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400lbs of kitty litter - FINAL RESULTS OF MOST COMPREHENSIVE 10DAY+ HUNTING BACKPACK REVIEW EVER
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 พ.ค. 2022
- Here are the final results for the most ambitious review I’ve ever attempted. In addition to multiple smaller elements, I looked at load shelf capability and tested 80lbs and 120lbs loads. The results surprised even me. I’d love to hear your comments and feedback and requests for future comparative reviews you’d like to see. I hope you enjoy it.
I reviewed the
Kifaru Fulcrum with Duplex Lite Frame
Stone Glacier Sky Guide 7900 with X-Curve Frame
Mystery Ranch Marshall
Exo K3 6400
Kuiu 7800 Pro
0:16 - Introduction
5:46 - Exo TH-cam marketing clarification
6:42 - Kifaru shipping weight clarification
9:48 - Phase 2 testing results
10:35 - Load shelves
18:52 - Colour options
20:42 - Accessories/Customizability
24:50 - Training conversion
27:03 - Warranty
30:04 - Durability
33:05 - Water retention
34:31 - IG Feedback
35:30 - Functional volume
37:41 - Hardware
39:40 - 80lbs comfort rating
44:31 - 120lbs comfort rating
48:09 - Final thoughts
Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
www.mindfulhunter.com/
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These are the kind of reviews that make TH-cam such a useful tool. Appreciate the time and effort put into this!
Thanks man. Appreciate the feedback. Keep an eye out next week for a 2p 3 season shelter review. I looked at 9 different tents.
Subscribed. Thanks for the time sacrifice, and thoroughness for the rest of us, Jay! Can't wait to see your other reviews.
Thanks for the sub!
A seriously epic pack review! Probably the best hunting pack review I've ever seen. Well done.
Much appreciated man!
Extremely thorough and informative review. Job well done my friend👍🏼. Looking forward to future in depth reviews.
💪
“Actively Painful” 😂😂🤣 I’m gonna borrow that. Great review! I used a Marshall to pack out an entire boned out cow elk and my camp 9 miles in one trip. Actively painful is about as accurate of a description that I could think of. That pack was sold soon after. Thanks for taking the time to post your review.
🤣🤣🤣 love it. My pleasure bro.
Thank you so much for this review, I’ve never owned a quality pack and finding such a quality review has helped tremendously. Best of luck to you on your hunts and endeavors.
My pleasure man. Appreciate the feedback.
These reviews are next level man, big ups. Heard you on the exo podcast (own a kifaru hoodlum - love it). Will give your podcast a go now ! Godspeed
Much appreciated!
I can't tell you how awesome this review is. I run an MR daypack (different type than you tested) and, it suits me fine but, that's only going out a mile or two, not for days. I was kicking around between the EXO and SG (probably more towards the EXO) and your thorough review really shed light on the situation. Thanks again! As for future reviews, I would love to see binos and bino/range finder combos reviewed. Good luck on your sheep hunt!
Appreciate the feedback! I've got some bino reviews already posted and more on the way!
Incredible review. Been ready for part two. Definitely like the direction you’re thinkin of going also. Big in depth reviews like this are great and I think they will only continue to grow. I was stuck between the three packs in your top three and was leaning stone glacier but after this I think I’ll go with the exo.
Really appreciate the feedback man! Good luck this season!
@@MindfulHunter absolutely. Just subscribed also and will be watching for new content.
That was excellent. Thank you for the time and effort you put into that. My pack got a pretty bad review, but your honest opinion is refreshing. I think solo shelter would be an awesome review in the future. Thanks again for a great video!
Thanks for the input. And if that thing is working for you then that’s all that matters bro.
incredible breakdown and review! just found you today and subscribed.
Thanks Bruce!
Thanks! After using it that one time last year you answered some questions that I had with that pack. Outstanding pack review.
Thanks man!
This 2 part series helped me a ton. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome review Jay thanks for the work and in depth details!!! Really wish you got your hands on a initial accent pack just because highly considering, it be very cool in the future if you could dive into some sleeping pads & sleeping bags. Thanks again 🤙🏽
I’ll get one sooner or later. Definitely want to look into it.
Really dig your indepth review! Appreciate the non bias approach you took, and from running the exo k3 for 2 seasons in the elk and sheep woods I do love it and it has worked great for me
Great to hear!
I would love to see a day pack review (sub 40L), something along the truck camp, tree stand use case. this is one of the best reviews I have ever seen, i look forward to more content in the future.
Definitely need to do that category soon. Appreciate the feedback!
Amazing test man. Heard you on the exo podcast and wanted to see the full review. I Would be curious to see how the badlands vario would stack up in these tests
Thanks Jay, Well done....Thanks for diving deeper
My pleasure man!
Thank you for the info, a lot of good points I didn’t see on the bag!
Glad it was helpful!
Probably the best review I have come across. The only points I would change are the ones that in my opinion have nothing to do with in field aspects. Color choices for example. While it may be a deciding factor in the end when deciding between two equal packs it shouldn’t have a influence on how a pack is ranked in the field. That aside very in-depth comprehensive review. I would love to see you do a review on lightweight packs in the 3000 to 4800ci range. I feel this is the most used range weekend hunts or longer for experienced backpack hunters. Thanks for the info and am looking forward to seeing more from you.
I totally agree and would go one step further. I need to weight the categories as while they all play into the purchase decision some are far more critical and should effect the overall score more. I’m working on improving the framework for future reviews so really appreciate feedback like this. Will definitely do a second round of smaller packs in the near future.
Awesome review. Interested reviews of tents, backcountry knives, sleeping bag systems.
Good ideas!
I was really considering the stone glacier and kuiu but after hearing your review about warranty and buckle mishaps... I certainly will be keeping my eye on the former more. Awesome review. I think it'd be cool to look into archery gear (I'm a trad archer though so I know most other people would find compound gear more interesting).
Noted. Thanks for the feedback
I have an older MR Metcalf that has been great for me, but needed more space and load carrying capability. Recently I purchased the MR Marshall based on the build quality of the Metcalf. I can say, the newer belt system on the MR bags feels much more comfy and superior to the older ones. The only thing I have to add is I believe MR does have more attachments than you noted, like the zoid bags, bear spray holder, pistol holster and quick draw rifle sling setup. I hesitate mentioning the Quickdraw sling as it has not been the most usable while working through difficult terrain. Awesome in depth review!
That’s good additional feedback. Appreciated.
Outstanding review. No bullshit subscribed!
Thanks man! More on the way!
Great reviews man! Thank you for taking the time as I know how much work these review videos can take. I’d love to see you do a gear review on “Gaiters”!! There’s so many on the market that it’s crazy and I know it would be great comparisons for those of us who have a love/hate relationship with gaiters! Lastly I have to say I agree with you’re results. I’m fortunate enough to live where the Stone Glacier and Mystery Ranch packs are made and have tested them extensively and compared them to EXO. Needles to say I have run the EXO since the day they came out. I packed over 28 full size game animals out in my gen 1 exo and a dozen in my gen 3 4800 and now 1 in my brand new 6800. I You could call me a fan boy but it’s because I’ve tried all the rest and the exo hands down has performed through the years with hardly any wear or quality issues. In fact my gen 1 still serves as my training pack with 65lbs always loaded. I agree that the best thing they could improve is the lid, otherwise it’s a combination of being good or great at everything else. Steve, Lenny and Mark are stand up guys who will do anything to take care of their customers. I’ve never had a warranty issue from any of my EXO gear. I know for a fact that The Stone Glacier folks and Mystery Ranch are equally as responsive and good to their customers as well. Thanks again for all the work and honest opinions!
Really appreciate the feedback and gaiters are a particular passion of mine so you can count on seeing a similar class level comparison video in the near future.
Incredibly ambitious review that really delivered.
🔥
Great reviews! great content!
Thanks!
Jay, I first heard this review on EXO Hunt Backcountry Podcast. I feel like this was such an outstanding thing you did. At $600-$800 per pack, selecting the pack “ranked” best means a lot in my opinion.
I had both the Kifaru Hoodlum on Duplex Lite Frame and the EXO K3 4800. While I only had the opportunity to train with both of these packs often on for about a year, I kept reaching for the EXO as the go-to bag. I couldn’t for the life of me get the Kifaru to stay in place while loaded down. I experienced major lumbar slippage. That eventually led me to part ways with the Kifaru.
EXO was it for me! Thanks again for doing this.
Thanks for the feedback man. Definitely digging the Exo as well. Looking forward to getting it out on some hunts.
@@MindfulHunter Cool, let us know what you think!! Best of luck, Jay!!
@mindfulhunter this was a great review and I love the unbiased approach and method. I have run the SG for 3 years and have packed several animals with it. I agree with you on the lumbar pad, I wish it was bigger. I had to add a third full size pad to get the size I needed to fit the small of my back. The adjustability of the lumbar location is super key for my body type as I have a short torso and I do not have a flat ass. I am sure you noticed, but one thing you didn’t comment on the SG was being able to to use the load lifter connection on the bag to secure the top portion above the 3rd compression strap back to the frame while using the load shelf. For me, being able to use the back facing straps of the xcurve to the back to secure the top of that load is key. I tested the exo and thought it was very comfortable and comparable to the SG, but it was the 3 compression straps of the SG and the 4th top strap that sealed the deal and I went SG. I ran them back to back for several days with 40lbs. I have also been very interested in the Kifaru…
Anyway - awesome job and keep the content coming!
Appreciate the feedback
You gained a sub with this 2 part review. I have a Sawtooth/Beartooth MR setup ive ran for the last 2 years and was ready to try something new. I got a Kifaru 44mag on a duplex tactical frame in a trade and took on a 4 day backpacking trip last weekend. Had a few things not fit me so great so ordered an EXO K4 when i got back to town.
I will say that my kifaru got bounced off and drug behind a 4 wheeler for a couple hundred yards on the way to the trailhead and only had a few minor scuffs. They make some tough shit.
Awesome. Glad it was valuable!
Best pack review I’ve seen 👍🏻
Thanks man. Really appreciate that!
Good review Jay👍 I've been a long time stone glacier x curve owner and I agree on most of your points. I've worn a kifaru duplex with fulcrum bag and it is hands down more comfortable with weight. Lumbar pad supports better, hip belt wraps the iliac better and the shoulder straps are more comfortable. I did notice it ran hotter but haven't tried the Duplex lite. I'm 6'4" 200lbs, with a rare condition of noassitus and the SG lumbar pad doesn't work for me. Uncomfortable and slips under heavy load. I actually removed all the foam and cut an old memory foam mattress to use and made it much better.. I can say the durability of SG personally has been great, I use my pack for hunting and training so it has hundreds of days of use with heavy weight and haven't had a single failure... Give me a kifaru suspension with SG bag and I'd be a happy man! Gonna buy the krux frame soon so I can have one pack dedicated for training, I hate switching up during hunting season. Keep up the good work man
Appreciate the detailed feedback bro. Good luck this season.
To answer your query at the end, one category of review that would be extreemely useful is optimal optics loadout per hunt type:
i.e. you going out on various hunts with buddies with different optics loadouts to determine pros and cons of each system to help us decide what optics package would suit us best. not so mu
hunt types: spot and stalk, still hunt, run and gun call hunt, ambush (stand/blind) hunt
hunt terrain: mountains, desert, open country, timber, rainforest
hunt species: deer, elk, antelope, bear etc..
then optics choices:
compact binos (8-10x30-32),
chest binos (8-12x42-50),
big binos (15-18x56),
compact spotter (15-45x50-55),
big spotter (25-70x65-115),
big eyes (btx, kowa, doctor, dual spotter)
They are all tools in a glove box but it can be hard to decipher which set of tools you need to invest in for the mixture of hunts an individual will go on. That would be an epic and useful review
This is a great idea and something I’ve experimented with a ton. Let me work on this.
I started with the Kuiu 6,000 for my Colorado mule deer hunt and had the same experience with heavier loads. Over 60lbs, the bag felt like it was going to roll off my back. I talked to a couple employees at the Kuiu store in Dallas and while they never asked how I load my pack, they assumed I just didn't know and told me to I need to "distribute the weight throughout...". I don't agree that's the problem but also don't feel like arguing. My Kifaru Dall felt much better on my 2023 hunt than the Kuiu did in 2022. Same hunt location, same gear, same packing method with heavier items tight to my back in the upper 2/3rds of my pack. I try to learn and am far from a know-it-all, but I believe the Kuiu's inability to carry heavy weight is because of the frame design asyou mentioned. The Kuiu is very comfortable as a day pack, however, and I actually went to the Dallas store to buy the Pro 2300 bag. With 20lbs or less, it's more comfortable than the Kifaru for me.
Agree completely with your assessment and I even warn people the expedition bags can be uncomfortable with light loads.
Wish I would have come across this before I bought my Mystery Ranch Metcalf. I completely agree, the yoke and load lifters don’t work for me all that great. Wish I had went with the Stone Glacier. Awesome review.
Thanks man!
Bought a Mystery Ranch Metcalf and painful is a perfect picture to paint. Traded it in today and have an EXO pack in the mail to be delivered Friday! That’s for the great detail in the video.
My pleasure. Let me know how the new pack goes when it gets in!
Painful how? Just curious, I have 2 MR packs, they are very comfortable in all situations for us.
I’m enjoying this review of these top end packs. I’ve been a Kifaru guy also. It’s the only high end pack I’ve owned and am enjoying see the other brands features.
Thanks man! Kifaru makes great shit!
Yer friggin awesum bud.... thanks.
Thanks for another great video
My pleasure bro. Thanks for the support.
Really wish you would have included an initial ascent in this lineup. Really interested to see how it compares to these other manufacturers. I have a kifaru styker xl and a stone 5900, love them both
You and me both. I tried. They were out of stock for over a month. Had to just do the review eventually.
Dang! Thanks for doing this. Very helpful. I just ordered the SG. I’m not a big bulky guy and 90% of my hunts are backcountry elk and mule deer hunts. I’ve had Mystery Ranch for the last 4 years. I can’t say it was comfy packing elk quarters but I just thought it was part of the experience.. painful packouts! I’m hoping the SG mitigates some of that discomfort. Thanks again.
My pleasure. Let me know your thoughts on the SG.
@@MindfulHunter I ordered the Sky Archer and I've been packing around 80 pounds just a few miles here and there for training. Very comfy, very simple and very worth the money. Loved my Mystery Ranch but the SG is a pretty big improvement for me. Thanks again.
@@Bouncing22 glad to hear it. Thanks for letting me know!
@@Bouncing22 good to hear, please report when you packed out meat in it!
I wanted to drop a some comments and a like on this video. This is bound to be the go to resource for anyone wanting to take the plunge on one of these packs. So, first of all, thank you for putting your hard earned cash and the considerable amount of time into doing this!
I've gone down this road twice on packs and and can't tell you how much time I spent on the internet going over every little thing. Wish this had been there when I was doing that.
Thank you.
Deeply appreciate the feedback. I’d love to know what you’ve landed on as your preferred pack after your experience.
Sleeping bags vs quilts. This one would be very interesting because the fit issues so many of us guys, like you with thick shoulders and chests, can’t fit in high-end sleeping bags that are minimal weight.
I’m a huge quilt fan. Will definitely cover them in the near future.
My friends and I like to call them "Misery Ranch". I've had a couple packouts, one was a young bull, single trip, two guys, the other was a full mule deer of average size, quartered, bone in, and both were absolutely...well...miserable. I purchased Kifaru on my way home from that deer hunt, and it has fared much better, but wanting to test out the bag design of SG and see how it works with me. I tend to like the minimalistic bag design more, just apprehensive of moving away from that bombproof comfort of the Kifaru, hence why I'm watching Jay's reviews. Keep 'em coming!
Hahahah love it. I will say kifaru was more comfortable with heavy loads for me. Being a bigger guy Exo and Kifaru seem to fit me best. I like a little extra padding in the shoulders and hood and especially lumbar pad and I find the SG pretty minimal in those areas. Amazing pack but when the load gets over 100lbs I’m reaching for kifaru or Exo personally.
@@MindfulHunter Those 100+ pound loads are where my concern lies. I don't do the 90+ lbs on the way in like you do, but half an elk bone in (I keep femurs for broth and like to let the rigor break down before boning out), even a young bull or cow, is something I've done more than once, and will certainly do again. Plus the 10+ day bear hunts in Idaho that leave me around 65 pounds before meat. I intend to get over to the SG shop (I live in Bozeman) to try out their frame and feel out the lumbar and see if it can inspire confidence. I'm only 5'10", 175, so hoping it's your bodybuilder frame that makes that frame a challenge. The layout of the SG Guide bag is so perfect for what I want, I just wish I could put it on the Kifaru Duplex frame.
@@Clayton.Thompson I’ve found taller lean guys like you fit SG very well so I bet you’re happily surprised. I know if you ask them they’ll stiffen up the lumbar pad for you too
@Mindful Hunter that's excellent to hear. I truly appreciate the space you fill in the outdoor space and your replies here, Jay! I also want to applaud you sharing your past in a recent podcast. I found you years ago when shopping around for my first alpha glass binoculars, little did I know I would find inspiration to push through some walls in life along the way. Cheers and keep at it!
@@Clayton.Thompson deeply appreciate the support brother!
Awesome review! No footage of the packs in use or B-Role?!?!
It’s a fair point. Definitely something I plan to improve on for future videos.
What do you think about the k4 Jay? Very great review. I spent the last two days watching this series and I can say. My wife is officially a backpack expert as well hahahaha
Go look at my recent videos I have a very detailed K4. Review. It’s my favourite pack hands down. Just got back from a 2 week sheep hunt running the 7200.
A+++++ Great job! Very comprehensive. I Can't physically handle 120 pounds so that changes things a bit for me. My son can do it though!
Thank you my friend. A labour of love ;)
Great video that I’m glad I watched.
I was in between MR and Exo but you eased my mind, I went Exo.
Thank you!
Glad I could help!
Great videos. I have had a K3 4800 and love the bag but when I put 80-100lbs on it she like to drift down my hips which drives me nuts. That said I did buy the lumbar foam kit a couple weeks ago and am excited to see how I’m preforms with load in it. Prior to the foam up grade I bought a lumbar pad that’s straps over the existing pad and it helped, it was designed for mystery ranch packs not perfect for the exo but it did make a noticeable difference.
I have handled my buddies M.R. Packs and they seem like good kit, the material the webbing buckles all seem better that the exo in my mind. I have never used them to haul load so I have no idea how they would perform for me.
My body build is 6’1” 260lbs with long arms, wide barrel chest and torso with no butt and a 32” inseam.
Thanks for the feedback. Let me know how that new lumbar pad works out for you.
I would like to see clothing reviewed. It hard to find a non bias opinion on pants, puffys, tops, socks, and base layers. Most of the reviews I find are from people who are sponsored and I live in the Midwest where we can't find any premium stuff in stores. Btw awesome pack review. I run the SG and always wandered if there was something better. I'm glad I chose correct!
Agreed 100% I have some clothing reviews up but definitely plan on more.
Just subscribed and will start watching them
Your comment on the Kuiu frame cracks me up. 😂. Kuiu has a video of them running it over on a curb with a truck to show how strong it is. Please make your next video of you snapping it over your knee.
I very badly want to make that video lol
Awesome video, thank you. Any idea why Aron dislikes the Fulcrum so much?
I think there’s too many straps and it’s hard to fully compress with smaller loads.
I had an old Mystery Ranch NICE frame Metcalf that I took on my first elk hunt back in 2017 and the thing was a tank. Not a great pack compared to the newer designs, but really well made and durable. As soon as they went overseas for production and started selling retail, their hardware, straps, buckles, and even the bag material just feel noticeably different. The buckles specifically seemed cheaper in the hand.
The fact that they started producing overseas and didn't change their price point was enough for me to look elsewhere, but I also think their designs have just fallen behind. I'm assuming you tested one of their newer models? I wasn't surprised to see that it felt flimsy, but what a departure from their older, USA Made products that seemed bomproof. Pretty disappointing. Great video though! I appreciate the time and effort this took.
Very consistent with what I’ve heard. They’re still living off the reputation they built 10-15 years ago.
I would like to see shelters. Maybe comparing the tepee shelters that can use trekking poles and the “traditional” shelters that use their own support system that breaks into smaller pieces. Maybe also comparing the ones that don’t have a floor in it and ones that do.
Currently halfway through a major shelter review. Will be up by the end of the month.
@@MindfulHunter that’s awesome! Thank you for doing these videos. I am just getting into planning a trip out west and these videos help out A LOT. I know each person will be different in how each backpack fits them and how they will use a tent, but it still helps narrow down the final choice of those items.
awesome review man. how do you think the exo/kifaru compare to Seek outside and Eberlestock. that would be very interesting since those were not included
I haven’t looked at eberlestock but if you go look I just posted a review of the SG Terminus vs the Seek Goshawk and comment how the goshawk stacks up in general against these packs.
Hi Jay Excellent Review!
Of course it's impossible to review all packs but I am so curious how the SeekOutside 6300 Pack and the Initial Ascent IA6K pack would have faired. What's extremely useful is I can use your assessment points to grade those two in my head somewhat and make a decision for myself and the SeekOutside seems to be the right pack for me and mt style. Lateral stability was an excellent grading criteria by you very useful analytic.
I would be very curious to hear how you rate the functional compressibility of these bags, i.e. their ability to be run in 'day mode' where you drop base camp and run with your day gear. Most packs can be compressed so you don't have a giant empty sack behind you, but can you still easily access the content of your pack or pockets without having to constantly decompress and compress the bag? would there be a clear 1st 2nd 3rd with this?
Did you also have a preference regarding organisation in general, i.e. pocket configuration? It's a big variation across these 5 bags and while Kifaru builds that out as accessories, the others generally build in their organisation. Did you have a preferred config and layout?
Thanks in Advance!
Mert
Great feedback. I may need to do a follow up video once I’ve run the bags in more real world circumstances. And seek outside is definitely getting reviewed in the near future.
I have had 200+ lbs in kuiu but it struggled. That is all my gear and a boned out goat with glacier pro and rope. We weighed at airport scale in McCarthy. Right now I do stone glacier.
Damn! Now THAT's a packout. I think maybe 160lbs has been my max. Elk in NM.
Hi Jay where did you get those cat litters. Great idea. Can’t find the sealed one like yours
Tisol on Grandview.
Well done. Subscribed. Shelters next time?
Haha. Yes sir! Doing 2p 3 season shelters up first.
I look forward to it. Hope you enjoy that 400 lbs of kitty litter 😂
Thanks, this was very helpful! Do you think there would be much difference between the MR Marshall and Beartooth? My cousin used the Beartooth this year as we were packing out good sized bull and he felt pretty good with it. I was surprised to hear the Marshall was a bit lacking on a number of counts.
I don’t. Same frame. That being said I’m just one guy with an opinion. If your buddy likes the pack and it works for him then it’s a good pack for him.
I have a sawtooth and beartooth.
Packed out several deer and hogs with them both.
I dont understand his negativity regarding the meat shelfs, they work great, although they arent user friendly you need to practice for sure, they are awesome packs.
I appreciate Jays opinions, but I also love my MR packs, very comfy durable packs.
Btw, I went with MR bc my friend who got me into hunting has had a metcalf pack for years.
Also, regarding the frames, check out Gohunts torture tests on the frames.
MR frames are damn near indestructible😁
I have a 2011 mystery ranch met-calf! Love it never has let me down. And does awesome with 90 lbs for my body type
I can tell you that 10 years ago mystery ranch was a different company!
But still make good
But that said i will never own any of their frame packs made after 2015 as they changed up some things!
MR was one of the OG’s. I’ve heard stellar things about those earlier packs.
I’ll be interested to hear your feedback on the Seek Outside when you review it. I have the Brooks which they no longer make. It’s a beast of a big pack which will swallow up anything you put in it. It has a great internal load attachment system but it’s an optional upgrade. I would say it’s the most comfortable frame I’ve used so far and I own a Kuiu and Kifaru duplex. I had to buy the lumbar pad as an upgrade and it’s comfortable but not grippy like the Kifaru. The lid is also an upgrade and it’s really small but I think that is by design. I have a love hate relationship with the gate keeper clips. They just seem a bit fiddly to open and close and they don’t feel burly like the Kifaru buckles but so far I’ve never had one fail. The new material on the SO packs is interesting and I’d like to hear your thoughts on how durable and waterproof you think it is. As with all design everything is a trade off.
I should have a goshawk 6300 with all the trimmings here shortly. I’m very interested to see how I like it. Seems to be a very different design than what I’m used to. Very interesting feedback you added. Much appreciated.
@@MindfulHunter Really looking forward to the SO review, considering the goshawk 4800.
Also looking forward to this review. Been cross shopping the seek outside gosshawk with the exo
Great vids
Thanks!
Great review of these 5 packs, I may have missed it but did you have any hot spots with the hip belts or shoulder straps of these packs, I developed hot spots with the stone glacier but not the kuiu, I'd like to try the exo but it's hard to pull the trigger on a 3rd high end pack, when raising a family.
I didn’t but I’d want to run them for longer before making a conclusive opinion about that. And I totally get it. Have you tried to sell your other packs? I’ve done quite well with used gear historically.
@@MindfulHunter I'm in the process of selling the stone glacier now, then I think after it sells I will order the exo.
Hey Jay. I would like to know your thoughts on the Outdoorsman Palisade vs the Exo packs.
Maybe a future video?! I really like the Outdoorsman frame and the Exo bags...I wonder if they are at all compatible?
I have the Outdoorsman long rang optics pack with runs on the same frame as the palisade. I have since adapted it with the atlas trainer attachment. I love that frame for training but in my opinion it’s not on the same level as an Exo or SG for example. It’s just not as sophisticated a design.
I wasn't actually expecting a response..I know life is busy. Thanks man. I appreciate you taking the time to answer and help me finally make a decision on a pack..lol.
when i had loads in my SG i found the load lifters and bag mounting higher than my shoulder straps, not sure how you had it hooked up but maybe show the packs on you in your video so we can see how they sit on you. would give different body shapes some info on how they might fit.
It’s a fair point. And as I mentioned I do tend to have a longer than average torso. I’ve thought about putting up some “mechanics of bag fitting” videos that might help show this better on my particular frame.
How well does this translate to the middle of the road size versions of these packs? I don’t need a pack for 14 days, but thought this was very informative.
It's a good question. I'd say take it with a grain of salt. Day packs are much different than expedition packs. I hope to run a series on smaller packs in the near future.
I would like to see you add “pack noise” to the pack review. I have the mystery ranch beartooth. And one thing that I have noticed is, when I have my pack loaded with my gear, it squeaks and rubs. It’s super noisy! I’m curious if the rest are? Bittersweet to say, I think I’ll be switch packs!
It’s a good point. You’re also not the first one to bring this up. Will include it in future reviews. I also think fabric noise and even fabric noise when frozen should be looked at. Material like xpac is crazy noisy when cold.
I have a beartooth, have not experienced this. Also have a sawtooth.
Have you ever tried an Initial Ascent Pack? If so, curious what your thoughts were.
Tried to have one for this review. They were out of stock for three weeks. Had to cancel my order. Hopefully do one in the near future.
what's your thoughts on a smaller framed guy say 5'9 32 inch waist 180 pounds (as an example). Would you guess the Exo or Stone Glacier would fit that better? Thanks for this review it just dropped my pack choice back to 2 packs. It will be a little easier to talk my wife into a sub 700 buck pack, specially when I say yours cost almost 5K haha! thanks for putting this all together it's a big help!
It’s not much help but you could really use either. I’d say if you’re planning on packing heavier go with Exo.
@mindfulhunter Are you going to try the initial ascent bag? I'd love to hear your thoughts on there system.
I’ve had a ton of requests. I’ll get my ass in gear.
@MindfulHunter I just ordered one. I've heard good things about it and how well it can handle a heavy load
Like last video let me know if you would sell that kuiu pack, or the exo. But that kuiu
The kuiu is for sale. Shoot me an email. jay@mindfulhunter.com
You should have tested water retention. The packs with xpac material (stone glacier and a few kifaru packs) would have won. I've ran packs with xpac and Cordura and the xpac in the PNW and xpac material dies alot better in the rain
Did you watch the review? I specifically detailed why I didn’t test water retention and what my plans are to address that in the future.
Get this man the initial accent…I’d love to hear the side by side comparison
💯
Did you ever look at the badlands carbon ox? Was there anything bad about it?
No I didn't. I haven't heard many good things about badlands packs personally.
Lifetime warranty I ordered my ox with a bino case.
I came here for confirmation bias and was let disappointed. All jokes aside after packing out weight with 3 of the bags your reviewed I am extremely happy with my new EXO. I think they need to revisit their waist belt sizing. Other than that, it ticks all the boxes for my needs.
Haha. Love it. And agreed on the belt sizing. They invited me on the podcast to discuss the testing results. I’ll bring it up again.
Well that answers my kitty litter question I posted on Instagram 😆
Apparently most guys use salt. Likely raises less questions lol.
I am super interested in other impressions of ny seek outside. After 2 seasons I am not sure if my problems with the pack are unreasonable expectations and lack of experience or the pack is just weak.
I’ll have a seek pack in the next week or two. Will be running it through the exact same testing. Let me know if you have anything specific you want looked at or have some particular feedback.
Barry, I used a Seek Outside Lanner 5400 a couple seasons ago. It’s the most comfortable loaded pack I’ve used to date, but after a couple days of hunting it developed a horrible creak. It was bad enough it would creak every time I’d take a breath. I wasn’t a fan of the gate keepers or their straps. The frame also attached to the pack with bolts that looked like they might wear into the fabric of the pack over time. I used the two inch frame extenders as well. After the hunt I ended up selling it. I have four of their shelters. They’re a great company, but the pack wasn’t for me. I’m now using a SG Evo 6900. Next to the SO it’s the most comfortable pack I’ve used carrying heavy loads.
To be specific, the creaking occurred when the pack was empty and strapped down into bivy mode.
@@sethbiby7617 dude, great feedback. I’ve got a goshawk 6300 on the way and I’m very eager to see how it performs. They’ve definitely been aggressive with weight shavings and I’m sure there has to have been some compromises made along the way.
I’ll be interested to hear about your experience with it. I need to correct what I said. The bolts that were of concern to me were actually what held the belt to the frame. In my recollection they bolt through the frame and looked like they would rub on the pack. The pack was comfortable enough I still find myself trying to justify getting another one until I’m reminded of the horrible creaking.
I tried a kuiu last year. Couldn’t get 30 lbs to feel comfortable with it no matter what. With my kifaru I can barely feel 30lbs at all. Haven’t tried the others
The kuiu has potential but that frame needs serious work
I just have to say that body type can and will make a huge difference. I could not get a stone glacier to fit comfortable and I had several stone glacier employees all attempting to adjust it to my body. I wanted to go SG so badly but I nor them could convince me it was the one. Kuiu fits me so well.
@@coltengilbert3889 I could not agree more. This is especially true for boots and packs.
Excellent review! I recently discovered your channel and have been binging on your content. But please NO more reviews, it's forcing me to reconsider my gear and spend more money... 😄
Hahahaha. Sorry not sorry! Thanks for the support man!
Hi I have the stone Glacier pack and have used it on numerous sheep hunts. I didnt notice or may have missed you accessing the ability of the stone glacier pack to pack meat between the pack and the frame. This is a awesome feature that places the weight closer to your back and frees the pack up for your hunting gear. Perhaps this may change the numbers it is a great feature of the stone glacier pack.
thanks
I did an entire section on the load shelf. That is that feature.
For next series I’d love to see a review of rf binos + the ballistics apps they have onboard and/or integrate with
Noted!
Bino packs!
On it!
I like you reviews. You seem to put a lot of effort in to be thorghough. You should look into the Eberlestock packs. I love them, and what Glen Eberle has done.
Appreciate the feedback. Will do.
100% optics side by side. Never really seen a side by side comparison of binos.
I've got a couple side by sides of binos on my channel already but will have more coming as well.
What I thought was really interesting is that some of backpack companies called you directly to talk about the products. Not only dose it show that they watch for videos like this but they also want to listen to the feedback from the average person... no offense :).
That was a big takeaway for me. Some of them I couldn’t even get in touch with when I tried. For example Kuiu makes some great stuff but their customer service people can be quite rude.
That's crazy, why have such an expensive product if your not going to back the stuff up.
What's even better with the exo is that was the k3. I saw the k4 review you did. Do you find the k4 as good as what exo says they are?
In comparison to the k3. Sorry I should have finished that last one better