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Posted: 1/19/2018 5:12:02 PM EDT
[#1]
The old school stuff like aluminum external frames have been losing popularity to the newer internal frames. They would work fine, and are a lot cheaper.
The offerings from places like kifaru, Kuiu, mystery ranch, etc are really nice. The entry fee is $$$. But they work as a day pack, then allow a quarter to be put in via a sling load system. This is a Kuiu.  Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 1/19/2018 8:18:04 PM EDT
[#2]
Good stuff here for packing out heavy.
Exo Mountain Gear |
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Posted: 1/20/2018 1:47:12 AM EDT
[#3]
Along with good equipment, you'll benefit immensely from good technique. There's no benefit to packing out unboned "quarters" of big-game carcasses --- butcher and bone in the field, and save the fuss, mess, bother, and packing weight of unusable bones, etc., and avoid dealing with blood and guts. Even a big bull elk is handily reduced to manageable portions by boning it from the outside in. The best you-tube videos I've seen which illustrate the technique are those of the Japanese heart surgeon/deer hunter/knife collector using the nom de theatre "virtuovice".
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Posted: 1/20/2018 11:44:53 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The old school stuff like aluminum external frames have been losing popularity to the newer internal frames. They would work fine, and are a lot cheaper. The offerings from places like kifaru, Kuiu, mystery ranch, etc are really nice. The entry fee is $$$. But they work as a day pack, then allow a quarter to be put in via a sling load system. This is a Kuiu. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/857/70DDBA5A-3064-4342-AC3D-A09D69DF800A-425543.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/857/1B2F6199-AEAD-4AD3-A8D6-AA712309B9B9-425544.JPG |
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Posted: 1/20/2018 4:04:47 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I’ve been looking at all of the ones you mentioned. If I can skip the external frame and save the 3-4lbs of an external frame that would be great. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
The old school stuff like aluminum external frames have been losing popularity to the newer internal frames. They would work fine, and are a lot cheaper. The offerings from places like kifaru, Kuiu, mystery ranch, etc are really nice. The entry fee is $$$. But they work as a day pack, then allow a quarter to be put in via a sling load system. This is a Kuiu. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/857/70DDBA5A-3064-4342-AC3D-A09D69DF800A-425543.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/857/1B2F6199-AEAD-4AD3-A8D6-AA712309B9B9-425544.JPG Plenty of similar choices. I wanted a kifaru, but $$$$$. |
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Posted: 1/21/2018 12:57:02 AM EDT
[#6]
It depends on if you are doing archery or rifle and how close to a basecamp you are. My buddy has kifaru and loves it, but I still use a generic daypack. The backstraps and tenderloins go out in the first load then I grab my 20 year old aluminum frame pack to get the other 4 qiarters. I believe my buddy paid $800 for the frame and pack he uses.
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Posted: 1/22/2018 9:17:15 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It depends on if you are doing archery or rifle and how close to a basecamp you are. My buddy has kifaru and loves it, but I still use a generic daypack. The backstraps and tenderloins go out in the first load then I grab my 20 year old aluminum frame pack to get the other 4 qiarters. I believe my buddy paid $800 for the frame and pack he uses. That just made me think of something else. I guess I should figure out whether it makes more sense to camp closer to the truck and cover the miles while hunting or camp further in and hunt closer to camp. |
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Posted: 1/22/2018 9:25:34 AM EDT
[#8]
Ive been using an internal frame for 7yrs. All you really need is something that has a large opening (if internal frame) and that can carry a lot of weight easily (relative).
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Posted: 1/22/2018 9:58:58 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Ive been using an internal frame for 7yrs. All you really need is something that has a large opening (if internal frame) and that can carry a lot of weight easily (relative).  Attached File |
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Posted: 1/22/2018 11:39:06 AM EDT
[#10]
Cool. So it sounds like I can save the $200 and 4lbs. Would it be any help to get a pack that can use an external frame, haul the pack without the frame for my daily hunts, and use the frame with a small pack to haul the meat out? If that isn't something that would be helpful, I'll skip the frame all together.
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Posted: 1/22/2018 12:02:00 PM EDT
[#11]
Just a day hunter here - we hunt with day packs and keep pack frames and a game cart in camp or in the truck. My pack frame is a kelty frame with a hydration bladder pocket and a lower shelf that folds out - specifically built to pack out animal parts. Getting an elk out on foot is going to take several trips any way you do it. If you get an animal down, take care of it - take out what you can in your day pack, get the game cart and pack frame and head back out.
I don't like hunting with the frame - bulky and catches on branches (i.e. noisy), interferes (to a degree) with mounting your rifle. This is the frame I use:  Attached File |
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Posted: 1/22/2018 12:57:04 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I plan on hunting with a rifle for my first few hunts just to give me a better chance at success while I'm learning the basics. I don't know how far from basecamp I'll be, but I don't have a problem with covering the miles to get away from everyone else. That just made me think of something else. I guess I should figure out whether it makes more sense to camp closer to the truck and cover the miles while hunting or camp further in and hunt closer to camp. Walking in 5 miles in the morning and out again in the evening every day sucks. To maximize prime hunting time, you'll be hiking in and out in the dark which makes it suck even more. Much better to setup a low footprint camp in the vicinity of where you want to hunt. Keep it tidy and hidden so as not to disturb the elk. As for a pack, the newer internal frame options are really nice but expensive. Another option is to get a frame hauler like the Kelty above and use it to pack in your day pack and camping gear, then ground everything at your spike camp and just carry your day pack while hunting. If you don't have horses and road access isn't very good, keep distance in mind while hunting elk. It's not that difficult to hike in 10 miles from the nearest trailhead when your fresh and have elk on the mind. 4-6 twnety mile round trips to pack an elk out is a different story. It's personal preference but I don't like boning out quarters in the field. I'll take the weight penalty for the ease of handling a bone in quarter. In fact, I like taking my animals out in tact (but field dressed) whenever possible. That's very rarely an option with something the size of an elk though. |
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Posted: 1/22/2018 5:39:56 PM EDT
[#13]
Get some game bags too op. No matter what pack you get, they will help keep everything cleaner. Even Big pillow cases work.
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Posted: 2/10/2018 10:45:16 PM EDT
[#14]
I use a Cabela's Alaskan frame with a day pack and a Kifaru Gunbearer. I can carry a whole deer out on it.
Attached FileMoney gets you a much better back that doesn't do anything this one doesn't. Kill kit, water, food, first aid/emergency, lighting/tech. Whichever direction you go having a solid setup will allow you to hunt all day and deal with animals once they are down. |
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Posted: 2/16/2018 8:33:06 PM EDT
[#15]
Mystery Ranch CrewCab
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Posted: 2/16/2018 8:45:55 PM EDT
[#16]
So have you made a list of all the gear you will need, OP?
A pack is just one piece, and an inexpensive option can do plenty of work. Footwear? Probably not a place for inexpensive options. Binoculars? Should spend some money. Rain gear? Better have some of that too, and Frogg Toggs probably won't work. Just wondering. You may have deeper pockets than I do. Our stuff gets better every year, but the first couple seasons it was pretty rough. |
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Posted: 2/19/2018 4:59:37 PM EDT
[#17]
I use the Eberlestock X2 pack. Works great on all day hunting in the back country and can be easily made to carry out a quarter after you make the shot.
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Posted: 2/19/2018 10:37:40 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
So have you made a list of all the gear you will need, OP? A pack is just one piece, and an inexpensive option can do plenty of work. Footwear? Probably not a place for inexpensive options. Binoculars? Should spend some money. Rain gear? Better have some of that too, and Frogg Toggs probably won't work. Just wondering. You may have deeper pockets than I do. Our stuff gets better every year, but the first couple seasons it was pretty rough. That being said, I carried an ALICE pack enough to know I want a good pack if I’m going to be hauling gear and a dead animal. You could do a lot of work with those old ruck sacks, but you pay for it. |
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Posted: 2/20/2018 12:34:28 PM EDT
[#19]
I got ya.
To answer your initial question, yes, modern internal frame packs are awesome. Cinch down for a day pack and are designed to carry more weight than you can. Just have to spend the money. I really like my setup, but there are options that are much nicer. I use FHF for my binocular, and a Kifaru Gunbearer. I can climb with both hands, glass anytime without having them swing around, and still be able to get my rifle out quickly. I highly recommend a similar setup regardless of which pack you carry. I am not a buy once cry once person. Taking the time to research your purchases ensures that the mid-level stuff you buy actually works is important. Have moved over a lot of miles in Keen Targhee boots. Not ideal for steep country, but a solid option for most low country hunts. Those and a pair of gaiters work well. While I would love to have a $500 pair of Schnees, that is just not happening. I guess the point I am making is that there are a lot of purchases to be made, and a bunch of less fancy, but solid options are out there. Most will not have a corresponding sticker for your truck. 
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Posted: 2/20/2018 12:43:56 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I got ya. To answer your initial question, yes, modern internal frame packs are awesome. Cinch down for a day pack and are designed to carry more weight than you can. Just have to spend the money. I really like my setup, but there are options that are much nicer. I use FHF for my binocular, and a Kifaru Gunbearer. I can climb with both hands, glass anytime without having them swing around, and still be able to get my rifle out quickly. I highly recommend a similar setup regardless of which pack you carry. I am not a buy once cry once person. Taking the time to research your purchases ensures that the mid-level stuff you buy actually works is important. Have moved over a lot of miles in Keen Targhee boots. Not ideal for steep country, but a solid option for most low country hunts. Those and a pair of gaiters work well. While I would love to have a $500 pair of Schnees, that is just not happening. I guess the point I am making is that there are a lot of purchases to be made, and a bunch of less fancy, but solid options are out there. Most will not have a corresponding sticker for your truck. |
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Posted: 2/20/2018 12:57:29 PM EDT
[#21]
They are primarily for water moving the other direction. Water follows gravity. When your pants and socks get wet it runs down into your boots which makes life suck.
I have spent my whole life in the woods. Really. And I am 48. Just started wearing gaiters last year and won't leave home without them. Even in the desert they provide protection from crap getting into your boots and laces. They really are an awesome tool. I have a low pair from Cabela's and a tall pair from some mountaineering outfit. Just overall protection and support in a really critical area. |
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Posted: 2/20/2018 1:29:10 PM EDT
[#22]
Gaiters always for me , unless it is really warm and dry.
I learned the hard way, gore Tex boots full of water from walking thru knee deep wet grass. |
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Posted: 2/20/2018 2:33:27 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
They are primarily for water moving the other direction. Water follows gravity. When your pants and socks get wet it runs down into your boots which makes life suck. I have spent my whole life in the woods. Really. And I am 48. Just started wearing gaiters last year and won't leave home without them. Even in the desert they provide protection from crap getting into your boots and laces. They really are an awesome tool. I have a low pair from Cabela's and a tall pair from some mountaineering outfit. Just overall protection and support in a really critical area. |
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Posted: 2/20/2018 2:41:30 PM EDT
[#24]
Gaiters are for snow and wet grass. Wet grass soaking your pants and the tops of your socks will drench the inside of a pair of gortex boots faster than falling in a creek.
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Posted: 2/26/2018 3:08:19 PM EDT
[#25]
https://player.fm/series/the-western-bowhunter-podcast/wbh-ep-58-gear-and-public-lands
Here is a great podcast on gear and mentality. Putting off hunting to buy a $500 pack, matching clothes, and expensive boots is nonsense. Hunt. This year. Deer or antelope to start. What you learn by going and doing far outweighs anything else. |
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Posted: 2/26/2018 5:50:54 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
https://player.fm/series/the-western-bowhunter-podcast/wbh-ep-58-gear-and-public-lands Here is a great podcast on gear and mentality. Putting off hunting to buy a $500 pack, matching clothes, and expensive boots is nonsense. Hunt. This year. Deer or antelope to start. What you learn by going and doing far outweighs anything else.
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Posted: 6/29/2018 4:03:15 PM EDT
[#27]
Am I understanding this correctly; you want to pack out your elk meat on a backpack?
You’re looking at probably 500-800 lbs of meat? |
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Posted: 6/29/2018 6:12:10 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Am I understanding this correctly; you want to pack out your elk meat on a backpack? You’re looking at probably 500-800 lbs of meat? The trips got postponed anyway. In the last 6 months I’ve torn my calf muscle, had a severe ankle sprain, and messed up my shoulder. I haven’t been able to train like I wanted. |
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Posted: 6/29/2018 7:23:15 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Am I understanding this correctly; you want to pack out your elk meat on a backpack? You’re looking at probably 500-800 lbs of meat? |
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Posted: 6/29/2018 8:26:41 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I was under the impression that’s how it’s done out there. I’m sure it would be easier with multiple people, but I’ve heard of people doing it solo. The trips got postponed anyway. In the last 6 months I’ve torn my calf muscle, had a severe ankle sprain, and messed up my shoulder. I haven’t been able to train like I wanted. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Am I understanding this correctly; you want to pack out your elk meat on a backpack? You’re looking at probably 500-800 lbs of meat? The trips got postponed anyway. In the last 6 months I’ve torn my calf muscle, had a severe ankle sprain, and messed up my shoulder. I haven’t been able to train like I wanted. You guys are some pretty tough hombres I guess. |
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Posted: 6/29/2018 9:03:58 PM EDT
[#31]
We use plastic sleds when there is snow, and a trail.
The deer cart things suck mostly. Often we are far enough off trail, a pack is it. This is your best case scenario.  Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 6/29/2018 9:33:47 PM EDT
[#32]
This is what I'm using for a pack have 48lbs of wool blankets and sledge hammer heads in it for summer workouts. When there is snow I pull it out on a sled.
https://m.ebay.com/itm/US-Military-Molle-ACU-Large-Ruck-sack-Field-Pack-Complete-w-Frame-Pouches-VGC-/371976013996 |
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Posted: 7/2/2018 3:52:15 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This is what I'm using for a pack have 48lbs of wool blankets and sledge hammer heads in it for summer workouts. When there is snow I pull it out on a sled. https://m.ebay.com/itm/US-Military-Molle-ACU-Large-Ruck-sack-Field-Pack-Complete-w-Frame-Pouches-VGC-/371976013996 |
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Posted: 7/2/2018 8:26:41 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Too funny. Bought one of these off Craigslist this summer for $25. Added a Kifaru Cargo Panel to the frame and a couple bags. Should work really well. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
This is what I'm using for a pack have 48lbs of wool blankets and sledge hammer heads in it for summer workouts. When there is snow I pull it out on a sled. https://m.ebay.com/itm/US-Military-Molle-ACU-Large-Ruck-sack-Field-Pack-Complete-w-Frame-Pouches-VGC-/371976013996 |
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Posted: 7/3/2018 12:17:43 AM EDT
[#35]
I have two frame packs and two internal frame packs. If you are experienced in loading a heavy pack a good internal frame pack can carry as well as or better than a frame pack. A frame pack has the advantage of being able to haul unusual loads. But even at that if you are going to carry a 100lb load your pack needs to be properly designed. I have used external frame packs that sucked sweaty balls when they were loaded over 80lbs. Buy quality no matter which you choose or you will pay the price in the long run.
I would not shy away from a quality internal frame pack. The biggest advantage they offer is often carrying a load closer to your back. On a long haul that can really add up. |
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Posted: 7/3/2018 8:04:08 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I really like it I used the old style molle to pack a lot of elk out but I didn't like how it had the sleep system part separate so went to this |
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