Lets start with the basics. What is everyones favorite backpack? What do you like to see in a good pack, and what do you avoid?

I saw that Cabelas came out with an ultralight internal frame pack that weighs about 5 1/2 lbs. Anybody seen it yet?

Personally, I think this is "the best of times and the worst of times" for backpack design.

The basic technology and "tricks" to make a good internal frame are a known quantity. Problem is we're currently in a major economic shift... stuff is mostly getting built off-shore and quality has suffered. Materials have gotten down graded too... the mighty have fallen. Current Dana Design is Dana in name only... now owned by Marmot and the stuff is crap.

The other problem is the current lightweight fad. I've yet to see a pack for serious hauling that is genuinely lightweight. The pack is one area where weight shouldn't be much of a consideration... a light, uncomfortable pack is not "lighter" than a heavier comfortable pack (which is "lighter")... capiche?

Current standouts:

Osprey... gimmicky and made in Vietnam but an amazingly comfortable suspension. AMAZING Mike Pfotenhauser the owner lives in Vietnam to oversee quality... who else does something like that?

McHale USA made... I think they're overrated, overpriced and dated design-wise but they're hell for stout.

Mystery Ranch... awesome quality... they've got a few litle quirks to work out IMO... I fall "in between" their current frame sizes but that's fixable (yeah, I showed them how - yeah they'd already thought of it). I'm also not convinced about Dana's new suspension and his philosophy but heck, I might buy one anyway if they can get one to fit me... MR is potentially the best pack in the world, no doubt.

Gregory... still making a good pack generally.

There's a lot more out there and some of it is probably good but the bulk of it I wouldn't own on a bet...

I own a Gregory and it works great for me.

I have and use a Kifaru LongHunter Guide and Siwash Packs. Comfortable and durable state of the art hunting packs, made more useful with a CargoChair and HandWarmer pouch for hauling meat and carrying your binos and other items. The camo pannels are also removable so you do not have to tote them year around. Pricy but worth the cost in my view...Rusty.

I am VERY interested in hearing everyone's opinions on this topic too. There are so many options out there, its tough to make any kind of an informed decision without hearing "gear reviews" from guys who have really used them.

I have used a plain vanilla setup (Camptrails Frieghter II frame and Outfitter bag) for a long time. I also have a Dwight Schu (sp?) rig that I bought for short-hauls. My long-time hunting partner has used a Wilderness Wanderer pack for most of his hunting and guiding in the NWT. Another buddy uses a Gregory internal frame pack, and another uses the exact set-up I do. So my actual field-exposure to other options out there is fairly limited.

I am looking to upgrade this year and as I mentioned above, I am very curious to hear what all of you think of the ones you've tried (or researched for that matter).

Cheers,
Canuck

I have used a considerable number of packs for more than four decades of backpacking and I have worked in the industry; I have rather definite opinions on hunting packs.

My current hunting packs are a Bullpac Alaskan with a modified Synergy Works full length bag attached, or, a Screaming Eagle wool camo rucksack or a Kletterwerks Bomb ruck, depending on task. This is a superb frame with mediocre suspension, but, it does a certain type of packing quite well and is indestructible. I have owned/used a number of frame packs, Camptrails Freighters, original Dwight Schuh, Karrimore and Fjallraven and this is the best of all.

I also have a Kifaru Longhunter Rendevous and Siwash with cargo chair. These packs have about the most adjustable suspension of anything, it can be tricky to get adjusted for each individual and my LHR still needs some work. They are well made and designed and built by a very decent guy who hunts hard and knows his stuff.

I find them better than my Gregory Denali Pro(sold)in heavy bush and my Badlands 4500 (US made-stolen) as well; I recommend them and intend to hunt the hell out of mine. The Siwash is an especially neat pack for basic Grouse-Deer hunting and a 3 day rig will fit AND let you pack out a boned out buck. The gunbearer is a work of genius, I will NEVER be without one, after this past season's use.

Dana Gleason is, to my mind, one of the "best" pack designers out there for several reasons. His packs are simple, rugged, versatile and super easy to fit to most people, even me. I have had four and presently have three, one is 28 years old, used a huge amount and still almost like new.

I have the BDSB and the Deluxe both in "titanium" and consider these to be the best, asskicking, working packs available. His recent NICE frame, load hauler and three packbags for it are, IMHO, the best available hunting rig on the current market in terms of cost, simplicity, function and quality. Mysteryranch is my "favourite", insofar as I have one.

Mchale packs are full-on custom units and priced accordingly. I am on the list for a Super Inex to replace my Gregory Denali as the custom fitting is worth it to me at my age and with some orthopaedic issues. These are not really intended for hunting, but, could do the job and he has a panel pack that would really work for 3-4 days alpine hunts.

I have spoken with people who are serious mountaineers, own McHale packs, sell equipment for a living including Dana's packs, Gregory's and so forth. Every single one of these persons raved about Dan Mchale's packs and I have never heard a negative comment about them from anyone who owns or has used one. This level of pack is probably more than most guys require or want to pay for, but, for those with serious fitting issues, a Mchale is probably the best choice.

I won't buy anything other than those I have mentioned, i.e. Kifaru, Mysteryranch, Mchale and Bullpac. Gregory makes good packs and I have never used an Osprey, so, won't comment. I wouldn't own some of the over-hyped crap now on the market and buying a top quality pack is money well spent as a poor one can wreck a trip you have waited for a long time. Overall, for price, quality, service and versatility, my first choice in packs at present is Mysteryranch with Kifaru a very close second.

I us a Freighter frame, I find it very comfortable to wear and I can attach any kind of pack on it. I've attached a quiver holder on it, (Quikie) so I can carry extra arrows with blunt tips, never know when your going to see a bird or rabbit! I can just reach back and grab one!

With backpacks, I've used a few different ones but haven't found that right one yet, so I'm looking forward to reading everyones ideas!

http://www.badlandspacks.com

http://www.eberlestock.com


I have a Camptrails pack w/ frame, a Badlands 4500 and the Eberlestock Just One with all the extras--all hold a ton of gear for a 7 day hunt and possibly longer--

the last two years I used the Badlands and Just One for 5 days straight from morning to night packed with one's daily essentials, spotting scope, tripod, rain gear, 2 water bottles, etc.... and my shoulders did talk to me a few times during the day at some point or another--was probably hauling around 15lbs in the pack plus weight of pack at a minimum--seemed like more, but I'm not sure it was.....

the Badlands 4500 has two small packs that can be detached and one is a small fanny pack and the other can be used as a small day pack--not many storage pockets and no water bottle holders--a bladder can be bought for it---

the Just One has a scabbard, more storage pockets. water bottle holder, ability to add bladder and if you choose to buy the extra pack you can pack your camp stuff packed(or some of it) and leave it at the tent(nice feature along with the scabbard)---

my buddy used the Camptrails this year and it's pack frame is its best feature.....

again all can hold a lot of gear and I think you could pack an elk quarter out with each(verified by others, but not me yet), but both did make my shoulders talk to me at some point during each days ventures(camptrails did the same to my buddy)--I don't believe I will buy another pack for sometime, unless I sell one of these--I can live with the soreness and maybe it's a adjustment thing that I'll figure out, but it's not so bad that it makes me not want to hunt and get away from the tent and crowds--chris

This is great stuff. Thanks for all your contributions guys.

Kutenay, thanks for all the info! Nothing like firsthand testimonials to help make decisions, and your experience here is awesome. (you to Brad!)

I have checked out the Bullpac frames and liked them. I played around with one a few years ago, but can't recall the model (we got it for an RMEF auction and I had it in my possession for a few weeks beforehand). It was very plain-jane but extremely sturdy. I didn't find it as comfortable as my Freighter II frame, but it felt like it could haul a truck!

I am very interested in the Kifaru Longhunter and will add the Mysteryranch packs to my list for checking out.

Where would one look to find McHale packs?

Cheers, and thanks again!

Canuck

Canuck, I had to be convinced that an internal frame pack was the best, man am I glad I listened to some of the posters on another site before my purchase. I ended up with a Kifaru MMR. I can load as much weight as I can possibly carry, and have the option of adding pockets as needed. This pack is the most comfortable one I have ever used to carry any weight, for any distance.
I use one now,will post a pic when i figure out how.
Regards,

I'm still using a Camptrails frame and bag I bought in Alaska in the Mid 80's and it has sure hauled a bunch of meat.

Word to the wise...I used to carry my rifle on the right post of the frame and one time I ran into a little sow bear on Kodiak while walking down an icy ridge and the sling got stuck under the pin holding bag on to the frame and I couldn't get my gun free until I took the pack off. The bag was full of Blacktail hind quarters and I smelled like dinner to her I'm sure. We talked for a few minutes and just about the same time I got my gun free from the frame, she turned around and walked into the alders.

I use a pressure washer to clean the dried blood off mine and it works great if you don't get too close to the material. Simple Green seems to take the smell out of the material too.

Happy New Year EVERYONE!!

Canuck, the problem with packs and particularly internal frames is "fit"... packs fit and feel differently on different guys because of body differences.

For example, I've never been a fan of Mountainsmith packs as the hipbelts were too wide and mushy for my likes... others found bliss wearing them. Who's right and who's wrong? Neither. No matter how much experience a person brings to his reccomendation's, ultimately only you can know what you like... and that takes getting fitted by someone that actually knows what the heck they're doing (most don't, seriously), buying or, better yet, renting the pack and taking it for a multi day spin.

It's a genuinely sad truth that trial and error enters into pack selection more than just about any other piece of gear. I've carried internal frames exclusively since 1978 and have had most of the "good" brands and have, as such, developed my own likes and dislikes. However, what works for me may not be best for you and that's just the truth. Quality sewing, materials and intelligent design are universal.

I would say, however, make sure not to get caught in the ultralight fad as it relates to packs.

Clear as mud...

.

For years I have carried an old Camptrails external frame with shelf, single large pocket moose bag with two long side pockets. It has hauled out elk, antelope, deer, mtn goat, and bear or pieces of same. The only thing I ever did to it was tape up all the ring pins to keep it quiet, but the nylon fabric was a pain in the tush for quiet anyway. At least I didn't jingle when I siwashed through the timber. I just turned the hose on when I got home and was ready to go again. My hunting partner uses a Kifaru and if I whimper enough he has let me borrow it. It is a GREAT pack, almost as good as their tent. Finally, this past summer I purchased the Cabella's Outfitter external frame pack. It is inexpensive at $200 and comfortable enough for me. This one is kind of a Kifaru wannabe. It is big with 5300 cu.in and a divided main bag. There are several external side pockets for things that used to get lost in the old moose bag. There is a padded side pocket for spotting scope and tripod, an "O.K." rifle carrier on the right side. It has an internal water bladder that carries plenty. The pack can be taken off the frame and carried separately by internally stored straps when using the pack and shelf to haul quarters out. There is also a top loaded detachable daypack. My biggest gripe is that the damn thing is too heavy. Empty it runs about 11 pounds or so. I haven't used it to haul anything out of the back country yet, but I have no doubt that it's built hell for stout to get the job done. I'm still at this game at 58, but only for 2 or 3 days out in the pucker brush at a time. For the price, this rig suits my needs.

I agree with Brad on the whole issue of pack fit and getting it right can be a real p.i.t.a. I can usually advise a guy if I have some basic data on his size, shape and especially his personality type. But, my fellow Viking is right, as he usually is on gear questions, only you can really determine exactly what pack works best for you.

I prefer slightly different packs for different tasks and I will not use my hunting packs for anything else. I honestly find Kifaru and Mysteryranch about equal in over-all quality; the Kifaru packs feel "softer" on me and can be tuned to each body/load to an amazing degree. The MR packs are extremely good right out of the box and so easy to adjust; they simply do not wear out and they seem to pack the heaviest loads without any trouble....far f***ing better than I can at 59!

You cannot go wrong with Kifaru or MR, they cost BIG bucks, but, the value is honestly there. Try them both and see which works for you. I do find that the Kifaru hipbelt takes considerable fitting and tuning, but, the Siwash in particular is just a dream to carry when correctly adjusted for my aged carcass.

I had one of the I.F. packs shown by Alf in the house for about two weeks last summer; my hunting buddy bought it from Poul at AJBrooks. It is far too complex and very heavy, which could be rectified with a sharp knife, but, for the cost, it was a comfortable and solid pack. For someone on a budget, you could do much worse.

I also agree with Brad on the "ultralight" fad, this is for recreational hiking on defined trails with those trippy, little wooden signs that say "Beware of, etc."; it has no place in hunting. Check comments on their websites by Dana Gleason, Patrick Smith and Dan McHale....who probably know what they are talking about.

First, I'd like to say that I'm a believer that packs are like boots; what works well for one may be worthless for another.

For me; One of the best ALL AROUND/VERSITILE hunting packs I've ever used has been the newer Eberlestock Just One w/ the upgraded frame sheet/suspension. This thing goes from a daypack to an expedition pack in seconds. If you hunt w/ your pack and scramble, this is the pack to use. Every strap, buckle, pocket and accessory is well thought out and bombproof. The scabbard is the best I've ever used and this thing just plain works for most any situation.

The most comfortable heavyweight freighter I've used is the Barney External Frame. This thing is one of the best if not the best for carrying the most bulky and heavy loads.

The simplist freighter system I've used that works well is the Kelty. I prefer the Kelty freighter frame with their basic suspension used in conjunction w/ a good diamond hitch. It's easy to maintain, clean and use. Very simple and durable. If you can make a diamond hitch, you can haul anything.

Gary

I agree w/Gary in that what works for one may not work for another.....I agree w/Kutenay on his high end choice of packs.....I use a Longhunter Guide by Kifaru....while it is a great pack for what it is, "it ain't no" Mystery Ranch....I used mine a lot this season and had a chance to fool around w/a MR(don't remember the model) and it was very, very nice....I'll be placing my Longhunter up for sale shortly.....Gary mentions the Eberlestock packs and I would agree that they are a fine choice and reasonably priced at that....really heavy loads are no longer in my knees' future and therefore I really don't need the largest of packs.....I'm leaning toward trying an Eberlestock and if I sell the LHG, probably a Mystery Ranch. We're fortunate to live in a time when making a choice on a pack is a "chore"..... "please, don't throw me in that briar patch, Mr. Fox!"

Joe

I had quite a conversation with Andrew at MR some weeks back concerning the new system based on the NICE frame and load hauler with the three new detachable packbags. He mentioned that this does not fit quite as tightly to your back as do the "G" or "Futura" packs, my personal favourites for general use and I must have a pack that fits me like a second skin or it bothers my injured back.

However, I think that this system is the best for hunting applications and one could get the NICE frame, load hauler, small bag and largest bag for a very versatile system. Then, order a "tactical" Gunbearer bottom from Kifaru plus the standard GB topstrap and fit it to this system, eh viola, as the Frenchies say, you have the BOMB system.

If, this had been available before I bought my Kifaru LHR/Siwash, I might well have bought this system as it is less $$$$ than the Kifaru and MR just kicks ass. I do agree with that "young" Viking, Brad, on MR packs overall, it don't get no better. This NICE system will outlast any of us old farts by years!

There is a world of difference between the internal and external frame packs. The externals have there place, but I prefer the interanl frame. I have at least four different packs and like my Kafaru with the cargo chair the best. It is also the most expensive one I have, but you get what you pay for more often than not. I believe it will outlast me by many moons.

I own and use both internal and external frame packs.
I have an old Osprey camo pack they made for a couple of years for a shop here in Los Anchorage. I've had it for well over 10 years.
While hunting and guiding I use an external frame pack sold here at the same shop (Barney's). It's like an improved Camp Trails fram with a lot better suspension system on it. I've used it for at least 10 years as well.
With either type of pack fit is by far the most important thing as was mentioned earlier.
The reason I use an external frame while hunting is the ridgid frame supports heavy loads better than an internal system. I would hate to try to carry 150-200 lbs with an internal frame pack.
Ken

I use a Kifaru lomghunter, got it this year and love it. Very adjustable, and comfortable on long packs. My father has the Tatonka like the picture posted above, it is lighter than the kifaru, and has more space, I have not carried this pack, but plan to try it next season,

My one complaint with the kifaru is that it could have a little more storage space.

I think that you need a larger bag on your Kifaru frame. I have never found a medium size pack such as the LH Std. or MR G-5000 large enough for B.C. hunting conditions; this is why I use the Rendevous model and re-built my whole emerg/bivouac camp around it.

There are two outstanding individuals on the Kifaru website who have a great deal of hunting/bush experience and REAL gear/gun experience. These are "Sundles" and "EdT" and their opinions are very much worth giving serious attention to. They seem to use the "Guide" LH bag and I prefer the Rendevous.

I now have a camp which will keep me safe, dry, warm and comfy down to an easy 0F; it all fits in the sleeping bag compartment of the Rendevous and all my hunting gear fits into the top pocket while my rifle goes on the gunbearer. I carry game bags in the main compartment and scrunch it down tightly with the compression straps while cinching the cargo chair up tightly.

I went through heavy timber/alder in the Kootenays and Boundary country without any trouble and this rig really works. You can carry a half a bull Elk or a third of a bull Moose, boned out of course, in the main bag and carry your entire camp on the cargo chair while doing so. I can't pack this kind of weight anymore, but, I find a 100 lbs. quite nice in this pack and 70 lbs. is easy. This is weighed, not estimated.

So, maybe call Amanda/Patrick and see about an exchange....can't hurt to ask!

After using a variety of packs over the past 3+ decades, I have found my old model Dana Design the best of all that I have used. Great fit, comfortable suspension, and through much use over the past 12 years, it has been very durable. The past two years I have got into ultralight backpacking. My 3 day weight is usually just under 20 lbs. The pack I am using is made and sold by Gossamer Gear. It weighs 17 ounces. This is not a pack to carry meat or heavy loads, but I can sure cover ground going ultra-light.

I can't say enough about my wilderness wanderer
http://thewildernesswanderer.com/

Canuck, another bonus of the W.W. is they do warranty work (free) if and when it's needed, I also like the gun "holster" you can get. I'm told their dog packs are also top notch.

I prefer Alaska Frontier Gear. You get them from Barneys in Alaska. Expensive packs but you will never have to buy more than one!

I'm using an older Dana pack that I like for the backpacking part real well, very comfortable. The trouble is the bag doesn't come off for freighting an animal out.

I'm seriously looking at these two.
Long Hunter

Bull Pac

Kutenay....

I am very interested in the Mystery Ranch Nice frame. I have nearly bought the Kifaru Longhunter Pack on two or three occasions..had the credit card info filled out once and decided against it at the last minute. I have also thought about getting just the frame, I guess they would call it the cargo hauler. It is about $330....the NICE frame is a little cheaper($100)

I have an old REI external frame that I have used for aout 15 years for all sorts of things. It works great for hauling some akward things such as goose decoys. I have hauled some 25lb loads with it that had to be 10,000 cubic inches...great for that. One very successful day this year I left with 25 lbs of gear and came back with about 60lbs on my back(3 geese, 5 ducks and a swan).

My wife has an Osprey LUNA model that kicks my external frames butt in comfort. It doesn't fit me great but not that bad as she is tall...the pack is just a little narrrow in the shoulders. I borrowed her pack a couple of times this fall and there is simply no comparision, the internal frame is more comfortable, especially with a heavy load.

Hence my interest in both the Kifaru and now, since you pointed it out, the MR NICE frame. The greater flexibility of an external but also the comfort of an internal.

In what way(s) do you think that the MR NICE pack would be better than a Kiraru cargo hauler?? price is a great consideration, but if one is much better than the other I am willing to buy the higher priced item?

I do not have a NICE frame, I currently own a Kifaru Longhunter Rendevous and Siwash plus a Bullpac Alaskan for hunting. I have a MR BDSB and a Deluxe for all other backpacking and I have a slight preference for the MR hipbelt, as it is a bit easier for me to fit right out of the box.

I honestly cannot say that one is better than the other as there are things about each make that I prefer over the other. I will say that the NICE frame, sling and various bags are a hell of a deal for the price. The Longhunter "hauler" which is how I bought mine comes up over your shoulders, the NICE frame does not and that would be my point of choice between them.

I think that for hauling Moose chunks, bone in, a longer pack is better, but, the shorter one is superior in the buckbrush. Maybe ask Joe who has a Kifaru if you can try his on and see if the hipbelt works for you?

If, I were on a strict budget ( I soon will be in order to keep the CEO happy), I would buy the NICE frame and sling, then add a bag or two as I got the bux. If, I were doing it again, I think that I would buy the NICE combo slightly ahead of the LHR, but, tomorrow I may think differently!

If, you ever come to Vancouver, pm me and come to my place and try on my Kifarus and MRs, this would help you to decide and I would be happy to help out. I also think that there are sportsmen's shows in Alaska where you could see and try both products, worth the time and trouble, IMO.

akperrydog,

You're welcome to try on my Kifaru LHG.....I'm in the Homer area.

Joe

I have to say that most AR people are the most generous people that I have never met! Thanks for the offers of letting me try on your packs kuntenay and Ovis. Probably won't happen because I am almost never in canada and Homer is a little out of the way(I live out in Bethel, I make it to Los Anchorage occasionally).

Seems like the two packs I am considering the most are ones that are not available except over the internet/phone(Kifaru) or internet/a few retailers(MR).

Has anyone here ever used the Granite Gear Stratus Flatbed Pack? I have also looked at the Eberlestock packs, thanks to a comment above.
Nimrod now make an external frame with there suspension that has interested me.

Isn't this a nice dilemma??? quite a few choices that all seem very good. Thanks, I think, for all the great brands and models to consider.

-phil

ALF, off topic, but what rifle is that in the pack pictures that you posted?

.

I have had five different Camptrails frame packs from 1968 to 2003, when I gave my last two Freighters to my nephew and a friend. Of these, two broke welds, straps, etc. frequently broke and holes wore in the packbag fabric very easily. They were one small step above junk, but, were almost the only packs available back in the day.

Nothing I have seen is as simple and strong as the Bullpac, where frame packs are concerned, but, the suspension is pretty basic. Once you have used a Mysteryranch, though, you are spoiled for anything else. I never use a frame pack for hunting in B.C. anymore as boning my kill and carrying it out is much easier than packing extra weight of bone on a frame pack.

Once you try a Kifaru Gunbearer, you will be "hooked"! I carried a heavy rifle, every day for months on end, all over B.C. as part of my job and tried everything as a 10 lb. .375 is no fun to tote when encumbered by forestry tools as well. The KGB is absolutely the best way to carry that I have ever seen and i have one on all of my packs; I am going hiking today in the North Shore Mountains and can quicly remove the GB for this....don't want the Yuppies to be upset!

Best pack I've seen is the one I have.That is a Lowe Alpine Systems Expedition.One single large compartment.Cordura.This is one of the things that I bought in my life that has given me million times more than what I asked of it.It has now been 25 years since I bought it.

I use a camptrails frame and pack. It worked well for me as a packer...moose, caribou, goats and gear...whatever it fit well enough and felt comfy sidehilling and climbing. I replaced the main strap pins with SS bolts before I used it and never had any problems. The aluminum pack pins are strong as they are but I always kept one extra taped to my frame. The little wire "C" clips that hold on the pack frame pins make noise and need taped. This is good first pack that can get ALOT of work done for someone. I am sure there are better packs for fit, finish and overall quality but this will definately get your moose to camp or your goat down the mountain.
John 358

Regarding the Tatonka Lastentraxe system and the Tasmanian tiger packs,
ALF, do you know supplies these packs in the US or Canada? I googled the name and only found 2 surplus stores from the UK selling them.

Actually i just found several places in Canada for the Lastentraxe frame but not for the TT packs.

As I mentioned, AJBrooks just across from the MEC main Vancity store had them last summer for about $350.00. This is by no means a bad pack and is much superior to almost all the packs currently on the market from a hunting perspective.

I would trim off the excessive military acoutrements with a "hot knife" to save weight and have my CEO make me a pack cover of camo fleece for sound suppression purposes and be pretty happy with the result, for the money....and happier than with ANY Camptrails, etc., I have yet owned.

BUT, if you can swing the purchase price, about $600.00 USD, take a long, hard, look at the Mysteryranch NICE system of frame, load hauler and large bag. This, IMO, is the BEST of what is currently on the market and MR are the best guys to deal with in the whole backpacking industry, bar none. I use my MR packs 2-3 times every week and the comfort level with topend loads for the given design is fabulous, the best I have experienced in 50 years of hiking/backpacking.

I have No connection with MR and have never met any of them in person, I simply want to pass on info. that may help another b.p. hunter and fellow B.C.er. IF, I had to choose between Kifaru and MR, based on ownership and use, I would pick MR as better just on the past two weeks of carrying them in steep, wet country. So, have a look before you buy.

All this talk about packs made me realize I'd really like a new one. I've been using an external frame pack much like Yellowstone described (probably the same one), and I don't like it too much. Not being an expert, and not having asked advice when I bought it, it feels uncomfortable, restricts me in my movements, just doesn't feel too good. Maybe it is just too wide for me...

I've even lost pins, and had to make some field repairs to keep all the straps in place. I just felt at the time that I need the ability to strap things too it. I've not strapped anything to the external frame in 3 years, except for the rifle.

I'm going to take a look at some internal frame packs for a change, and that rifle carrier thing by Kifaru... maybe some of that stuff can be inspected at the show in Reno?

New boots, new pack... better buy a lottery ticket or two.

Frans

Frans, If you drive down to Bozeman, MT., you could get the guys at MR to fit a pack system to you, using their smaller "yoke". It would be WORTH the effort and last a lifetime; you can afix the Kifaru Gunbearer to this rig, as well.

I think that this would suit you better at your physical size than anything else I can think of and it is honestly a very good deal, pricewise.

.