Backpacks

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I know the frustration with their load haul system is that if you get anything bigger then an deer quarter, you're going to have to put it inside the pack, which is a downside for those of us who want to pack an animal and camp out.

Why would putting meat in the bag be a downside or frustration?

I don't understand either? I have packed an animal and camp, and it all mixes together. Packed a bear and camp this year, (yes it was a small bear) and everything went into a T1.

I would  be frustrated if I couldn't use a component of my pack, especially an element designed to haul meat.  Also, Branden, I don't know if you count, since you are a freak of the mountains...I heard you take a sharpened tooth brush and that's it in your pack...so it would make sense that you could get your bear and "camp" out.

[Benny]

Gotcha. From what I've seen it wouldn't be hard to get a full deer in the meat shelf of those packs? But isn't 5000 inches enough to get a deer and camp in the bag? I'd think it would ride better anyway.

[Andrew]

Figured I might as well post my question onto this thread than start new.  This past season I used my Dana expedition pack for the high hunt (first high hunt, 2nd deer season).  The Dana pack is comfortable, roomy, and works great.  However, being an expedition pack it's a bit much to lug around after setting up camp, and it has minimal compartments; which means the few items that I bring along hunting are flopping around within the pack.  Therefore, I'm thinking of the following: purchasing a Granite Gear "Flatbed" which I can then load with day pack or something within the 2000 cubic inch range.  Once I get to the 'spot' I ditch the Flatbed and hunt with the day pack.  Should I get lucky head back and get the Flatbed to haul.  Does anyone else pack similarly or got any pro/con comments about going about it this way?

[kentrek]

Figured I might as well post my question onto this thread than start new.  This past season I used my Dana expedition pack for the high hunt (first high hunt, 2nd deer season).  The Dana pack is comfortable, roomy, and works great.  However, being an expedition pack it's a bit much to lug around after setting up camp, and it has minimal compartments; which means the few items that I bring along hunting are flopping around within the pack.  Therefore, I'm thinking of the following: purchasing a Granite Gear "Flatbed" which I can then load with day pack or something within the 2000 cubic inch range.  Once I get to the 'spot' I ditch the Flatbed and hunt with the day pack.  Should I get lucky head back and get the Flatbed to haul.

"heading back" to get your meat hauler can be a pain..id just hunt with the flatbed at all times  then you dont have to pack an extra daypack

also the flatbed is a 70 lb pack for $ 359...might as well get one of the other frame meat hauler type packs in the same price range  that are lighter and can easly cary more

kifaru, kuiu, wilderness packs,mystery ranch all make better "flat bed" options in my eyes

[Branden]

I agree with kentrek.

A lot of guys are unloading their Kifaru Duplex frame right now to get the bikini frame. You could probably score a deal on one, and use it the same as you were going to use the flatbed. Also the Kifaru packs compress extremely small. Makes a pretty nice day pack with load hauling capabilities.

We shot a deer 6 miles from camp. That would really suck to go back to camp, get a meat hauler, hike back to the deer, then pack it back to camp.

[RadSav]

Figured I might as well post my question onto this thread than start new.  This past season I used my Dana expedition pack for the high hunt (first high hunt, 2nd deer season).  The Dana pack is comfortable, roomy, and works great.  However, being an expedition pack it's a bit much to lug around after setting up camp, and it has minimal compartments; which means the few items that I bring along hunting are flopping around within the pack.  Therefore, I'm thinking of the following: purchasing a Granite Gear "Flatbed" which I can then load with day pack or something within the 2000 cubic inch range.  Once I get to the 'spot' I ditch the Flatbed and hunt with the day pack.  Should I get lucky head back and get the Flatbed to haul.  Does anyone else pack similarly or got any pro/con comments about going about it this way?

I've tried as you discuss.  Took my 70# pack and made it almost 78# which I didn't care much for.  Then after I shot something I decided to wrap my small pack in a trash bag and bury it rather than have the extra pounds for the long haul out.  I had the best of intentions to go back and get it after I had the meat and camp out.  Ended up being 10 months before I got back to get it.  I don't think it was worth it.

As mentioned the J107, Kifaru and others haul heavy loads nearly as well, but compress down to make great day hunting packs.  Even if they are a little heavier and larger than a typical day hunter I feel you will be happier going that route than taking two packs.  Unless you just like to pack more weight going in and coming out.

I'm all for trying anything at least once.  If you don't want to spend the money on a new pack give the two packs a try.  Perhaps you will like it better than I did.   Don't think anyone is going to belittle you too much for trying.  Though, like anything new, I would try it first before season rather than waiting till your banking your season on it.

Good luck with your decision.

[7mag.]

Figured I might as well post my question onto this thread than start new.  This past season I used my Dana expedition pack for the high hunt (first high hunt, 2nd deer season).  The Dana pack is comfortable, roomy, and works great.  However, being an expedition pack it's a bit much to lug around after setting up camp, and it has minimal compartments; which means the few items that I bring along hunting are flopping around within the pack.  Therefore, I'm thinking of the following: purchasing a Granite Gear "Flatbed" which I can then load with day pack or something within the 2000 cubic inch range.  Once I get to the 'spot' I ditch the Flatbed and hunt with the day pack.  Should I get lucky head back and get the Flatbed to haul.  Does anyone else pack similarly or got any pro/con comments about going about it this way?

I tried that a few times, and I didn't care for it. I felt like a hillbilly, with a bunch of crap lashed all over my external frame pack, and nothing was easily accessible. I use a Mystery Ranch expedition size pack now, and while it is a little big and heavy for a day pack, it compressed down pretty small, and is comfortable. I also like knowing that I can easily fit an entire boned out deer and camp in to my pack, with room to spare. I don't like making extra trips. My advice is to figure out what size pack you need, then get one a little bigger, and buy the pack with the best suspension that you can possibly afford.

[scree]

Badlands 2200 I have had mine for about 9 years great pack that has held up well.  I sent it in this year to to have the zippers fixed. talk about a warranty they will fix or replace it for life even if you are the 10th owner. 

[trophyhunt]

Badlands 2200 I have had mine for about 9 years great pack that has held up well.  I sent it in this year to to have the zippers fixed. talk about a warranty they will fix or replace it for life even if you are the 10th owner.

I also like the 2200 and bought it off of camofire a few months ago. Just last week they had the 2800 on sale for 179.00, that figures!

[Mudman]

Badlands 2200 I have had mine for about 9 years great pack that has held up well.  I sent it in this year to to have the zippers fixed. talk about a warranty they will fix or replace it for life even if you are the 10th owner.

I also like the 2200 and bought it off of camofire a few months ago. Just last week they had the 2800 on sale for 179.00, that figures!

Bought two 2200 off of camofire last year.  Very happy with it, use it even when I dont really need to.  The other one was for a cousin.  No zipper issues here.

[iflyils]

mystery ranch  crew cab or lee metcalf!!

[Sliverslinger]

I'd strongly recommend the Eberlestock X2. I've owned a lot of daypacks and this one wins hands down. Packed all of my elk quarters out with it this year. Holds my bow but with the buttbucket and ripcord I can get it within a second or two. Best pack I've ever owned. This year I'm picking up a blue widow for longer trips (5-7 days).

[Z_rock01]

Has any one tried the Oregon Pack Works Bag?? I have heard good things about it, but I dont know anyone personaly thts owns one. I am thinking about upgradeing and thought about this pack but ai don't have $600 sitting in my pocket.. I have the Kelty Bighorn as of right now I believe it is 2800ci??  does really well.

[vandeman17]

I'd strongly recommend the Eberlestock X2. I've owned a lot of daypacks and this one wins hands down. Packed all of my elk quarters out with it this year. Holds my bow but with the buttbucket and ripcord I can get it within a second or two. Best pack I've ever owned. This year I'm picking up a blue widow for longer trips (5-7 days).

I am planning on getting this pack too. I have read good things and glad to read another! 

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Has any one tried the Oregon Pack Works Bag?? I have heard good things about it, but I dont know anyone personaly thts owns one. I am thinking about upgradeing and thought about this pack but ai don't have $600 sitting in my pocket.. I have the Kelty Bighorn as of right now I believe it is 2800ci??  does really well.

I have no opinion on these packs, but why would you go with that pack when you could get a Kufaru, kuiu, stone glacier at half the weight?

Doesn't make sense to me...