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FWIW, I am loving my stone glacier, and it is the first internal I've used for anything other than backpacking. I've attempted to use a Dana Terraplane, MR, Osprey Aether (I think? Its been a while and I dismissed it pretty quick). None of them were ever as comfortable as my Barney's external, so they never went hunting.

The SG kept weight closer to my back, and was much more comfortable for longer periods. I prefer it over the Barney's for carrying heavy loads in most cases. I've only used it to pack 3 sheep and one goat, but so far it is holding up well.

Man, I really feel for ya........

The parts are smaller than an elk or moose...:) I'd like to try to pack a moose hind quarter bone-in with the Terminus, but I have a feeling it would look really funny.

BTW, we have several pack items discounted to clear out

http://store.seekoutside.com/in-stock/

In stock and will ship next week , the discounted stuff is marked in Red

Taunting me I see...

Yes but no. We need to clear out a few items , we will be changing a few things up a little bit in the future. Not much, but a few less options, a bit more bundled.

Definitely intrigued. Shot you a PM with a question.

Brad,
If you had to walk in a mountaineering shop right now and buy a new pack, what would you pick?

Happy birthday Chip....

Thanks, OSD!

Chip, happy belated birthday!

To me, the pinnacle of packs was from the late 80's through the 1990's from makers like Dana, Osprey, Gregory, Mountainsmith, Lowe, etc. After that (and currently) the trend makers have been following is to try to make lighter packs with "fits-all" suspensions, in fewer sizes and "fixed" internal frames with non-removable, customizable stays. The trend is also away from beefy hipblets and harnesses, to lighter and thinner for both.

Makers took away options because it's cheaper, and training store staff to fit packs correctly was a nightmare.

Today there's very little to chose from in any backpackatorium for me. That's why I say the state of packs is so depressing.

Deuter makes a nice pack with removable stays. The better Deuter models use an X frame which makes it tougher to shape, but it can be done. However, their packs are only available in one-size. I'm not sure, but I think Lowe still offers removable stays, as do some of the European makers.

The reason I harp on stays being customizable is my back shape falls outside the pre-shaped frame form. I also have a 22" torso, so I'm too long in the torso for many (most) one-size packs.

All that leaves a guy like me buying older, used packs like those I listed. I wish I still had my Greogry from 1986. One of the most comfortable packs I've ever owned.

If you're of a shorter torso than me, and your back more closely matches the "fixed" frames offered, you have a lot more to chose from.

At my suggestion, a friend of mine recently switched from her Bora 75 to a ULA Catalyst. She had knee surgery and was trying to eliminate ounces everywhere. She absolutely loves the fit and comfort of the Catalyst. ULA offers multiple sizes and removeable, customizable stays. I'll likely get a Catalyst in size Large for a test this summer. I just wish they had a model with a top pocket.

I'll also try the Exped I mentioned.

Of the internal frame hunting packs out there, I still think the Kifaru is at the top. It's a genuine, old-school, customizable internal, with a good lumbar pad.

For externals, Kevin's offerings at Seekoutside have me very interested. EdT seems to like his.

I only strayed away from my Osprey Crescent on time this year, and that was to try an REI Yosemite 75. I got it because it was light, fit my torso, and had removeable stays. However, the pack turned out to have a thin, uncomfortable hipbelt. Had it had a beefier (heavier) belt, I'd have kept the pack.

Here's the REI Yosemite, and next to the ULA Catalyst:

The Crescent 75 on this year's hunt with right at 100 lbs:



The Bora 80 with around 100 lbs:

Thanks Brad!

I've read enough good reviews to give the Paradox a try. The compression system intrigues me as it would allow me to use an existing bag for camp attached for the hike in. Of course that is only if I can't get everything in the pack as-is. I do like the ability to pull the tent and stove out of that bag and then just set in the tent with all my food and clothes organized. With this pack I look to really try different adjustments to refine the fit. The light weight will be nice too if it fits well. Ha, compared to what I'm used to it will probably feel great!

I haven't done any backpacking since the 1970s - 1980s, but did quite a bit back then. I have an old Kelty Tioga external frame (frame only - the bag fell apart long ago) that I've used as a meat hauler since the '70s. I've been wanting to start backpack hunting again and have felt a pack that can pack in a camp, compress down to serve as a day pack, and haul elk quarters comfortably would suit all my needs.

I spent quite a bit of time researching hunting packs and settled on the Paradox Evo. I bought the frame and compression panel only, and a couple different size dry bags to get started. The first thing I did when it arrived was load 70 lbs on both the Paradox and the old Kelty and walked around a bit. The Paradox is more comfortable and handled the weight better for me. I haven't had a chance to use it hunting other than as a day pack thus far, but I'm confident I made the right choice...

too funny...that is probably a "normal" sentence for someone living in AK, not so for us down here who may shoot one sheep in 30-45 years

i was testing the fireproof quality of the vest.... need nomex as it is more fireproof than ballistc nylon. the gasoline bomb that i used for the test landed me in icu in Greeley with 3rd degree burns to my lower legs and 2 and 3 degree to my face, ears and neck... really stupid mistake guys. i was blessed not to have been injured worse and not destroyed my shop. will be back at it soon though.... greeley is a top notch facility and the people are wonderful! Angels everywhere Thank God!

posted it in the wrong topic... i am looped from the pain killers. sorry fellas

Good luck Wham, sorry to hear of your misfortune

Thank you sooo much Kevin. i pray that the Lord Blesses you and your family. Happy hunting/hiking!