A pack is a pack is a pack..

For anyone who has taken an interest in backpacking, we all know that a pack is the pack is a pack right? Wrong! Each and every person has a different build and packs come just as different as people do. The best thing that you can do for yourself is your research. Getting online looking on forums like rokslide, going to your local hunting store, doing YouTube searches and reading the comments section below the videos can really give you the advantage to figuring out what is going to suit you the best. They will ask loads of questions, discuss personal experiences, and give honest review of the gear because they are not affiliates of the brand. I for instance am looking for a pack that fits a small framed woman, I'm 5'6" and my weight fluctuates between 125 and 130. Not everyone with this stature will carry the weight the same, for example I have longer legs and a shorter torso. So when it comes to looking at hunting packs that fit my needs the top things I am looking for are quality, adjustability, weight, options for add-ons if needed, good customer service with the company, good reviews, and will the pack do everything I need it to. One thing I suggest doing is making a list; what do I need from this pack, which companies have bags that fit my criteria, how am I going to make a decision on something that is a long term investment. Packs can range from a few hundred to around a thousand dollars with all the bells and whistles. My friend Abe made a great suggestion to me and I'm going to share it with you. If you can narrow the packs down to your top 3 contact customer service of the companies and ask them when and order would need to be placed for expected arrival just before a set weekend and be sure to ask about their return policy. You can put the three packs on your credit card and have them shipped all the same time. Load the packs with some weight (say a bag of dogfood) and test them all out in the comfort of your home. Look them over, make comparisons, and pay attention to how each pack feels to you carrying the load. You will be able to adjust the packs and compare how the weight is carried. Ideally you want 70-80 percent of the weight to rest on your hips and not your shoulders. You also want to be able to keep the load high and tight. This will help with your center of gravity. So far the packs I am considering are EXO mountain gear 3500 cubic inch

( https://youtu.be/27zKzJvah30 , https://youtu.be/6yJWGxZuNP0 ), kifaru native and nomad 

( https://youtu.be/1psQxhGbvXI , https://youtu.be/QwOJwQ7Ckus ), and the mystery ranch metcalf ( https://youtu.be/2EUSy7Usgvk ). Once you have decided on a pack simply send the other options back to the company and it will be credited back to your card. All it costs you in the end to be able to compare all of them at the same time is shipping. That's a small price to know you made the best decision. I will follow this post with a part two when I decide which pack I'm going to go with and why. For now I am still researching.