Using my backpacking external frame pack for hunting

[CO_west]

I'm looking for a good load hauler for the next elk season here in Colorado, and I'm wondering if my external frame pack might work. It's a Kelty Trekker 3950 from 2008 - not designed to haul elk quarters like a Kelty Cache Hauler or the more fancy models from places like Mystery Ranch. It's worked great for heavy backpacking load, but I know a heavy backpacking load isn't exactly comparable to the loads hunters have to carry.

Still, I went to my local Sportsman's Warehouse and looked at the Cache Hauler, and it seemed almost identical to my Trekker, with the obvious exception of the shelf that folds out. The older (pre-2009ish) Kelty Trekkers were more robust than the new ones - the hipbelt looked to be the same as the Cache Hauler, although the stabilizing straps aren't quite as beefy. The way the belt attaches is the same. The same goes for the shoulder straps and load lifters. Identical. The pins that hold it all together looked different on the Cache Hauler - they were black, but I had no way of knowing if that means they're actually different. In any case, I'm sure I can get some Cache Hauler clevis pins from Kelty.

So what it comes down to (I guess) is the frame itself. I didn't have a ruler with me, but it looked to be about the same thickness. Different color, but beyond that I couldn't really tell. Is the frame on the Cache Hauler made of heavier/stronger stuff? Are the welds better? Am I missing something? I'd like to make my Trekker frame work for hunting. But it's still my go-to pack for a lot of trips, so I don't want to damage it if it's not up to task.

I know I asked some questions here that might be hard to answer, but if anyone has any insight, I'd appreciate it!

[Tim in Wa.]

I'm sure it will be adequate. Personally I'd use it for next year and in the mean time concentrate on things like good boots a good sleeping bag and shelter than decide on the pack you want after hunting a season
Tim

[Wapiti]

I will be using my Alps frame and bag combo as it was designed exactly for the purpose you have explained..You should look at them as well. I plan on bivy hunting this year also exclusively.

[Elkduds]

Welcome to the forum, good of you to join us. Put 80 lb of sand, liquid, whatever in your pack, hike some steep trails and bushwhack up/down hillsides. I bet it will work. Some load weight higher or lower on the frame, depending on terrain. I have tied quarters to my frame w ratcheting straps and they stayed in place.

[Indian Summer]

I'm with Elkduds... weigh that sucker down and take a walk. Get it all adjusted which is completely different with max weight on it. You'll find out pretty quick if it will do the trick. I bet it will.

[CO_west]

Thanks everyone. I'm glad to see how much of my backpacking/mountaineering stuff will carry over to hunting. Things like boots, shelter, and a sleeping bag. I'm going to use my heavier backpacking boots if I plan on carrying a heavy load, and it will be nice to use them again. I've tried going lighter for my backpacking trips, so I usually just wear trail running shoes or lightweight hiking boots on the trail. As for shelter and sleeping bag, I'm assuming I can stick with the standard setup of Mountainsmith Mountain Shelter and Marmot 15 degree down bag.

As far as the pack goes, it successfully stayed on my back with a hundred pounds in it. I'm thinking it could work well, and I certainly hope it does. I've looked so much at the Cache Hauler, but it's so dang heavy - about five pounds heavier than my external frame! I suppose that goes into making it more durable, in addition to the fancy meat shelf. I guess I'll update everyone how it went if I am lucky enough to put it to the test in fall 2015!

[pointysticks]

i think the biggest shortcoming of a regular pack is the lack of lash points..but it being an external frame, will make that a moot point.

my brother always has an older Jansport frame pack in his truck for the second load. i'm happy about it, because he can take a huge cargo with it, which translates into a potentially smaller load for me.

[ElkNut1]

If you are serious about having a pack frame separate from your daypack style then consider the Horn Hunter Pack. The bags are separate, one a 2000" & the other a 4000" I believe? Those # are close. They can be added to the frame if needed or the frame can be used as a meat hauler, this pack for under 300.00 is a serious weight hauler & more comfortable than the frame you are considering, you'd really like it for a smaller price over the more expensive ones out there today.

ElkNut1