Years ago, I enjoyed backpacking as well as being an avid hunter. Naturally, it wasn’t very long until these two passions combined. However, I found carrying heavy loads was not possible with a plastic internal framed pack. Searching for a solution, I switched to a inexpensive exterior frame pack. Unfortunately, while the external frame pack could carry the heavier loads, it weighed 11lbs empty and fit like a sheet of plywood. This lead to sore backs and miserable hikes.
Finally, in the fall of 2021 I decided to take the plung and buy a premium hunting pack. I wanted something lightweight, high quality, and with a meat shelf. Additionally, I knew from my backpacking experience that I preferred simple pack designs without a ton of zippers and pockets. My research led me to the Stone Glacier Sky 5900.
Specifications
The Stone Glacier Sky 5900 is a 96 litre main bag with a 40 litre capacity meat shelf. Essentially, this provides plenty of space for most common duration backpack hunts. Remarkably, the carbon fiber frame and pack together only weigh 5.5lbs. from a design aspect the pack is very simple, with a single compartment lid, one large main compartment, and a smaller jacket compartment with a front zip. However, the pack also comes with a shocking price tag of $963.60 CAD.
Philosophy of Use
Originally, I purchased the Stone Glacier Sky 5900 for multiday backpacking hunts in the 3-5 day range. While the pack certainly excels in this role, I was pleasantly surprised by its versatility. The Sky 5900 is quick to swap into bivvy mode by removing the top lid and works well as a day pack in its bivvy configuration.
Conversly, the Sky 5900 also could work well as an extended expedition pack. I was able to pack everything required for a 7-day solo mountain goat hunt without using the meat shelf at all. By putting some food in the meat shelf the pack would have served well on a 10-day backpack hunt. Nevertheless, the ability of the Sky 5900 on extended hunts will depend heavily on the packing style of the end user.
Performance Under Load
Over the past year, the Stone Glacier Sky 5900 has been put under various loads in a variety of circumstances. It has seen service as a 20lbs day pack right up to a 115 lbs mountain packout. One of the first things I noticed about the pack is its adjustability. The belt, torso length, strap length, and load lifters all had a wide range of adjustment and it was easy to get loads sitting properly. Coincidentally, this led to less strain on my shoulders and faster miles under weight than typical with backpacking style packs.
Additionally, the carbon fiber frame was much more comfortable than an exterior frame, while providing rigidity that an internal polymer frame cannot. Frankly, I am not an engineer so I cannot say with certainty why that is. However, I would postulate that it is likely because unlike an aluminium frame, carbon fiber naturally has some flex to it. Speculating, this may provide a more forgiving platform when covering rugged, uneven terrain. Regardless, I was impressed with the comfort while loaded down.
Drawbacks
In spite of this, the Stone Glacier Sky 5900 is not without its faults. Chief among my complaints is the attachment system for the top lid. Annoyingly, the lid is loose and has a tendency to fall off the side of the pack on an empty pack. Granted, the pack works well in bivvy mode without the lid. However, having the lid is convenient to have quick access to lighters, GPS’s and other small objects without digging through the main compartment.
My other complaint with the Stone Glacier is the lack of storage options for a water bottle. I am a staunch adherent to the superiority of water bottles over bladders. That said, water bottles need to be accessible. If Stone Glacier put an elastic top on the side pocket it would greatly improve water bottle accessibility. Eventually, an Outdoor Research Nalgene bottle holder solved my problem, but not until after several trips. Nothing is worse than contemplating if that sip of water is worth stopping, removing your pack, and rummaging through your gear for.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, the Sky 5900 is an exceptional do all hunting pack. It is incredibly lightweight, comfortable, and flexible in its use cases. It is particularely impressive for a pack to be able to quickly swap from a functional day pack to a hauling tool capable of grueling, heavy packouts. Apart from a few minor complaints, the only real downside to this pack is the price tag. On the other hand, considering the lifetime warranty offered by Stone Glacier I expect this pack to be a reliable workhorse for years to come.