Carry backpack for elk hunting?

[JimmyHoffa]

I used to wear one for muzzy elk because I went solo most of the time and didn't want to go back for gear.  Didn't have a good one, but the amount of stuff that could be carried outweighed getting hung up on all kinds of stuff.  trying to go under logs or squeeze between trunks or having limbs catch on stuff would get annoying. 

[MountainWalk]

Just looked through my trash, and my pack is an Estock. X2. Ultra solid and tough, and not even that heavy. But paying more attention to these threads has shed some light for me. Details like torso length. 

I like my pack plenty, it just has never felt at home on my body. Even when empty, never could wait to take it off. Just doesn't fit right. A little too short for me.

[Instinct]

Ive been using the badlands 2200 for 8 years now, got myself a tenzing 2220 coming in fig I'd try that. Carry everything I need to get started if I get a animal down. Plus lil extra room to haul extra whatever if needed.

[nw_bowhunter]

I'm looking for input on weather you hunt with a backpack ? If so what type of backpack and why? I personally used a rei McGregor day pack which holds the basics. Reason I'm asking is whether it's necessity to have a framed pack when hunting elk during archery season? Do you just go back to the truck, prefer to carry so you can hike out the first load, etc?

No sorry I was looking at both frames meant to say "nice frame".


 I prefer to hunt without a pack as I don't get as fatigued but need the water to ensue I stay hydrated. My brother in law recently purchased a Mystery Ranch with bikin frame and longbow bag. I tried it and it was very comfortable. Had load lifters and I felt no weight on my shoulders.

I'm trying to decide if I need to invest in a nice pack or just stick to the used frame pack for packing and keep my day pack

Your brother in law is using a kifaru frame for his mystery ranch longbow bag? How does that work, wouldn't think they are compatible.

Anyways I use the mystery ranch longbow as my day pack. They are well made but not the lightest of packs. Very comfortable, lots of little pockets for organization. I like the idea of being able to haul my first load of meat on the way back to the truck and then use a pack frame. There is more than enough room to pack everything you need and it compresses down real nice to be low profile while hunting. And if you ever decide you want to do some backcountry hunts the bag is big enough to do a couple day hunt out of it or you can just buy one of the bigger bags to meet your demand.

No sorry I was looking at both frames meant to say "nice frame".

[blackveltbowhunter]

   In my experience the times I have needed/wanted the ability to haul at least some portion of meat out far outweigh the times I didn't need it. Probably a 100-1. Unless certain the animal is coming out without your power, ( horses can be led to kill site, or atv or vehicle access, haywire etc..) Then every step  toward the extrication point without some meat on my back is time wasted. Make every move count. Even if I only pack 50 pounds back to get a frame/hauler, its still more efficient. Depending on where I am hunting will dictate how much pack I carry. If hunting deep woods for several days than my pack will be able to handle a large first load. If hunting from a bike or truck on tree farm land I am less concerned about that since the packs are usually much shorter move to a road. But I still want ability to move meat from kill site to access point.

 

 

[Johnb317]

I use an Eberlestock X2.   I practice shooting with it on.
Personally I think anyone who goes in the woods without basic survival gear is taking unnecessary risks.  I also would not get a pack without a setup for a camelback type setup.  I find my muscles rebound much faster if I stay hydrated. 
Plus never hurts to be able to carry out the backstraps or horns on the first trip out.
😊.

[PA BEN]

Are you using this pack while out hunting elk from camp? If so I use a large fanny pack with suspenders. I get too hot hunting with a back pack. I take enough to bone out my elk and hang it. You can take a small load back to camp the get your meat pack and the rest of your meat bags. I use a Frame Pack with a Pouch like this one.   http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Company-Aluminum-Processing-Break-Up/dp/B003TWYQP6/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1436838700&sr=1-3&keywords=pack+frame&pebp=1436838737054&perid=0XTX6MJ2TH0G0AKBPKHD

[j_h_nimrod]

Just looked through my trash, and my pack is an Estock. X2. Ultra solid and tough, and not even that heavy. But paying more attention to these threads has shed some light for me. Details like torso length. 

I like my pack plenty, it just has never felt at home on my body. Even when empty, never could wait to take it off. Just doesn't fit right. A little too short for me.

I find too short better than too long, but how a pack feels is the most important. Head into one of the stores and try on packs, even if you don't plan to buy anything, until you find what fits. Take advantage of a knowledgeable sales associate, if there are any, to get the adjustments correct. Most packs now have so many adjustments that unless you know what they do you will not be able to get the pack to feel right. A properly fitted pack will make 70 feel like 40 but a poorly fitted pack will make 30 feel like 80.

[j_h_nimrod]

Are you using this pack while out hunting elk from camp? If so I use a large fanny pack with suspenders. I get too hot hunting with a back pack. I take enough to bone out my elk and hang it. You can take a small load back to camp the get your meat pack and the rest of your meat bags. I use a Frame Pack with a Pouch like this one.   http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Company-Aluminum-Processing-Break-Up/dp/B003TWYQP6/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1436838700&sr=1-3&keywords=pack+frame&pebp=1436838737054&perid=0XTX6MJ2TH0G0AKBPKHD

Not to knock your choice, but I used these frames for two years for work, and while well constructed, the hip belt is poorly designed and does not transfer weight well compared to better pack designs.  It is not the worst that I used but I eventually stripped the hip belt off it because it added nothing to the packs ride and was just an encumberance. If it were my personnel frame I would try and adapt a different hip belt or modify the existing one. The overall construction and quality was very good for the price though.

[M_ray]

Badlands 2800 will do everything you want from day pack to packboard once down, I too do not want to go back to the truck 2-8 miles just to get a pack board! My first trip out will be with my stuff, backstraps, tenderloin  and shoulder! 

[ridgefire]

I use a 5200ci bt2 as a day/week pack for all my elk hunting. It can go from a lightweight day pack to packing two quarters with no problems. Couldn't imagine hunting with just a fanny pack.

[jackelope]

Jackolope,  what are you using can I ask?

I've got an original Kuiu Icon with the 3k and 6k bags. Just waiting for the frame to break on it but it's 10x better and more comfortable than the multiple eberlestock packs I've owned. Torso length/pack fit is what it's all about, regardless of what brand you're using.

[kentrek]

I can't even go on a long drive with out my pack....even in the off season

It's got everything a guy needs

[BigBullDreamer11]

I normal carry my monster fanny badlands pack when i know where I am but if i go somewhere new that I have never been i carry my badlands 2200.

[Magnum_Willys]

Kuiu Ultra 3000 - light (3 lb)  daypack and can strap 80# between pack and carbon fiber frame no problem.