big game long haul pack suggestions

[heronblu]

This bear season I am going to be hunting an area that is 10 miles or so from the trail head and am looking for suggestions for quality hunting backpacks that I can pack meat out for long distances. My usual pack has worn out and I need to replace it. Thanks!

[Tbar]

What's your budget?  There are decent packs from $100 to upwards of $700.

[7mag.]

Kifaru, Stone Glacier, the Exo looks good as well.

[Bean Counter]

If the terrain will tolerate a game cart that will be your best friend 

[xXLojackXx]

Depends on your budget. For under $400 I would look at finding a used Dana designs frame, or an Eberlestock. Right now Kuiu has their icon 7200 packs on clearance for $399. For $4-600 I would look at Mystery ranch and over $600 gets you into the Kifaru/stone glacier tier of packs. Get the best pack you can afford and make it work.

I'd be more concerned about a 10 mile hike in august with spoiling bear meat 

[jackelope]

Depends on your budget. For under $400 I would look at finding a used Dana designs frame, or an Eberlestock. Right now Kuiu has their icon 7200 packs on clearance for $399. For $4-600 I would look at Mystery ranch and over $600 gets you into the Kifaru/stone glacier tier of packs. Get the best pack you can afford and make it work.

I'd be more concerned about a 10 mile hike in august with spoiling bear meat 

Packing a bear out over 10 miles with a camp(I assume) will ruin the average guy. Now that I'm addicted to functional load lifters like a tweeker on meth, I wouldn't even consider doing it in an Eberle pack. Aside from that, I agree with everything you said....especially the part about meat spoilage.
There's about 146 other threads on the same topic on here too, so don't be afraid to explore other threads too. They all pretty much say the same thing as this thread does already though.

[heronblu]

Thanks for all the info! My budget is flexible. Mostly I want something that will stand up to the rigors of long hikes and heavy loads. A game cart would be great but Im traveling in thick terrain using mostly game trails. I agree with the meat spoilage concern, and will consider it when I hunt.

[northwesthunter84]

Check out the Exo.  It is worth taking a look at and its moderately priced and it carries weight very well.

[haugenna]

Kifaru, Stone Glacier, the Exo looks good as well.

[coyotecrazy]

Kuiu Ultra3000 is worth a look. Weighs about 3 pounds and is $319.00.

[MtnMuley]

Buy once. Buy the best. Buy Kifaru. .....oh, by the way I just ordered an Ultra because I'm dumb and want to prove myself wrong.

[7mag.]

I wouldn't go a hundred yards with a heavy load in an Eberlestock.

As far as the Exo, they look really good, but they just came out, and I can't figure out how anyone knows how they perform with heavy loads.

The Kuiu packs have gotten better, but they have  sketchy track record.

Just my opinion, but I don't think you are saving money by buying an inferior product, only to learn it's not what you want or need, then you have to upgrade.

[northwesthunter84]

I have put a couple miles in with 80# since receiving the pack.  Next step is adding another 60# bag of sand so that will take me up to 140#.  Today I let my hunting partners play around with it and they were surprised by the way it carried the weight.  The load lifters are extremely functional (first time with a pack that has them) and the pack feels super solid.  I also like the airflow between the pack and my back.  My previous packs didn't have that so I am super happy.

[emac]

I have an alps outdoorz commander with bag( i think that's the name) packed a bear out 2 miles packed 2 elk out 8 miles never have had any issues and got em for well under a 100

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[xXLojackXx]

I have a Mystery Ranch Nice 6500 I'm thinking about selling as it's an extra. Shoot me a PM if interested.