Best Do-It-All Packs
Most hunters don't need a quiver of five packs. They need one that covers the majority of their hunting — from September scouting trips and day hunts to 3–5 day backcountry camps with a possible pack-out. These four packs span the 3,000–6,400 cubic inch range and represent the best options for hunters who want maximum versatility from a single pack investment.
The Shortlist
1. Stone Glacier Sky 5900
Stone Glacier · 5,900 cu in (97L) · 5 lbs 2 oz
The mid-volume sweet spot in Stone Glacier's lineup. Enough for a full week without excess weight.
2. Mystery Ranch Metcalf
Mystery Ranch · 75L (4,575 cu in) · 6 lbs 5 oz
The benchmark 75L load-hauling frame pack for Western backcountry hunters. Proven, comfortable, and overbuilt.
3. Stone Glacier Sky Archer 6400
Stone Glacier · 6,400 cu in (105L) · 5 lbs 6 oz
Stone Glacier's versatile mid-range hauler. Designed for the bowhunter who needs quick access and a solid frame.
4. Initial Ascent 3K
Initial Ascent · 3,000 cu in (49L) · 4 lbs 2 oz
A versatile 3,000 cubic inch daypack/overnight pack built on IA's proven carbon frame. Nimble, light, and tougher than it looks.
Comparison Table
| Pack | Volume | Weight | Frame | Load Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Glacier Sky 5900 | 5,900 cu in (97L) | 5 lbs 2 oz | Krux Frame | 80+ lbs | 3-7 day mountain hunts |
| Mystery Ranch Metcalf | 75L (4,575 cu in) | 6 lbs 5 oz | NICE Frame (Guide Light MT) | 100+ lbs | Multi-day elk & mule deer |
| Stone Glacier Sky Archer 6400 | 6,400 cu in (105L) | 5 lbs 6 oz | Krux Frame | 80+ lbs | Archery season multi-day hunts |
| Initial Ascent 3K | 3,000 cu in (49L) | 4 lbs 2 oz | Carbon fiber frame | 50-60 lbs | Day hunts & fast overnight trips |
How to Choose
The "do-it-all" pack question really comes down to what your most common hunt looks like. If 70% of your hunting is 3–5 day backcountry trips with occasional day hunts, a mid-volume pack in the 5,000–6,000ci range (like the Sky 5900 or Metcalf) makes the most sense. You can cinch it down for shorter trips and it has enough volume for moderate backcountry outings.
If most of your hunting is day hunts with occasional overnights, the Initial Ascent 3K at 3,000ci is a legitimate option. It's light enough for daily use and the carbon frame handles meat loads well for its size. The tradeoff is obvious — it runs out of space quickly on anything beyond a 2-day trip.
Weight tolerance matters here. If you're willing to carry an extra pound of pack weight for better load comfort, the Metcalf's NICE frame gives you the most comfortable carry across the widest range of loads. If you want to save weight and cover more ground, the Stone Glacier Krux frame packs shed over a pound while still handling 80+ pound loads.
One honest note: no single pack is truly optimal for everything. A pack that excels at day hunts will feel underpowered on a 7-day elk hunt, and a pack built for heavy hauling is overkill for a morning sit. The best "do-it-all" pack is the one that covers your most frequent use case well and handles the rest adequately.
Who Should Skip This Category
If you know exactly what kind of hunting you do and it doesn't vary much, buy the best pack for that specific job instead. A dedicated load hauler (like the Marshall or 8K) will always outperform a versatile mid-size pack when you're moving 100+ pounds. A dedicated day pack will always be lighter and more comfortable for short trips.
Hunters who already own a good day pack and want to add a backcountry pack should also skip this category and look at the multi-day elk pack comparison or load-hauling pack comparison instead. Building a two-pack system often covers more ground than forcing one pack to do everything.
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