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.
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:
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Love these kind of reviews. Unbiased and uncut with more than two products. We need more in depth reviews like this
Can we get a new video with an Akek Alpha or bigger, lots of guys on the forums really like them.
Need to order a pack this week. My badlands 2200 is too small for multi day elk. Heading to Wyoming. So, EXO or Stone Glacier? I’m 6’7″ and 220lbs. 34″ waist.
So which packs are you guys gonna pick? I am eyeing up the IA5K
Between the stone glacier and initial Ascent what one would you prefer for coues whitetail hunting for a day pack?