Economical Pack Frame for Solo Elk Hunter

[returnofsid]

This year's elk hunting will most likely be done completely solo.  Last year, I was able to hunt with my son, who's now in N. Dakota working.  He owns a pack frame, I do not. 

Unfortunately, I'm also on a very limited budget.  So, I'm asking advice on an inexpensive Pack Frame, even if it only lasts a couple seasons.  During that time, my finances will improve and I'll be more able to 'splurge.'  Doubt it matters, but in case it does, I archery hunt.

Currently, I'm looking at several Pack Frames available at Walmart, in the $60ish price range.  I know, super cheap, but will they work?  I've also seen one at Big R, at a comparable price, maybe ten bucks more. 

Other options, within a 'poor man's budget' are welcome!

[j_h_nimrod]

Bi-Mart usually stocks one by Hideaway that works pretty well. Think they are about $45 when on sale. It is quite a bit better than what I found at Walmart.

[returnofsid]

"Bi-Mart?" I've heard of it, in references to BBQ/Smokers.  However, I'm not even familiar with that store.  Wonder if there's one in the Spokane area?

[wlandrum]

There is one in Cheney and Deer Park.

[n_mathews13]

Sportsman sells A hideaway brand that's been good. I use the heck out of it, had it for a dew years now

[curtmdavis]

+1 on the hideaway, been abusing mine for 3 seasons, just got the meat sack for it this year.

[n_mathews13]

+1 on the hideaway, been abusing mine for 3 seasons, just got the meat sack for it this year.

Meat sack? Where did you get that?

[returnofsid]

There is one in Cheney and Deer Park.

I was just looking at their website and saw that!  Like I said, I had heard the name but had no idea what it even was.  Deer Park would give me an excuse to stop into Whitetail Archery!  So, I'm reading that it's a Membership store, similar to Costco I guess?  I had assumed they were basically a discount grocery store...lol.  Guess I'll have to check them out!

Sportsman sells A hideaway brand that's been good. I use the heck out of it, had it for a dew years now

Sportsman Warehouse? Unfortunately, the nearest one to Spokane is in Lewiston, ID, about a 2 hour drive.  For some reason, I thought we had one at the Spokane Valley Mall, but I'm not seeing that one on their website.

[curtmdavis]

+1 on the hideaway, been abusing mine for 3 seasons, just got the meat sack for it this year.

Meat sack? Where did you get that?

Walmart's website, same price as the hideaway website, but less shipping.

http://www.hideawaygear.com/Expedition-Meat-Bag.html

[returnofsid]

I just got off the phone with the Bi-Mart Sporting Goods dept. in Deer Park.  Very helpful lady who seems to know her stuff!  Anyway, the pack frame they carry is the Hideaway Expedition H9451, "every day price" of $59.97.  The same pack is $91.86 at Walmart.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/HideAway-Expedition-Frame/17479647

[bowjunkie]

craigslist external frame pak cheap and easy just modify a bit and ur done

[Dbax129]

I was also going to say external frame pack, but check the local goodwill or thrift store for them. I have a buddy that has used a $10 external frame pack for years from goodwill. Found one that evenhas a llittle fold down bar at the bottom that supports the meat great for less strapping / lashing.

[returnofsid]

craigslist external frame pak cheap and easy just modify a bit and ur done

I've actually been watching Craigslist lately.  Unfortunately, all I've been seeing are Cub Scout sized external backpacks.

I was also going to say external frame pack, but check the local goodwill or thrift store for them. I have a buddy that has used a $10 external frame pack for years from goodwill. Found one that evenhas a llittle fold down bar at the bottom that supports the meat great for less strapping / lashing.

Hadn't thought about checking thrift stores yet.

[rosscrazyelk]

cabelas sells the Alaskan frame pack. We have 4 of those in our camp and they have packed a good share of meat. They are under $100

[pianoman9701]

I've got one 5 years old, never been used! 

[WapitiTalk1]

cabelas sells the Alaskan frame pack. We have 4 of those in our camp and they have packed a good share of meat. They are under $100

X2.  I know nothing about the other inexpensive setups that have been mentioned but I've seen the Cabelas Alaskan in action and it works just fine for packing camp in, and, hauling quarters out.  I don't know if they have any Army surplus stores in your area, but an old Army alice pack will serve you just fine if the price is within your range.  I've hauled a good handfull of elk out using mine.  In fact, I still have the old green thing as a backup/loaner when needed although it's seen much better days.   

[Elkohol]

I've got a hideaway and the cabelas Alaskan guide frame. I find the Alaskan guide frame to be more comfortable as you can fine tune it pretty well. Might be able to fine one on craigslist or ebay for cheaper than retail. Worth the little extra $ money for the comfort in my opinion

[WapitiTalk1]

Here you go.  Happy hunting/packing  

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004LRDU4G/ref=dp_olp_used_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=used

[Fl0und3rz]

Here you go.  Happy hunting/packing  

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004LRDU4G/ref=dp_olp_used_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=used

I have one I am getting rid of for cheap if you are interested.  Ship, pick it up, or have someone take it heading over there.  Large Alice pack, with frame, and cargo shelf. I'll make you a deal.  PM if interested.

[n_mathews13]

The Sportsmens in the mall in Spokane closed about a year or so ago

[MADMAX]

Hit some garage sales or goodwill
you will find one for 5 dollars more than likely

[Jonathan_S]

Economical?  Used.   

[bowjunkie]

one more idea my local army surplus store has a crap load of external frames and cheap

[n_mathews13]

This is the one I got. It works

[Todd_ID]

Either go super cheap expecting to replace it or pay a bit more and expect it to last forever.  Bluesarcher has a lifetime one in the classifieds here for a great deal.

[jrebel]

I used a Hideaway for 5 years and loved it......this year it fell apart.   Literally all the webbing turned to crap and as I tightened straps they just ripped in half.  All of it. 

I just bought a Kelty  (yesterday)from Sportsman which was an unseen expenditure.  I was / am going to buy a bullpak as soon as this season is over.  I spent to much money on my walk in cooler so I thought I would hold off......wish I wouldn't have waited now.      OH well when I buy it first of the year, I will have two.   

[PlateauNDN]

Bought pack frame from Wal mart last season, still good, 1 from goodwill in dalles or. excellent condition, 1 Alice pack newish yakima goodwill all for 80.00.

[RadSav]

Are you packing in somewhere or just need something to get meat from point "A" to point "B"?

[returnofsid]

Are you packing in somewhere or just need something to get meat from point "A" to point "B"?

Just need to get meat from point A to point B.

I checked a few thrift stores today, nothing other than youth cub scout sized backpacks.  Army Surplus store has some Alice style pack frames, but at outrageous prices.

I ended up taking a drive to the Deer Park Bi-Mart and checked out the Hideaway.  Had my girlfriend put a couple 50 lb. bags of dog food on it and made some quick adjustments to the straps.  Ended up purchasing it.

It'll get me through this season and probably more.  That'll give me time to research better quality options for the future.

Thanks all for your great suggestions!

[RadSav]

I ended up taking a drive to the Deer Park Bi-Mart and checked out the Hideaway.  Had my girlfriend put a couple 50 lb. bags of dog food on it and made some quick adjustments to the straps.  Ended up purchasing it.

So you got the Expedition frame?  That should work just fine.  For just meat I was going to suggest the Stansport Deluxe Freighter frame which is about the same thing.  Definitely get you from point "A" to point "B" just fine with good heavy loads.

One tip I might add for using aluminum frames - ditch the para cord!  Go to a hardware store and get some web strapping.  I've seen too may aluminum frames get broken with para cord.  The strapping spreads the weight out on the frame a bit helping to eliminate kinking.  Also with the web straps you can add snaps that make life easier at the same time.

Good luck!  Hope you get the thing plenty bloody this season...and next

[kevinlisa06]

I bought my pack board at GI Joes when it was around and have packed out an elk and a whole mule deer with it. I did see Fred Meyer has pack boards now.


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[huntnnw]

If I woulda read this sooner I woulda donated my Crooked horn outfitter pack... I have used it to pack out and back pack hunt more animals than I could count.....offer is still good if you wanna save the money.

[returnofsid]

If I woulda read this sooner I woulda donated my Crooked horn outfitter pack... I have used it to pack out and back pack hunt more animals than I could count.....offer is still good if you wanna save the money.

What? Don't you need it? I'd definitely like to talk with you about this? I could pay something for it though!

[huntnnw]

No charge...Its served me well and I retired it this year. Ill pass it on to someone else to put it to good use

This is the pack..think its 5500 cu in almost a 100lbs in it here, will cinch up pretty small to wear as a hunting pack, has a bladder holder a rifle and bow holder

[returnofsid]

Ah look at that cute bear, all tucked in for a nap! Haha!

How should I best contact you? What an absolutely incredible offer!

[huntnnw]

Pm'ed you

[returnofsid]

Pm'ed you

Responded!  If I'm successful, there'll be some packages of elk steaks coming your way!

[returnofsid]

A HUGE THANK YOU!!! to Huntnnw and it was so great to meet you this morning!  For those of you following this thread, Huntnnw GAVE ME a Crooked Horn High Country Extreme II internal frame pack today!  What an awesome gift!  He's got tons of use out of it and it's still in amazing shape!

Huntnnw, Thank you again, SO MUCH!  Best of luck to you this hunting season.  If you get an animal down in the area, or in the areas we spoke about that we both tend to hunt, please don't hesitate to call me for help packing it out, now that I have the means to do so!!

If I'm successful, look for a few packages of steaks or sausage to come your way!  I'm forever in your debt!

[Jonathan_S]

Shane, that's awesome   

[scoutdog346]

go to value village and goodwill and things like that and thay have old school frame packs.  that will work.  the pack does not have to have a shelf as long as u tie it up good. 

[huntnnw]

It was nice meeting you today... I hope to see pics of you packing out your bull!

[theshade]

I used a Hideaway for 5 years and loved it......this year it fell apart.   Literally all the webbing turned to crap and as I tightened straps they just ripped in half.  All of it. 

I just bought a Kelty  (yesterday)from Sportsman which was an unseen expenditure.  I was / am going to buy a bullpak as soon as this season is over.  I spent to much money on my walk in cooler so I thought I would hold off......wish I wouldn't have waited now.      OH well when I buy it first of the year, I will have two.   

buying the bul-pack provides you an excellent excuse to attend the regional sportsmens show.

[returnofsid]

It was nice meeting you today... I hope to see pics of you packing out your bull!

I hope to have a reason to post those pictures!