Is a Daypack worth it?

Glizock said:
Good to know... Have do a 7 day with that size?


Thanks for the info, Mark. Appreciate it.
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5 day is the most so far, but shouldn't be an issue with an additional 2 days. There are plenty of straps to attach extras to the outside if needed. You could always go with the 6400 if looking for more space.
 
Wife just gave me an Exo 4800. This thing goes way small and way big.

I have been using a Mystery Ranch Pintler as a day-pack the last few years. I did do two nights out with it once and it was ok for that but close to its limits. I like having everything I will need and maybe a little more with me. The Pintler was starting to get full in cold weather hunts, especially if my spotter was in there.

I would definitely recommend some sort of frame pack that you can haul meat out in and also carry your daily supplies (water, headlamp, game bags, knife, food and gear for weather).
 

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I wouldn't carry a daypack and everything else. I would compress my big pack and use it. The upside is if you tip something over and go into meat-hauling mode, it will be a much more comfortable hike out. As for brand, lots of good ones out there, but Kifaru is never the wrong answer to this kind of question.
 
I run an Eberlestock JP9 Blue Widow. I like it because I can zip on the spike camp pack and double it's size. Pack in, take off the extra and compress it down for day hunts. And it's still capable of expanding to hold more meat/weight than I can carry. It's heavier than Kuiu but far more durable. Mostly water proof but I recommend the rainfly for when it gets nasty.
 
Glizock said:
I've been cruising the forums and know that everyone's hunting style, preferences, and needs vary greatly. I am trying to decide on a pack for back country hunting (Stone Glacier, Seek Outside, EXO). Size is always the big question, but again everyone packs differently and has different gear, and desires in the field.

My main question: for those that go into the back country for multi-day hunts, did you find that having a separate daypack was preferable to unpacking all your non-essential gear and compressing the pack? Would having a separate daypack be advantageous?

Thinking along the lines of a SO Lanner vs Goshawk with Merlin...
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A second day pack would be redundant and unnecessary weight IMO.
 
Mark @ Exo said:
For us, we always want the frame on our back. As soon as your tag is filled, you can begin hauling meat and not waste time/energy going back to get a capable pack/frame. We focus on designing our larger bags so that they compress really well — even for day use. Guys are pretty amazed that something like our K3 4800 can haul a week's worth of gear, yet also make a great daypack...



And beyond just the bags compressing well, we have designed our frame platform to be light and offer freedom of movement to hunt in. If you have used external frames in the past and think that a "frame pack" is too cumbersome to hunt in, you'll be surprised at how things have changed with frame pack systems like ours, and similar designs.
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I had my heart set on a tall K3 (I am 6'5") and had some messages back and forth with you and was on the waiting list until I found out you switched from a titanium frame to an aluminum frame - I know you have your reasons but it took the wind out of my sails. I waited months to upgrade holding out for the taller K3 frame.
 
UplandFreak said:
I had my heart set on a tall K3 (I am 6'5") and had some messages back and forth with you and was on the waiting list until I found out you switched from a titanium frame to an aluminum frame - I know you have your reasons but it took the wind out of my sails. I waited months to upgrade holding out for the taller K3 frame.
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They switched back to titanium, and sent everyone who had aluminum frames a titanium replacement. There were some issues with cracking, guess the latest and greatest doesnt always pan out...im 6' 4" and the tall works great.
 
I run a Kifaru tandem (Reckoning bag and a Stryker). Both use the same frame, so packing into my campsite I just attach or stuff the Stryker. Then once I'm set up at camp I can either compress down the Reckoning as much as possible using it or I detach it from the frame and throw on the Stryker which can still pack out elk size game.
If I'm going after game each day and in a hotel I just use the Stryker set up.
 
I run the Eberlestock F1 Mainframe and have been really happy with it. It's nice to be able to pick whichever bag you want/need and always have a frame to pack out meat.

My hunting buddy has an EXO 3500 and it is really nice. Very well designed, comfortable, and can be used as either a day pack or backcountry pack. When I need a new pack, I will be going with the EXO 4800.
 
I can stay out 3+ days in my Mystery Ranch Sawtooth. Once I get camp set up, all I have left in my pack is my hunting stuff and pull the straps down tight and go hunting.
 

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I usually use a day pack and will haul out what I can with that. Then get the rest when come back with a pack rack.
 
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