I too have used a lot of different packs over the years and many of them I liked a lot and some I still have and use. There is not "best pack" for all occasions so you need to desire what features are most important to you. As I get older a light weight pack that is comfortable with a heavy load is very appealing to me. When I was younger features like spotting scope pockets and lots of pockets to organize my stuff seamed to be the most important. My advice is to get the best pack you can afford that has the most features that are important to you and not worry too much about what is is important to everyone else. The guys on here have given good advice and some differing opinions and this is good because a good debate can help in the information gathering quest.
I have hunted for and guided for elk for over 30 years and I know for a fact that you do not need to spend $500 on a pack to do the style of hunting I think you are describing. I have packed a lot of elk on a Cabela's pack frame that I bought in the 90s for less than $100.
I too have been on the search for a new pack this year and I considered every pack that has been suggested in this thread. The features I looked for were a light weight pack that could carry in 5-7 days worth of gear and pack out a mule deer or 1/3-1/2 of a boned out elk. I also needed a way to pack a rifle and or bow, my spotting scope if I chose to take it and 1 or 2 easy access pockets. After months of research I narrowed it down to 2 choices. The kuiu ultra and Stone Glacier. I think it was a toss up for me and ultimately I chose the kuiu ultra 6000.
Good luck in your search and pick the best pack for you. Keep us posted on your decision.
I have hunted for and guided for elk for over 30 years and I know for a fact that you do not need to spend $500 on a pack to do the style of hunting I think you are describing. I have packed a lot of elk on a Cabela's pack frame that I bought in the 90s for less than $100.
I too have been on the search for a new pack this year and I considered every pack that has been suggested in this thread. The features I looked for were a light weight pack that could carry in 5-7 days worth of gear and pack out a mule deer or 1/3-1/2 of a boned out elk. I also needed a way to pack a rifle and or bow, my spotting scope if I chose to take it and 1 or 2 easy access pockets. After months of research I narrowed it down to 2 choices. The kuiu ultra and Stone Glacier. I think it was a toss up for me and ultimately I chose the kuiu ultra 6000.
Good luck in your search and pick the best pack for you. Keep us posted on your decision.
