Anyone use the same pack for elk and whitetail?

[Timber Dawg]

Happy New Year ladies and gents. After lower back surgery and several years off from chasing critters, I've picked up an old recurve and am getting back in the game. I'm at the point where I'm reassembling my hunting gear with purpose in mind, and I'm wondering if anyone on here uses the same pack for whitetail and elk hunting. I do some tree stand hunting for whitetails here in the pine thickets of the southeast, and need to be able to attach an ultralight tree stand and climbing sticks to the outside of the pack. Ive also got a backcountry DIY elk trip in the works where we will be camping several miles into the mountains, and would like to find a pack that would do reasonably well there also.

I'd like to keep it in the $200-400 range to begin with, which I know will limit my options. I realize full well that every pack has its limitations, and that a purpose built pack for each pursuit would be ideal, but that's where I am right now. One other limitation is that there aren't many (if any) shops nearby where I could go and put my hands on several different packs to try them out. Anyone out there found a pack to do reasonably well for both pursuits?

 

[byland]

Timber Dawg,


I've been in pursuit of a one trick pony myself for many years and have come to realize that most packs aren't built for every situation but rather specific situations. You either have a day pack or a multi-day pack and they don't exactly cross over easily. 


That said, given your price point and desired usage, there's really only one pack out there that can serve both reasonably well in my opinion.  You can pick up a Kuiu Ultra 3000 for $320 out the door and it can both haul meat along 1-3 days of gear for backcountry hunting, and serve as a nice day pack.  I recently purchase one myself and though I haven't hiked in it just yet, it seems really nice and functional.  If you have a few extra bones to throw at the set up, go with the Kuiu Icon Pro 3200 for $424 out the door.  The fabric is more durable and has some more features but it does weigh a little more.  It's practically the same design as the ultra just with more zippers on it.


http://www.kuiu.com/hunting-backpacks-packs/


Honestly, every other pack out there that can fit your needs will be in the $500.  Kuiu has price point going for them and though you can't try them out in person, you can always return it if you're unhappy with it.


Kuiu is probably your best bet based on price and versatility.  I'm curious what other folks will offer up as a solution for you.


Good luck on your search!


-Emory
www.bylandco.com

 

[ILbowhntr]

One pack, OMG! Started counting and I have 7 packs and 2 fanny packs. I don't carry as much stuff chasing whitetails, fanny works great for me. My go to pack for most out west hunts is my Eberlestock X2. If I grab a bigger pack, I put more un necessary stuff in it. The bow holder on the X2 is not the best but it works. It will carry more than my 54 year old back can.

 

[byland]

Ha!  See what I mean?  It's impossible to have just one pack!


I suppose we should probably clarify it you're actually going to backpack in for a few days or if you're just going in for day hunts out west.  One of the cool features of the Kuiu brand is that you can swap the bag out for bigger or smaller ones while keeping the same frame.  If you want just a day pack you can have that, if you want a bag for 7 days in the backcountry, you can have that as well.


I have 5 bags hanging in my basement.....

 

[Timber Dawg]

Thanks for the input. I realize I'm going after a bit of a unicorn here, but figured it is worth searching before I make an investment. The backpacking out west will probably be toting gear in for 4-5 days worth of hunting. The whitetail hunting here will involve packing in a stand also.

I ran across the Eberlestock J34 last night, and it looks like it might actually come close to what I'm after. Seems like I could use their spike camp duffel to haul extra gear in for the week, so I may study on this option a little more. I'll check out the  Kuiu also. Thanks.

 

[ILbowhntr]

I have the J107 with the duffle. Easy to get 7-10 days worth of gear/food in it.

 

[wl704]

For whitetails I'm traveling light. A small day pack holds all I need and is strapped to a hang on stand with some lightweight climbing sticks.

 

[hank4elk]

Not WT but mule deer & elk.
J-104 & MR crew now for short/day trips.

You'll get alot of advice. Lotta choices out there these days.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I tend to run a Kifaru Tahr for day hunts involving elk, muley, or whitetails. Once I pack out for a couple of days I tend to switch to a larger pack (same frame).
I have run the Kifaru Bikini frame with a Highcamp 7000 for all of the above, but if you know your only going out for a day it's a bit big.
You should be able to pick up this setup used in your price range. If new your looking around $530ish.

 

[Live2hunt]

I use my kifaru duplex frame for everything but change bags and accessories accordingly

 

[byland]

Hey everyone,


I just learned today that Exo Mountain Gear is coming out with a 2000 cubic inch bag this year for those who need a smaller day pack but still want to haul loads out.


This might just fit the the need of the Mr. Timber Dawg.


-Emory
www.bylandco.com

 

[huntomeez]

I ran across the Eberlestock J34 last night, and it looks like it might actually come close to what I'm after. Seems like I could use their spike camp duffel to haul extra gear in for the week, so I may study on this option a little more. I'll check out the  Kuiu also. Thanks.

This is the pack I use and I got it for the exact reasons you mention. I also got the super spike duffel and it's been a great pack. I can backpack into a camp, offload the duffel and then cinch the pack up for just the day's hunt. It's a little heavy for a daypack but I don't mind the strength training. It's really a great all around pack. Also, if you buy this pack get the rain cover. It is waterproof but because of the material it will get a bit heavy when soaked.