(WATCH BEFORE BUYING A NEW PACK) 2024 Top Hunting Pack Comparison: 50 and 100 Pounds!
Weāre BACK! For 2024, we tested the Stone Glacier Sky 5900 with the Krux Frame, Initial Ascent IA5K, Kifaru MANIML with the ARK Frame, and the Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75 with the Ultra Light MT Frame. These are some of the most popular high-end packs in the hunting industry. We took all 4, loaded them with 50 lbs, then 100 lbs, and we walked a mile in each in mountainous terrain. Here are our thoughts!
Note: We intentionally left out the Exo K4 5000 Pack System this year due to its comparable performance with comfort under load to that of Stone Glacier. See last yearās video for that comparison. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niF7znvWLKI&t=486s
Note #2: We used the Kifaru 22″ frame due to a shortage in supply. Since then, we have been able to try on the 25″ frame with weight and found the forward posture to be improved with the taller frame. Watch a short video on that here: https://youtu.be/HYIl50HxkfQ
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These packs blow, i rock a versace tote bag, goat hunting pack.
Reviews from hunters who hunt hard and know their way around the mountain. Thanks for putting this together.
Do you think the slipping issue on the Mystery Ranch Metcalf is a design issue, or could it have just been an issue with your pack?
I own a K4 myself, but honestly the only reason you are hunched over with the Kifaru is because the load lifters are too low for you both. Either adjust the frame to your height or get a taller frame.
Just bought a Metcalf 100 on sale for $375, am I cooked?
Very nice review. Thank you.
Don’t waste your time watching this!!!!
I wish this was a good video but honestly it sucked. Non of the packs were sized or set up for each person.
Good review
Have you ever considered comparing Eberlestock packs in the reviews? I am curious how a comparable Eberlestock compares to the top three in this review. Thanks
Thank you for this!
This is the "Stone Glacier pays me the most’ this is the best pack to buy review!
This was a very informative review thanks so much. Interested in a better pack. I have a mystery ranch now.
WHERE ARE THESE PACKS MADE??? if its NOT USA, BUILT. thats a MAJOR HIT.
I bought the kuiu 7800 pro and wish I didn’t.
SEND ME A PACK! I have had back surgery and need a new improved systemm for my hunting and shooting!
Awesome video with great information! Definitely helps when deciding on a new pack.
Reviews like this are amazing. Definitely worth the time to watch before spending a lot of money on equipment. Nicely done!
Thanks for the review. Iām a fledgling hunter, gatherer my equipment.
Ya’ll should give gear of alaska hunter/ yukon packs a look, most of the guides up here use them, exceptional packs
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Love the review. I’ve been looking to get my first pack and this really helped me out.
This makes me want a new pack really bad. After watching this video I think Iām going to go sell some antlers and order an ia Iāve been eyeballing it for some time. These reviews help me so dang much thanks for the time I know how much it takes to do this outside of work and family.
Love these kind of reviews. Unbiased and uncut with more than two products. We need more in depth reviews like this
Great video. Packs have come a long long ways. Good stuff!
Which one is quietest?
I’ve never hunted, and want to start. I watched this one, and your EXO review. The EXO didn’t make the cut into this vid I see, how should I be framing my thinking about buying a hunting backpack (I’m at knowledge base zero, and want to hunt elk/deer). Thanks!
Got the MR this year and kind of wish I had the initial ascent or something differentš¢ wouldāve like to have seen Exo in there as well.
You donāt know how important a pack is until you have a bad oneā¦ speaking from experience!
Thanks for the detail.
Running an EXO K2 5400. Might be nice to have another to compare it to. Thanks for the comparisons.
This video was so informative, thank you!
Unfortunately the 22" Kifaru frame was quite obvious that it was too small based on the height of the load lifters which I’m guessing is why you had to lean more forward. I understand that’s what you had to work with but an incorrectly sized frame seems like a really unfair comparison to me.
Iāve got a 2 year old kifaru bedlam on a duplex lite frame and medium belt never been used had intentions on using it but life happened. Figured I should sell it now i would make someone a decent deal so it doesnāt just continue to sit in my closet.
I have a duplex lightā¦ trying to decide to upgrade the ark frame or switch up to Initial Ascent! Give me a reason š I appreciate the review! Great video. I also find I have a slight lean forward on my Kifaru Duplex light. I donāt love that myself!
Thoughts on Eberlestock EMOD packs?
Heading out next weekend for my first bow hunt in California. I’d really love one of those packs if you want to send one over.
Fantastic reviews guys Iām new to the channel. I just subscribed so I could win that stony Mountain pack thank you. This stuff is so valuable. I have no opportunity to try these on. It gives me a great base to start with
Thank you.
Very good reviews! I havenāt tried any of the other companies mentioned but I have used a kifaru duplex lite, tactical, and now ark frames. I am super happy with the 22ā ark frame and enjoy my 26ā lite for my bigger gnargali pack. The tactical was my least favorite.
Love these videos. Watched last years as well. Iāve not pulled the cord on a solid hunting pack as of yet, there just has been something lacking in many of them, particularly in the most important area, the waist belt. To me, that belt must be adjustable under a load and as terrain changes. The best pack Iāve found so far has been my Big Agnes pack. Itās made for back packing and multi day trips. The support is just plain solid and the waist adjustment actually adjust around the bottom and top of your pelvic crests with one simple pull down and forward. Drawback, meat goes inside. Iāve been looking for a solid replacement with meat carrying capabilities combined with true back country back packing capability. This video goes a long way to discussing that. Would love to see a bit more detail on those types of on the fly adjustments to the packs you try, and how they work. Keep up the work gents and thank you.
Great video! – Josh from The Boundary Paradox
Thank you. Iāve been wanting to see an initial ascent stone glacier kifaru comparison! Iām not 100% sold on my kifaru.
Looking for feedback on the Eberlestock Mainframe pack system
Sweeeet
The AKEK packs are gaining lots of traction and attention! Hope you guys will review one of these soon and add to the channel
Price point? wtf
What do you think about the AI āāwith the load carrier, to carry 65 pounds of weight either on a sandbag or with steel plates?.
What worries me most is the slippage of the hipbelt under load and for several miles. The shoulder straps dig into your body if that happens.
Honestly any pack that does better than the one i was issued in the Marine Corps is an upgrade for going long distances with weight.
The Mystery Ranch Waistbelt has an internal adjusment to give you more or less strap, to prevent slipping, it needs to be moved to the further rear position. To get to that adjustment, the waist strap needs to be undone and the padding pulled forward off of the stiff guide sticking out of the frame.
Love these kinds of videos. Wish you wouldāve included the exo pack as well though. I wouldāve loved to see that comparison.