Recommend a backpack for me

[Hammsolo]

Hey All, Sell on on day/multi-day pack. I have a Badlands 2200 and it’s been a great pack. However, my wife asked me about Christmas gifts. I don’t want a giant bag, but something that is more adjustable and carries meat more effectively. It needs to carry a spotter, tripod and layers. The new Kuiu Icon 6 4500 looks intriguing. I won’t buy anymore Sitka gear. Their stuff has shown to be flimsy and their warranty sucks. Badlands sent me a new Superday once after just showing a few pics. That’s why I bought the 2200. Questions?

 

[Wild Bill]

Exo.

Buy once, cry one.

End of story.

 

[44hunter45]

I'm an Eberlestock man.

Check out the Modframe or Mainframe systems.

Really flexible system. I have both and prefer the Modframe.

All the bags and accessories port from the Mainframe to the Modframe and back.

They are based in Boise. They did a Zoom call fitting with me and the before and after is amazing.

I've had one warranty claim for an accessory defective new out of the box. They shipped me another the day I called it in.

 

[Hammsolo]

I like that the EXO is made in the USA.

 

[Hammsolo]

Exo.

Buy once, cry one.

End of story.

The K4 3600 looks like a solid option.

 

[mxracer317]

The K4 3600 looks like a solid option.

All you need there

 

[belshawelk]

Kuiu. They make the frame or internal frame. I have both. The Icon 3500 with frame for longer/multi-day and the internal frame for a day hunts. my icon 3500 has 10 years on it and 100's of miles. The smaller divide I have had for a couple years. Both are awesome and Kuiu Gun holder works great on both. The icon has also has an available meat hauler that works great.

 

[Hammsolo]

Kuiu. They make the frame or internal frame. I have both. The Icon 3500 with frame for longer/multi-day and the internal frame for a day hunts. my icon 3500 has 10 years on it and 100's of miles. The smaller divide I have had for a couple years. Both are awesome and Kuiu Gun holder works great on both. The icon has also has an available meat hauler that works great.

It looks pretty sweet.

 

[Potsie]

I’ve gotten a lot of use and utility out of my Kifaru, but after packing out 1/2 an elk with a buddy’s Exo K4, that’s what I’ll be buying when it’s time to replace.

 

[El Jason]

I’ll make you a sweet deal on my pack so I can buy an Exo.

 

[BAKPAKR]

If any part of you thinks you might backpack someday, and if you get an EXO K4, I would get a 5000 bag. I can haul all I want for an extended backpacking trip in mine and it compresses down well for day hunting. I always leave the lid on mine when day hunting (for organization), but removing that would cut some weight and bulk.

Pack in mode:



Day hunt mode:

 

[CT_SD]

Love my Exo K4.

 

[Hammsolo]

If any part of you thinks you might backpack someday, and if you get an EXO K4, I would get a 5000 bag. I can haul all I want for an extended backpacking trip in mine and it compresses down well for day hunting. I always leave the lid on mine when day hunting (for organization), but removing that would cut some weight and bulk.

Pack in mode:

View attachment 421602

Day hunt mode:

View attachment 421603

According to their website it only weighs 5 more ounces.

 

[EKYHunter]

If any part of you thinks you might backpack someday, and if you get an EXO K4, I would get a 5000 bag. I can haul all I want for an extended backpacking trip in mine and it compresses down well for day hunting. I always leave the lid on mine when day hunting (for organization), but removing that would cut some weight and bulk.

Pack in mode:

View attachment 421602

Day hunt mode:

View attachment 421603

I always guessed that crocs were the key to back country success. Now I have proof!

 

[BAKPAKR]

I always guessed that crocs were the key to back country success. Now I have proof!

I don’t know that Crocs are the key to success but they sure are comfy back at camp! And, they are better than going barefoot for creek crossings.

 

[Irrelevant]

I don't love my MR Metcalf. It's like having a sheet of plywood strapped to your back

 

[Art Vandeley]

Like my Exo’s but don’t have experience with anything else. I will say the newer exo I have is extremely noisy

 

[thomas89]

I don't love my MR Metcalf. It's like having a sheet of plywood strapped to your back

Never read a more accurate description.

 

[Hammsolo]

Like my Exo’s but don’t have experience with anything else. I will say the newer exo I have is extremely noisy

I don’t like that…

 

[Jnasa]

I liked the Badlands 2200 for comfort and quiet material. However, it did not handle heavy loads well. My wife has a Valkyrie and it works great for her.

I've liked my Metcalf alright. It hauls a load well and can fit a lot in it. I wish it were quieter. When I look again I will seriously consider a exo.

I like some things about eberlestock. It seems like they are a bit heavier though. I know they offer discounts through RMEF if you do go that route.