Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Current "meat shelf" pack Top Picks

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?

Our Revolution Suspension works well as a meat shelf / cargo expansion type pack

https://store.seekoutside.com/revolution-backpacks/

I would look at Seek Outside (posted above) and Exo Mountain Gear.

Look for a Kifaru MT Rambler, perfect for what your looking for!

+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 wouldn't mind trying a Seek Outside for comparison sake, though X-Pack fabric isn't my favorite--just a matter of preference, it's tough no doubt. I had it on two Arc'teryx Needles, one of which I used into the ground. Mystery Ranch and Kifaru have treated me well, in fact I still have an MR that I use for field work.

For me Stone Glacier is still at the top of the heap for a combo of features, performance under load, product weight, and customer service. The Solo is a little over your $500 mark, but half of your intended pack weight and definitely worth it in my opinion. I've hauled a lot of #'s off the mountain with the Solo and Sky.

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.

It hasn't, but I'll be out and about before long.

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

Thanks guys, I'll check them out! The Exo looks pretty cool. Any particular reason to pass on them Tanner?

oh, and nice pics SM!

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

Is there any way to get my hands on some of these packs in the Kansas City area without buying them?

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.

I'm looking hard at the Kifaru Markhor.

You're right

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.

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.