Non Internal frame users

bearclaw · #1 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 06:34 PM

I am real close to getting a 4500 from Badlands, or maybe a Sitka pack if that comes out soon, but am still not 100% sold on internal frames.

One area I hunt, my "A" hunt so to speak is in a nasty basin 2400-3000ft above the bottom. I forsee crossing to the other side to stalk at least once daily. That ain't no picnic, especially with this elevation drop being under 3/4 mile distance. I don't really think taking everything across is a good idea either each time for obvious reasons, but if I stalk in the afternoon would rather just bed down up high away from the deer until the next day to avoid busting them out by hiking back at night.

So a frame pack that has multiple packs may be the ticket. A large pack will stay at camp with all the other crap, the small pack and frame go to collect my prize.

The Dwight Schuh pack seems decent but too small at 3500ci. If it was at least 4500 to 5000 it would be about perfect.

Also I have chatted with one of the JHO studs and he uses a big, 5000+ci, blue backpack. That is also a possibility, but the noise is an issue with that. I know the enduroflex and similar frames are quiet vice the aluminum tubes of standard external packs.

So, whatcha got?

RosinBag · #2 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 06:55 PM

Hey BC, I know their not cheap, but I have a Mystery Ranch Crew Cab. I use the basic fram and pack with a Sea to Summit Dry bag to put all my gear in. I can pack a boned out deer and the dry bag in one shot. Also you can always by different size packs from Mystery Ranch and attach them to the NICE Frame, but that takes a lot more coin. Another thought is or at least I think it is called the "Flatbed" by Mountain Gear. Actually I am not sure on the name, but it is very similar to the KIfaru Frame with just the Meat Hauler attached.

Doug.

bearclaw · #3 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 07:07 PM

I will look into it. The Mystery Ranch packs look nice, but like you said they aren't giving anything away.

My current multi day pack is a Jim Horn Canadian by Black Creek, decent pack, but extends to alomst 4000ci by expanding away from your back, screwing up the center of gravity and forcing you to walk like a sherpa if it's loaded.

thanks for the info Doug

SDHNTR · #4 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 07:37 PM

Look at one of the Barneys Alaska packs. Those dudes have packs figured out.

BOWUNTR · #5 (**permalink**) 05-11-2008, 09:34 PM

I'm in the same boat. I've been an external frame guy since boy scouts. I'm real close to buying a 4500. I think I'm gonna wait for the local Sportsmans Warehouse to open in a few weeks to really check them out. I love my 2800 (material, craftsmanship, quality, warranty...) that I'm gonna stick with Badlands. I don't think I'll try another pack unless I see it in person. Ed F

SDHNTR · #6 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 07:22 AM

Ed don't count on that SW opening too soon. The Grand Opening keeps getting pushed back. I'll be there.

If you want to check out a 4500 I can bring mine to the broadhead shoot.

BackCountryHNTR · #7 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 11:52 AM

I switch from frame pack to the Eberlestock J107 Dragonfly in Max-1 ohh man...that is a sweet pack! you should also get the super spike duffel that attaches to it, so you can leave it at camp with the rest of the gear and just carry the pack during the actual hunt...this combination gives you lots of flexibility and A LOT of space to pack your gear and the meat.

http://www.eberlestock.com/J107%20Dragonfly.htm

Not me in the pic, but you get the idea...

Family Tradition · #8 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 03:02 PM

Mystery Ranch Camelbak version.......best of both worlds

BrushChimp2 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008, 09:45 PM

Dwight Schuh has a 5,500 cu in pack as well. I recently purchased it in February but have yet to use it. This fall will be my first backcountry hunt. Seems like it should do the trick just fine.

BigSky · #10 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 08:21 AM

You've received some good suggestions already. As frames go, I have two. One is a BullPac and the other is a Kelty Cache Hauler. Both are excellent and will accomplish what you want. My suggestion would be to buy one of these types of frames and buy a pack like the Black's Creek Alaskan or Canadian (or similar pack of your choice). Most of these types of packs can be compressed for day-pack use or expanded for overnight/multi-day use. You can carry your whole camp in the pack while strapped to the frame, drop off the majority of the load at camp and then, either keep the pack attached to the frame or remove it for use as a daypack while you hunt for the day. In my opinion this would accomplish what you are attempting to accomplish.

slyck68 · #11 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 01:56 PM

Another vote for the Eberlestock. I've used this pack for two years now and I can't say enough about it. It is light enough that you can use it as a day pack while hunting from a camp without needing to treck back to camp to get a frame pack once an animal is down. I primarily use it on 5-7 day solo bivy hunting with zero complaints. Very tough, very quite, very comfortable and when fully opened there is more than enough room for gear + meat. The only other pack I'd consider is the Badlands 4500, but I haven't put it through its paces to give a fair review.

huntin geek · #12 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 09:47 PM

http://www.adventureoutfittersinc.com/

bearclaw · #13 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 08:15 PM

Unless someone comes up with a better reason than price I am going to order a Kifaru Long Hunter this week.

5,200ci, made to withstand folks that can tear up an anvil. Should be something I can hand off to the boys in 20 years and it still be in good shape.

My only concern right now is compression when not full, as I currently can do three-four days inside 3500ci pretty easy. As long as the extra area is easy to compress I am thru researching.

Thanks for answering questions guys, it's been a ton of help. But looks like the Long Hunter is the best of both worlds of external and internal, and darn near bombproof.

BigSky · #14 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 02:46 PM

I'll sell you a barely used Longhunter standard for $350 shipped. If you are interested, e-mail me at natokad@hotmail.com. If not, you've made a good choice. I've got three, one for me, one for my son and one extra not being used.

bearclaw · #15 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 06:26 PM

email sent.

bcbear3 · #16 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008, 12:12 PM

You wont be disappointed with the kifaru pack. I have an old predator model I use more than the longhunter I bought on ebay. I love the gun bearer and its like having the gun in your hands, it is so quick to use. Have packed out countless bears, two of grtwhthunter's in the last year.