Looking for recommendations

greenecj

Well-Known Member
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Nov 26, 2011
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59
A buddy and I are gonna try to go on a antelope/mule deer hunt in Wyoming this year.
I'm looking for recommendations of a good day pack. Other than carrying essentials I would like to use it for long range shooting support and also packing out the animals if we are lucky enough to harvest something.
Point me in the right direction thanks
 
A buddy and I are gonna try to go on a antelope/mule deer hunt in Wyoming this year.
I'm looking for recommendations of a good day pack. Other than carrying essentials I would like to use it for long range shooting support and also packing out the animals if we are lucky enough to harvest something.
Point me in the right direction thanks
IMHO, Kifaru is never the wrong answer to this situation. They aren't cheap, but worth every penny. Their craftsmanship and customer service is exceptional. If there is a pack on my back, whether skiing, flying, hiking, hauling a critter off of the side of a mountain, or anything else I find myself doing, it has a Kifaru label on it.
 
The only (what I'd call better quality pack) one I have any experience with is the kuiu. Have some experience with both the ultra and icon pro. Personally feel the icon pro is the better of the two especially if you are going to use it for some heavier loads. Just seems to have more ability to make adjustments for a better more comfortable fit. Have carried mine for 45 plus days per year and never had sore shoulders. The pack itself is pretty lite and that's the main reason I went with them. Other packs that always get mentioned when talking about quality backpacks are kifaru, mystery ranch, exo, stone glacier. Probably just as good as the kuiu, but have never used them. Good luck on your hunt, be safe and have a great time.
 
Im getting older so tried to lighten.I run the ultra,it works,the icon has more pockets and better probably all around.Im packing the light med game bag,and multiple zip or fold dry bags for organizing.Light knifes,headlamps,all geared towards weight saving.I really like the small glassing seat when in snow.I have a larger dry bag,light just keep most blood off pack,bone out and bag if real far,or 1/4's
 
Mystery ranch with their newer guide light frame (beartooth and sawtooth packs) would be worth looking at too.
 
I second the Kifaru recommendation. I think mine is the 22 mag and I love it. I should have spent the money a long time ago and been done with it.
 
For a day pack in WY where you will probably end up packing out your antelope on walk in only land. I would take a good look at the mystery ranch mule pack, cabinet pack, or the pop up 28 pack. They are no nonsense bombproof packs that will carry the daily necessary items and then easily haul out the animal from your kill.
 
I really enjoy my KUIU icon pro 2200 for this type application. Light with plenty of pockets, and no issues hauling out an entire antelope or even a elk hind quarter. Also I like that I can have multiple bags and change them out on the same frame. I also have a pro 5200 bag for week long hunts or packing elk.
 
For heavy weight applications the newly designed KUIU packs seem to be great. I have the first gen Ultra pack and it gets very uncomfortable when over 30 lbs.

I recently was gifted a Sitka Mountain Hauler and it does a lot of weight very well, but it is a very heavy pack (when compared to the KUIU) but in the weight management department the Sitka is far superior.
 
Daypack?, I'd Highly recommend EXO.
get the 1800 or a used 2000,
Later you can pick up a larger bag only
To go on the same frame.
Great selection, great accessories,
Quality product & service.
 
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137lbs on the scale after getting to the house.
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147lbs on the scale after getting to the house.
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