I've used my Anova probably once a week or more for 4 or 5 years. Can't remember. Still going strong. I like the fact that I can manually set it without a phone app unlike the Joule.
Thanks! Good luck on your hunt!
I used Kevin Birznieks out of Grand Lake. He owns and operates Freestone Taxidermy. He is a really talented artist and taxidermist. http://www.freestonetaxidermy.com/ He is my go-to guy for all my stuff. He has done 2 bear rugs, badger rug, my goat, an antelope...
I just read a crap ton of reviews and hoped for the best. I went with Stone Glacier. I got a sky 5900 with an X-Curve frame. I'm really happy with my purchase. I didn't try on any packs at all. I live in western CO and didn't have anywhere within reason to go try them on.
Do you live in Denver...
I ended up with 2.5 gallons of rendered bear fat from my bear this fall. It is awesome and I use it all the time for cooking in place of oil from the store. The bear I killed was feeding heavily on acorns, so its got a slight nuttiness to it. I wish I'd have done a better job getting more of the...
I have an X-Curve frame with the 5900. It's awesome. I've packed for 7 days and my gear is hit and miss "ultra light...ultra small". I also use it for a day pack...it packs down small.
I've talked to guys that drew with 1 or 2 weighted....and some that took 15-20 years. Don't plan anything until you draw....but always put in cuz you might draw!
As others mentioned, weather may be an issue due to the late season. I went to college in Gunnison and have spent some time in 55. Access to the wilderness boundary may be tough if a big storm hits. But, there is a ton of public ground in 55 that you can still access even if the high country...