Big difference between backpacking vs backpack hunting but we can talk about both right? ULA packs are a great design for backpacking, maybe the best UL pack for the money. I have a ULA catalyst but it does not like anything over 30 pound loads. Thats good enough for a 5 day backpacking trip. If I am hunting (especially solo) I want at least a 6000 ci pack. Where I go for deer I need to be able to pack out all my gear and a whole boned out deer in one load. I do not like hanging a lot of stuff on the outside of my pack.
For some of the reasons llama2 stated I do not like the modular hauler concept. They are heavy, expensive to setup and do not give you the space a pack bag would. I also do not like how the weight is getting farther from you body. Everyone seems to be packing out away from the pack frame with these hauler/meat shelf setups. Give me a big internal frame pack so I can stuff everything in and just go.
Big W, we certainly can and should talk about both, but the thread was discussing hunting backpacks, which I really don't think the ULA epic is a great option for hunting for my needs just based on my use with it.
I agree about the modular option. However if I can put a 8500 cu in pack bag on that frame and just stack it like a normal pack bag and still be right at 5 lbs and it is still as good as a G2 frame then great...but only time and actual use with it will tell if it is right for me...but atleast I only got to buy the frame.
