New pack recommendations

[MTGomer]

Quality of stone glacier down the tubes?

Just a matter of time.

What made SG was the people running it. They’re all gone.

https://shop-eat-surf-outdoor.com/news/revelysts-acquisition-by-strategic-value-partners-closes/602129/

 

[MTLabrador]

I have had great luck with mystery ranch and my old stone glacier, but I’m going to get an Exo at some point. I’m a big dude and I have a pretty long torso, and they make a great range of sizes to dial in the fit. A few buddies that are also 6’3” plus speak very highly of them.

 

[WVmike]

Just a matter of time.

What made SG was the people running it. They’re all gone.

https://shop-eat-surf-outdoor.com/news/revelysts-acquisition-by-strategic-value-partners-closes/602129/

Why am I not surprised? That's the way the world works and the almighty dollar. Whatever I do choose to pick up will likely be my last pack for a while since my oldest is the only one for the next few years that would be able to go on a hunting trip. Couldn't justify anymore to the wife, otherwise I might not have the pack I have now

 

[MT Super Puncher]

For those that have used the k4, how is it with the straps when attaching a load and what makes them better than others that have been used? I'm between an exo and stone glacier col 4800. Originally was looking into a new Mystery Ranch Metcalf but after I was looking into the new load lifters on the new one, I don't think I'm a fan or of the mysterium line.

It's the angle the straps pull at. When they cradle a hind quarter, the straps pull diagonally up, lifting the load up towards the center of the pack and keep it from sagging. I think Exo had a YouTube video somewhere on this. Watching that made me switch, and I'm glad I did.

 

[WVmike]

After more detailed research, does anyone have any experience with the Stone Glacier Sky 5900? For $25 more dollars its expanded on the cubic inches considerably when compared to the col 4800.

 

[nrpate05]

I had that same generation metcalf and I could never quirte get it right. I sold it for a Stone Glacier Col 4800. I eventually sold that for the Stone Glacier solo 3600 which fits my style of hunting a little better (3-4 day trips/day hunts). I like having the smallest pack I can get away with for some reason. The Col was sweet though, I really liked the pocket layout and it packed meat really comfortably. I'm not sure if anything has changed with the new ownership, but I imagine their packs are still top notch.

 

[kbhillhunter]

I have had great luck with mystery ranch and my old stone glacier, but I’m going to get an Exo at some point. I’m a big dude and I have a pretty long torso, and they make a great range of sizes to dial in the fit. A few buddies that are also 6’3” plus speak very highly of them.

I'll second this for tall guys. I'm 6'6" and the K4 is far and away the most comfortable frame I've ever worn. I don't even have it maxed out and it fits like a glove. The lumbar pad is so substantial I get great lower back support which I need badly with my height.

 

[Spiral Horn]

Went through this dilemma last year when updating my aging Kuiu Pack to go on a Yukon Sheep Hunt - my short list was Mystery Ranch, SG and EXO. I ended up with the EXO 7200 and absolutely love it - extremely well thought out design, articulated and micro-adjustable to fit an actual human. As been said before the waist belt is outstanding, as well as many of the accessories - like the water bottle sleeve. The 7200 is also very versatile and can easily be cinched down to carry smaller volumes of gear as a well balanced load. Worked flawlessly on my Yukon trip and look forward to many more. I also have a 3300 SG pack that I'm fond of but feel the EXO designs are slightly superior.

 

[Phaseolus]

Seek Outside always deserves a look.

 

[Packout1]

Seek Outside always deserves a look.

I just made the switch from stone glacier to a seek outside goshawk 2.0 this last season, and I was super impressed. If you hunt in wet weather regularly, seekoutside is a top option IMO.

 

[Phaseolus]

I just made the switch from stone glacier to a seek outside goshawk 2.0 this last season, and I was super impressed. If you hunt in wet weather regularly, seekoutside is a top option IMO.

It's a top option even if you don't hunt in wet weather IMO. Making a waterproof bag just makes sense. Customer service is top notch but it helps that I live 15 miles from where it's made in Western Colorado.

 

[Packout1]

@Phaseolus

Indeed, a fine dry weather pack as well.

The reason I made the switch though, was to avoid soaking wet and stinking Cordura. I was awarded the honor of having the foulest smelling backpack to go through the Cordova airport in 2024, and I could not rid that Stone Glacier pack of whatever blood/sweat/caffeine/fear-of-dying smell with numerous washes.

So come around to Spring 2025, with a packraft black bear hunt in SE AK, I had to get a new pack to avoid being shamed out of the Petersburg airport like I had been in Cordova.

I’m pleased to say that the Seekouside carries a load better than my stone glacier, although I do wish the lumbar pad was more substantial.

The frame is insanely stiff for the weight. I had to take out one of the horizontal stays (upper) to give it a little play in the upper back.

The pack is more versatile than any other pack I have used, and it allows one to keep wet things/things that you don’t care if they get wet, on the outside of the pack, where with the stone glacier almost everything needs to go in the bag. I love this feature. Combined with the water proof fabric, heavy load carrying ability, and functional side pockets, the pack is a winner.

The pack is excellent for carrying camp+critter+packraft, if you have got the knee cartilage to spare.

 

[Baerman]

If you can try them on for fit. I've had many of the top brands and settled on Exo years ago. They keep getting better too with K4 having multiple size options to fit most body types and sizes.

 

[Phaseolus]

@Phaseolus

Indeed, a fine dry weather pack as well.

The reason I made the switch though, was to avoid soaking wet and stinking Cordura. I was awarded the honor of having the foulest smelling backpack to go through the Cordova airport in 2024, and I could not rid that Stone Glacier pack of whatever blood/sweat/caffeine/fear-of-dying smell with numerous washes.

So come around to Spring 2025, with a packraft black bear hunt in SE AK, I had to get a new pack to avoid being shamed out of the Petersburg airport like I had been in Cordova.

I’m pleased to say that the Seekouside carries a load better than my stone glacier, although I do wish the lumbar pad was more substantial.

The frame is insanely stiff for the weight. I had to take out one of the horizontal stays (upper) to give it a little play in the upper back.

The pack is more versatile than any other pack I have used, and it allows one to keep wet things/things that you don’t care if they get wet, on the outside of the pack, where with the stone glacier almost everything needs to go in the bag. I love this feature. Combined with the water proof fabric, heavy load carrying ability, and functional side pockets, the pack is a winner.

The pack is excellent for carrying camp+critter+packraft, if you have got the knee cartilage to spare.

You live in Petersburg?