Eberlestock Mainframe Pack
The Eberlestock Mainframe Pack is a rugged, value-oriented pack saddle system designed for heavy game-hauling with an integrated external frame and generous attachment points. It holds its position as a budget-friendly heavy-haul option — offering more carrying capacity and modular pocketing than ultralight competitors — while conceding ground to premium systems like the Stone Glacier and Kifaru on weight savings and long-distance carry comfort.
Modular load — swap-fast
Tank frame — mule-proof
Modular load — swap-fast
Tank frame — mule-proof
Review Summary
"Users praise the Mainframe for its rugged, modular design and heavy-load carrying ability, noting it handles game hauling reliably over long trips. Some long-term users mention the pack is heavy and the fit/comfort isn't as refined as premium ultralight competitors."
Quick pockets — snack-ready
Integrated load-bearing mainframe designed to carry heavy game while keeping a low profile.
Quick pockets — snack-ready
Integrated load-bearing mainframe designed to carry heavy game while keeping a low profile.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Eberlestock Mainframe Pack is a rugged, value-oriented pack saddle system designed for heavy game-hauling with an integrated external frame and generous attachment points. It holds its position as a budget-friendly heavy-haul option — offering more carrying capacity and modular pocketing than ultralight competitors — while conceding ground to premium systems like the Stone Glacier and Kifaru on weight savings and long-distance carry comfort.
Modular load — swap-fast
Tank frame — mule-proof
Quick pockets — snack-ready
Integrated load-bearing mainframe designed to carry heavy game while keeping a low profile.
Multiple external pockets, webbing and attachment points for organization and quick access.
Modular load — swap-fast
Tank frame — mule-proof
Quick pockets — snack-ready
Integrated load-bearing mainframe designed to carry heavy game while keeping a low profile.
Multiple external pockets, webbing and attachment points for organization and quick access.
Mystery Ranch Beartooth 80
The Mystery Ranch Beartooth 80 is a high-capacity, comfort-focused hunting pack saddle that excels on multi-day backcountry hauls thanks to its adjustable suspension and supportive yoke. It commands a higher price than the Eberlestock but outperforms it in ergonomic load transfer and fit; compared with ultralight systems such as Stone Glacier and Kuiu it favors comfort and capacity over minimal weight.
Beefy hauler — mountain-ready
Custom fit — hug-back
Beefy hauler — mountain-ready
Custom fit — hug-back
Review Summary
"Buyers report the Beartooth 80 is a beefy, comfortable hauler with excellent frame support and durable construction, making it a favorite for multi-day hunts and hauling. Criticisms focus on weight and a premium price, but long-term users generally remain satisfied."
Dual access — midnight-snack
High-volume 80L main bag sized for multi-day trips or large game hauls.
Dual access — midnight-snack
High-volume 80L main bag sized for multi-day trips or large game hauls.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Mystery Ranch Beartooth 80 is a high-capacity, comfort-focused hunting pack saddle that excels on multi-day backcountry hauls thanks to its adjustable suspension and supportive yoke. It commands a higher price than the Eberlestock but outperforms it in ergonomic load transfer and fit; compared with ultralight systems such as Stone Glacier and Kuiu it favors comfort and capacity over minimal weight.
Beefy hauler — mountain-ready
Custom fit — hug-back
Dual access — midnight-snack
High-volume 80L main bag sized for multi-day trips or large game hauls.
Removable/adjustable load-hauling frame and reinforced drag straps for heavy loads.
Beefy hauler — mountain-ready
Custom fit — hug-back
Dual access — midnight-snack
High-volume 80L main bag sized for multi-day trips or large game hauls.
Removable/adjustable load-hauling frame and reinforced drag straps for heavy loads.
$650-900 CAD
Stone Glacier Sky 5900
The Stone Glacier Sky 5900 is a premium ultralight pack saddle engineered for technical game hauling, delivering exceptional load control and minimalist weight through high-end materials and refined suspension. Its technical advantage is a best-in-class weight-to-strength ratio for steep, fast hunts, though it carries a premium price and provides less cargo volume than larger-frame choices like the Beartooth or Eberlestock.
Featherweight strength — climb-smile
Precision fit — carry-all-day
Featherweight strength — climb-smile
Precision fit — carry-all-day
Review Summary
"Reviewers consistently praise the Sky 5900 for outstanding comfort, lightweight yet supportive frame design, and exceptional build quality for repeated, long-distance game hauls. The main negatives are its high cost and limited color/accessory options, but long-term owners overwhelmingly recommend it."
Silent fabric — sneaky-approach
Ultra-high-strength, lightweight frame and fabrics engineered for long carries and heavy game.
Silent fabric — sneaky-approach
Ultra-high-strength, lightweight frame and fabrics engineered for long carries and heavy game.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Stone Glacier Sky 5900 is a premium ultralight pack saddle engineered for technical game hauling, delivering exceptional load control and minimalist weight through high-end materials and refined suspension. Its technical advantage is a best-in-class weight-to-strength ratio for steep, fast hunts, though it carries a premium price and provides less cargo volume than larger-frame choices like the Beartooth or Eberlestock.
Featherweight strength — climb-smile
Precision fit — carry-all-day
Silent fabric — sneaky-approach
Ultra-high-strength, lightweight frame and fabrics engineered for long carries and heavy game.
Precision load transfer to hips with a minimalist suspension that preserves mobility.
Featherweight strength — climb-smile
Precision fit — carry-all-day
Silent fabric — sneaky-approach
Ultra-high-strength, lightweight frame and fabrics engineered for long carries and heavy game.
Precision load transfer to hips with a minimalist suspension that preserves mobility.
Kifaru Duplex Tactical Frame
The Kifaru Duplex Tactical Frame is a heavy-duty, modular pack saddle system built for hunters who need rugged durability and field-configurable setups for large game hauls. It stands out for its robust load-bearing frame and long-term serviceability, often costing more up-front than Kuiu or Eberlestock but offering a lower total cost of ownership for users prioritizing repairability and multi-season use.
Barebones strength — war-tough
Modular mounts — gear-happy
Barebones strength — war-tough
Modular mounts — gear-happy
Review Summary
"The Kifaru Duplex frame is lauded for its durability, simplicity, and superior load-carrying performance on repeated hunts, with many users valuing its proven reliability. Some note the system is heavy and pricey compared with minimalist frames, but long-term satisfaction is high among heavy-load users."
Adjustable stance — fit-freak
Welded aluminum frame built for maximum stability and heavy-duty game hauling.
Adjustable stance — fit-freak
Welded aluminum frame built for maximum stability and heavy-duty game hauling.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Kifaru Duplex Tactical Frame is a heavy-duty, modular pack saddle system built for hunters who need rugged durability and field-configurable setups for large game hauls. It stands out for its robust load-bearing frame and long-term serviceability, often costing more up-front than Kuiu or Eberlestock but offering a lower total cost of ownership for users prioritizing repairability and multi-season use.
Barebones strength — war-tough
Modular mounts — gear-happy
Adjustable stance — fit-freak
Welded aluminum frame built for maximum stability and heavy-duty game hauling.
Highly modular—works with multiple pack bodies and Kifaru Duplex accessories for mission-specific builds.
Barebones strength — war-tough
Modular mounts — gear-happy
Adjustable stance — fit-freak
Welded aluminum frame built for maximum stability and heavy-duty game hauling.
Highly modular—works with multiple pack bodies and Kifaru Duplex accessories for mission-specific builds.
$700-1100 CAD
Kuiu Pro Pack System
The Kuiu Pro Pack System balances modern ultralight materials with practical hunting features to deliver efficient game hauling at a more accessible price than boutique ultralight brands. It competes with Stone Glacier on weight and with Mystery Ranch on hunter-focused design, providing a strong price-to-performance ratio though it may not match the absolute durability or modularity of Kifaru's tactical frame.
Slide-in saddle — fast-load
Noise-minimizing — stalk-friendly
Slide-in saddle — fast-load
Noise-minimizing — stalk-friendly
Review Summary
"Kuiu Pro Pack System users appreciate the lightweight, ergonomic design and hunting-specific features that perform well on extended backcountry trips; many report good comfort and modularity over multiple seasons. A minority of long-term owners report wear on fabrics/zippers and occasional fit tuning issues, but overall reviews are positive."
Balanced carry — all-day
Purpose-designed hunting pack system with adjustable, ventilated suspension tuned for long treks.
Balanced carry — all-day
Purpose-designed hunting pack system with adjustable, ventilated suspension tuned for long treks.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Kuiu Pro Pack System balances modern ultralight materials with practical hunting features to deliver efficient game hauling at a more accessible price than boutique ultralight brands. It competes with Stone Glacier on weight and with Mystery Ranch on hunter-focused design, providing a strong price-to-performance ratio though it may not match the absolute durability or modularity of Kifaru's tactical frame.
Slide-in saddle — fast-load
Noise-minimizing — stalk-friendly
Balanced carry — all-day
Purpose-designed hunting pack system with adjustable, ventilated suspension tuned for long treks.
Durable, lightweight materials with integrated meat shelf and reinforced haul straps.
Slide-in saddle — fast-load
Noise-minimizing — stalk-friendly
Balanced carry — all-day
Purpose-designed hunting pack system with adjustable, ventilated suspension tuned for long treks.
Durable, lightweight materials with integrated meat shelf and reinforced haul straps.
$600-900 CAD