Pack question

[DTP]

When you are elk hunting, do you have one pack that you wear the whole time that can also pack your elk out?


Or do you carry a day pack and then head back to camp for a meat hauling pack after you have one down?


The last four years I've carried one pack. It's worked because the price was right and it did it's job, but comfort in the field is becoming more of a want every trip.  I'm considering going to a very nice day pack for hunting and then having a hauling pack back at camp or in my truck.

 

[ILbowhntr]

Used to do the 2 pack system, but got a EXO K3500 this year. Excited about only dealing with one good pack. Why pack out a small load to get your pack frame?  Keep it simple is where I'm at in life.

 

[DTP]

Used to do the 2 pack system, but got a EXO K3500 this year. Excited about only dealing with one good pack. Why pack out a small load to get your pack frame?  Keep it simple is where I'm at in life.

I'm currently using the Horn hunter full curl.  It's done everything I've asked of it and more,  but I'm definitely ready to try something a more comfortable on the heavy pack outs. 

Ive not put on an Exo 3500 yet,  but it was one of the options I was considering.  (Considering EXO or Kifaru)

I'd gladly stick with one pack if it fits the bill as a day pack.




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[big44a4]

I run a kuiu 7200 and empty it out at camp or truck depending how I'm hunting and use it as a day pack. Don't feel the need to carry an extra bag or make a small load as mentioned before.


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[DTP]

I run a kuiu 7200 and empty it out at camp or truck depending how I'm hunting and use it as a day pack. Don't feel the need to carry an extra bag or make a small load as mentioned before.


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That's good to hear. 
So it sounds like the EXO and KUIU have larger carrying capacity  than my horn hunter, but they can be folded down, and made smaller/more compact than my pack.

I need to try some of these packs on and make a decision!



Thanks jstephens61 & big44a4!

 

[cohunter14]

I've fought this same issue. I used to just carry a day pack and then have a regular frame pack back at camp. I got the horn hunter full curl before last years season and now I'm torn on what to do. Weight wise, it's not a substantial difference to haul that around versus my day pack (about 2lbs), but it seems bulky compared to my day pack. The frame seems to ride really high up by my head so I catch it on trees quite a bit. My rifle sling also doesn't sit over the shoulder strap very well compared to my day pack. Now on the opposite side of things, I love having a water bladder in it and when I shot my bull last year, it was definitely nice to go out heavy instead of lighter.


I've been going back and forth during archery season and hope to have a solution before rifle season as I really don't like switching packs around in camp.

 

[cohunter14]

I don't want to sidetrack the thread, but I think this question will also help Dan based on how he hunts: in your opinion, what is the best pack out there that is essentially a day pack with a frame? All of my hunts are from a base camp and I never pack in my camp. I think Dan is the same way? In that scenario, you don't need a pack that can hold 4,000+ cubic inches of gear. You simply need a day pack with a frame that can haul a good chunk of meat when the need arises.

 

[DTP]

I don't want to sidetrack the thread, but I think this question will also help Dan based on how he hunts: in your opinion, what is the best pack out there that is essentially a day pack with a frame? All of my hunts are from a base camp and I never pack in my camp. I think Dan is the same way? In that scenario, you don't need a pack that can hold 4,000+ cubic inches of gear. You simply need a day pack with a frame that can haul a good chunk of meat when the need arises.

Bingo....

 

[big44a4]

Then you could get a smaller pack. Kuiu and exo will haul more meat than you wish to carry and they use the same frames for smaller packs (so they can still haul the same amount). The kuiu straps tighten it down pretty small when used as a day pack. Also you can find them on sale 33% off I believe around Black Friday. Haven't seen exo run a sale/discount. But for $300 and change you will be hard pressed to find any pack that's close to the kuiu. I have the icon pro as some people said the ultras are not as comfortable...

Also check classifieds and or eBay etc. people are always swapping packs to try new ones. I've heard great things about stone glacier too.


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[ltsheets]

Exo Exo Exo!  To me, I'd rather not waste the first hike back having to haul a small load to get my pack for meat.  An Exo 5500 like mine weighs about 5 lbs empty and you've seen how small it compresses for a day pack along with how much it can carry after tagging out.  If you aren't worried about space in the bag, get an exo 3500.  If you end up wanting more space for a backpacking hunt, buy the 5500 bag separate and swap them out.  Problem solved.

 

[buglelk]

I have the EXO 2000 and 3500. If you're going in for 3-5 days, you'll need the 3500. If you're just day hunting (or one night overnight), the EXO 2000 is ideal. And it will still haul half an elk... 

 

[DTP]

That's a beautiful sight to see, Corey!
If you were able to fit those two giant backstraps into that pack them I am sold!  ;D


I'm definitely sold on the Exo 2000. It suites my hunting style and will cover me on almost all of my hunts! The thing I am mostly excited about is not only will it be much more comfy to carry around, but it's also 4.7lbs lighter than my current pack....

 

[DTP]

Thank you everyone again for the help!

 

[cohunter14]

Corey, thanks for the input! Two things:


1) I see you are wearing the newer Sitka pattern in that picture. I'm guessing that might be a bull from this year? 


2) Does you or anyone else know if Exo sells their products anywhere except direct? I would love to be able to try one on before making the jump to purchase one.

 

[ltsheets]

I'm not sure if they are sold anywhere but direct.  I bought mine direct and can't speak highly enough about their customer service.  When I bought mine back in 2015, I want to say the whole company was just 3-4 people.  I ordered mine directly with the owner on the phone.  If you call and talk to them about your concern, I'm sure they would help ease your worry and take a return if it didn't fit as you'd like it to.  Mine's the most comfortable pack I've used and I've had up to about 125# in it as well.

Corey, thanks for the input! Two things:


1) I see you are wearing the newer Sitka pattern in that picture. I'm guessing that might be a bull from this year? 


2) Does you or anyone else know if Exo sells their products anywhere except direct? I would love to be able to try one on before making the jump to purchase one.

 

[mnm116]

When you are elk hunting, do you have one pack that you wear the whole time that can also pack your elk out?


Or do you carry a day pack and then head back to camp for a meat hauling pack after you have one down?


The last four years I've carried one pack. It's worked because the price was right and it did it's job, but comfort in the field is becoming more of a want every trip.  I'm considering going to a very nice day pack for hunting and then having a hauling pack back at camp or in my truck.

One pack Stone Glacier they are awesome low profile even above the shoulder and expand out to carry out meat right away and save a trip.

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[backcountry_hunter]

I've bought, sold and owned more packs than I care to admit. It actually makes me kind of disgusted when I think about the amount spent on packs over the years. Honestly when you described what you'relooking for 2 specific packs came to mind, both I've kept and still own despite buying some more expensive ones.


1st one on a budget you're already using, the HH Full curl is a sweet economical bombproof system that allows you to drop the big bag and run the frame and small pack or small pack alone as a day pack. All usa made and is price well below it's actual value. The upgrades they made a couple years ago put it in the same category as some other much higher priced brands.


2nd you should give a hard look at is a mystery ranch cabinet (used to be crew cab). This pack does it all and has a ridiculously comfortable suspension system. It's kind of like a full curl 2.0 if you will. This is what I've found to be the "best daypack with a frame" for me anyway.


I have a kifaru, kuiu, etc... one thing I've never bought into is the "it compresses down to nothing". In my case I'm almost always back packing in and I don't care what brand, 5500 cu/in doesn't compress down to nothing, it's still alot of material back there. No matter what brand it's cumbersome and annoying to dig into a 5000+cu/in pack every day for just an extra layer or your lunch. Sometimes it's tolerable, sometimes its neccessary to live with it but don't bs me and tell me you won't notice it, you will


My kifaru is arguably the best pack I'll ever own. I think they make a similar version now to the crew cab and full curl (wings that allow you to add and attach in the field) but I don't own it. Long story short, I have yet to find a one size fits all pack for every application. I love my kifaru, I also love my kuiu when I'm counting ounces for a high elevation hunt, I love my MR, I love my Horn hunter FC, I love my 20 year old kelty cache hauler for pulling out full quarters. Any packs I haven't loved I got rid of, but every pack I still own has a purpose and gets used. In your situation I would look hard at MR's cabinet/crew cab.


On a side note a buddy packs in camp with his barneys frontier and has a small lightweight daypack attached to it for day hunting after he drops camp. It's a little redundant but like he says it beats having to carry his barneys around for 7 days day hunting.

 

[BrentLaBere]

Great Post backcountry-hunter. I completely agree with what you have said. I relate to the last part on how your buddy does it. I pack in my frame pack and attach a smaller pack to day hunt. First time doing it this way and really like not having a larger pack on my body all day everyday.

 

[DTP]

I've bought, sold and owned more packs than I care to admit. It actually makes me kind of disgusted when I think about the amount spent on packs over the years. Honestly when you described what you're looking for 2 specific packs came to mind, both I've kept and still own despite buying some more expensive ones.


1st one on a budget you're already using, the HH Full curl is a sweet economical bombproof system that allows you to drop the big bag and run the frame and small pack or small pack alone as a day pack. All usa made and is price well below it's actual value. The upgrades they made a couple years ago put it in the same category as some other much higher priced brands.


2nd you should give a hard look at is a mystery ranch cabinet (used to be crew cab). This pack does it all and has a ridiculously comfortable suspension system. It's kind of like a full curl 2.0 if you will. This is what I've found to be the "best daypack with a frame" for me anyway.


I have a kifaru, kuiu, etc... one thing I've never bought into is the "it compresses down to nothing". In my case I'm almost always back packing in and I don't care what brand, 5500 cu/in doesn't compress down to nothing, it's still alot of material back there. No matter what brand it's cumbersome and annoying to dig into a 5000+cu/in pack every day for just an extra layer or your lunch. Sometimes it's tolerable, sometimes its neccessary to live with it but don't bs me and tell me you won't notice it, you will


My kifaru is arguably the best pack I'll ever own. I think they make a similar version now to the crew cab and full curl (wings that allow you to add and attach in the field) but I don't own it. Long story short, I have yet to find a one size fits all pack for every application. I love my kifaru, I also love my kuiu when I'm counting ounces for a high elevation hunt, I love my MR, I love my Horn hunter FC, I love my 20 year old kelty cache hauler for pulling out full quarters. Any packs I haven't loved I got rid of, but every pack I still own has a purpose and gets used. In your situation I would look hard at MR's cabinet/crew cab.


On a side note a buddy packs in camp with his barneys frontier and has a small lightweight daypack attached to it for day hunting after he drops camp. It's a little redundant but like he says it beats having to carry his barneys around for 7 days day hunting.

That is some great honest feedback right there, thank you for posting it!
I do love my HH for everything it's done. I got my moneys worth out of it and some!
One thing I've noticed lately is my current set up has developed a little squeak when I walk. It drives me bonkers and I have no idea where it's coming from.


I've got a few friends with some Exos and a few friends with some mystery ranch packs (to include the crew cab). I'm going to spend the time trying them all on and putting some loads on them too.  I've got some time and I want to make sure I'm making the right choice!


Thanks again for the help!

One pack Stone Glacier they are awesome low profile even above the shoulder and expand out to carry out meat right away and save a trip. Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

I'm not familiar with them, I'll take a look. Thank you!