Why my pack sucks: Kifaru, Stone Glacier, Exo, Seek, Mystery Ranch, Kuiu, etc.

[NVnooby]

SG fanboy here.

Sky Talus w/xcurve-2 years. After adjusting shoulder straps as indicated in one of their videos, it's the best load-bearing pack I've ever had on. I think it's the ability to rotate the shoulder straps outward some that makes the difference and prevents rubbing on my collarbones. I've talked with people about their difficulties cinching down the waist belt, but if you crank it down, then push out your stomach it stays put with me. Some stitching broke or came undone on one of the bag-frame attachment points by the right shoulder at some point about a month ago, I didn't notice until starting to pack for a hike one day. Sent it to them on a friday, had it back fixed good as new by the next wednesday. Meat shelf works as advertised and easy to clean. Quick release rifle sling attachment is really convenient.

MR Marshall-No real complaints other than much more shoulder rub and fatigue with heavy loads(>70 lbs) than SG.

 

[Edwin]

Eberlestock Just One

Pros: Huge stuff sack when expanded, lots of straps for securing loads bow extras etc
Cons: bit on the heavy side for daypack use

Has worked well for meat packing up to 80 lbs

 

[DouglasR]

Outdoorsmans optics hunter
1 whitetail/squirrel season in the Midwest. 1 two night backpacking trip in the mountains.

As said in other reviews I would prefer the hood of the pack be one large pocket instead of two medium sized ones. If you put items in the top or bottom pocket it compresses/protrudes into the other rendering it useless and leaving you with essentialy one medium sized pocket in the hood.

The multiple attachment points on the frame make it pretty easy to securely strap a tree stand over the bag and walk around pretty comfortably.

 

[vanish]

Badlands 4500

Badlands packs get a bad rap, but I think the one I bought was before they went downhill in quality. I must have been around 2007 and I had been reading a Cameron Hanes book at the time. I had no idea anything about backpacks and this was the first pack I ever owned. It has treated me pretty well as I used it for everything from meat packing to day hunting to ice fishing to week long fishing backpack trips. I've had ~100 pounds in it several times (whole deer+gear). I'm not sure how relevant this is since they don't even make that pack anymore.

However...

Heavy, like 8 pounds empty
Non-standard water system
I've broken at least 4 zippers
I've broken most of the zipper pulls
I've broken most of the buckles except the waistbelt
I've broken the frame twice
Bow / Rifle carrier doesn't really work when the pack is full

Now, their warranty meant it got repaired free ( twice ) but I'm ready for a third time and wondering if they'll even still do it. I got a Seek Outside Revolution frame for my birthday last year and will be using that instead, but it would be nice to have the Badlands available.

 

[riv3rbanks]

2019 MR Selway 60 - a single 4-day backpacking trip carrying around 40lbs

Pros:
Relatively lightweight at 5lbs
Decent size bag (62L) and a full-length zipper
two small side pockets and lid pocket for smaller items
GuideLight Frame makes it easier to change out bag for other compatible MR packs. It is also really easy to access and extend the overload shelf
The hip belt is much improved and slips very little and has molle webbing for attachments
Big water bladder holder inside and nice water tube organization on the shoulder straps
Independent buckles on the sides and front for attaching additional gear
The bag is made of quality material and seems like it will hold up for a long time

Cons:
There is no organization at all. Dry bags or stuff sacks help with this, but still, you basically have to unpack and repack every day. (I'm still adjusting the order of gear placement to avoid this)
It took a long time to get sizing and fit dialed in, but if you are persistent, it is well worth it.
You have to unbuckle everything to be able to get inside the bag. (Don't forget to buckle your load lifters after you're done)
Sweaty back

I'd like to give it more use and re-evaluate again, but so far, I think the pros outweigh the cons with this bag.

 

[Ajax2744]

Eberlestock F1 frame + super spike duffel

Pros:
Bombproof
Comfortable under weight (after I bought bigger belt)
Simple.
Very customizable

Cons:
A little heavy but not bad at 6-7ishlbs empty
Belt it came with fits my fiance but for man over 180 it seems small.

I went with this setup because it fit me great and is very comfortable under load. For shits and grins I've loaded 175lbs and carried it around and the pack held great and was comfortable. The frame hauls really nice and I like that I can customize the pack depending on my hunt. I can load it up and run it for 3-4 day backpacking trips but it still is lightweight enough to carry as a day pack. Overall I really don't have many complaints (besides the original belt)

 

[Kearnsie14]

2019 MR Selway 60 - a single 4-day backpacking trip carrying around 40lbs

Pros:
Relatively lightweight at 5lbs
Decent size bag (62L) and a full-length zipper
two small side pockets and lid pocket for smaller items
GuideLight Frame makes it easier to change out bag for other compatible MR packs. It is also really easy to access and extend the overload shelf
The hip belt is much improved and slips very little and has molle webbing for attachments
Big water bladder holder inside and nice water tube organization on the shoulder straps
Independent buckles on the sides and front for attaching additional gear
The bag is made of quality material and seems like it will hold up for a long time

Cons:
There is no organization at all. Dry bags or stuff sacks help with this, but still, you basically have to unpack and repack every day. (I'm still adjusting the order of gear placement to avoid this)
It took a long time to get sizing and fit dialed in, but if you are persistent, it is well worth it.
You have to unbuckle everything to be able to get inside the bag. (Don't forget to buckle your load lifters after you're done)
Sweaty back

I'd like to give it more use and re-evaluate again, but so far, I think the pros outweigh the cons with this bag.

I have the same bag and I agree with all of these points.

 

[HSi-ESi]

Chiming in for posterity.

Jansport external frame circa late 1980's. Aluminum with braces that extend out into the hip belt. You could lash more meat onto the thing than you could carry and it bruises your hips something fierce. Worked great for a teenager / young adult.

Osprey "Backside" pack circa 1998. Only 2000ish in^3. Used until 2012 for hunting. Good for boned out meat, but quarters were tough to pack. Cons - no real internal frame. Pro's - didn't bruise the hips, you can really cinch a load down.

MR Crew Cab, circa 2012 to present. Pro's: Very comfortable load carry (I've had up to 1/2 a boned elk). It's ability to carry weirdly shaped items (packed out a bison head). Cons: I had to purchase load-lifters, since it was made before those came on the scene. The load-lifters are a little finicky, but I'll move them out of the way if I'm not packing a load. They make a big difference once you get more than 40 or so pounds in the pack. The pack is a little heavy, but it's so comfortable that I don't care. I do have a couple of load-cells that I put stuff in to have "separate compartments". I've also just used a dry bag or two that helps keep stuff dry (sleeping bag, clothes, etc).

The newer packs are probably better, but mine is paid for and I don't have a good reason to buy a new one yet.

 

[wyoboypt]

Used eberlestock just 1 pack, blue widow, and mainframe for years. Heavy. The mainframe was nice but where do you put your food, water ect when carrying a load??? Finally went to Kifaru. Tactical frame with guide lid. They have any combination and option for pockets and waist pouches you want. Hands down the most comfortable pack I’ve worn and I’ve had over 90lbs on it on several occasions. Cons-expensive.

 

[ida homer]

So after going back and reading all 48 replies over 3 pages, I was only able to find one “con” about Exo.

Kifaru is in 2nd place, also with very few downsides (empty weight and price).

Decent sample size.

 

[Deleted member 20812]

So after going back and reading all 48 replies over 3 pages, I was only able to find one “con” about Exo.

That’s because Exo owners are full of shit and not being honest.

 

[AvidIndoorsman]

That’s because Exo owners are full of shit and not being honest.

Or so excited to gush about their love affair they cant read the directions.

I suspect there is a high correlation between exo users and the man bun crowd.

 

[Deleted member 20812]

but if you had a gun to your head what's something you or someone might not like about your pack.

So after going back and reading all 48 replies over 3 pages, I was only able to find one “con” about Exo.

Looks like only one of you lived

 

[ida homer]

Or so excited to gush about their love affair they cant read the directions.

I suspect there is a high correlation between exo users and the man bun crowd.

Actually it seems as if they are the only ones that DID read the directions, as all of the Mystery Randy minions clearly forgot to!

And your way off, everybody knows that the man buns sport Stone Glacier, have the all brown First Lite get up, the 70’s porn stash and wrap (destroy) their tenderloins in caul fat.

 

[AvidIndoorsman]

Actually it seems as if they are the only ones that DID read the directions, as all of the Mystery Randy minions clearly forgot to!

And your way off, everybody knows that the man buns sport Stone Glacier, have the all brown First Lite get up, the 70’s porn stash and wrap (destroy) their tenderloins in caul fat.

Ryan Callahan is a nice guy, you watch your tone.

 

[ida homer]

Ryan Callahan is a nice guy, you watch your tone.

You guys go slack lining together after shooting your creedmoor’s?

 

[NEWHunter]

Actually it seems as if they are the only ones that DID read the directions, as all of the Mystery Randy minions clearly forgot to!

And your way off, everybody knows that the man buns sport Stone Glacier, have the all brown First Lite get up, the 70’s porn stash and wrap (destroy) their tenderloins in caul fat.

Easy there Rod . . . check post #18. I had nothing positive to say about my MR and made only a half ass attempt to justify my purchase.

But thank you for insinuating the MR guys can read.

 

[wyoboypt]

So after going back and reading all 48 replies over 3 pages, I was only able to find one “con” about Exo.

Kifaru is in 2nd place, also with very few downsides (empty weight and price).

Decent sample size.

I was looking into exo before buying my kifaru. It boiled down to having waist pouches big enough for my garmin rino. Those tiny pouches of exo are pathetic.

 

[AvidIndoorsman]

Back to the topic at hand before this goes sideways. Please be critical of your gear so everyone has some cons to weigh with the pros of various packs. It’s easy to find the pros, so the best thing we all can do is talk about the cons.

 

[SandyCreek]

exo 5500- one season seemed like an okay pack at first. the more i used it the less i liked it it just didn't fit me well, and weighted hikes weren't fun at all.
sitka-....my experiences with those packs won't allow me to even bother trying one of them agin. they should stick to clothing.
back in the day i somehow managed to get by with a badlands pack for a long time..maybe i didn't know any better but that thing lasted awhile

now I'm running my kifaru and i like it a lot better. A couple of scouting trips and 60 miles of training hikes so far since i picked it up and I'm a pretty big fan. carries the load well and i have plenty of room to get all my gear on.only con probably is the price all in it was over $1,000 with frame, pack, and pockets.