (Base-Tarp-Vestibule) and a Redcliff and DST tarp on the way. Wouldn't hesitate to give Kevin's packs a spin if and when the time comes I'd want to consider something other than my Stone Glacier. Made in the USA not some offshore foreign no quality control junk!

2. Exo - was really close to giving one a spin this year but stuck with SG once the new frame and bag came out.


Non hunting packs I have used in the past.

Arcteryx Bora - one of the originals bought in Cranbrook in 1997 from a fine shop that I wish I recalled the name of. Served me well for 18 years. Never had a complaint and sold it to someone new to backcountry travel for $75 only cause I wanted them to get off to an economical start with a great pack. Regret it ever since.

Take it all with a grain of salt as my experience with hunting specific packs is limited relative to my time wearing a pack for backcountry camping during the last two decades.

*notice I am working on writing in BBD style. A work in progress, but I am getting the hang of it. It is quite fun!

I jest, certainly take BBD info to heart as much he can be a curmudgeon he certainly has been through the gear and time in the field. He has certainly cost me plenty of money with his suggestions of what to use and where to purchase. One of these days he and I will meet face to face and it'll come full circle! I truly look forward to it.

[Backwoods]

Barneys freighter Frame and Yukon pack!! You won't be disappointed!!!

[Iltasyuko]

Exo Mountain 5500

[Stone C. Killer]

Not sure if barney's is still is the mix? I love mine but probably heavier than the current competition? Super comfortable and built to last/carry heavy loads.

[Frank grimes]

Not to derail the topic, but I have a pack question I don't want to start another thread for.

I currently have an arcterx bora80. I use it for day trips and hopefully some overnights this year. Sometimes it feels like to much for day trips. How much better if any would something like an eberlestock x2 or a tenzing daypack with the meat compartment be? Or any other 2-300$ hunting day pack be?

[butcher]

Might feel too big until you have to pack meat in it.

[Carrollizer]

The Alps Outdoorz commander pack has helped me out in the past. Mind you not the best, but for a exo frame and pack with meat shelf and 5250 cu. inches for about $150-200
It will get you going

[Weatherby Fan]

I have a bunch of packs and all will do what your looking for,

MR Nice Frame-Wolf Bag-8lbs empty-most comfortable pack I've ever had but heavy

Stone Glacier X-Curve frame-6900 Sky Talus bag-5lbs-very comfortable, well designed bag

Kuiu ultra Pro 7200-5200-3200-1850 bags, 4.5lbs, lightest of the bunch, best layout of any of the bags, least comfortable of the bunch for me

Cabelas Alaskan Outfitter Frame 6.2lbs without bag, very comfortable, best external frame pack I've had or seen.

[LuckyIfYouGetOne]

Eberlestock F1 mainframe is the most versatile pack I ever used. Love the options to accessorize the mainframe with different types of packs for the type of trip your going on and if you drop an animal you can easily remove pack from mainframe so that your not getting blood on all your gear.

https://www.eberlestock.com/F1-Mainframe.htm

[RiverOtter]

Hi All,
I am hoping to get lots of feedback on what everyone feels is the best back pack/framepack for an extended hunt. We are doing a 10-14 day sheep hunt this fall and the research has started. I am looking for a pack that can handle all of the necessary gear and then be able to handle the weight of an animal on the way out. (if we are lucky enough to get one) I have looked at many packs online and in some stores. A couple of questions that have come out of this search for me are:
1. is it best to find a pack that can be broken down from the large pack to a smaller one for the day hunt away from base camp?
2. should I get a pack that has a meat tray on it or go the route of one that has a compartment. Why is one more beneficial than the other?
3. Are there any packs we should stay away from?
4. What is the best size? 85 litre? or do we not have to go that big?


Thank you in advance for your help.

Not a fan of "multitask" packs that have day packs etc. that detach; just extra weight and they're rarely the right size or comfortable. Stone Glacier nailed it with special creases sewn in to tuck away extra bag when not needed.

A 2 week sheep hunt, I'd be looking at 100 liters as base line. Some guys will argue that if you have extra space you'll just fill it up, and granted some probably do....but not likely more than once...:grin: Set a weight target and pack to that, with room left over, so you're not forced to solve a puzzle everytime you repack in the mountains.

Meat shelves are great for keeping blood out of your main compartment, but better for keeping the weight distributed closer to your core.

Make sure the pack fits your torso length and test it in the field, before you head out for 2 weeks. A poorly fitted, sized or adjusted pack with break your will faster than the mountains.

[sdurango41]

This is all great info. Thank you to all. Keep it coming. I agree I am going to need a pretty large pack for the amount of time that we are gone. My only thought with a multi use pack was being able to shed a bit of weight when away from base camp up the mountain.
We will definitely be heading up into the mountains with our packs on several occasions over the next several months. Loaded of course. Not only to adjust the pack so that it fits me the best that it can but also to make sure I am in shape for the hunt. Trying to not break the bank but fully realize that boots, pack, tent and hunting gear (pants and jacket plus layers) are the most important part of this hunt. Well gun is right up there as well. I love doing all the research and receiving all the feedback from everyone.

[roymil]

ExoMtn 5500

[RiverOtter]

EVERY day trip away from your tent is a potential overnighter, so you'd be wise to pack accordingly. Many sheep hunters pack their camp with them, as the country is huge and hiking down into the valley to sleep every night wears you down and costs you opportunity, unless you're hiking down in the dark, which I wouldn't advise, unless you absolutely have to.

[combine pilot]

Check out outdoorsman packs. Awesome bag. 200 lb capacity. I have the 4500 with the add on pod which is another 2000 cu. in. They did not have the 6000 when I bought mine but that would have been the one I would have bought. The frame is the same on both. I tried on the Stone Glacier, Mystery Ranch, Tenzing, Eberlestock, Kifaru and 1 or 2 others (can not remember names) at the Sportsman show in Vegas a couple years ago and the Outdoorsman pack was the most comfortable for me.

[combine pilot]

If you look in my photos, there are 4 pictures of the pack being used.

[HammerHawk]

Im torn between buying a mystery ranch or the stone glacier, both look great!

Do you think the Kuiu is in the same quality range? I have considered the 7200 as well.

[Weatherby Fan]

Im torn between buying a mystery ranch or the stone glacier, both look great!

Do you think the Kuiu is in the same quality range? I have considered the 7200 as well.

The Kuiu Icon Pro 7200 is a really nice bag probably the best bag of the bunch but the frame is definitely not the same quality as a MR or SG and definitely not as comfortable, if your going to keep your pack weight to 75lbs or less the Kuiu would be ok but heavier weight I would look at SG,MR or Exo Mtn gear which looks very similar to a MR but 3lbs lighter.

[Blockcaver]

Kifaru packs have served me very well since they hit the market about 17 years ago. Lots of meat packed out and camps carried with no issues.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

For a 14 day hunt, I'd be looking at a 7000 cu in pack plus. I have a 6800 and it's a tight fit. Extra space doesn't weigh much.

[RiverOtter]

For a 14 day hunt, I'd be looking at a 7000 cu in pack plus. I have a 6800 and it's a tight fit. Extra space doesn't weigh much.

Curious Brent, as I know you've logged a day or two in the mountains, what's your current going in pack weight for a 12-14 day'er. Sans gun/poles.
IIRC, I was 62#'s last trip, but a 3 season tent and SG pack upgrade should shave 6-7 lbs in one fell swoop. Well, at least that's the plan. Haha.

Bit of a sidebar, but I'm sure the OP is interested too.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Curious Brent, as I know you've logged a day or two in the mountains, what's your current going in pack weight for a 12-14 day'er. Sans gun/poles.
IIRC, I was 62#'s last trip, but a 3 season tent and SG pack upgrade should shave 6-7 lbs in one fell swoop. Well, at least that's the plan. Haha.

Bit of a sidebar, but I'm sure the OP is interested too.

Usually in 70-72 range but I really haven't weighed my pack in last few years.
Only places I've cut back a bit are food and trimming my clothes.

[RiverOtter]

Got me thinking, I think my weight was before water, which would put me in the high 60's.

Thanks.

[todbartell]

For a 14 day hunt, I'd be looking at a 7000 cu in pack plus. I have a 6800 and it's a tight fit. Extra space doesn't weigh much.

just to throw this out there, the Exo 5500 has a capacity of 5500 - 9000 ci (5500 ci bag and lid, 1000 ci exterior pockets, 2500 ci load shelf area)

no I don't work for Exo, or even sell their product :D

[Weatherby Fan]

I weighed everything to the oz even the clothes and boots I'll be wearing for my fly in and I'm at 72lbs and all fits in my Stone Glacier 6900 no problem.

[morphiend]

Exo 5500 - haven't used anything else but I have loaded it up over 100 pounds with sand for training and it is still comfortable. Also as todbartell says the capacity is huge. The support from the Exo is top notch as well.

[metalface]

there was a great thread on this very topic a couple months ago too: http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?133556-Frame-packs

[ajr5406]

there was a great thread on this very topic a couple months ago too: http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?133556-Frame-packs


Yep... I found a older model Wilderness Wanderer external frame pack for $50! Replaced a couple of pins and buckles and it's great!

[Wild Images]

Barneys !!!!
One pack does it all

[Backwoods]

Barneys !!!!
One pack does it all

Cant agree anymore, once you go barneys you won't shop for another pack, I've used the kuiu, badlands tried on the kifaru loaded fully up with weight, I believe the barneys are worth their weight in gold, no need to purchase more pockets and accessories to the pack because it comes with all you need!! And top end on durability!! Sure don't see a lot of used barneys for sale on buy and sell etc...

[BgBlkDg]

Not a fan of "multitask" packs that have day packs etc. that detach; just extra weight and they're rarely the right size or comfortable. Stone Glacier nailed it with special creases sewn in to tuck away extra bag when not needed.

A 2 week sheep hunt, I'd be looking at 100 liters as base line. Some guys will argue that if you have extra space you'll just fill it up, and granted some probably do....but not likely more than once...:grin: Set a weight target and pack to that, with room left over, so you're not forced to solve a puzzle everytime you repack in the mountains.

Meat shelves are great for keeping blood out of your main compartment, but better for keeping the weight distributed closer to your core.

Make sure the pack fits your torso length and test it in the field, before you head out for 2 weeks. A poorly fitted, sized or adjusted pack with break your will faster than the mountains.

This, is VERY sound advice as only the fit of your footwear is as crucial as that of your pack. Certain pack designs tend to fit certain body types better than others and this should be your primary concern.

I have owned/used many packs over some 60+ years and found what works for me by trial and error. I prefer IF models for most uses but a good EF pack is simple, comparatively inexpensive and lighter on average.

SO packs HAVE a frame, which can be used alone or with any of their simple and most functional bags, interchangeable and highly adjustable.

I just spoke with Becca and Luke there yesterday and the new model in development seems "ideal" for your needs to me. I do not know of any packs "better" than these and their suspension fits a wide variety of bodies, so, do check them out.

There is NO such thing as the "BEST" single pack OR one that works perfectly for all users and uses, however, I find these the most simple, light and adaptable ones KI have yet used.

[xcaribooer]

The Barneys freighter frame and Yukon bag is apparently the pack of choice for alaska/yukon guides..hey there is one for sale on the exchange right now ;-);-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wx1dEHQwXs

[Avalanche123]

Arcteryx - (Mine are a Naos 45 and Naos 80). Waterproof, clean lines, carries really well and very very tough. Ten years + guiding and both holding up well. I hav a Naos 100 litre too that just gathers dust. Too big.

Rise with cold water and it's clean too. I am yet to find a pack built by a hunting company that I like...too many gadgets. IMHO

[islandhunter]

I use the barney's. It may not be the fanciest or lightest on the market, but it really shines when you load it to 150 lbs. Awesome pack!

[Frank grimes]

Arcteryx - (Mine are a Naos 45 and Naos 80). Waterproof, clean lines, carries really well and very very tough. Ten years + guiding and both holding up well. I hav a Naos 100 litre too that just gathers dust. Too big.

Rise with cold water and it's clean too. I am yet to find a pack built by a hunting company that I like...too many gadgets. IMHO

I now have the same setup but in the bora series. Older arcteryx packs are great. Made in Canada as well. Not sure if the new ones are as tough.

[howa1500]

I run a Mystery Ranch Marshall with the overload shelf, heavy pack but works for me

[77Gunner]

I use a tatonka lastenkraxe, it's bulky but tough.

[Jordan f.]

I'm leaning towards a Stone Glacier minimalist. The price isn't bad, just wish our dollar wasn't so low right.

[Calico]

For looking cool for photos in front of your buddies and coming out empty: Kuiu 7200
For hunting and packing meat: Barneys with a Yukon