(WATCH BEFORE BUYING A NEW PACK) 2024 Top Hunting Pack Comparison: 50 and 100 Pounds!
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- We’re 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 year’s video for that comparison. • (WATCH BEFORE BUYING A...
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: • Kifaru Ark 22" Frame v...
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The fact that the JanSport school backpack was left out of this, makes me not take it seriously.
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Talk about a load hauler!!!
I wish these videos existed 3 years ago when I bought my MR. It has functioned for me as you described here. It works, but it’s not ideal. Stone glacier has my attention 👀
We couldn't agree more. Reach out to us about a new Stone Glacier setup when you're ready. 🔥
Literally same dude - had a MR for the last 8 hunts out west, stopped in Bozeman at SG HQ and tried the r3 on. I missed out on so much comfort 😂😞
@@gearfoolI’m looking at my first elk ruck, love this video
Same comments....rocked a MR Marshall for years and my heaviest pack out this last Feb on a whole auodad SUCKED. I think the waist belt is too narrow among other issues....this is the OG Guideline frame, not even the MT update version. I am torn between the IA and the SG but don't have the chance to try out an IA.
Booked a dream elk hunt for myself and my father in law next year in Montana thanks to you guys! A new pack to hopefully help pack out two bulls would be extremely necessary!
I’ve had a couple MR packs over the years and bought a Stone last year. By far my favorite pack I’ve used thanks to your reviews on it. 20-30lbs when I’m day hunting feels like 10-15lbs. It carries well.
This is what we like to hear! 🔥
Y’all’s video last year helped me pick out the K4. Still enjoyed watching this video. Stone Glacier still has my attention though.
Happy to hear it! The K4 offers incredible comfort and athleticism under heavy load. 👊
@gearfooI What’s next?
Great review! Would love the ability to test out several different packs before a purchase. But this definitely helps!
Wouldn't that be nice!? Happy these videos of ours help as many people as possible. Good luck in the mountains or elsewhere this season.
I've owned and used many pack companies and with my current or older Kifaru setups I've never had your experience of "pivoting". Maybe it's unique to your build or adjustments? Thanks for putting in the miles and reviewing the packs.
We appreciate the counter opinion. Perhaps so. It's coincidental that the guy commenting above aligned with us there though! If there's one thing for certain, it's that there are a medley of build types and adjustment techniques. Best of luck this season!
Great review. All pretty good packs. Thanks for your perspectives. I guess the decision has a lot to do with the type of hunt you are going to use them for. Budget will also play a part in the decision making. Thanks.
You nailed it. Use application and budget are critical to consider when purchasing a backpack such as these. Appreciate the comment!
The AKEK packs are gaining lots of traction and attention! Hope you guys will review one of these soon and add to the channel
Have yet to get a real pack yet but I been leaning stone glacier, and you guys making me lean that way even more.
Courious if would have a bag size recommendation for goat/sheep type hunts. I’m a smaller person so plan on cutting as much weight as possible. Wouldn’t mind bit of extra room but same time don’t want to over kill it. Would imagine 7-12 day trips at most.
Great review. As novice hunter, I’ve found this and your other review videos really helpful in making a decision on where to spend my coin. Your tripod and fluid head comparison vids also helped big time. Now I’m starting to understand which pack I like. I’ve considered using my internal frame backpacking pack this season, but after some at home testing I realized it would be miserable if I had to carry out game and gear. Watching these videos convince me that a proper hunting pack would be worth it. Thanks!
Thanks for the awesome comment and welcome to the world of backpack hunting. Reach out to us with gear-related questions if you have them. Happy to help!
Excellent side by side comparison between 4 popular pack company models. As someone who lives in the eastern United States 🇺🇸 I don’t have actual access to even try them on.
I probably would go with the Initial Ascent but it would be cool to compare a couple for myself
When it comes to these backpacks that are tailored to western hunting (amongst other areas of course), there's definitely a disadvantage to being that far east of the Mississippi! We're happy to help further if you'd like. Contact us at 435-263-0207 or info@gearfool.com. Mention commenting on this UA-cam video there. We will gladly answer any questions you may have about these backpacks, whether our store sells their brand or not. This unbiased video review can support that!
I really appreciate these reviews. I think I'm gonna go with the SG. The way that you guys actually break down these packs is great. Thank you.
Give us a call at 435-263-0207 or shoot us an email to info@gearfool.com. We'd love to help you with SG products there. And should you have any questions about other backpack manufacturers, you'll get a straight answer from us. Happy to help!
Thanks for taking the time to review and explain pros and cons of all the packs.
We admit that there isn't any one backpack that will best suit for all users, but it is interesting to see the differences between them when weight is applied and the terrain is uneven. Pros and cons to most any backpack, really. Thanks for the comment!
Great comparison video and perfect timing since I’m in desperate need of a new pack! Would have liked to see the K4 in this but I’m thinking SG after this video. Thanks fellas!
Thanks for the comment, Donny! Reach out to us if you decide to go with SG. We'd be happy to help further there too. We included the K4 last year where we determined its performance under load to very, very comparable to SG...with no clear winner between the two. When it comes to someone who is in the market between Exo and SG, we recommend they orient their decision making around the bag layout and design rather than comfort and performance. Hope to chat soon!
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.
I don’t see many place comparison videos. The one you did last year helped plus this one have helped a lot! You guys rock!
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Thank you. I’ve been wanting to see an initial ascent stone glacier kifaru comparison! I’m not 100% sold on my kifaru.
I really enjoy geeking out on gear so these videos are great. I have the MR Beartooth and have the same issues it doesn’t feel great with a heavy load. Do to budget and my son finally getting his first deer tag here in Utah it’ll be awhile before I could upgrade cause he needs a pack. So I’ll continue to watch and hopefully have a good idea on what pack to get next. Tossed between EXO K4 and the IA but I’ll keep watching these to help that final decision in the future, Thanks. Also do you guys buy used gear like packs or like a trade in on a new pack?
There's always teammates that have used gear for sale to include backpacks. These would be one-on-one personal exchanges though, and consquently wouldn't be handled through our website at GearFool.com. Shoot us an email to info@gearfool.com and we can tell you what used backpacks we have at the moment. Happy to help.
Great comparisons and personal perspectives. Gave me a lot to think about in my upcoming purchase.
Modern backpacks are EXPENSIVE! We get it. Let us know if you have any questions that we may answer for you. Good luck. 👍
I've used MR packs the past 3 years. They have been solid and performed well for me but I agree they are in a different tier. I have used them mainly for day hunts and have packed out both deer and elk without a problem. I bought the IA this year and the feel of the frame and hip belt are great, looking forward to loading it up this season.
Best of luck this season. Thanks for the comment!
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.
Very helpful video! Thank you for being detailed on actually wearability and comfort when thinking about use on the mountain. Awesome that you guys tried it in actual hunting terrain.
We appreciate the comment! We did what we could. Of course, there was more "mountain mobility" achievable with 50lbs vs. 100lbs, and that's what you're seeing here. Good luck this season.
Thank you, best of luck to you guys too!
Nice review I wish the stone had more side pockets for tripods & trekking poles and all the other random stuff I pack in there.
I used a lot of the things learned from the past video; extremely helpful information. Definitely looking at these packs for an update for this season!
Right on! If you have any gear-related questions, we're always happy to help where we can. Contact us if you need. 👊
@@gearfool Appreciate it! and will do
So pumped for this one! Y'all make me want to buy another Stone Glacier pack.
Hey! We recognize the name. You know that we're just an email or phone call away, ready to help there when you're ready. Until then, take care! 🔥
@@gearfool you know I’ll be calling when the time comes!
Enjoyed the comparisons. As a bigger framed build guy I’m very interested the initial ascent with the wider frame and bag. Also that lid seems money. If I won I know what pack I’m taking!
Currently have a Kuiu pack and have been looking to try something new. That initial ascent is sounding pretty appealing to me! Thanks for the video.
KUIU makes some incredible products, but we agree. When it comes to backpacks and more specifically their performance under heavy load, there are other options on the market worth looking into. Good luck!
Great video, I will be in the market for an upgrade from my 2019 MR Metcalf .
Sell that thing and upgrade in 2024!
Your videos are the best guys. Really helps foreign buyers. Keep up the good work
Best of luck adventuring and hunting wherever you may be.
Love these kinds of videos. Wish you would’ve included the exo pack as well though. I would’ve loved to see that comparison.
thanks for the review, i have the same issue from the mystery ranch.
Mystery Ranch makes a product with a meat shelf that will expand the mountain hunting capabilities of most any newbie or intermediate. And honestly, there are a lot of experienced mountain hunters that still love and use them. However, the few shortcomings mentioned here in our observations seem to align with the experiences of others. We appreciate the comment. 👊
Perfecr timing on this video. Was just looking into picking one of these up for the upcoming season. Appreciate the unbias reviews. Definitely alot more in depth than the other videos ive come across on backpacks
Happy to hear it! Let us know if you have any questions. Happy to help further where we can!
Thank you for being a reliable source for gear information.
We dig comments like this. Thank you!
Love these kind of reviews. Unbiased and uncut with more than two products. We need more in depth reviews like this
Very honest and great feedback on which packs to consider! I have an Initial Ascent pack that I love, but I agree it's a bit wide and I don't feel as mobile as I do with other packs. After watching your videos, I'm convinced that I need to get a Stone Glacier to add to my arsenal to use for day hunts and/or for smaller game such as deer, but I agree that the Initial Ascent is better for large game. My buddy and I even talked about using Stone Glacier for day elk hunts once we can afford to get one, and swap it out for our Initial Ascent packs once we get back to our truck with our intial load. Thanks for the video!
Very good reviews! I haven’t 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 22” ark frame and enjoy my 26” lite for my bigger gnargali pack. The tactical was my least favorite.
Thanks for making great gear reviews!
Stay tuned for more. We appreciate the bump!
My experience with Kifaru clothing is that they are not built for larger hunters. For me, tipping the scales at 280ish I need to find gear to fit me. Often manufacturers think that a size 40 is XXXL
Had a MR sawtooth 45 and it would squeak and I had to lean forward when rucking 60lbs my hips and glute flexors would be on fire after the first mile ….just got a SG SKY and all I can say is wow I was able to go 2x the distance without the fatigue
Good info! Thanks for suffering for us to get a good feel on all the packs. A lot of review videos fail to really put a product through its paces well enough. Good job 👍🏼
We try to do all that we can. Thanks for the bump!
I appreciate a pack review video made for hunter by hunters. And by hunters who have experience with heavy backpack loads. I recently helped a buddy pack an elk out of the Colorado backcountry and there was a clear difference between our two packs. I strongly believe if a hunter plans on packing out animals that a good pack is worth every bit of investment. It can make the difference of being completely miserable or happily suffering through a brutal pack out. Interesting to see Initial Ascent performance, one that I haven't considered before either. Thanks for the great review video, I'm sure it will help alot of people.
Stone Glacier has always treated me well! The updated waist belt was a huge upgrade in my opinion. However… I’ve never been a fan of the lid set up. Never feels 100% secure and running the bag in bivy also isn’t the best set up, to me. Still, the best pack I have used to date!
We agree on all counts. Good mentions.
@gearfooI I did??
Thanks for a second comparison video! Do you think if you would have tested the frames with a higher volume bag, the results would have been different...especially at 100lbs?
Great Review, I have never tried the Stone Glacier would be interesting to see how the posture is different compared to the Kifaru. The Kifaru does seem to make you have a forward posture from my use also.
Forest used the Kifaru Woodsman on the Duplex Lite Frame for years. He loved it. Then, he switched to the Stone Glacier Krux for trial purposes and never looked back. If you want to get serious about Stone Glacier, reach out to us directly. You'll be glad you did!
@@gearfool I have the duplex lite in the 26", I'm 176# 6'.1" so its the right frame but i cant get comfortable with it. Hoping to win one one of your give away ones as stated. Thanks for the feed back and a great video.
Awesome review Guys. I've been wanting to try the Kifaru pack myself!
The new Kifaru ARK frame has significantly more fore-and-aft spring under moderate loads once placed on the user, in our opinion. This isn't necessarily a "bad thing" by any means, but if you have any experience with their prior Duplex Lite Frame, here's a heads up that the wear experience will differ. Best of luck to you!
Love my stone glacier 5900. I agree with you on the straps though. I wish they would update those to different colors so you can differentiate when loading at night.
Just a bit of color coding could go a long way here with the Stone Glacier Sky 5900. Incredible frames and suspension though.
Hard work!💪🏻 definitely helps a man with limited time decide on a pack!
We get it! 👊
Great comparison video. Really enjoy the info that you guys put out. Well thought out, concise and helpful.
We appreciate the support!
Commenting for the give away. ❤
I’ve been watching gear reviews for some time going back and forth for years on backpacks doing research and I always get stuck on kifaru or stone glacier, I’ve owned products from both. Love to see updates in frames and technology.
Reviews from hunters who hunt hard and know their way around the mountain. Thanks for putting this together.
Good review. You should review Eberlestock packs. I love the Eberlestock battleship. 100 liter. Very comfortable with weight. It's more of a tactical pack though. But I'm a marine. That's my preference. Keep it up guys. I enjoy watching.
I’ve been rocking with eberlestock for awhile now with very little disappointment. I picked up their new Freefall 3000 when it came out recently and have only rucked with it but it handles weight well. I’m very interested in Initial Ascent for longer hunts
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.
Would definitely be interested in seeing the K4 included in the test. I guess if I was humping 100lbs I might want to limit the number of packs.
You nailed it! Check out our video description here and also last year's 2023 Pack Comparison video for our thoughts on the K4 when performing the same test. You'll find what you want there!
Really need a new pack for my Oregon Snake River rifle bull hunt in November. This would be amazing. Thank you for giving all of us a chance for a new pack.
This is the "Stone Glacier pays me the most' this is the best pack to buy review!
Awesome review. I’m sold on the initial ascent despite the issues with finish quality
When it comes to comfort and performance under load, we're confident that you'll be happy with your purchase there. Good luck this fall!
I had the Ark Frame with a Kifaru pack an went to the Initial Ascent only because I liked the bag layout better. Both awesome packs though, can't go wrong with either one. Great comparison you guys did in this video. Thanks
Keep up the good work! I always feel like I learn a lot from these gear review videos.
Here's another comment that we really appreciate. Will do and thank you!
This makes me want a new pack really bad. After watching this video I think I’m going to go sell some antlers and order an ia I’ve 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.
Thanks for the quick reviews. I agree the 25" frame on the Ark would have allowed a more fair comparison for heavier loads.
Unfortunately, we had to work with what we had.
@@gearfool Gotta use what you're given, but glad you acknowledged it and noted the potential issue with it being the 22". Thought you both did a fair assessment and were candid with pros and cons of the packs, nice work.
Good information. Thanks for doing these videos. I watched a couple of the previous pack videos and I’m drawn to the Stone Glacier because of some of the things you’ve pointed out. Keep up the good work!
We really can't emphasize enough just how comfortable a SG frame is if it's fitted properly. Incredible comfort and athleticism with it on and a load applied. Reach out to us with SG questions!
Thanks for the review, these videos are awesome! I have been impressed with my Stone Glacier pack. It’s comfortable under heavy loads, but I agree that it has too many straps and the top lid could be improved.
We've found that some "refresher training in the home garage" can go along way before diving into the mountains for the first time each year on a multi-day bender resulting in a late-night pack out. Especially when loading on a moonless night, on a side slope, and under heavy fatigue!
I was literally going to pull the trigger on the MR pack today, and then I found your videos. Now I'm torn, I can get the MR at a huge discount, or pay full price for the other brands. I guess I've got some more research to do.
Really enjoy your hands on, honest informative videos comparing different products for the outdoor world…..Great Job….❗️❗️👍👍
We try our best. Thanks for the support. 👍
Ya'll should give gear of alaska hunter/ yukon packs a look, most of the guides up here use them, exceptional packs
Great Video! Going to be in the market for one soon!
Here's a handle that looks familiar. Contact us when you're ready. We can help.
Great video. I enjoy seeing pack comparison videos. Just wondering why you used such a small Kifaru bag? Also I couldn't tell where you guys were putting the weight. It looked like one was strapped to the frame. I'm sure they will carry different if the weight is in the bag vs on a load shelf.
I really appreciate reviews like this with the packs. I’ve had my eyes on a Stone pack or an Initial pack. Though the Initial brand is from my home state of Idaho, I think I’m gonna snag me up a Stone Pack. Thanks guys for the help on this decision. Happy hunting boys!
Thanks for this comparison video, as a short torso guy I've been looking at that 22" ark frame. Both of you are probably a more"normal" build and would have benefited from the 25" frame.
Great review and I love your content. So now I have to choose between the Stone Glacier and the Initial Ascent
Reviews like this are amazing. Definitely worth the time to watch before spending a lot of money on equipment. Nicely done!
Great review! Would have loved a recomparison of the k4 to those packs, but I get why you didn’t do it since you did last year
Great stuff as always. I had to laugh when Brady mentions that 100lbs will suck in any pack. All good info fellas, keep it up.
There's our man, Craig! Good to see you in the comments, and as always, thank you much!
Love the review. I've been looking to get my first pack and this really helped me out.
Got the MR this year and kind of wish I had the initial ascent or something different😢 would’ve like to have seen Exo in there as well.
Needing a new pack for this year. This helps with determining what pack to get. Thank you.
Happy to help! Give us a call at 435-263-0207 if you have any questions we may be able to help with.
Love my stone!!! Two elk and a mule deer and I feel I haven’t even broken it in yet!!
Great video!
This is what we like to hear! 🔥
Thanks for this video and the previous backpack videos. I like that your full review and the concise review at the end. There’s so many great backpack options out there but overall Stone Glacier seems the most comfortable but not necessarily the most versatile for loads.
Love your videos and real world usage of pack's. Would love you to test a Akek pack and see how it compares.
Love your reviews, helps narrow down my decisions
Would have liked to see the Exo in there as well though it sounds like its top of the tree anyway, I have not ever considered a Stone Glacier having had an Exo for years but it sounds like it might be worth looking at along with the Exo and Initial Ascent that have been the 2 I have narrowed down to at this point
This was a very informative review thanks so much. Interested in a better pack. I have a mystery ranch now.
Love this video. Little disappointed it’s taken me so long to find this Chanel! Love the comparisons and information given. Stone glacier and kifaru definitely looking very nice
I've been trying to decide between the kifaru and stone glacier. Leaning more towards the kifaru due to how beefy their bags seem. I'm upgrading from my old worn out MEC bag so either would be an improvement. I think it would take a very short person to fit that 22" kifaru frame. I wonder if the results would have been better if it was sized more appropriately for them.
Great pack review as always. Cheers
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.
Great review! Glad to see some thorough comparisons with little to no sugar coating
Looking for feedback on the Eberlestock Mainframe pack system
I would have liked to hear your thoughts on the Kifaru Arc w the 25” frame. It’s hard to compare 26” frames like the SG, IA, MR to a 22” frame on the Arc. I have all except the MR, including the K4 and I do not get the pelvic tilt you described with my Arc in the 25”. I am not picking a fight, but I have used them all and the 22” frame is not apples to apples, especially at heavy weights compared to a 25 or 26” frame. You might want to amend your opening to disclose that.
This is a solid comment. We agree the 25" frame would have served the comparison better. Unfortunately, we weren't able to obtain it.
That IA pack really makes me want to get a solid pack. Especially since I got to handle my stuff plus my wives this year.
It sounds like some serious cubic inches of carrying capacity are in your near future. Best of luck to you and the wife this season!
@gearfool thank you, and thanks for the great reviews.
I have a duplex light… trying to decide to upgrade the ark frame or switch up to Initial Ascent! Give me a reason 😎 I appreciate the review! Great video. I also find I have a slight lean forward on my Kifaru Duplex light. I don’t love that myself!
Been using a SG Sky Archer for 5 years packed a lot of animals out on it but very curious about the IA and how it fit and feel for me. But the SG has been awesome hard to shy away from it.
We're not sure that the juice would be worth the squeeze here, but we understand your curiosity and for good reason too. Initial Ascent makes a product that performs very well in mountainous terrain. However, so does SG and there's something to be said about your already long-standing success with SG. Either way, your future experience is bright.
Great packs for sure.
To add some ambiguity to it, the pack wearer is blind folded and has assistance donning the pack?
This could mitigate some of the "unconscious bias" that some have mentioned.
I have really found the Top Hunting Pack Comparison videos to be beneficial, keep the great content coming!
Awesome video with great information! Definitely helps when deciding on a new pack.
Nice pvideo. I've been looking at the kifaru pretty hard. Im betting the 25" frame would have made a big difference in posture and hownit adjusted under load. I picked up a metcalf and promptly returned it. It doesn't compare to the others.
Thanks for providing feedback on how the packs function with heavy loads. I have been looking for a new pack for some time. One of you mentioned that you have an Exo pack. I like the configuration of the Exo packs. How do they compare comfort wise to those in this review under heavy load?
Very informative video. Still running the exo K2 and have no intentions of changing unless I win one of course. 😉
Very informative video
Thanks