New pack recommendations

[sneakypete]

I’d definitely look at at the AKEK back. My son and I bought the 3200 pack.it’s by far the most comfortable pack I’ve ever used. It also comes with a built in quick release rifle holder.

 

[MTLabrador]

New Exo K4 3600 just shipped from Idaho to Montana today. I’m excited to try this thing out. It’s good luck to draw my goat tag this fall.

 

[BootsontheGround18]

Exo K4 is a great pack. I have had the K3 and then upgraded to the K4. The Exo packs are dependable, durable and the customer service is excellent!

 

[ciihom]

Lurker chiming in because I’m in a similar boat with a kid getting close to elk-camp size. One question for the experienced guys in here: when you’re sizing a pack for a teenager who hasn’t fully filled out yet, do you prioritize the frame fitting them now (and they grow into a bigger one later) or buy the bigger frame and let them grow into it? Trying to decide if the K4 conversation even applies to a 14-year-old or if that’s still a couple years out.

 

[DIY HUNTER]

I really like my EXO…. Have an older one and it’s great…..I’m sure the K4 is great too. I have a smaller Kuiu pack for just hiking and scouting but I question the durability over time.

 

[Bonehead27]

Mystery ranch has always treated me well

 

[aroundandout]

Currently have a Mystery Ranch Metcalf that I purchased in 2019. Has been a wonderful pack and have only had one waist belt buckle fail on me while hunting in Colorado 2 years ago that I fixed with electrical tape. They sent me a kit with extra pieces following the hunt when I emailed them. I am looking into getting another pack that would be used for hiking, rucking with weight to train for elk hunts out west and my hunts would be anywhere in the 3-5 maybe 7 day range just for reference. The metcalf that I have serves me well but my oldest will be at a good age for elk hunting in the next 2 years and I want to either get him a new bag or give him mine since we can wear basically the same sized clothing. I like Mystery Ranch but wouldn't be opposed to something like a Stone Glacier Col 4800 or something from Eberlestock (don't know how I feel about the aluminum frame that they use in their main pack). Anyone have experience with the new MR metcalf/beartooth, Col 4800 or something equivalent?

hard to beat exo products

 

[Okie84]

I’ve used Mystery Ranch, Seek Outside, Stone Glacier, and the Exo K4. The K4 is by far the best pack system I’ve used. The others all had their strengths. I can say one of the most painful pack outs I’ve had was with a mystery ranch Marshall pack. It was probably an older design than their current system to be fair. The seek outside creaked after extended use. The stone glacier carried weight well and handled well under heavy loads, but the straps and conversion to access the load shelf were a pain. I’d suggest buying used. Rokslide classifieds usually has several pack systems you can pick up for a decent price.