Packs - Out with the old - In with the new

[cnelk]

After packing out my bull with old style frame packs that pretty much do the job, but not real comfy, I ordered a Kelty Cache Hauler
It will arrive Wednesday, just in time before I head back to the mtn with Pikemaster on Thursday
Looking forward to putting it to use

[kevin_t]

The cache hauler does a good job for pack outs but isn't real good for everyday lighter load packing. We used it as a comparison pack when we initially designed the paradox.

[RockChucker30]

Kevin, I vividly remember all those days where I walked a mile with a proto loaded with 100, then a mile with the Kelty loaded with 100. It took us a few changes to surpass the Kelty.

[RockChucker30]

cnelk,

What kind of external frame were you using? I looked at the photos....looks kind of like an old Camptrails?

My Dad has an old camptrails that has similar lack of load lifters on the shoulder straps to that pack. The belt worked ok, but the harness wasn't very good at all. You'll enjoy the Kelty.

[cnelk]

Pack outs are the only reason I purchased.
The research I did was very complimentary along with the modest cost.

Yes. That pack was an old Camptrails - with an added shelf.
My 15 yr old Cableas Alaskan frame finally bit the dust
Too many elk I guess

[kevin_t]

Rockchucker .... Ahh the good ole days

[ElkNut1]

Brad, I've put a couple hundred miles on the Kelty Frame Hauler, (without bag, it is seat & batwing style) it's a very good meat hauler, it's actually much more comfortable than most think. I've compared it side by side with the same wt with the Kifaru pack & there's little difference at best! It's one of the best there is & easily packs 100# loads. For the price it's hard to beat. I too would not use it as a day pack but for hauling chores go for it!

ElkNut1

[cnelk]

The pack arrived today its already packed in the truck

I gave it a once over and WOW! Im impressed

[bnsafe]

they are nice packs. sportsmans warehouse here has them. I used my badlands 2200 today an it did fine.

[Vanish]

How did it perform?

[cnelk]

I only used it to pack out some tree stands.
The next elk hunt will take place mid-November
And it will be with us then

[hudizle]

Hi everyone I'm new to this site and was in some need of help for buying a pack. So my pals and I live in Ohio and are going on an elk hunt in Montana next September. Instead of buying everything all at once I am buying a little at a time. Can anyone with some knowledge give me some insight on what kind of pack to invest in? I'm reading that framed packs are essential. From what I'm gathering I will need a day pack and a framed pack? Any brand that stand out or suggestions would be much appreciated! !

[BrentLaBere]

Hi everyone I'm new to this site and was in some need of help for buying a pack. So my pals and I live in Ohio and are going on an elk hunt in Montana next September. Instead of buying everything all at once I am buying a little at a time. Can anyone with some knowledge give me some insight on what kind of pack to invest in? I'm reading that framed packs are essential. From what I'm gathering I will need a day pack and a framed pack? Any brand that stand out or suggestions would be much appreciated! !

Need information on the style of hunt you are going to have. So many choices out there its hard to say one pack will do it all for you and the other name 'x' brand wont.

[hudizle]

Well I will be going to Montana for an archery hunt for ten days. It will be a backcountry hunt in the Bitteroot mountain area. Thanks again for the help Brent!

[Z Barebow]

hudzie- Next question will be are you backpack hunting or day hunting from a large base camp?

Like others have mentioned, still some gaps.

If you are at a cabin, wall tent, hotel, truck etc. at end of day, a day pack may suffice. You don't need to spend $$$$$ on just a day pack, (although you can!)

Are you guide, foot, horseback? If guided, you might not even require a frame. (If they have horses and come to the kill site) If guided and they pack from camp, you will want a frame if you are required to get meat to camp. Horses, you still might want a frame if you hunt nasty stuff as horses can't get everywhere an elk lives/dies.

If backpack, how many days will you be out before you resupply? What is your current equipment list like? Do you have lightweight backpacking gear, or a heavy weight camping sleeping bag? (Like me and my first elk hunt!)

I am trying to cut to the chase and help you out. If you are new at this, there are many questions you might not even know to ask.

[pointysticks]

Kifaru or Stone Glacier. start there.

10 days is alot if you dont have alot of experience and gear. but damn..that sounds like fun!!

[hudizle]

Z Barebow thanks for the info. We are hunting from a spike camp and is self guided (although relatives who live there are helping out with the honey holes). I am starting to collect great now rather than wait until last minute so I still need a good pack as well as some other items. We are going to be packing out meat so I'm guessing I will n need a frame? The frames and packs are separate units correct?

[cnelk]

Some guys have a daypack and a separate frame pack for packing meat
Other use their daypack for hauling meat.

Either way, Just be sure the packs are not cheapies or your back will curse you like a red-headed stepchild

[Broken arrow]

If you're on a budget check out Eberlestock great pack for the price range. I'm a rookie with one hunt and a cow under my belt. My advice.... MINDSET we all go to experience the ruggedness the beauty and the adventure the kill is just a bonus. But don't settle for IF I am successful. Live breath and believe you will be successful. Each day is a new day and it can happen anytime. Every morning should be "today is the day". Took me 7 days and my body was screaming No! But I pushed on and beat the odds. And with you saying "we will be packing meat" I think you are well on your way.
Good luck!

[Z Barebow]

hudizle- If in your shoes, I would decide how many days are you going to be spiked out. This decides the capacity of a pack. As far as meat hauling, I prefer a frame dedicated to this task. Cabelas Alaskan and Kelty Cache Hauler are two that I have come across. (I have the Cabelas, but if I had to do it over I would pick the Kelty). You can get either frame for under $100.

I don't want to start a debate, but I do not think you can find a pack which does everything WELL. My hunting/backpacking pack will haul meat, but I will only use it for first load. The frame will handle the big stuff better. I leave the frame in the truck and grab it when 1st load is out.

[hudizle]

Thanks for the help fellas! We are going to be spiking out for 7 or 8 days. I have pretty much boiled it down to the Badlands 2200 and the Kelty frame hauler. I just hope that 2250 cu.in. is enough for that is all the 2200 offers. I have heard that the Kelty 3400 is extremely reliable but pretty noisy and cumbersome in the field? Let me thoughts on this Badlands pack!

[huntabsarokee]

I sold my Badlands 2200 to my buddy. He tried packing it for a few days this year. Only will work if you strap items to the outside or you are going to a place with a tent already set up or sharing gear with other guys who will be carrying it. His filled fast with tent, pad, and sleeping bag. Maybe a night or so and it would fine.

I see a few used Mystery Ranch Big Horns for sale that are 3300 and those would probably work as far as size.

[>>>---WW---->]

The 2200 is a 3 day pack at best. There used to be an article on skinnymoose.com about how to load a 2200 for 3 days. It even told which pocket each item was stuffed into. The guy really had everything down to perfection . But even at that, all he could recommend was 3 days worth of food and gear. If you are going to be out the full 8 days like you said in your post, you'll need something larger.