What Alpine Backpack do you prefer?

[NIGHTHAWK]

What pack do you use in the mountains to hunt sheep, Ibex, goats, tahr, chamois?

How does it carry your rifle?

What do you like about it?

What have you added or changed?

 

[Landlock91]

For me, the pack I keep coming back to, the one that has blood, sweat, and a few tears on it, is the Kifaru Citadel with a Duplex frame.

 

[Josh P]

When I did a multi-week elk trip, it was a Kofaru Duplex frame with AMR bag. The ability to shift weight between hips and shoulders through elevation differentials was a huge deal. Yes, there is a weight penalty with some of the bags of this style, but I later put that setup through the ringer on various infantry training cycles and it never failed.

If doing it again, I would probably go with something lighter and pack way less. However, the prospect of packing out heavy makes it hard to move away from a durable, rigid, external frame bag.

 

[WAB]

I did a lot of serious packing when I lived in Alaska. For that heavy work I used a custom pack from Barney’s in Anchorage. IMO, there is not even a close second for hauling heavy loads out of the wilderness.

For lighter work, like humping hills for Coues, or the type of hunt you describe, I have two Eberlestock packs, the gunrunner and the one pack. If you’re boning and packing the critter out, the one pack is the way to go, if you have a guide who seconds as a mule, the gunrunner is fantastic. Rifles insert in an integral sleeve on these packs.

 

[Elkeater]

Been rocking a kuiu icon pro for years. Packed out many deer and elk. I use the Kuiu fast draw rifle holder on the side and I like it.

 

[Ray B]

My favorite is the EXO 4 frame. To which I attach a 2200; 3600, or 7200 bag. Depending if I'm hauling a camp into the mountains for a several day stay, a weekend, or a day hunt. They have a pouch and strap to hold a rifle either in a quick release side mount or a more secure but less available central location. In addition they are made in Idaho and the customer service is GREAT!!

 

[Nicaburns]

I switched last year to an initial ascent 5k and use their rifle carrier… the added pannier style meat carrier makes for an amazingly functional pack! I’ve only hauled an elk out with it so far but am impressed!

 

[ChuckIII]

My current pack of choice for everything including high mountain Mule deer is a Kifaru hoodlum. I like that my tripod goes on one side and spotter on the other. Quick access to my glassing system without having to get into any other pocket. I run a couple pockets down the back with needed items like headlamp, water filtration, med kit and the bag itself is simple with no unnecessary pockets.

 

[thinchliff]

Kuiu venture divide 3000. Big enough to fit everything in as a carryon, or short backpack overnight, like how tripod or rifle can be secured in center pass thru area.

 

[Wyfox]

I have ExoMountain K3 3200, Kifaru Hellbender with Ark frame, and Stone Glacier Kiowa 3200.

They all have their place, if I'm not packing in camp or packing out meat the Stone Glacier is my go to. The Exo has been my go to pack for the last 5-6 seasons and has done some heavy work, i have their rifle carrier attached to it. I have packed out 140lb Moose loads on the Exo. The Kifaru is fairly new and hasnt seen any real hard use yet but is a really nice pack. Its a simple design, easy to access the meat shelf for packouts.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Great topic, as I’ve been considering getting a new pack next year for my sheep hunt.

Presently I’m running a couple different Mystery Ranch packs depending on the hunt. Nice thing is I can use one frame and swap the pack. Love the load shelf. I’ve done an entire elk (bone-in), in the Gila with one other person on a single pack out. I typically don’t stow my rifles with these packs unless I’m tagged out.

1) Shorter 1-3 day hunts I’m using the Pintler
2) Longer 4-10 day hunts I’m using the Metcalf

I used to use an Eberlestock Gunslinger and Operator pack. I used both in the military and just kept using them because they were what “I had.
Both would work for a boned out animal however you’re putting bloody game bags in with your clothing and sleep system. They’re also not the greatest for packing a head and cape. I could make it work on a mule deer, but it was miserable trying to use it for a bull elk so I quickly went away from them.

 

[baxterb]

I dont hunt those animals, but I love my EXO K2 (with K3 belt). Those are great packs and guys - and they are about 2 miles from where i live. A proud Idhao company employing Idahoans to build amazing packs.