Just stumbled on this forum within the past few weeks as I've been looking into a new hunting pack. It has been a great resource for so many outdoor topics!
I'm looking at my first real pack, and am thinking either the SG Kiowa 3200 or the MR Sawtooth would both meet my needs well. I primarily hunt whitetail, and have never had to pack meat out as my style is typical for eastern hunting-field dress and drag to a pickup point for the truck. I do like the idea of having the option though. We also do a fair amount of hiking and camping-1-2 day trips with young boys. So I'm looking for a pack that will serve those needs. Both packs are great packs and have great organization. I'm sure either will work well, and are both great US companies. It seems as though the Sawtooth has a little more structure to it, and would be less sloppy and baggy when not stuffed with soft gear as compared to the Kiowa. Is that accurate? Or do the SG packs compress down nicely to remain quiet and sleek when hiking? I'm also wondering at what weight I'd want to add one of the SG frames to the Kiowa vs just starting with the Sawtooth, which already has the frame built in. Does anyone have any insight?
I'm looking at my first real pack, and am thinking either the SG Kiowa 3200 or the MR Sawtooth would both meet my needs well. I primarily hunt whitetail, and have never had to pack meat out as my style is typical for eastern hunting-field dress and drag to a pickup point for the truck. I do like the idea of having the option though. We also do a fair amount of hiking and camping-1-2 day trips with young boys. So I'm looking for a pack that will serve those needs. Both packs are great packs and have great organization. I'm sure either will work well, and are both great US companies. It seems as though the Sawtooth has a little more structure to it, and would be less sloppy and baggy when not stuffed with soft gear as compared to the Kiowa. Is that accurate? Or do the SG packs compress down nicely to remain quiet and sleek when hiking? I'm also wondering at what weight I'd want to add one of the SG frames to the Kiowa vs just starting with the Sawtooth, which already has the frame built in. Does anyone have any insight?