Submitted by thePapaWillyTee t3_z7865y in BuyItForLife
I'm looking at buying a frame pack for hunting. Doesn't need to be for multi day, just mainly a frame for hauling meat out etc. I have been looking at ALPZ and Eberlestock but was seeing if anyone had any recommendation.
Mystery Ranch Crew Cab, or anything with their load shelf frame.
My vote goes for Mystery Ranch, Kifaru like somebody else said, or Tactical Tailor. Knew a few guys who used Tac Tailor packs and they were stupid resilient
Resilient is what I'm looking for. I don't need a pack to bust after a years use
Knew a couple guys when I was in the military who used Eberlstock. Very nice bags, especially if you want to use it to holster your rifle as you walk, but they're pricey.
I have 2 mystery ranch bags and they're fucking bulletproof, but again pricey. Literally fell down an entire mountain, falling 5 feet getting back up and then falling again moving like 7k' elevation because I packed horribly and we were on shale, in Afghanistan and the thing is still intact. Straps are almost blown out from that, but I've heard they're very good at repairing stuff if it's needed (but could be wrong on that, have never had to do it myself). My other one I got for free on a mission from some officer that liked me and I used it on a shit ton of missions, through college after getting out, a ton of hikes, and still use it on the mountain and to hold weights when I work out. Thing is still in super good condition. If I was getting a smaller pack again, I'd go with the Mystery Ranch Rats Pack, just because I know how well they're made.
If I was getting something larger, and didn't need or want a holster, I'd go Tactical Tailor. My bigger Mystery Ranch bag is strong as hell, but I don't like how it can't be synched down closer to the body, which can throw off balance if the pack isn't fully filled (and was part of the reason I fell down a whole mountain with it). The Tac Tailor MALICE packs are just incredibly strong, shit can be synched, and super modular. If some shit does end up breaking, you can always buy a small replacement (not sure how their returns work, could be good or bad idk) and be back in the game instead of having to buy a whole pack.
That's a heck of a review for those packs! I've heard people like the Mystery Ranch bags but I don't have any personal experience with them. After reading what you wrote I'm inclined to take a serious look. The Tac Tailors seem solid as well; I'd never heard of them until I posted the question. Much appreciated! Super helpful!
Stone Glacier. Ultra light, tough as nails. Paid through the nose for my pack and worth every penny.
Oh, and uber comfortable with load.
Through the fucking nose for sure (700$) but wouldn’t have anything else. I’ve got the sky 6900 or something like that and it is killer. Waterproof too which typically the kifaru packs are not. Not as cool looking as the kifaru either but such a well thought of layout and load system. Buy once cry once. 🤷♀️
Good to know! That's kind of what I'm following, the buy once cry once.
Bullpac if you want BIFL.
It’s probably not BIFL but I like my TideWe pack. My buddy got the alpz one, not as impressed.
Good to know! I haven't heard any firsthand reviews of the APLZ so I appreciate it! Thanks!
If I could afford and or justify it I would get a kifaru. BUT, consider googling cottage industry frame packs and you will probably find a lot more options, possibly less expensive
I got a military surplus frame pack that I've used backpacking through boy scouts and now just use for packing out meat. It has worked great, and I hauled out a deer with it last year. I actually got another one to hunt with my brother from goodwill that had funky colors, but they make camo rainflys to cover it. It worked great, too, though we didn't pack anything out on that hunt.
I looked at some surplus packs but was hoping for something with more of a load shelf. If I can't decide that may be my cheaper go to option until I narrow down.
SalvageStemCells t1_iy5e16t wrote
Kifaru