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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 191
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 191 |
Hi guys, I used to be on here all the time, but have been busy with family the last few years. The kids are getting old enough I can get back into some backpack hunting. Probably start taking my oldest son with me. I live in Missouri, but am hoping to get into the mountains for elk in the next few years. There are some "wilderness" areas in Missouri I could some trips for whitetail though until then.
I am looking for a "meat shelf" style pack for 3-4 day trips that will expand enough to handle a fully boned out deer or elk quarters. I need around 2500-3,000 c.i. for my current solo setup so that would be the starting point.
I need it to be adjustable down to a 15" torso.
I would also like it to be able to open up enough to be able to carry larger things like bear can, bulky tents, etc...
Budget is under $500
I know Kifaru and Mystery Ranch were the names a few years ago, but a bunch of companies have entered the market so I thought I would see what you guys thought of the current packs. I would like to get under 7 pounds base pack weight.
What would your top picks be of what is out there?
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,858 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,858 Likes: 1 |
I would look at Seek Outside (posted above) and Exo Mountain Gear.
Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,130
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,130 |
Look for a Kifaru MT Rambler, perfect for what your looking for!
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,361
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,361 |
+1 on the Exo Mountain Gear. It will be my next purchase.
I am waiting for them to release the new updated version in May.
..."I will not tip toe through life, to meet death safely."
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,058
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,058 |
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,058
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,058 |
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,669
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,669 |
Great pics! You really need to take me hunting with you. I'm good luck... Hope spring has sprung where you are and work is getting you outside.
Last edited by pointer; 03/30/16.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,058
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,058 |
It hasn't, but I'll be out and about before long.
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 11,273
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 11,273 |
Nice pics SM. If a guy is dead-set on a meat-shelf type pack it is certainly tough to whoop the SG. Kifaru has a few good meat-shelf type setups out now also.
I'd personally pass on the Exo.
Tanner
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 191
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 191 |
Thanks guys, I'll check them out! The Exo looks pretty cool. Any particular reason to pass on them Tanner?
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 191
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 191 |
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 11,273
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 11,273 |
Thanks guys, I'll check them out! The Exo looks pretty cool. Any particular reason to pass on them Tanner? I had a guy using one on a sheep hunt with me this year and I just wasn't impressed with it when I tried it on for a bit, compared to packs like Stone Glacier and Kifaru. The frames and belts aren't on the same level between the three, and I kept having to stop to reattach his chest strap to the pack which kind of bugged me. I'm sure there's lots of guys using them with great success but they aren't for me. Tanner
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 191
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 191 |
Is there any way to get my hands on some of these packs in the Kansas City area without buying them?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,058
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,058 |
For Stone Glacier I'd call and ask if they have any demos kicking around they could send you to look at for a few days. They have had at times.
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,467
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,467 |
Nice pics SM. If a guy is dead-set on a meat-shelf type pack it is certainly tough to whoop the SG. Kifaru has a few good meat-shelf type setups out now also.
I'm looking hard at the Kifaru Markhor.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,130
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,130 |
I'm sure there's lots of guys using them with great success
Tanner You're right
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,317
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,317 |
Snowy, great pics. Which sky pack is that?
My terminus is still working like a champ for me.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,058
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,058 |
Snowy, great pics. Which sky pack is that?
My terminus is still working like a champ for me. It's the 5100. About right for my backpack trips, which tend to be 2-5 days. The Terminus falls between the Sky's now size-wise I guess. They're such efficient tools for harvesting mountain animals.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,317
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,317 |
Thanks. We generally do fewer trips and longer duration (10-14 days), so have been eyeing the 7400. I could probably do a better job of packing the thing though.
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