In my article on purchasing a pack for backpack hunting, I promised a deep dive into the Stone Glacier Sky 7400.
Article was originally published on Rokslide.com in 2015. I have updated the article to include recent data and information (Jan 14, 2017)
Stone Glacier’s Sky 7400 w/ Krux Frame
Since 2006 I have cycled through several packs trying to find a balance of durability, load carrying capability, and most importantly fit. Each “upgrade” helped me move closer to what I was looking for, but I never could find the perfect combo. My trouble with packs is that when I get much over 50lbs in them they start to sag off my waist, primarily at the small of my back. I have to constantly tighten the waist belt and it’s a nagging issue that I have dealt with over the years.
Convinced this issue could be at least mitigated, I began to look around at different packs. Several things pointed me to Stone Glacier, the chief being the light weight and configuration options. As an Alaskan sheep hunter weight is always a key component of gear decisions and the Sky 7400 is incredibly light considering its size, durability, and capability.
In early 2014 reached out to Kurt Racicot at Stone Glacier with some questions. I had read about his packs on Rokslide wanted to know more. Within a few weeks we were able to meet up; and a Sky 7400, with the three piece waist belt, was in hand. I utilize sandbags when I want to test heavy weight and frustratingly, it too would not stay up on my waist once I threw a heavy load on. I spoke with Kurt about my issue. He appreciated the feedback, told me hang with him, and sent out some extra padding to thicken the lumbar pad. This somewhat worked, but still did not solve my issue. Kurt was persistent in his efforts and sent me a few different lumbar pads to try out. Bam, one of those pads worked! Stone Glacier’s Sky 7400 was now fitting better than any pack I had worn or tested up to this point.
Another issue I had was related to the hip belt pulls. For guys in the sub 32” waist category the standard issue hip belt pulls can potentially twist and not work. Kurt worked with me to resolve the issue and sent me a pull with an extended tail that Velcros farther back into the waist belt. It’s been tested and proven to work as I utilized it for the last half of my 2014 pursuits. If you are in this category its worth checking with Kurt before ordering the standard pulls. I would like to see the pulls integrated into the belt somehow, but the longer pulls work and my issue is now solved. For 2015 Kurt has redesigned the material on his standard pulls to reduce the twisting.
My one real complaint with the Sky 7400 was the chest strap. It would twist or slightly come off the sliders if I was not careful with it. I’m not sure how this could be improved, and I was able to overcome the issues, it just required me to pay attention and fiddle with it more than I wanted to.
As an FYI, the 2017 Xcurve Frame should eliminate many of the issues I experienced, see comments further down.
While it took some effort get my Stone Glacier dialed in I was impressed that Kurt did not view my fit struggles as a frustration, but rather a challenge and learning opportunity for Stone Glacier. He persistently provided info, tweaked things, and really worked hard to help me get my pack dialled in.
I utilized my Sky 7400 on my 2014 Sheep Hunt and on my 2014 Raspberry Island support trip. Between those two adventures and summer hiking trips I had 30+ days and well over 100 miles under the pack straps. In addition I use the pack a few times a month as part of my workout routine. I have carried loads from as light as 20lbs to as heavy as 70lbs+ and the pack meets my expectations. So much so it was an integral part of 2015’s Sheep Hunt.
Full Packs on a Sheep Hunt
The lid highlights the versatility the Sky offers as the pack is easy to use with or without the lid. When the pack is not full it easily compressed down and can be run in a streamlined mode, without the lid. I typically throw the lid inside the pack as I keep certain items in the lid pocket. It makes for a convenient pull out bag. Once you get the hang out if it’s pretty simple to take the lid on and off as needed. If you want to cut weight the pack works fine without the lid.
SG Sky 7400 without Lid
One of my favorite features is the load shelf concept and I hope to utilize it for hauling both game and pac rafts in future pursuits. I like the idea of separating meat from gear. So far all I have hauled in the load shelf is sandbags, but they rode well and the shelf appears to work as claimed. For an overview of the Stone Glacier Load Shelf System I highly suggest you read Kurt’s article here: https://www.stoneglacier.com/load-shelf-1
My Stone Glacier Sky 7400 is set up as follows:
Custom Lumbar Pad on the 3 piece waist belt
Extended Hip Belt Pulls
1 Hydro Holster
1 Hip Pocket
2 Camp Pockets
1 Load Cell Dry Bag
1 Weapon Sling
1 Set of the Sky Top Compression Straps
*For Stone Glaciers Accessories please follow the below link:
http://www.stoneglacier.com/accessories/
I really like the camp pockets and they replaced a few smaller stuff sacks I had been using. The beauty of the camp pocket is the ability to secure it inside of the Stone Glacier and its translucent color makes identification of contents a breeze! It’s also simple to remove if needed. I packed my first aid kit in one for easy identification!
When setting up the pack I took Kurt’s advice and ditched the hydration bladder I had been using. I utilized a combination of a 20oz Camelbak bottle and two 1 Liter collapsible Vapur bottles. This combined with the hydro holster was the ideal setup for me. It saved me the hassle of a water bladder, yet provided the easy access I was looking for. I utilize the 20oz Camelbak in the Hydro Holster and keep it loaded with a hydration and recovery drink like the Wilderness Athlete Hydrate and Recover or energy boots like MTN OPS Yeti. (hence the odd colored water in the picture below)
Vapur Bottles on Raspberry
The Stone Glacier Sky 7400 took some work to fit me, but it is now the perfect pack for how, where, and what I hunt. Kurt was great to work with and I can’t say enough about his patience and persistence to get my pack dialed in and tuned to me. For what is worth my sheep hunting partner became very interested in my pack and we had some good conversations about the differences between our packs during our sheep hunt. After hearing about how Kurt treated me, and seeing my pack in the field he ordered up a Sky 7400 himself.
With this said, the original Krux frame took some work to fit me. I believe that the process Kurt went through to adjust my pack, along with the feedback of numerous other hunters, has led to the next evolution in Stone Glacier’s history. The new 2017 Xcurve frame seems to resolve every minor little complaint and fitting struggle I had in my journey. I can not wait to try one out.
Tips:
If you are like me you typically grab the product and just start using it. Instructions, who needs them? Don’t be like me. Stone Glacier provides some great tips on how to set up and customize your pack. I HIGHLY recommend you check these out before you buy, and definitely before you slip under the shoulder straps.
http://www.stoneglacier.com/instructions/
Kurt, and the team at Stone Glacier, spent a lot of time putting these together and you owe it both to them, and yourself, to take some time and view them. They provide insight into the pack, design, accessories, and fit, that are key considerations, either as you debate pack options or are seeking to optimize your purchase.
Stone Glacier Sky 7400 Review
Sky 7400 in the Chugach
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