Carry backpack for elk hunting?

[jackelope]

I can't picture hunting without a backpack on. I'd hate to be a couple miles in without the ability to pack out a load. The last thing I want to do is walk an additional 4 miles(for example) just to go get a pack without the ability to take a load out with me. 

[Rainier10]

Two pack elk days are long gone for us!  Nowadays even four pack elk seem like more than I want to do

We did it last year for the late season on pretty much flat/rolling ground dropping in elevation.  I hope two pack trips are in the rear view mirror for me soon.  The guy I hunt with is 5 years younger than me, some day he is going to have to slow down.

[MountainWalk]

To me the issue is small day pack vs. Meat capable pack.

[j_h_nimrod]

I always have a pack wether it is a one mile hunt after work or a weekend coyote hunt. Never leave home without it. Currently I am running a Badlands Sacrifice as a day pack (frame pack back at the truck or camp) that is comfy (though not that comfy) up to 60-70 lbs in moderate terrain. For multi-day I put together my own pack "system" consisting of a pack frame and the Sacrifice. Sacrifice for daily hiking and the frame to really haul if needed, and it still weighs less than my Dana Designs Astralplane or most of the other large packs I have carried. Best of both worlds, a compact day pack and a load hauler.

[buglebrush]

To me the issue is small day pack vs. Meat capable pack.

Here's the thing.  The frame packs in the 2000 CI range compress down just as small as a daypack.  I used to run just a camelback daypack, and at the end of the day I would be sore in between my shoulder blades.  I don't really take more with my bigger pack, but it carries the 20 lbs. effortlessly and if I get one down I am bringing 80lbs. of meat out with my first load.  Seriously is no other way to go unless you never get more than a mile or so from the truck, and even then I wouldn't change because functional load lifters makes even light loads much more comfortable over a long day.

[Cylvertip]

It used to be just a fanny pack.  Then a bigger fanny pack to carry more water/ grub.   Then it was a big fanny pack and a hydration pack with storage to carry water and some "what if" gear ( not a good set up as I was always fighting the binocular harness and two sets of shoulder straps, but I powered through stubornly) All that was fine for hunting timber company lands, but when I switched to hunting National Forest/ Wilderness, I needed more gear and more water.  I jumped to a badlands Hypervent that could handle all my gear and water.  But,  I finally came to a realization last year that I was just getting by with that set up. that if I had an elk down, how much more work I would be doing if I didn't have a pack that I could haul it out in.  I picked up a Eberlestock Blue widow and accesories for this season.  It compacts down but can expand out a lot.  I really think it will cover all the bases for me. 

My pack is on my back anytime I leave the truck/ camp with the bow. 

[MountainWalk]

Run through two BL's 2200's. Good pack, too heavy. Then hunted awhile with an E-stock tailback pack. Really dug the suspenders set up. Room for jet boil, coffee, book, knives etc. Perfect for all day hunting, till you tipped something over. Not meat capable... I don't guide anymore, and five day backpack hunts aren't in my near future for awhile. But every day of elk season I clock in at dark and clock out at dark.

Guess more than anything, the ol hips and shoulders are needing an assist...
Were below poverty level round here, so I'll properly have to trade a gun for a good pack instead of buying one. I dunno.

[Mudman]

We use Badlands 2200.  Been great and no issues for any of us.  It is a little large for day but versatile for an overall only have 1 pack sorta thing. If you are over prepared or have alot of gear it is great.

[fisheral87]

Backpack with meat hauling capability, but I Exclusively rifle hunt. Also makes for a good rest in prone and sitting position. My bull two years ago I rushed into position and found myself sitting on an open rocky face and had good stability and comfort leaning back against my pack waiting for the herd to walk out of the timber, I don't have sticks, bipod or sling.

Just bought a new Exo mountain 3500 for the upcoming year, but I used the $80 l.l. Bean Hunter carry-all two years and carried out that bull with it. it was a great pack for the money.

I could see where a guy who archery hunted could want more mobility.

Al

[jackelope]

To me the issue is small day pack vs. Meat capable pack.

Here's the thing.  The frame packs in the 2000 CI range compress down just as small as a daypack.  I used to run just a camelback daypack, and at the end of the day I would be sore in between my shoulder blades.  I don't really take more with my bigger pack, but it carries the 20 lbs. effortlessly and if I get one down I am bringing 80lbs. of meat out with my first load.  Seriously is no other way to go unless you never get more than a mile or so from the truck, and even then I wouldn't change because functional load lifters makes even light loads much more comfortable over a long day.

A 2000 cubic inch pack is a day pack. I've got a 6000 cubic inch pack that compresses down to a size smaller than a day pack. You can barely tell it's there.

[Wolfdog2314]

This was always my struggle. It was always a walk back to the truck to get packboards. I discovered the world of packs with the ability to pack out game between the frame and bag itself.

I went with the Kuiu icon pro 1850. Super lightweight. Small enough as a day pack. They have an attachment for a load hauler too if u look in their "accessories".

My plan would be to be able to pack out at least a quarter with this pack to the truck then switch out to my pack frame or if I get the load hauler for the kuiu pack, take the bag off and use that.

Here's the link: http://store.kuiu.com/ICON-PRO-1850-p/62006.htm

If u decide u want a bigger bag, they're interchangeable with the frame.
There are also other packs that do essentially this same idea. I just went with the kuiu.

[MountainWalk]

Jackolope,  what are you using can I ask?

[Big6bull]

So many packs on the market now it's almost overwhelming . I always hunt with a pack that I can take a full meat load out with me. Then go back with the meat pack!

[coachcw]

Icon pro ! super light , gonna pull my 7200 bag and opt for the 1800 with a dry sack for meat .

[stromdiddily]

Icon pro ! super light , gonna pull my 7200 bag and opt for the 1800 with a dry sack for meat .

I've been looking at those Icons...look a pretty good value