This was specifically answered by Tanner, but there are other more general answers to your question embedded in other posts. To wit:
Some packs have limited adjustability or size ranges and might not fit you well.
Some packs do not have internal frame shape adjustment to fit your back contour.
Some packs have shoulder straps and hipbelts that might not work well with some bodies.
Some packs are poorly-thought-out limp noodles.
Some packs' only redeeming virtue is being offered in camo.
Some packs' bag designs get so busy that weight is excessive.
Some packs require a dedicated, focused minute or more to reassemble and don after opening said pack to access gear or food, with cram-and-go not being easy.
Some packs were built around load capability, with fluff added afterward (dana, MR, kifaru known, and I'd presume SG and Seek as well)
Some packs vice-versa (eberlestock, kuiu)

For me:
Keep it simple, stupid.
No excessive pockets or load shelves.
Bottom side external bottle pocket required for strapping rifle to pack. No exceptions.
Organize your crap with UL stuff sacks.
It's nice to have a small sealed pocket in which to put wallet contents and vehicle keys, so they stay with your pack until you mean to get them out.

I haven't used the Gucci hunting packs named here: Kifaru, Kuiu, SG, Seek, etc. I own a kifaru bikini frame but haven't found a bag I like yet. I've hunted and carried meat in various danas: longbed, terraframe, terraplane, alpine. All work fine. The dana arcflex waistbelts are great, the dana external belts suck. Hill people gear's heavy belt doesn't adapt well to Danas as Danas need a hard point for the wand straps. The arcteryx ible belts work fine on danas if they fit you. Lately there have been some great danas in great colors on ebay. You'll give up 2 pounds +/- using a dana vs the Gucci hunting packs. I can afford to buy whatever, and I find myself often using a 7-lb 90s vintage dana alpine bought on craigslist for $50, or a 7.5-lb dana terraframe bought when they were on firesale for $99, both with large size arcflex waistbelt. Medium works when bodyweight slips below 215, but I've not been there since 2010...

Originally Posted by Wilkup
Originally Posted by Tanner
Originally Posted by Wilkup
Originally Posted by KC

Here's a couple of good packs that you might want to check out.

I use and Osprey Aether 85 now.
Osprey Aether 85
It's the most comfortable backpack that I own. But it's not a hunting pack.

I've been considering buying a KUIU Ultra 6000 pack
KUIU Ultra 6000
Looks very tempting.

KC





I've been seeing good stuff about the Kuiu Ultra 6000 bag with the Pro Frame & Suspension added. I may go that route for now, just because the price is so agreeable and I could always upgrade next season if I feel the need.


I have guided hunters using Kuiu Ultras and have worn them for a short period of time, and I can tell you that I wouldn't use one for hunting and packing any weight if it was given to me for free. For light use and general backpacking it'd be fine.

My main gripe with MR is the weight and short frame length. But, as Scott said above, they did supposedly improve their new frame.

Your $500 will easily buy you a very solid lightly used Kifaru setup.

Tanner


Would you mind elaborating on why the Kuiu is a poor choice? I'm ready and willing to learn but just hearing multiple people say they wouldn't wear a Kuiu if given one for free doesn't help me make any sort informed decision. I don't want to be disagreeable; I'm here to learn something new, so tell me why... because rockslide has some favorable reviews of the Kuiu pack systems.