(WATCH BEFORE BUYING A NEW PACK) 2023 Top Hunting Pack Comparison: 50 and 100 Pounds!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 มิ.ย. 2023
- Stone Glacier, Exo, Kuiu, Kifaru, and Mystery Ranch make some of the most popular high end packs in the hunting industry. We took all 5, loaded them with 50lbs then 100lbs of sand, and walked a mile in each. Here's our thoughts.
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These style of packs are expensive so a review like this, with two different body types, is invaluable to those of us looking at which pack to buy. I had already narrowed it down to either the Stone Glacier or the Kifaru so this really helps in finalizing my decision. Great content!!
Good mention, Glenn! These suckers (the packs, not Brady and I) aren't getting any cheaper. We're happy to hear that this video may have helped in your decision making! - Forest
Never hiked before, would like to hear your thoughts on this…wouldn’t you say those trekking poles also made a difference with how Forest experienced the weights compared to Brady?
@@Throttle_Wrist_Adventures Good observation and suggestion! The truth is that Brady is a professional videographer and film producer by trade, and because of this he usually doesn't have the luxury of hiking with trekking poles in hand. When filming professional hunts with our Huntin' Fool affiliate team, Brady always has a camera in one hand and a tripod or similar in the other! - Forest
Great review. Thank you for testing them in such a realistic manner
Excellent content, I run a stone glacier 5900 & Exo 4800. Looking forward to trying the new Exo k4
I enjoyed the video. Thank you for doing the hard work so we didn’t have too.
After watching I feel confirmed for my previous decision for a Stone. I’ve been a proud owner for two years now.
Thanks for the comment! Are you running the Xcurve or Krux frame? We will have to do a video that breaks down the difference between these two frame designs and to which body types each likely fits best. - Forest
Have used the same packs . Kifaru over time with loads will shine . That’s 3rd trip the ridged stability isn’t even close especially when your exhausted.
I have thoroughly appreciated my Stone Glacier pack with 100+ lbs loads. I have owned a number of expedition packs from Arc'teryx, Kelty, etc. and always had painful hip bruising. When I bought the SG, I was between belt sizes. Kurt @ SG customized my belt, and I am forever grateful!
We're not surprised to hear that a Stone Glacier frame and pack treated you well with 100+ loads, but we're certainly happy to see you leave a comment about it. It's great to hear more good things about their customer service too, especially from Kurt himself! Thanks for the comment. We appreciate it! - Forest
Fellas, talk about taking one for the team! Really great video and great comparison stats. Awesome. The recommendations are built on real test. Well done!
Thanks Craig! Hopefully this video will help others in their decision making. - Forest
Yes I totally agree with you about the kuiu material that's used on the suspension it sucks when it's hot out and your shirt rides up just a bit and that grippy material rubs your lower back raw
Brady is going to appreciate this comment! - Forest
I’ve owned a few packs over the years and I would have to say the two most comfortable packs for my body type are the Eberlestock and Stone Glacier. I really like the Eberlestock, the only downside is they are heavy. The Stone Glacier is lighter and a bit more comfortable. The trade off is the price. That being said, I have yet to get back to the truck, even under heavy loads, with the Stone Glacier bag wishing I can take it off. Great review guys!
Great video and comparison. I have the MR Beartooth 80 that I bought used and can confirm getting the sore back of neck after heavy load and long miles. Gets the job done, but looking forward to the day I can upgrade.
Mystery Ranch makes a good product that suits for many people. Some prefer it while others seek different approaches to shoulder straps, waist belt, buckles, etc. It all depends on the end user, their frequency in the field, and their frequency in succeeding with a heavy pack out! - Forest
Great review! Thanks! I’ve tried the Stone Glacier and the Barney’s Alaskan Pack. The Stone Glacier worked best for me with a heavy load. I felt like the Stone pack fit me best and I felt much more balanced with it.
Thanks for the compliment and your opinion of the Stone Glacier backpacks. Much appreciated. - Forest
Ive tried heavy loads in the exo with the original frame. The stone glacier and the kuiu. The kuiu and stone were the best for me comfort wise. The kuiu had better organization in my opinion and cost less so i went that route. Several elk later and long pack outs and im still happy with it. But with all these new frame designs it might be time to do some more testing!
The testing is endless! LOL. Happy to hear that the KUIU has worked well for you personally. I'm sure you're not alone there. Organization, cost, etc....there are so many endless variables that are of the personal choosing. Thanks for the comment here! - Forest
I’ve packed a lot of elk out of the woods and my kuiu pack has done great.
Great review - thanks guys!
We appreciate it!
I'm a bit more of a stocky/muscular/semi-fat guy type of build than the gents in the video. I have tried on all the packs in the video at the Western Hunt Expo. For my body type, the Kifaru was hands down the most comfortable and I've had great luck with it over the last few years. The new Stone Glacier and Exo packs are right behind it for me, but I think a lot of that, as was mentioned in the video, comes down to body type as a big factor.
We appreciate your $0.02 here, Mike. Thanks! - Forest
Excellent video. Only thing that could have made this review better would be if you each had our own packs tailored and fit to yourself instead of having to share between the both of you. That way there would be no problems from the pack fitting right and in return making the pack as comfortable as could be given the fact your carrying 100lbs. Lol. But again great video. Each time I watch pack reviews it’s getting harder and harder to pick the very best one for myself. Only way I think could decide would be to actually get to try them on and see how it feels with a normal amount of weight in the pack
Ended up buying the EXO K4 because of y’all’s videos
Great job!! 👍💯 thank you
Great video and lots of miles.
I wish I would have seen this video about 8 hours ago. I just ordered the Kuiu Pro 7800 for my first big pack. You’ve got a new subscriber
We're happy to hear it! Don't sweat the KUIU Pro 7800 as there are plenty of people who rave about the KUIU Pack System. Let us know if you have any questions pertaining to fit and adjustment. We don't offer KUIU here at Gear Fool, but we're still happy to help anyone who is willing to get after it with heavy packs! - Forest
Nicely done and it helped to limit my choices many thanks.
We are happy to hear it. Thanks for the comment!
That'd be a great ad line for kifaru, "Gear so tough, it'll make it to the summit, with or without you."
It's almost true! - Forest
Yeah, the Kuiu Pro won my heart. So much so, I bought two.
Just ordered the Kuiu Divide 3000 for a day pack.
Agree on the MR. I never could bond with it. Individual body shapes prefer different systems no doubt.
All are great packs.
Thanks for the comment! There's certainly nothing wrong with going with what works for you personally. Much agreed. - Forest
I have the exo k3 and have zero complaints. Exo is simple easy to use comfortable and flat out gets the job done.
Good mention! One can rarely go wrong so long as they "keep it simple". - Forest
Used a 2013 Kuiu a while ago and loved the pack and organization capability but above 50lbs hip built was lacking. I ended up adding a wool 'seatbelt comfort thing' to the Kuiu belt for additional comfort.. I have sinced moved to Kifaru and like the pack and well worth it.
Thanks for the comment! It's always interesting to hear how others modify their gear to suit their personal needs!
Great video guys! Thanks for the information. New subscriber
Welcome!
This was exactly the video I needed to see right now. Thank you!
Absolutely! We're headed out tomorrow to film an updated one including the new Kifaru ARK frame and the Initial Ascent!
@@gearfool Looking forward to whether you notice a significant difference with the Ark frame!
This was a grreat review!
great video guys
I’ve been hunting with Mystery Ranch packs for along time and I will agree that once you push the 60lb range and up they can get the job done but it is not as comfortable as some other packs may be. Great video guys and I appreciate the conversation about different body sizes and how packs relate to that. I’ll be looking for a stone glacier for next season. Cheers
Cheers indeed! 🍻
Great review 👌🏼
I appreciate the amount of effort and approach you guys put into this review. Two different body styles, different loads, etc. Great job and very helpful. I'd be interested in the same test on an Initial Ascent or maybe you've already done it and I just need to find the video. Thanks again!
We have not done a video on the Initial Ascent, but I have worn it before and found it similar to the Kifaru. I wasn't a huge fan but I have not put many miles on one. We will likely update this review with some of these brands updating their lineup and we'll consider adding IA to that video. -Brady
bottom line they are all great pack and depends on body type. I personally have the Kuiu pack and its killer no problems period. But im sure that new EXO pack is killer and want it lol haha
Thankyou guys sooo much. I'm a new kifaru owner and it was crazy going thru all the options. Exo stone kuiu kifaru mystery ranch Sitka etc etc etc. I felt soo lost guys. But I just loved how the kifaru looked. I'm a user of civilian packs and military. I own 27 packs. From tactical tailor to eberlestock to goruck, osprey to mountain hardwear and to soo many more. But I fall under a more tactical look so I leaned towards kifaru. I care for comfort and that was the whole point what can I get that I love and love to wear. However the prices wow!!! I've spent alot on packs but 700 to 1,000 is getting up there like crazy. And the prices with additions can bring u to 1500 or more. I was gonna get a kuiu but had a second thought. Then exo...but with all the reviews I am now glad I skipped on the kuiu cuz my greatest gripe is lateral shifting. And I love stiff frames. So I'm glad where I landed but I'm eyeing an exo for the next pack. But u guys saved me big trouble with this review. Thanku!! I love the modularity of kifaru I love pals webbing and growth opportunities. I bought the reckoning kifaru pack I love it!!! But I did mods and added a hill people gear molle panel on the front of my bag in black. It's a very large compression panel. And it allows me to run a day ruck under the panel or whatever else I want. It's a nice very large hypalon panel. It covers most of my front of bag. I was rocking mainly hill people gear but I wasn't getting the comfort like alot of people get. Their harness system just didn't work well for my body type and theit belts arent made for alot of body types. I have 3 of their larger packs and only one is good for comfort but putting on the kifaru it's a whole other realm. I'm gonna be a lifelong customer for the company. I like stone and exo but it sounds like exo is really mopping it up with other brands. Everyone is saying the same thing. Be blessed guys!! I hope u guys get alot of exposure!!! Sorry for any typos.
Thanks for the awesome comment and feedback! We're happy to hear that our video helped you with your decision making. You're absolutely right concerning the expensive nature of these backpacks, but we're confident you'll find that the Kifaru Reckoning with the Duplex Lite Frame you've selected will last a really, really long time. Best of luck to you! -
These gear reviews are going to save people a lot of back ache and buyers remorse. I've currently used an Exo 5500 for a few years, and it's been great. Looks like I'll be looking at Stone Glacier next!
😎
I've been happy with Stone Glacier since my first pack from them back in 2018. I have a fresh Krux frame and 5900 bag with all of the goodies for this falls Elk hunt and I couldn't be more excited or pleased with their gear. It sounds like Exo is right there with SG and a pack I definitely need to try and consider when it comes time to replace the current 5900.
Great review guys also, as a filmmaker I love seeing you using the Instamic. Best mic ever for run and gun!
🔥
I love these kind of videos I’ll need a new pack soon
Hi Kamron! Thanks for the comment!
Great video, thank you for doing this compare.
I am still dragging my old Osprey pack around to haul elk with, does the job and feels pretty good with ~100 pounds of meat in it but would love to one day own something like this.
Thanks for the comment! If your Osprey gets the job done and feels pretty good while doing it, then perhaps you've already found your solution!? Do you use the Osprey to pack elk quarters with bone-in? Or, are you limited to only packing boned-out meat with the Osprey? - Forest
My exo sucked and sagged with a load. Kuiu stunk too. Sold them both Ordered both a kifaru and stone glacier and they were both miles better. Returned the kifaru though as the SG was a little more streamlined and most of my hunts are day hunts. The SG also carries the load a lot higher withbtheir load sling which is a huge attribute
All this is so subjective like boots, just order your top two brands, load them with a load walk around the house and return the one you dont like. Then youll know for sure what fits you best
If only anyone knew to always pack heavy high. 😂 first thing I learned in infantry school. Weight distribution can make the difference between a walk and a death march.
Great video!
We appreciate it!
I love all my SG packs!
I love Mystery Ranch,but this year, I pushed it above 125#and the carry was miserable. This review helped me settle on my next pack. Thanks!
Glad we could help!
Nice pack review, might be the first review I've seen where the packs were adjusted and fit properly.
We appreciate it! It looks like you understand the importance of proper adjustment and fit! - Forest
@@gearfool i had a MR before the SG and my biggest gripe with the MR was that the shoulder straps werent adjustable and would pinch my traps under heavy loads. With the SG you can change the angle of the shoulder strap making it customizable for the perfect fit.
@@CMFent 💯
Would like to see same challenge with 7-8k size packs loaded out for an AK trip. Good vid!
Some of the Gear Fool Team are slotted for an AK moose hunt this year. Maybe we should put something together for this? 🤔 - Forest
The variable frame/stay height of the EXO is the stand out feature over the Kifaru & SG. Had my SG 5100 for a decade & 4 Elk & 1 Moose later it's been bomber,...but time for an upgrade to the K4.
What’s the major difference between k3 and k4
@@ET-sp6qm IMHO,..the variable frame stay height & improved hip belt design.
@@lanetaglio thanks. I’m looking at either the EXO or the IA system. I need to decide soon. Anything’s better than this worn out Kelty.
@@ET-sp6qm Good luck this fall!
I had the Kuiu and couldn't stand it haha it had a squeak as I walked, then I packed an elk out and the heavy load did not feel great. I now have a Kifaru pack and I love it. Even with a heavy load it feels much better and the Versatility is so nice.
Your experience seems to align very well with our conclusions made in this video! - Forest
I had the same issue with the kuiu ended up getting an eberlestock and it worked great with my skinny ass 😂😅
@@daryenmirabal2656 Thanks for the comment!
Hiking with trekking poles makes things 10X easier. The comparison is flawed in that manner.
Love my kifaru!
Great video guys, I run the Mystery Ranch Guide Light MT frame with both the Marshall at 6450 cu-ins, as well as the Pintler with 2355 cu-in.
I would like to first add Im 51, 5'11, 220, and normally wear a size lg, xl shirt with a 34x34 pant.
I love the Guide Light MT frame when I'm packing the Pintler bag the most. I feel with my larger bag there was a lot more side to side movement causing more shoulder fatigue.
Hope this helps?
P.S. I bought the Marshall with the Guide Light Frame knowing I could buy other bag only's as a option that still fit the same frame!
Good comment! We agree that any lateral movement of the "load" in relation to the frame significantly contributes to fatigue on behalf of the user. Many of these packs offer similar modularity such as that you've described here with the Mystery Ranch. Perhaps we should suggest that type information in a future video of this type? - Forest
That’s pretty much my build. So you would buy it again? Totally satisfied? Thanks
Great video. Do you guys know if any of them are louder than the next? Both walking thru the brush and the frame squeaking? I’ve been eyeing all of these packs and just want the one that’s the most quiet. Again I really like this video and I’m glad I watched it.
Thanks for the comment and question! I'd suggest that they are all comparable when it comes to noise through vegetation and frame squeaking. Each of these packs is likely capable of generating comparable noise in each of these areas if the conditions warrant, which include the end user's technique. Frame squeaking is often focalized at the frame stays and their ends, and can be mitigated through proper loading technique, tension, and adjustment. I hope this brief description helps! If we can assist you further through GearFool.com, let us know! - Forest
Thanks!
You bet, James!
Nice review!
I have a Kuiu 7200 and I can say that the frame definitely needs to be customized to the individual. Hopefully, time was taken to each individual pack to really identify what can help for comfort when it comes to adjustments? However, “if doesn’t feel right, it doesn’t feel right”.
Maybe Kuiu & Mystery Ranch have some investigating to do?
Great efforts gentleman!
Correction: Kuiu 7800.
Thanks for the comment, Robert! We can honestly say that we took a reasonable amount of time to understand each pack and frame. Brady and I spent a few hours prior to the event breaking down the packs together, removing the bags from their frames, playing with the various hardware designs, employing each meat shelf, etc. We did the best we could with presenting an unbiased, authentic comparison for the benefit of our audience! We also understand that some packs take a few more miles, or even days, to achieve optimum fit and adjustment. - Forest
Mystery ranch Metcalf has never let me down, and is super durable. I've definitely experienced so shoulder and neck discomfort picking heavier loads out though.
I couldn't agree more with the durability comment here, having used the Mystery Ranch Metcalf extensively in 2018. Mystery Ranch products are incredibly resilient to abuse on the trail, and should you experience a material or design failure, their warranty and customer service is incredible. I also agree with your comment concerning neck and shoulder fatigue. Some people may not experience this due to their body profile or other reasons, but some do. - Forest
@@gearfoolthat yoke adjustment is really important. I've had some discomfort with my Metcalf in the shoulders until I got that right. You almost need a second person to help you eyeball it as you make that adjustment
@@desertBirdDogs Indeed it is. We couldn't agree more!
Great video gents.
Thank you, Rodney!
Excellent review about the mystery ranch. I have the Marshall and you nailed it about the frame. I did a 2 week hunting trip and the flex of the frame was horrible. That all I heard when walking through the woods. After the hunt I had the frame serviced because it started to squeak. The frame needs an upgrade.
Before I bought the mystery ranch pack, I had a bounty 2.0 pack from slumberjack. I prefer that frame over mystery ranch. I like the stiffer frames. My next pack is going to be kifaru pack.
Hey Tyler! After your hunt, was it Mystery Ranch that serviced your frame?
@@gearfool yes, they service the frame. Their customer service is excellent they back their products. The pack is great I just didn’t realize how much flex the frame had. The pack is made with great quality.
@@tylerberry4081 Roger that. Our Austin Atkinson (Gear Consultant) can attest to the customer service offered by Mystery Ranch as well. He's ran the Marshall for years in AK while guiding, and Mystery Ranch took care of him when a few backpack issues presented themselves over time.
Real world test, love it.
🔥
Take a look at blacks creek guide gear. Made fully in USA.
I currently have the KUIU system and once I get more than 60 lbs in it, it sucks the life out of me. I just can’t seem to get the weight off of my shoulders. I love it for hiking, but to pack an animal out, it wears me out quickly. Definitely going to have look at upgrading.
Hi Colby. It sounds like your experiences with the KUIU system mirror what we had to say in the video! It's great to see some continuity there. If you're looking to upgrade, contact us at GearFool.com and we likely can assist you further! - Forest
I have the kuiu as well. It tops out at about 75lbs for me. It can’t take >75 without pinching my hips. I took out a 130lb load 1 mile last week. Kuiu handled the weight but destroyed my hips. Very uncomfortable. After seeing loads Gritty team does and how they rave about IA, I finally purchased it. Will test it this week.
Great Video. Really enjoyed the test design. Would have enjoyed a numerical, categorical, scoring system, but clearly not required for a great comparison.
Thanks for the comment and solid suggestion, Andrew. We'll see what we can do to include more displayed data such as this in the future! - Forest
Great review! I would like to see the new Kifaru Ark frame and new MR Metcalf reviewed. Thanks...
Coming soon!
And this is how you review a pack! 👏
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Just remember when watching these types of videos that there are soo many factors that go into fit and comfort. Besides body type/ shape and personal preference. For one, the break in time on some of these is significant so initial impressions vary from a broke In pack greatly. Second, when packing heavy weight, generally any proper built pack will feel good for the first mile or 2, especially on flat ground. It’s after about 30 minutes to 1 hour where pressure points will start to be felt, also when climbing you will notice a significant difference in comfort. These videos are a great starting point but it really takes more testing to really work out the differences. For reference I currently own the Exo k4, kifaru duplex tactical and lite and have owned both a Stone glacier xcurve and krux evo…
Crossfire Australia makes the best packs hands down. They are a little new to the market - but they blow Mystery ranch and all those others out of the water. External frame packs.
thanks
Great review, you guys should test out the Granite Gear CHIEF Patrol Pack made for SOCOM it has a totally unique suspension.
I like the mystery ranch sawtooth it’s not a huge pack but it’s light and I have enough crap inside to build a city the belt could be a little bigger but I don’t mind it the big packs I really don’t like I don’t like the packs with the heavy poles either I want to be able to get my pack down to nothing if the legs are a little sore one day or I’m going straight up I’ll unload just about everything so no use in having a house on my back I don’t sleep in it I have a summit
Wish you would have included the initial accent into the line up. I prefer my kifaru, but i do love my stone
There's always room for some improvement! We'll make a note of including the Initial Ascent in future comparisons such as this. - Forest
Good call. As far as load carrying capacity, I think Initial Ascent is the only frame that can hang with Kifaru. Besides Barney's. but that's a whole different kind of pack.
I love my Kifaru packs. If messed with a Stone Glacier before and I liked the Kifaru better.
Thanks for the comment, Jim. I too love my Kifaru Woodsman (long since discontinued) with the Duplex Lite Frame, and having used the Stone Glacier Sky 5900 for the past year I can say that I enjoy it just as much. Solid products from both companies, and good people too. - Forest
Would you test dukuseek heated hunting vest? Looking forward to prepare one for the coming hunting season.
Hi Lilian. We'll take a peek at this product.
If I could take a kuiu bag and put it on a stone glacier frame and suspension I think I would have the perfect pack
Now there's an interesting thought. Thanks for the comment!
Wwwaaww What a Great and good test .
We appreciate the comment! We've made a few notes to enhance these type comparisons even further in the future. - Forest
This wouldn’t even be a debate if the Initial Ascent pack was part of the lineup. Make sure you guys get your hands on one of those! It’s the Cadillac of these packs. 😎😎
I have used their packs before and wasn't blown away myself, but we do plan to do another review this year and include them!
Love my exo
I feel like you guys need to try the initial ascent pack. I think you would have a new favorite pack. None of these packs even compare under heavy load.
We've made a note to include Initial Ascent in our future pack comparisons. Thank you for the suggestion! Have you already tried each these packs here with heavy load personally?
Boy, wish I could slap 100lbs in all of these packs and go a mile before committing to one! Great test and comparison, thanks so much.
This opportunity was certainly a blessing! We're happy to hear that you enjoyed our pack comparison! - Forest
Ya, deciding between the Stone 5900 and the Exo K4 5000. I really like the Stone's waterproof exterior lining that runs all the way down the shelf and even on the bottom. Would be great if you're putting your pack down on snow or wet ground. I'm waiting to hear back from Exo about how waterproof the bottom of the K4 is. Do you know if that water bladder lining runs along the bottom of the pack as well, or just the side? @@gearfool
@@gcruishank9663 I believe the bottom fabric found on the bag(s) of the K4 is the same fabric that's found on the remainder of the bag(s). It may not add any additional water resistance/proofing such as with the Stone Glacier comparable. Perhaps the guys at Exo Mtn Gear may suggest otherwise though. - Forest
Ended up going with the Exo and after trying it out with a 60lb load and hiking about a kilometer, I'm glad I did. @@gearfool
@@gcruishank9663🔥
I am not a gear snob. I do have the exo 3500, few years old now. Its been a great pack and never felt the need to buy anything else.
Thanks for the interesting comment, Paul. EXO makes a solid backpack and we're happy to hear that yours is performing well after a few years!
Next time I hope you add an AKEK pack into the test!!
It looks like the kuiu and MR load lifters were not as high as tge others, not sure if that was pack design or just the way you had them adjusted.
U should review the akek backpack load system ?!
Perhaps we should indeed. Thanks for the mention. - Forest
Please review the Barney's Alaskan Yukon Pack and the initial ascent 8k in comparison to the stone and the exo. 💪😁
We haven't had any personal experience with Barney's packs, but perhaps we should give them a look!
Excellent Review! ... I would love to see a comparison with the Packs from Hillpeoplegear (HPG). Why was it not among the tested Packs?
Thanks for the comment, Robert. There's always room for improvement. We've made a note to take an even broader look with future comparisons. - Forest
Great video and test ,,not a hunter or backpacker but found this to be so well done that will save if ever needed,,,,,thanks for your sweat to save mine….
Thanks for the comment, Michael! It's awesome to see that even those who don't personally backpack the backcountry (whether hunting or not) found this video helpful. - Forest
I have very wide shoulders so the KUIU works very well for me. Would like to try the Kifaru.
Thanks for the comment! Both Brady and I can honestly say that we weren't born with the genetics for "very wide shoulders". That's just how the hand was dealt I suppose. It's good to have some added perspective from someone such as yourself here. - Forest
@@gearfool Of course. I appreciate your guys reviews. I just wish I had more money to try all the other packs.
@@BC_Hunter Thank you for this. These packs certainly bring with them a premium price point. Hopefully these type of unbiased, authentic field-vetting will assist others in their decision making. Appreciate ya!
Heading out to Ileamna in September. Currently going with a Kuiu 5500 Pro LT, but looking at the MR Marshall or EXO K4.
6’1” 192 lbs. 34x34.
Hi Blake. That's awesome concerning your upcoming trip to Ileamna! Contact us at GearFool.com and mention this video. We likely can assist you further!
I'm sorry if I missed it, but did you mention what SG frame you were using? The Xcurve or the Krux? Great review! Thanks!
The Krux Frame was used here. - Forest
Great review! Do you think securing the concrete bags to the load shelf would have made a difference? It looks like you just secured it directly inside the bags, slightly further from the frame. Thanks!
It certainly is possible although it would be difficult to secure two 50 lbs. sand bags within each meat shelf design. Good mention! - Forest
@gearfool no doubt. Perhaps securing one bag for the gear and one to the load shelf for the meat you would be hauling out...Not that I am about to try it myself 😂 appreciate the channel!
@@jhford1234 Still a solid mention. Appreciate the interaction and support! - Forest
You should compare the black creek guide gear as well
Thanks for the suggestion. We'll take a look at them.
My thing is you didn't strap the poad between the bag and the frame like some are designed to experience how they're suppose to handle the weight.
Thanks for the comment. You make a fair point; however, there really isn't a meat shelf within this group that would effectively carry (i.e. secure) two 50# sand bags, at least without detaching the main bag and adding an accessory where available, such as a "load hauler" attachment or similar. I can honestly say that these main bags were 100% empty aside from the 50# sand bags, so the weight was only separated from the main frame by the thickness of the material (i.e. 1/4-1/2" at most) on behalf of the main bag. Hopefully this helps "paint a picture". Appreciate you and your suggestion here! - Forest
shoulda included Initial ascent. One of the best packs out there
We have this noted for a future comparison. Thanks for the comment. - Forest
I was considering the SAVOTTA Jaakari XL Made in Finland, but now I'm considering either the Stone Glacier or the Kifaru Bedlam after watching this video on carrying 100 LBS and still wanting to walk further.... Have you guys tried the SAVOTTA?????
Hi Sylvain. Either option between Stone Glacier and Kifaru would likely serve you very well, and the deciding factor will likely come down to the "bag design" itself. How many cubic inches, what accessibility options you prefer, etc. We haven't tried a SAVOTTA product ourselves. -Forest
Do you guys have any opinions or why you didn’t include the Eberlestock? Would be interested in how it compares to these. Like many people on here, I’m trying to decide on the ONE pack for me. Thanks guys!
We don't have an opinion of Eberlestock at this time because we haven't personally used them. We didn't purposefully omit Eberlestock from this 2023 Pack Comparison. We simply "had to start somewhere" and it would be nearly impossible to include every pack manufacturer in a given comparison. With that being said, we've heard our audience here in the comments concerning Eberlestock and will happily include their system in our next round of pack comparisons! Very much looking forward to it! We've heard some good things and know that they have good people working there too. - Forest
I’ll take the Kifaru over the rest. Hands down. And the best thing, 100% Made in USA!
Great testing and review of how these backpacks feel and performed! Of the bags you have worn can you make a recommendation for which one might be the best choice for someone with a curved back? I know the SG X-curve is said to fit a curved back well but how about the Exo or Kifaru?
Hi Kevin. I would suggest the SG Xcurve with full confidence when it comes to comfort, fit, and function so long as your are content with whichever bag design offered there. Contact us at GearFool.com and we can chat more on that subject to get you squared away. If you're convinced of going with either Exo or Kifaru, I can say that both frame designs offer some moderate curvature (the Kifaru perhaps just a bit more than the Exo K4) to potentially support someone with a curved back. - Forest
Its funny to see you test these packs and people still try to claim exo or kuiu are the best.
SG and Kifaru are just a different class. And made in the USA. Mine personally has been sewed with pride by Hong.💪
It's surprising just how many products through the years have been sewn by Hong! - Forest
@@gearfool I thought I was the only one, but all my kifaru gear is sewn by Hong too. Working that lady to death 😂
Not sure if you watched the whole video but exo did tie for the top spot.
I’d like to see a initial ascent test
Roger that. We've made a note to include them in future pack comparisons! - Forest
Where was the eberleestock??? I’m trying that exo this year
Hi Justin. We've made it a point to include Eberlestock in our future pack comparisons. As this video was the "first of its kind" on our behalf, we simply started somewhere amongst the better (some of THE best) pack manufacturers in our industry. It admittedly was not all-encompassing, and we intend to do better moving forward. If you're trying the Exo K4 this year, you should be very happy with your choice post-trip! We appreciate ya. - Forest
I loved this video, but my brain does a por job of following the dialog or remembering what was said about which pack. Is there a written review of these pack by y'all? I feel reading would do me much better.
Keep up the awesome work!
We appreciate the support! We wrote a short magazine article for Huntin' Fool which can be found here: www.huntinfool.com/articles/type/staff-articles/2023-weighted-pack-trials
What was your criteria for choosing the brands/models that you tested? Clearly they are the trending packs, popular on hunting forums, hunt vids etc. And they likely do their job well (granted at a hefty price).
I live and hunt in Alaska where back pack hunting is the norm not the exception. If you want to hunt sheep, goats, bear, and caribou in the back country...the best hunts by far...away from other hunters, it's the only way to go.
Many Alaskans use an external-frame pack, designed specifically for Alaska hunts, by Barneys Sports Chalet. When you watch Alaska hunt vids you might notice that the nonresidents usually arrive with one of the popular packs with an internal/hybrid frame that you spotlighted. Seasoned resident hunters and Alaska guides typically sport a Barneys external frame pack.
I point this out simply because you never mentioned external frame packs. And as trendy as your test packs are, there are certainly other great options worth looking into.
Thanks for the detailed comment, Rich. There is always room for improvement, and even if we had included another medley of packs there undoubtedly would have been some additional packs thereafter. We simply did the best with what we had that is current, but we have made a note to include more make/models in future comparisons (i.e., your mention here, Initial Ascent, etc.). So, be prepared for a VERY LENGTHY video when that time comes! LOL. Appreciate you. - Forest
Any opinion on where an eberlestock f1 frame and pack would fit into this lineup?
We haven't gotten our hands on an Eberlestock F1 frame and pack yet. Perhaps we should add that system to the mix on a future video of this type. - Forest
I returned the eberlestock mainframe after testing it. It's about the same level as the MR.