Back to the Pack - Hunting backpack suggestions

[DaNewb]

Now that I've beat the brush for three seasons I have a much better idea what I want in a pack. However, I'm looking for something with features that are apparently a bit unique. I'm also new to pack hunting so I'm not really experienced with hunting packs and what is available.

So far I'm looking at Alps Outdoorz as I don't really want to spend hundreds of dollars on a pack. They seem solid but affordable. Ideally, I only want to spend a couple hundred on it.

Alps Outdoorz Traverse pack - but it looks like more pack than I really need.
https://alpsoutdoorz.com/traverse-eps-expandable-day-pack.html

Alps Outdoorz Pathfinder
https://alpsoutdoorz.com/expandable-day-pack-pathfinder.html

I'm bow hunting local... Only walk-in day trips within a couple miles of home so no overnighting.

I am hunting early season - September - so I'm not packing any dry gear.

It must be able to pack a boned-out deer + my limited gear in one trip, but only 1-2 miles.

It must be able to carry my bow/quiver also.

Ideally, this wonder-pack would double as my scout pack pre-season. I'm in the woods scouting all year long, at least every couple weeks, and I currently use a fanny-style day pack that I really like, similar, but smaller than the Pathfinder pack linked above.

The Pathfinder pack above, expanded to it's full pack size, is perfect but I am not sure if it will pack out a whole deer, boned out. I love the idea of the dual purpose, scouting/hunting aspect of this pack, it is exactly what I have in mind.

Does anyone have experience packing deer out with this pack, or can suggest one similar that will hold a whole boned-out deer?

The Traverse above definitely will carry a whole deer, but it is a bit more pack than I need when hunting as I just don't carry much base-weight gear.

Any advice on hunting packs would really be appreciated to help dial in what I'm looking for. (I've read through most all the pack threads here already)

Thanks

[milldozer]

Buy an exo and be done with it.  If you're trying to save money, buy a used exo.

[hughjorgan]

Look for used exo mountain, kifaru, initial ascent, or stone glacier. Buy once cry once. You’ll save money in the long run.

[blackveltbowhunter]

If planning on putting meat in a pack, the pathfinder is not an option IMO. Whether you could get a deer stuffed in it or not is somewhat irrelevant. Without any sort of structure in the pack it will be A) Very uncomfortable with any sort of significant weight. B) Likely to have a major failure.

  I have seen the traverse in action. Very functional as a day pack. Half a boned out fork buck was no problem. It should fit an entire mature buck. It would be a (likely) uncomfortable load without any load lifters to speak of, but you are not going far. Aside from that I question the longevity if doing that routinely. But it sounds like you could easily have a backup plan if you did have a catastrophic failure.

Are you doing lots of packouts a year? or just one if successful? An option that might work well for you if you really like the pathfinder style, would be get the pathfinder and a cheap external frame. You could marry the 2 when needed, or hunt with the pathfinder and leave the external behind until pack out work required. You would have to do a return trip, but depending on the terrain and weather, that may not be a problem. Also, cleaning externals is waaay easier compared to any internal frame stuff.   

[Klickitatsteelie]

Another vote for exo. I was hesitant for years because of the price and once I did pull the trigger my only regret is that I wished I had done it years sooner.

[boneaddict]

Have used Eberstock for a long time.  Only downside is it is heavy right out of the gate. It is heavy duty though.  Loads I have carried have been incredible.   I've been tossing it back and forth between EXO and Stone glacier.  I havent decided yet.