Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Big guy needs backpack advice.

I am heading to Kodiak Island in Dec. to hunt blacktail deer. I need a backpack for day use. I have ordered and tried several but cant find one that feels real comfortable even without a coat. I am 6-2 and weigh 275# — seems like the packs are all built for skinny guys. Any guys out there who have dealt with and solved this problem?

Barney's!

How big of a pack do you want? I’m a big guy and use a 5.11 rush as a day pack and like it a lot. Osprey seems to work well for a more technical day pack, and I use their I-frame packs for multi day trips, but they are overkill for a single day.

I’m 6’2” and when we went to Wyoming hunting I was 315#. On down hill slide now as I needed to lose some andvthar was enough motivation. I have an EXO Mountain gear with a few different bags. Have the tall size frame and large waist belt. It worked great as is pretty modular. Shoot me a pm if ya meant more info or pics of how the pack fit a big guy

CJ, I have bought powder from ya in past and if I remember you in Madison. If ya want to look at that EXO maybe we can make something work to meet up someplace and you can check it out

For the record I don't have an exo but I have a bunch of others(Stone Glacier, Kuiu Pro, Mystery Ranch, Kelty, Dana Design and Barneys). If you are on Kodiak and have to DLP a Brown Bear you will have wished you bought the big Barney's.

Thanks for the advice, guys. I am in the process of looking at the packs you recommended.

I'm shorter and heavier. I've had great service for a couple decades using a Kifaru, it I'd strongly suggest you look at them. Mine did well on Kodiak chasing deer.

I took my son-in-law on a 3 week trip in Northern BC. He started out at 6'3" and 260 pounds. When we got back, he was still 6'3" but now weighed 215. Everything fit looser, including the pack. GD

Eberlystock mainframe pack makes one of the most durable and comfortable hunting packs especially when carrying a lot of weight IME. The hips, back, and shoulder padding is the best I've ever seen. I've carried 100 + lbs and have yet to see another pack that does it as easily


Trystan

Just One from Eberlestock will work for you.

MYstery Ranch. Beartooth. Tall Frame Large belt. I am 6'3" 255 And it fits well first pack I have every had that fits my torso length wise. Belt is very adjustable. Its so comfortable that I hate to take it off sometimes. If you have Scheels store close they usually carry some of the mystery ranch stuff on hand. They had mine on the shelf.

The problem with Ebrlestock is that they absorb water like a boss. That pack could weight 20lbs by the end of the hunt on Kodiak!

Stone Glacier X-Curve frame will work great. Pick whatever SG pack you want from there.

I am 6’6” and 270lbs (like 22.5” torso length) and am using the X-Curve frame with the EVO 3300 bag for day hunts and overnight hunts.

I am exceptionally happy with the fit of that frame. Great stuff!