Sir if you can get by with a $300 pack for your uses/needs then by all means sir do so and save the money. I have found that the extra money in a $600+ pack worth it. Does that make me more hardcore??? Heck no, in fact probably makes me more of a pansy. Heck the guys hiking their gear over the Chilkoot Pass with packboards were tough as nails no doubt and likely you are too. Just sayingg FOR ME I find the $$$ spent on a $600+ pack worth it. Certainly doesn't means it the right choice for everyone. Good luck to you this fall. I hope to be hauling out dall sheep, caribou, mountain goats, moose, caribou, grizzly bear, black bear, and sitka deer in my Kifaru. No doubt its possible to get it done with a pack that costs half as much or less, but I prefer a pack that makes those long pack outs a bit less miserable To each their own. Kutenay has hauled more critter out of the back country than I likely ever will so I certainly respect his opinion.
To each their own. Kutenay has hauled more critter out of the back country than I likely ever will so I certainly respect his opinion.