****Vargo Ti-Arc Backpack****

Fits torso lengths 20 to 24"? Seems like that might negate much of the population in effectively wearing this pack. Or is that the height of the frame? How is Vargo measuring torsos?

I am confused as to the benefits of this design outside of perhaps much more back ventilation than a standard lightweight internal frame pack. I believe Osprey makes a suspended backpanel model of a similar weight.

But I haven't been around long so maybe I am just a newb :)

Nearly 3 lbs for only 35 lb max carry weight at a cost of $300? No thanks.

In the video there's a shot of a guy from behind wearing the pack, and it looks like the side pockets are way high, don't know about reaching back for a water bottle…

While the Ti-Arc seems pretty great, as others have mentioned the load carrying capacity is pretty low. That wouldn't be problematic in another pack, but one of the main benefits of an external pack is to more comfortably haul heavy loads. It seems as though external frame packs only occupy the extremes of the backpacking spectrum.

You have the Alps Mountaineering/Kelty large, heavy and bombproof packs on the lost cost end.
And you have the Vargo Ti-Arc and others like Seek Outside on the high end. You pay even more for the SO, but at least you get the load ratings you'd expect from an external frame pack.

I would love to find a good hunting pack that had the load handling of the Seek Outside at a lower price point, Nearly $400 or more is more than I've ever spent on a single piece of gear. If anyone knows of an option that could satisfy this niche, I'd love to know about it.

EDIT: I guess I should have clarified my thread hijack, I'd be looking for an external frame with ~100lb max load or more (When hunting the goal is to leave with much more than you came with.)

Hmmm….Exped Lightning 60L for instance, weighs less, costs less, and carries more. So does the Lightning 45 for that matter.

REI Flash 45… Carries more, weighs 2 lbs, and costs $63 at REI right now!

A new 2014 Osprey EXOS 58 (size Large) is 61 liters, carries up to 40 lbs and is COMFORTABLE!

Plus it's lighter and costs much less.

External frame packs that will carry 100+ lbs. are great for carrying out elk quarters but not much else.

External frames hang up on overhead branches, break at the joints if a loaded pack is dropped on one corner, and do NOT flex with the wearer's body.

The main exception to these drawbacks are the Seek Outside Utralight external frame packs. Now THERE is a truly innovative external frame pack that is also modular.

Eric,
That's exactly why I have been looking at some of the external frame options. I have two Osprey Packs that I love and are super comfortable. But I plan to do more backpack based hunting here in NM in the future. Packing out deer and elk quarters would be much easier, cleaner, and more comfortable with a good external frame. I just can't justify the $400+ prices that Kifaru and Seek Outside are charging and New items like the Ti-Arc just don't cut the mustard.

Last Years Thread