Kelty Cache Hauler Frame - Building a Hunting Pack

[acnewman55]

Just picked up a Kelty Cache Hauler Frame.

All my backpacks are built for backpacking or mountaineering, and loads not exceeding the 45-50 lb range comfortably. I wanted something I could pack out an animal with, without spending a fortune.  I settled on the Cache Hauler.  Seems like a simple design with a high load capacity. I decided against the 3400 ci bag that Kelty offers with it.  I just don't like the design.

This won't be my primary hunting pack, but if I'm planning on hunting deeper in the back-country it will be my go-to, cutting down on the number of trips that need to be made back to the trail-head.

So, my question is, how do I turn this into a hunting pack?

I want to keep things relatively lightweight and simple.  I don't need a dozen pockets to organize all of my gear.  My current plans are to purchase a 40-45L dry-bag (from Seal-Line or Outdoor Research) and simply organize my gear inside via small stuff sacks etc.  The dry bag can be secured to the frame easily.  That would essentially be my hunting pack; a large dry sack strapped to an external frame meat hauler.

Of course, another obvious option would be to simply strap one of my backpacking packs to this frame.  This would allow me to drop the heavier frame at camp with my tent and sleep system, and use the second back as a day-pack during spot and stalk hunting.

I'm sure others have embarked on a similar project before - so I was hoping somebody would have suggestions or advice?

Link to the Kelty frame: http://www.kelty.com/p-272-cache-hauler-frame-only.aspx?category=backpacks

Thanks

[acnewman55]

The pack arrived today and I gave it a little load test at the office with a coworker.  He weighs about 185 lbs.

[smg id=12105]

[Kain]

Of course, another obvious option would be to simply strap one of my backpacking packs to this frame.  This would allow me to drop the heavier frame at camp with my tent and sleep system, and use the second back as a day-pack during spot and stalk hunting.


Thanks

This is what I would do also.  Your normal day pack strapped to the frame for the hike in and some straps and a large bag that can be attached for holding meat.

[tjthebest]

Your plan is exactly what i want to do. Though i want to get a little bit smaller of a dry bag and attach that and my small dayback to the hauler. hopefully you didnt get the cache hauler from amazon when the price was too high. Its $112 right now but its been at $107 for a while. just recently it was at $130.