Pack out gear
- Thread starter HAT897
- Start date
xphunter
Handloader
- Sep 15, 2005
- 1,217
- 2,179
Kifaru
clearwater
Handloader
- Feb 5, 2005
- 462
- 221
I have an REI 60 liter pack. It is a not the ultralight but weighs only 3 pounds. Fits a large mule deer quarter and carries well. I wear it while hunting. Also have an old Camp Trails pack frame when i need to go back in next day. Can put a couple of quarters on it.
Most hunting specialty packs weight 6+ pounds empty. Too old for that.
A lot of factors can go into this rabbit hole. First is how much are you willing to spend? Are you packing in for overnight, in the backcountry or just day hunting? Just for hauling meat out, or will you also have it as a pack for carrying everything (how much are you carrying with you while hunting if so).Are you average size or need potential customizable fit? Conciderations of made in USA?
Assuming it is just day type hunting for deer so do no need one of the big expedition type. It is nice to have a pack with a externial frame so that the load can be strapped tight and it doesn't shift around vs dropping inside of a bag, also the meat can be seperated from the rest of your stuff.
Pricing can range from around $100 to $700+
What I have
Kelty Freighter Frame, more of just a meat hauler, external metal frame pack, semi adjustable, and can haul as much as you are willing to strap on it and more, can strap a bag to it if wanted, a bit bulky. I would typicaly leave in the truck and use after the first trip back.
Mystery Ranch Mule & Pop-up, I use the mule and the pop-up gets used by my daughter or wife. great as a day hunt(or any other outdoor activity) pack to carry anything you might need for the day and still pack out loads of meat. Adjustable for different body sizes, more compact, still uses a frame that and the meat goes between the bag and frame so the load stays close to your back.
Stone Glacier Avail, more of yor standard hiking type day pack but much more adjustable, some internal support. I just got it this year and it is what I plan to use for hiking, scouting, or when I am not planning on packing out. Lighter than the MR's, made in the USA
There are others out there that make quality packs, SG and MR are both are based here in town so thats what I lean towards. There are some great reviews of packs out there that compare the different brands(gohunt comes to mind).
I'll try and add some photos later
The MR mule is 23L, popup 18L both old models no longer made. SG is 36L.
Daughter had a front quarter(maybe both) and head of her antelope last year
Assuming it is just day type hunting for deer so do no need one of the big expedition type. It is nice to have a pack with a externial frame so that the load can be strapped tight and it doesn't shift around vs dropping inside of a bag, also the meat can be seperated from the rest of your stuff.
Pricing can range from around $100 to $700+
What I have
Kelty Freighter Frame, more of just a meat hauler, external metal frame pack, semi adjustable, and can haul as much as you are willing to strap on it and more, can strap a bag to it if wanted, a bit bulky. I would typicaly leave in the truck and use after the first trip back.
Mystery Ranch Mule & Pop-up, I use the mule and the pop-up gets used by my daughter or wife. great as a day hunt(or any other outdoor activity) pack to carry anything you might need for the day and still pack out loads of meat. Adjustable for different body sizes, more compact, still uses a frame that and the meat goes between the bag and frame so the load stays close to your back.
Stone Glacier Avail, more of yor standard hiking type day pack but much more adjustable, some internal support. I just got it this year and it is what I plan to use for hiking, scouting, or when I am not planning on packing out. Lighter than the MR's, made in the USA
There are others out there that make quality packs, SG and MR are both are based here in town so thats what I lean towards. There are some great reviews of packs out there that compare the different brands(gohunt comes to mind).
I'll try and add some photos later
The MR mule is 23L, popup 18L both old models no longer made. SG is 36L.
Daughter had a front quarter(maybe both) and head of her antelope last year
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jjs405
Beginner
- Dec 24, 2017
- 156
- 79
About 25-30 years ago I bought a pack & frame from REI, took off the pack & never used it, I made a rope net & have used this setup to haul out elk for the past few decades. Absolutely no complaints about the frame; it's held up flawlessly to the use & abuse without issue. It's not pretty, does not have a fancy name attached to it; it just works. When I was younger I packed out elk quarters, bone in, stuffed in home made game bags & the homemade net works great holding it securely. As I'm a bit older now I take the time to debone & stuff it into homemade game bags.
I do have lots of other packs from Sitka, Arc'teryx, Eberlestock, Stone Glacier, etc ... But this has been my go to for packing out.
(Disclaimer .. I may try & switch to the Stone Glacier next year - we'll see).
In short - since the deer should be a quick & easy pack out I'd try to low-ball an aluminum frame set up to see how it works for you. After that you can decide if you want to spend lots extra on a fancier set-up.
Just my 2 cents & what's worked for me.
Pic of my setup - excuse the dirt/blood, have not had time to clean it up from this years hunt.
salmonchaser
Handloader
- Dec 13, 2013
- 4,974
- 4,911
I hunt with a mystery ranch day pack, handles an elk front ok. When I go back in I use my bull pack frame. Had it 20 years probably packed 40 elk on it. No longer do I carry two rear quarters but it will handle that kind of load.
Got both with me on this trip but I hope my guide carries the rear quarters.
Got both with me on this trip but I hope my guide carries the rear quarters.
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