Pack Frame

[Bean Counter]

I don't own a pack frame or a game cart. I think a pack frame is  a better investment for the type of hunting I'd like to do.  The link below shows a frame with straps and what not for sale at Cabelas in the Bargain Cave. $70. Does anyone have this? Can they confirm or deny the complains about some of the plastic fixtures?  Seems like even those who gripe about the plastic still like the pack. Any cheaper deals out there? Thanks.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Bargain-Cave/Hunting/Hunting-Accessories%7C/pc/105591780/c/105649380/sc/105659280/Cabelas-Alaskan-Guide174-Model-Frame/747129.uts?WTz_l=SBC%3Bcat105591780%3Bcat105649380%3Bcat105659280

[mkcj]

I'm also leaning to getting a couple of pack frames so I want to follow this as I have an 18 and 23 Y/O pack mule (my son's)

[toothfangclaw]

What about military surplus pack boards?

[Swannytheswan]

I would get this
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,104718.0.html

I know its more than you are looking for but its a heck of a pack for the price

[Eli346]

I've got  two that we've used for years and they've been great! One has the bag attachment and the other is bare frame but we've packed deer, elk, and bear with them. Couldn't be happier unless I could start shooting up hills instead of down hills. Just make sure you get them adjusted right for your body frame and also make sure the crossbar directly behind your head is extended all the way up or you'll get head bonked everytime you try to look up the hill!

[BOOM!!]

I have that cabelas pack frame, its great for packing out meat. What I don't like about it is its hard to hunt with it on, it rattles a lot and is combersome. So I use the badlands 2200 now, kind of heavy but makes a great day pack and usually 2 guys can bring out all the meat. A lot more money though.

[headshot5]

My brother and I both use these.  http://www.bullpacs.com/.  It works pretty nice.  I can pack a lot with it and it is comforatable. 

[ICEMAN]

I have that cabelas pack frame, its great for packing out meat. What I don't like about it is its hard to hunt with it on, it rattles a lot and is combersome. So I use the badlands 2200 now, kind of heavy but makes a great day pack and usually 2 guys can bring out all the meat. A lot more money though.

I have two of them also. They work fine for packing. I took electric tape and wrapped all those irritating areas that rattled.....

Beancounter, I took a small backpack for all my meat care needs and attached it to one of the frames... I also keep a big note on the pack to be sure to pack water and a camera for the boys retreiving animals...

[huntingfool7]

The Bullpacks frame is awesome.  There is nothing to squeak or rattle.  I thought the belt and shoulder straps were horrible.  My belt wadded up in the back (painful) and the shoulder straps did not fit me well.  I threw all that stuff in the garbage after 2 packs and replaced the belt and shoulder straps with aftermarket stuff. 
My second frame is an old backpack frame bought at a second hand store for $15.  Shoulder and belt came off another packframe that was run over by the freind that borrowed it.
That frame was very similar to the frame you're looking at.
It was a good frame for packing but was too noisy to wear while hunting.  It did not handle a Ford Ranger very well either.     
If I was ever going to do it again, I'd call bullpack and see if they'd sell the frame without the belt and shoulder straps.
I doubt there is a more solid or quiet frame on the market.
If you're a big guy the shoulder straps may work well for you.

[CedarPants]

What about military surplus pack boards?

 

Can usually find them for $20 - $30 and they'll do everythng you need them to and then some

[Bean Counter]

I have that cabelas pack frame, its great for packing out meat. What I don't like about it is its hard to hunt with it on, it rattles a lot and is combersome. So I use the badlands 2200 now, kind of heavy but makes a great day pack and usually 2 guys can bring out all the meat. A lot more money though.

Now that you mention it, last time I picked one up at the store I remember that--all those little thingies rattling when moving around with it. I suppose I could just tape them down with a little scotch tape. another option would be to do my hunt with my 2500 internal frame pack, kill the buck, and packing the head, my rifle, and hunting pack back to the truck. Then come back with the pack frame for the rest.

 I've either always had partners to help carry the meat out or been able to get a vehicle close or both.  I'm getting kind of tired of relying on half hearted hunting partners so this pack may be the baptism into solo hunting for me.

What about military surplus pack boards?

 

Can usually find them for $20 - $30 and they'll do everythng you need them to and then some

Thanks guys. I'll check the local surplus store today.

[whacker1]

Or check pawn shops and garage sales and look for high quality external backpacking frames.  Kelty and the like.  These usually come with backpack bag attached to the frame.  They are very economical means of finding a high quality and comfortable frame

[Zardoz]

I picked up a fair condition backpack with a great frame at a garage sale for $20.00 Washed and repaired the bag, and now I have a great cheap pack out bag. I leave it in camp until I need it. My hunting pack is big enough to carry out one average deer quarter. For me this system works.

[fillthefreezer]

theres a few deals on some higher end packs but good price for the item in the classifieds on rokslide.com

[Morrison4375]

Hornhunter Packs Hybrid Curl Frame