It’s not JUST the cost that is going to mean it packs weight better.

I have used badlands packs, REI frame packs, Mystery ranch frame packs, Oregon Packworks frame packs, Kifaru frame packs, KUIU frame packs, stone glacier frame packs, and Exo Mountain frame packs.

Hands down the best one I have used is the Exo K4 pack

Kifaru is a very close second

Lots of the packs are going to feel very similar wirh 25-35 pounds. When you start packing over 45 pounds you will start to see some difference. At 60 pounds you really narrow down the ones that will still be comfortable for any amount of time. 65 pounds and up The exo and Kifaru are the only ones I have tried that are still going to be comfortable.

The amount of weight you plan to pack, and for how long could help narrow down what might be the best bang for your buck on a pack.

 

My current go-to is a Mystery Ranch Popup 38. It is a daypack and meat-hauling system combined. It has what they call load lifter technology, which puts weight more on the hips and less on the shoulders. I have used it to comfortably pack out several deer, including one (a blacktail doe) whole-guts and all (to gut it out somewhere besides right in front of a blind). It is much more comfortable for 50+pound loads than my prior Cabelas freighter frame, plus my day pack and pack board are the same rig. Plus they come in different sizes for different sized hunters. I paid less than $400 for it 3 or 4 years ago. I would 100% buy one again.

 

I went from using a backpacking Gregory 55L pack to an Exo K3 and it is night and day difference... granted the Gregory pack is meant for lightweight backpacking... but I'll share my experience anyway.

How far do you pack? If you're packing 200 yards once a year, then I wouldn't worry about spending the extra dough. I help my friends pack their bears out, I pack my bears out of steep coastal canyons, I help my wife pack out her deer, and I sometimes I am lucky enough to pack out an elk. I'd say my pack is worth every one of the $600 I spent for it. It handles the load great, no pressure points, enough straps to securely tighten down the squishy bags of meat, etc. Will a cheaper pack get the job done? Sure. You gonna actually use your pack more than once a year for a deer shot from a road? My wife's buck was 3 mile pack out in the pouring rain with no trail or road and I didn't have to worry one bit about my backpack.

Hope this helps.

 

Weight is weight, how much does one pack frame very over another?

There are frames from under $100 to well over $500. Does an expensive frame really handle the weight that much better?

I've done all my packing using an older Coleman freighter frame. Replaced shoulder and hip belt to ones with better padding, but that's it. Are the newer frames really worth the money?

Thanks for your insights!

 

Weight is weight, how much does one pack frame very over another?

There are frames from under $100 to well over $500. Does an expensive frame really handle the weight that much better?

I've done all my packing using an older Coleman freighter frame. Replaced shoulder and hip belt to ones with better padding, but that's it. Are the newer frames really worth the money?

Thanks for your insights!

can no lomgrer pack come by my house and i will let you have a frieighter pack free

 

From packing heavy loads, make sure that your chosen pack frame can quickly switch the load weight from shoulders to hips.
Or split between the two.

 

Used to pack 80 to 100 pounds of elk from 1 to 3 miles. I’m older, so likely can’t handle that weight. But if a new pack makes the task easier, maybe I could do 60+ pounds. So I’ve been reading, searching and checking sales. It helps knowing real life experiences from others, so thanks for sharing your insights!

The new pack will be used on a roadless elk hunt. I’ll need a good pack when the bull drops.

 

It's more important that they have the standard adjustments, are made with quality materials and fit you than brand. That is, if you aren't going for the absolute cheapest brands. Maybe those will work, but it ,would be a good idea to find a lot of recommendations if you decide to do that.

You can find most brands on sale from time to time. I haven't packed any game out with it, but I bought a Mystery Ranch Popup as well. I like the features, but like I said, I haven't used it to haul game yet.

 

I have the MR Pop Up 28 and hauled a few critters on it. I like it, but had the extensions freeze up on me last year when the temps were in the teens. And the internal space is not optimal depending on the length of the day hike and the temperature variation through out the hunt. I upgraded to a Metcalf this past year. I like that I can take the bag off and just do the 'back strap' option with the frame, for packin' loads only.

The Pop Up 40 that was just released might be a good middle ground.

I have one of the old pack-frames with a padded belt. I used to leave it in the truck for a spare if someone needed to help haul meat with it, but I probably need to sell it or give it away.

 

I did my initial pack out of my last year's bull with my Exo K3 frame. Wasn't too bad but I didn't realize how much it was hurting me until I used my Alaskan Pack Frame for the 2nd trip out. The Alaskan handled the load much, much better than the Exo frame, but I still really like the Exo as my hunting pack. In my mind there is not subsitute for a designated pack frame but everyone is different.

That being said I have an Exo K4 on the way......we'll see how it does this year.

 

Reading this reminds me, I have a couple generic pack frames I need to get rid of. My days of packing heavy loads is over. The last time I put a whole deer over my shoulder I told my buddy to NEVER, EVER let me do that again. The sad part is that it was a nice 3 point Blacktail with the head and hide removed. It ended weighing just over 100 pounds hanging. It took me weeks to heal.
As I read this I think about the wooden pack frame my dad used for decades. That packboard moved a lot of meat!
It sounds like $500 pack boards might be worth it, especially if you are packing any distance. Just be sure the pack matches your outfit............... friendly KIDDING AROUND!!!!!

Stay cool!!!

 

Just be sure the pack matches your outfit.

Well this is actually the most important factor to consider when buying a higher end pack! Gotta look good for them elks...

 

Almost all modern day packs are capable of a first load .Second trip etc.Something like the F1 , wide padded shoulder and hip Belts and Shelf.Maybe a cap bag for essentials and emergency items in case an overnight stay for some reason.The Bare frames will still weigh as much as the Bagged packs but support the load better ,which will make your haul easier on you .

 

Just ordered the K5, should be the cat’s meow.

 

The best pack frame is the one your buddy is wearing

 

Nope. It straps to my horse. Kind of uncomfortable to ride on. But really nice once u get one down

 

OP, are you talking about do-it-all hunting packs, or external frame meat haulers?

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Dedicated pack or frame for hauling meat. I don't expect a hunting pack to haul heavy loads. For me, both packs serve a different purpose. I realize there's so much cross over in packs these days, but I'm really not looking for a do it all pack. As I don't expect to haul everything in one pack.

I looked at the Exo site, didn't see a K5 pack, only K3 and K4.

Is the Alaskan Pack Frame a modified freighter frame? Looks similar to a frame by Cabela's.

 

Just Do It

 

Check out ”BullPacs” for one of the very best

 

I like having a do-all pack, day pack with a meat shelf or hauling ability. Back in the day, we'd get something down and someone or everyone would have to run to camp to grab game bags and frames. If you're over a mile in, in steep country, that could be a pain. Now, it's nice that when we get something down, we can start processing right away and get it out in one trip (or 2).

I can see the benefits of doing it either way. We ran around with very light day packs or hip sacks, which kept us cooler and less fatigued. And having dedicated meat frames, you don't get your daypack covered with blood.

 

Yes, sounds exactly like our trips. Light loads for hunting, then back to camp for heavier frames.

So I've already upgraded to a Mystery Ranch Pop-up 38 pack. I'll carry this as a hunting pack, as long as it's not to heavy, to noisy or cumbersome. So for an initial pack-out, I'll bring a load to camp. Once at camp, I'd like to switch to a different frame for hauling more loads. Question is, what frame/pack will work better? Or would people keep using the Pop-up 38?

I can see both sides of this.... as the 38 already has survival gear, first aid and hydration ready to go. Just throw in some more game bags, food, water and off I'd go for another load. Even with another person, I usually haul at least 2 loads to camp.

So maybe use what I've got, buy another frame either as a back-up or to finish the job. If I knew the Mystery Ranch can handle the job, maybe I'll stop looking. Maybe!

 

I have a Mystery Ranch Popup 38 and love it for a hunting pack but I haven't hauled any meat in it yet. My buddy that recommended it to me has hauled elk quarters with it numerous times and swears by it. I hope to find out first hand this September.

PS:
I keep my meat hauler frame in the cross bed toolbox in my pickup so I can switch them out at the truck instead of driving all the way back to camp.

 

I have this pack and its been great.

 

I use a kifaru, I’ve packed a couple tons of meat with it over the last 8 years, works great. That being said, I’ve packed with a stone glacier too with no complaints. That being said, there’s nothing that packs better than a good frame like a Barney’s imho, they just suck to hunt in.


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Kifaru's are nice! The side pockets for the solo cups is a great feature.

 

I love my Exo- it handles extreme weights well but is comfortable for carrying around while hunting. It’s very nice to not have to come out for a packboard to haul your first major load of meat.

Once I am out, I use a Badlands Ox. It probably does about an equivalent job with the heavy loads. But it’s much easier to load it up and the straps and bands are all heavier duty. You can get the new carbon version for not that much money. I don’t care when it gets all bloody and dirty. It’s meant for hauling meat and it’s hauled a bunch.

 

Of the framed meat haulers I've tried the SJK Rail Hauler was the best. Really comfortable with a heavy load. YMMV.

 

I have a KUIU Pro 6000. I’ve used it on two elk and a deer. I like that despite the fact that it’s a 6000 I can easily strap it down it down to where it is comfortable to day hunt with. And when the time comes I can expand it to take a load of meat no problems. I find with a heavy load I can get pretty comfortable.

I will admit I’m a bit of a Kuiu fanboy so take it for what it’s worth. I avoid Kuiu.com these days and my credit card is a lot happier

 

I have a KUIU Pro 6000. I’ve used it on two elk and a deer. I like that despite the fact that it’s a 6000 I can easily strap it down it down to where it is comfortable to day hunt with. And when the time comes I can expand it to take a load of meat no problems. I find with a heavy load I can get pretty comfortable.

I will admit I’m a bit of a Kuiu fanboy so take it for what it’s worth. I avoid Kuiu.com these days and my credit card is a lot happier

In same boat. It seems like my 1000 points build so fast every few months.
It was not a long hike but my 3600 pro with XLT frame had way more than 130 lb limit advised by kuiu...and there was still some hunting gear in front 2 big zippers. The straps cinched 4 meat bags good. I put the larger ones outside between frame and bag. And small bahs strapped inside. Thise straps are amazing. They won't let meat wiggle or disbalance once cinched.

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a good pack isn’t just about a strong frame, it’s got suspension that actually works for you - hip belt, adjustable load lifters, that allow you to take load off your shoulders and a belt that doesn’t slip.

This will by my 10th year with my kifaru. I don’t use a daypack with a separate “hauler” to me that makes no sense at all. my kifaru is lighter than my badlands 2200 I was using back in the day. And the bagis nearly 3x the size. Bag cinches down pretty flat in “daypack” mode.

 

Good packs are worth the cost. I have used pack frames but my exo mountain gear k3 4800 is the most comfortable pack I have carried heavy loads with and it works great in All situations including an empty day pack. Bringing two packs on a hunt is a serious waste of time and energy.