Best Elk Hunting Pack, 2016

[haugenna]

Stone glacier sky series.
It has the space to haul multiple nights gear
Meat shelf for hauling out your kill in addition to your gear.
Does not break the bank
Hauls more than humanly possible
Lighter design than other high end packs
Best feature, can be modified down to a day pack by removing the lid and adjusting your top straps.
Www.stoneglacier.com

[Tim in Wa.]

I've had two Kifaru's Now I have a Exo 5500 .Its just about perfect for me the price was reasonable and Steve offers excellent customer service.I highly recommend them.
Tim

[ridgefire]

I have used a few different packs over the years but now use a Kifaru. Started with a g1 siwash then picked up a bikini frame with a highcamp 4800 and a t2 bag. Also bought a duplex frame to try out. The bt2 combo is my go to pack.  Light, comfortable and will pack elk quarters with no problem. Will probably set the duplex frame up to be a meat hauling pack.

[kellama2001]

tagging

[wooltie]

well i'll be the one to toss in the lulu lemon brand..

kuiu icon pro works fine for me, although carrying over 70 lbs after 5 miles does start irritate my hip bones.  Weight stays off my shoulders though.

[Buzz2401]

All of the companies that make packs in USA are pretty good. Kifaru, Mystery Ranch, Blacks Creek. 
Tenzing and Badlands make decent packs but they are made over seas.

[TylerMulie]

I love this topic, as I love hunting gear, especially backpacks!!
This is really going to vary depending on the type of hunting you do ie. day, multi-day, tree stand, ect. but as far as a general best all around hunting backpack goes, it is the Mystery Ranch Metcalf. I've tested a ton of backpacks throughout the years, this one will be with me for many, many years.
Here is why:
1. Mystery Ranch is a great company, made in the USA, it is costly, but it will last a lifetime and the folks at Mystery Ranch are very helpful and generous.
2. NICE FRAME! with load lifters!!! This frame is BOMB proof, it might be a little heavier than a Kuiu frame, but I guarantee you this frame is going to carry anything you put on it comfortably.
       A. Hip pads, and padded belt! the hip belt system has 3 parts, padded lumbar, Hip pads and padded belt.
3. Metcalf bag: This is a fairly simple bag design, but will get anywhere you need to go, day pack to 7 day back country hunt. 1 side pocket, a hydration bladder and one huge storage area with 2 access points, a top draw string and a side zip pocket which allows you to access your gear easily.
The bag has a meat shelf that is attached to the frame, the shelf is positioned higher so you can carry heavy loads and keep your back feeling great!!!
Conclusion, you wont be disappointed, I can assure you, that you will be happy!

[coop2424]

Mystery ranch at least most of their hunting line is made in the Philippines now..

[Buzz2401]

Mystery ranch at least most of their hunting line is made in the Philippines now..

Wow I just went on their website and saw that their stuff is now imported.  Thats really sad.  A good reason not to support their business anymore.

[Magnum_Willys]

Like my kuiu ultra but upgraded to icon pro suspension today with their 25% off sale. $93 figured why not gives my a spare too...

[pianoman9701]

One that looks like this one.

[BigBullDreamer11]

One that looks like this one.

That is a awesome pic!

[X-Force]

Mystery ranch at least most of their hunting line is made in the Philippines now..

It is true that they moved their hunting packs overseas but on the plus side local shops will be carrying the product so we will have an opportunity to fit and test packs before buying them.

[Karl Blanchard]

Mystery ranch at least most of their hunting line is made in the Philippines now..

  Also, I wouldn't call the NICE frame completely bomb proof.  The velcro on the yolk can get gunked up and will slip under heavy loads.  I know a few folks that have had this issue.

[BULLBLASTER]

Mystery ranch at least most of their hunting line is made in the Philippines now..

  Also, I wouldn't call the NICE frame completely bomb proof.  The velcro on the yolk can get gunked up and will slip under heavy loads.  I know a few folks that have had this issue.

the Velcro can fill up with pine needles and slip. I clean mine out periodically