Frame pack / freighter frame

[lamrith]

Continuing to grab gear and work on getting my 1st elk down. I am looking at economy frame packs so that when I get lucky I have something to haul the qtrs out with.

I was looking at a frame by Alps, love everything about it EXCEPT it does not have load leveler straps for the shoulders. From the little I have researched, this seems to be almost a required feature to get the weight set properly over your hips and not falling back?
http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/spor ... /cat100861

Then I found this other frame, it is less $ but does have the leveling straps, but none of the other nice features of hte alps with extra pockets, strapping..
http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/spor ... /cat100861

I guess my questions is, are the strap really that good to have to outweigh the lot features? I could maybe buy other items up upgrade the rustic pack to have those same abilities?

If not any recommendations on sub $100 frame packs? Super budget this year, just need something to work decent for a year or two and then keep in rig for people in camp/field that help or need help hauling out.

[Indian Summer]

The levelers are a must. Everyone's body and torso size is different and it's important to have the load sitting at the right position for you.

Remember that when you put the pack on in the store it will be NOTHING like it will when you load it down with the dead weight of elk quarters.

[lamrith]

Thanks Indian! I researched the alps some more and the attachment for the shoulder is adjustable vertically to act as leveler, however then not have shoulders to take any weight.

But I think supposed to carry the weight on his not shoulders anyway?

[redtop]

The Kelty Cache hauler is not much more than $100 and will last for many years. It's a bargain and carries a heavy load very well.

[idahoghost]

+1 on the Kelty

[AZ Vince]

+2 on the Kelty.

[one_elk]

I used my Kelty Cache Hauler for the first time and I really liked it, easy to load and carry's well....

[AZ Vince]

The only reason I'm not using a Kelty Cache Hauler these days is because I landed a Kuiu Icon 5200 pack really cheap. Otherwise I'd be using the Cache Hauler still.

[lamrith]

Doh! you guys are all a day late, I grabbed the Alps, hard to pass up @ $59.99

Typical my impatience bites me, maybe if I had not bought it I would have gotten an elk Tues? Figure if unprepared would have needed it, since I had it, not need it. Just like Raingear!