Backpacks and Duffels

Stone Glacier is in Bozeman, Montana, and was recently named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States. According to the 2019 Inc. 5000 list, Stone Glacier sits at spot #1199 with growth of 345% over the past three years. That’s not only serious growth with about seven to ten employees making it happen every day, but also some serious recognition that is well deserved – congrats Stone Glacier!

The company makes packs (backpacks and duffels), apparel, sleeping bags, tents, and other gear and lifestyle products. And although they put out a wide array of products, this post is exclusively focused on their bread and butter – packs – that are all Made in America. About 80% of Stone Glacier sales are derived from their packs and pack accessories.

Photo: Stone Glacier

If you’re looking for a hunting pack, you are absolutely in the right place. Yet, Stone Glacier packs are way more versatile than just being hunting packs. So, whether you’re looking for a hiking day pack, a pack for a few powder laps or a climbing trip, or just need a versatile pack to carry your stuff, Stone Glacier has you covered.

Started Out of Necessity

To meet the demanding needs of the company’s founder and lead designer, Kurt Racicot, the “load shelf” was developed. At that time, it was a revolutionary design; today, it’s pretty much a standard for high-end hunting packs.

Our first backpack and frame design included a unique invention that we call the “Load Shelf”. This allows the pack to function as a hybrid of an internal frame and external frame design so the user can expand the pack off the frame and pack meat or gear in between the pack bag and pack frame. – Stone Glacier

Photo: Stone Glacier

Because of this utilitarian design, Stone Glacier has developed a serious following among backcountry hunters who need to pack out heavy loads.

Packs for All Kinds of Uses

Packs

Stone Glacier has organized their packs into the following categories, but given the ability to match multiple frames with bags and attach some packs to others, the category lines do get blurred, albeit in a good way. What this really means is that customers can really dial in a pack that is suited to their exact needs and specifications for their intended use. The following is a quick glimpse summary and is not intended to be exhaustive.

  • Day Packs (external and internal frame options from 1700 to 3200 cubic inches) – these packs are smaller than those in the other two categories with options for a day hike, a day climbing/skiing, a day at the range (range bag), and any other use where a smaller bag may come in handy.

Photo: Stone Glacier

  • Multi-Day Packs (numerous sizes up to 5900 cubic inches) – this category includes the very light (2lb. 12oz.) Krux EVO Minimalist to the R3 and Sky 5900 packs.
  • Expedition Packs (6200 to 7900 cubic inches) – this category is for those who are going to carry a lot of gear. These pack options are very well suited to hunters going deep on extended trips without the ability to get resupplied. Despite their max capacity, these packs remain versatile to meet your needs from a day hunt to 10+ days in the wilderness.
Frames

Stone Glacier has three frame options, each compatible with all Stone Glacier packs above. Each frame comes with three waist belt size options to ensure a great fit. The weight listed below is based on a medium belt.

And don’t forget the “load shelf,” which is integrated into each of these frames. Check out this video for details.

  • Xcurve Frame (3lb) – 150+ pound load rating; carbon fiber composite stays (new for 2019)
  • Krux EVO Frame (2lb. 7oz.) – 150+ pound load rating; straight carbon composite stays
  • R3 Frame (2lb. 14oz.) – 150+ pound load rating; straight carbon composite stays
Duffels

They also have two travel-ready duffel bags for all kinds of adventures, including getting to the mountains to hunt. They are made from waterproof and durable XPac material, and don’t have a rigid structure so they can be rolled up when not in use. They have a large internal pocket, a zippered storage pocket, and numerous ways to carry them. This includes shoulder straps with the Aquaguard YKK zipper at your back to ensure your contents are not easily accessible from behind when wearing it as a backpack – safety first!

  • STOL 4000 (cubic inches) – strategically sized for carry-on use
  • STOL 7000 (cubic inches) – strategically sized to the maximum checked baggage limit
Pack Accessories

Stone Glacier has a serious array of options in this category allowing additional customization of your pack. Note that not all accessories are listed below.

  • Small and large accessory pockets – great for holding your GPS, camera, rangefinders, etc. Easily attached to a hip belt via webbing (sold separately).
  • Access bag – can be added to any pack for additional volume with an interior spotting scope sized vertical pocket.
  • Spotting Scope Pocket – for, as you may have guessed, a spotting scope (angled and straight eyepiece versions), which can be attached to the side or back of any Stone Glacier pack.
  • Other accessories include the Hydro Holster (for water), Quick Release Sling (for a rifle), and a rain cover (to keep your gear dry).

Photo: Stone Glacier

Tell Me More About the Load Shelf

The “load shelf” is built into every Stone Glacier frame, which adds an additional 2,500 cubic inches of space to any Stone Glacier pack with one of the three frames sold. Stone Glacier also sells a Load Cell Dry Bag, compatible with all three frames, that is constructed with materials to ensure it is quiet and does not absorb a great deal of heat when packing out meat. The dry bag is sized to carry an entire boned sheep, mule deer, or an elk quarter.

The load shelf and dry bag combo combined with the load capacity of the frames is, as previously stated, what sets Stone Glacier apart.

Check out a video about the Load Cell Dry Bag and its integration into the load shelf HERE.

Made in America

Stone Glacier says it was important for them to manufacture their packs in the United States and they still do to this day. Moreover, they also source all pack materials in the United States, making their backpacks Berry Compliant. This is in reference to the Berry Amendment, which generally means that the Department of Defense must procure certain categories of goods that have been grown, reprocessed, reused or produced in the United States. There is more to it, but that’s the gist. Ask your Siri, Cortana, Alexa, or Google Assistant for more details 😊

Bozeman, Montana

Stone Glacier was started and remains in Bozeman because as they say, “this is where we live!”

We do all our sales, marketing, design, assembly, warehousing, and fulfillment right here out of our headquarters in Montana. This means all of our current, and future, growth has a direct impact on our local economy from job creation to fiscal economic stimulus. – Stone Glacier

And although Stone Glacier is absolutely crushing it, they are not immune to the challenges of making outdoor gear in America – challenges which are reiterated over and over on AmericanOutdoorGearHub.com. Namely, rising labor costs are a challenge. In addition, finding skilled industrial sewing laborers is also a chronic issue.

On the topic of Bozeman, be sure to check out AmericanOutdoorGearHub’s FHF Gear post for more information about Bozeman’s business community and it’s ever-emerging role as a hub of outdoor businesses in the Mountain West.

2% for Conservation

Not only is Stone Glacier making great packs that are Made in America and benefiting the economy, they are also a business member of 2% for Conservation, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to ensuring the long-term viability of the natural environment valued so highly by hunters and anglers.

What does this mean? Well, it means that Stone Glacier is part of a network of businesses helping spread the mission of conservation by encouraging fellow hunters and anglers to get off the sidelines and be actively involved in conservation. It also means that Stone Glacier volunteers 1% of their time to conservation and gives back 1% of its annual income to conservation. According to the Inc. 5000 list referenced above, Stone Glacier’s 2018 revenue was $2.6 Million, which means they are donating a great deal of hard-earned cash to the future. I think we can all raise a glass to that kind of commitment.

Get more info on 2% for Conservation HERE.

Thank You!

A big thanks to Jeff, Lyle, and the Stone Glacier team for being a part of American Outdoor Gear Hub!

Take a Load Off

  1. Check out Stone Glacier’s packs in more detail and make sure you’re properly outfitted for hunting season or that next scouting trip or ski/climbing trip HERE. If you want to buy a pack in person, look for a dealer near you HERE.
  2. Make sure to talk to the hunters in your life, and those really into great packs, about Stone Glacier.
  3. Stop by the Stone Glacier show room next time you’re in Bozeman and say hi.
  4. Come back to AmericanOutdoorGearHub.com’s The Goods every time you’re looking for new outdoor gear and support local gear makers with your wallet.
  5. Follow American Outdoor Gear Hub on Facebook and Instagram @americanoutdoorgearhub
  6. Get outside with your American-made gear, and SEND A PHOTO of it in action and we’ll feature it on social media.