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Help which pack???

Alverson443

Active Member
Joined
Dec 14, 2019
Messages
118
Location
Gadsden Alabama
So here’s the deal I have to get a new pack HAVE to.

I’ve never owned a frame pack or anything like it so I don’t want to go over board but I don’t want to not have enough space either.
Another thing I really like the idea of the pack either carrying my bow or gun as far as my saddle setup I’m running tethrd mantis and predator with we steps with aiders

I would love to put every bit of that in the pack the we bag put pressure points on my neck and shoulder ain’t like I’m walking 200 yards the shortest walk in I go is 30 minutes pretty much a mile deep longest is around 2.

Now the packs iv been looking at is the eberstock x2 or the eberstock m5 elk I know the x2 is lighter but by time you ad rain fly and hydration it’s only couple ounces different than the m5 I’m trying to go the lightest I can go but same time have what I need to get everything I need sometimes cold gear/rain gear.

I know it’s a loaded question I’m just a straight up newb lol I don’t want to over do it but I want to get the right pack that will keep my shoulders from hurting from weight from walking the distance I do.


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I have the x2 and it has been very nice. It is my first frame bag. It does stick out a little more while up in the tree since it can't conform to the trunk like a frameless bag but it's not bad. My main want out of it was to carry the load of sticks and platform without having my back/shoulders sore the next day.... I've had 5 hunts with it so far and 20+ miles with it and I have no real complaints.
 
I had the X2 and loved the design and pocket layout. But, I'm 6' tall but have a 21" torso. The X2 harness and frame were too short for me. It didn't take long with about 20lbs in the pack before my shoulders and neck were hurting pretty bad. My father who is 6'2" tried it and experienced the same thing. I sold the X2 and bought an MR pop up and it carries a lot better. If your under 5'10" the X2 might work for you, if your taller then that I would look for something with an adjustable harness.
 
Yeah I really like the looks of the x2 but that’s kinda why I was also looking at the m5 it looks a little longer far as the frame and I think it can adjust I just don’t want it to be to big so if the x2 is big as it is the m5 is bigger idk I’d like to here someone output that has the m5 as well


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I’m seriously looking to go to a high end frame pack just for versatility. The kifaru Stryker and exo system are peaking my interest. These packs are around 5 lbs but with a real pack the weight is goi to be ALOT more comfortable. I’ve also learned that I’d rather have a little larger bag that can compress down to nothing for when the late season comes. I ran an 1800ci pack this year and worked great till I had lot of extra layers.
 
That’s the other thing my budget is around 350 iv seen those higher end packs and I just can’t even entertain it my wife would kill me


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I’d look into something like the Mystery Ranch Pop Up 28. You’ll get the benefits of a framed pack without all the added bulk. Plus it’ll fall well within your budget as well.


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If you’re hunting whitetail, And intend on packing deer out, the popup is the best option I’ve found. Ive packed 75-80lbs in it no issue. I have first hand accounts of 100+ in it, which really pushed the limits, but it was successful.

Another option if you’re ALWAYS going deep, just get a plain old aluminum frame pack from cabelas, alps, etc.Stash it when you’re almost to your hunting area. If you kill, you can retrieve it to pack out. It will handle anything any mere mortal will pack. They are 150-200.00.

My hunting partner hunts this way. He hunts an area that has a mile walk that’s the same every time, then branches off from there. He stashes the cabelas frame pack at that junction. Weighs about 8-10bs, just straps his normal hunting pack and gear to it, then drops it along the way.

But if you want an all in one, the pop up is the answer in my opinion. The actual frame and shoulder harness are far superior to the cheaper options out there.
 
Anything with load stabilizers or aka load lifter is gonna haul much more comfy imo than your basic frame pack. Full adjustability in the shoulder, torso and waist straps are a plus. I really wanted to like the pop up but there packs are not modular. Meaning I cant take off the 18 and switch it with the 28 on the same frame. The X2 was next on my list but it only has a frame and does not have the load stabilizers which is needed for long heavy hauls.
 
What about the badlands 2200? I think badlands are running half off right now


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I just ordered the Diablo Dos because of the 50% off. Looked at the 2200 but just seemed a little too big for my liking. Should be in tomorrow and can give some insight when I get my hands on it.
 
There is so many that is the problem but I’d like to be able for the pack to carry my gun and frame so that kinda take mystery ranch out I wish there’s did because I liked everything about their pack besides that


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There is so many that is the problem but I’d like to be able for the pack to carry my gun and frame so that kinda take mystery ranch out I wish there’s did because I liked everything about their pack besides that


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I carry my gun on the pop up all the time, not sure why you wouldn't be able to. I also have a kifaru gun bearer, and for walking with a gun in daylight, it's the bees knees. There is no better way to still hunt with a rifle.
 
You can buy that universal Kifaru gun bearer that’ll fit most any pack belt that has a Molle setup. They really are great


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Ok, which Badland day pack?
For me, this is for just a am or pm hunt, not long walk in. Two are belt style, so assume not idea with a saddle.
 
How are you carrying your gun with the pop up? Are you buying the scabbard?


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I use the Kifaru gun bearer exclusively if I’m walking during the day, if I’m inside legal hunting hours and boundaries. I won’t carry a rifle with a sling again deer hunting.

If I’m packing a long way in the dark, or over really rough terrain, I’ll just strap it to the front of the pack. Bottom strap goes over gun just underneath scope mount. This keeps the gun from sliding down. I modified my bottom roll straps with g hooks. If I’m feeling squirrelly I’ll wrap those opposite directions around the bottom of stock for extra support. The gun doesn’t move either way. If you have no brush overhead and are walking through open area, just stick the butt in the water bottle slot on side and secure with two straps. If you want to modify, make a hole in bottom of water bottle slot, run barrel of gun upside down through hole and secure with side straps.

Saying you can’t strap a gun to the popup, or any pack for that matter, is just lazy. Lots of options my man!

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