What Hunting Packs is Everyone Using?

[sparrowhawk]

Like the title says what hunting packs is everyone using this year? I’ll be using an EXO K4 5000

 

[BAKPAKR]

I have used the EXO K4 5000 myself for the last couple of years. I like it a lot.

 

[Quicksilver]

Used a Kifaru 44 mag for about 6 years, now am using a SG sky 5900. Seems to fit me slightly better when hauling heavy loads. I’ve done a 110# (weighed on a scale) pack out with it and an elk pack out that was heavier. I don’t think I could have done it as comfortably with the Kifaru.

 

[FURMAN]

I’ve been using the KUIU pro 6000.

 

[Spreedizzle]

Mystery Ranch Metcalf for my main pack, but for early fall hunts I’ll be using their Pintler.

 

[Arctic Aussie]

Mystery ranch Marshall,bear tooth ,saw tooth

 

[Joel@LRO]

Mystery Ranch for me also. Had it for so many years I don’t remember the model. Might be gen 1 metcalf.

 

[quandary]

Switched from Kuiu to EXO this year. It was a good switch based on the performance of the pack on my just completed Caribou hunt. Unfortunately can't comment on the packs pack out performance!

 

[RBanta66]

I'm still running my Kuiu Ultralight 6000 from around 2014. I also run this pack with a newer 3600 Pro pack bag as they are interchangeable. It's been a good system for my needs.

 

[FURMAN]

I have tried pretty much everything out there except the K4 and the new Kuiu. I thought most were comparable in comfort when adjusted correctly but the kuiu bags were best for me.

 

[Broz]

I really like the KUIU PRO 3600 for a day pack.

 

[NW Hunter1]

Mystery Ranch pop up 30 for me.

 

[Geewhiz]

Using the tried and true mystery ranch metcalf. For some day hunts I will swap the metcalf bag for a mule bag which is a bit smaller.

 

[FURMAN]

I want to give one of these a try as I think for a day pack it may be quicker to stow and deploy a spotter and tripod setup.

ICON 6 4500 Divide Pack | Verde

Our ICON 6 4500 Hunting Frame Pack in Verde Camo is quality-made. It's the perfect pack size for a few nights in the backcountry or a gear-heavy day hunt.

www.kuiu.com

 

[Patrick Hargan]

EXO K4 w/ 3600, 5000 and 7200 bags which I switch out easily depending on the duration/style of hunt. Just returned from Alaska and packed out a moose 122 lb hind quarter, 70 lb side of ribs, and the antlers/skull (separate loads obviously!) and it handled them superbly. Nothing shifts, and having everything strapped/secured between the bag and frame just works for me. I train with 60 lbs in it three days a week year round, and there’s zero signs of wear. Might stink a bit, but it’s never let me down!

 

[Patrick Hargan]

EXO K4 w/ 3600, 5000 and 7200 bags which I switch out easily depending on the duration/style of hunt. Just returned from Alaska and packed out a moose 122 lb hind quarter, 70 lb side of ribs, and the antlers/skull (separate loads obviously!) and it handled them superbly. Nothing shifts, and having everything strapped/secured between the bag and frame just works for me. I train with 60 lbs in it three days a week year round, and there’s zero signs of wear. Might stink a bit, but it’s never let me down!

 

[sparrowhawk]

I just switched to a k4 before hunting season previously ran a SG solo 3600/5900. So far the K4 has been on 2 elk hunts and has more tags to go including local deer tags, potential otc elk and a desert sheep tag that I’ll be guiding. So a full review will be coming at the end of hunting season

 

[62flint]

Depends on what I am doing,
day hunt to 2-3 days for deer or smaller critters. Elberstock gunslinger II
Packing a unusual shape, heavy load elberstock main frame II. with or with out a bag, The main frame is nice to strap a bucket or water jug to and walk in.
I also have the exo K4, 5000. I am liking that bag also.

 

[Rjk300]

I have the Kuiu pro with 1850 and 2300. I really don’t use the 1850 and the 2300 I use all the time but would like to get the 3600.

 

[BAKPAKR]

For day hunts, I sometimes use my Kifaru tactical frame with a Stryker XL bag and a Sherman Pocket. Between the two, there are lots of pockets for organization, and I can carry out a heavy load if I am successful.

 

[SpeyRod]

Mystery Ranch for me also. Had it for so many years I don’t remember the model. Might be gen 1 metcalf.

Same here but probably a little newer.

 

[elkguide]

Eastern whitetail day hunts, I use a fanny pack. Western hunts, I use the Outdoorsman's Palisade 90.

 

[Willys]

I’ve run a couple kuiu since 2014. I tried EXO and couldn’t get the fit right. I have a SG but don’t like as well as Kuiu - its still unused tho I have buddies who swear by them. Getting the new Kuiu Pro 3600 for daypack with an extra bag for overnight.

 

[Gord0]

I really like the KUIU PRO 3600 for a day pack.

Kuiu pro 3600 here as well. I also have the Kuiu 2300 (not the pro) if I'm just taking a few things.

 

[Dallen0427]

I use a Kuiu 3600 for day hunts and a 7800 for backcountry hunts. I’ve used both to pack out heavy loads and both do well.

 

[tdogg]

I just got a new pack last year a Mystery Ranch Pop up 30? Maybe? I don't remember the model, it's not the Metcalf. I've used it once on an elk hunt but still haven't optimized the organization of things in it yet. It isn't as friendly as it doesn't have enough small pockets to organize stuff. I've added some badlands hip pockets and their bino case adapter to clip my bino case as the chest clip. It does have the expanded meat packing that I wanted though and it comes in Sitka pattern which is what i use predominantly.

I have a Sitka Apex that I was using for day hunts but it isn't really up for hauling out an elk quarter. I've done it many times but I wanted a frame for hauling meat out of the backcountry and hence the Mystery Ranch.

I have a older Eberlestock Team Elk pack V1 that was too heavy for day use but has been used to pack out plenty of elk on the second trips.

Cheers,
Toby

 

[Joshf303]

Old tried and true Kifaru with a number of bag options for me...

Have tried numerous other packs over the years and just can't get away from the flexibility for my uses. Had high hopes for a EXO K4 this year, but the load carrying comfort difference between the two was stark above 60lbs.

 

[Ladd]

My Kuiu Ultralight 7000 is here with me. Holds my layers and bags just fine. Plus snacks and water.

 

[jmyers]

I’m using a Kuiu Venture 2300. Works great for me