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[SWHUNTER]

 

[Red Dawg]

I guess it depends on how much money you want to spend and what fits ya the best. My self I like eberlestock mostly just because of the gun scabbard. Hiking with free hands and balance is great to me but I know that other packs are great also.

[bow4elk]

I used a Cabela's pack on a AK moose and caribou hunt and immediately returned it.  Didn't work well for me.  I use Badlands packs, but there are quite a few good packs out there, depending on what your personal preferences are.  There are a few "packs" posts so you might search to get a lot of previous commentary on this subject.

[billythekidrock]

I have the Alaskan Guide pack and it is ok. Not great and definately not one that will last on many elk. But it is great for backpacking and smaller loads.

I didn't think it would survive this load...which reminds me, I better take a look at it.


Like stated above, it depends on your preferences are.

[washelkhntr]

Damn Billy, I don't thik you have enough on there.....

[Huntbear]

I am going thru this same process.  Really can not justify dropping 2-300.00 on a pack.  However am tired of packs not fitting me.
Being long waisted, and having a belly, does not help with backpacks.  I also need one that will not make my back scream at me from dawn to dusk.

Good luck, and keep us posted on your choices.

[Dirty Mike]

had the cabelas pack for 4 yrs great stuff

[halflife65]

I've just used it as a pack frame, not with the pack attached.  I had one for years that I carried lots of deer (sometimes a couple a year - mine and other guys that needed help) and some elk out on it and never had a problem and it was always as comfortable as something like that could be with a lot of weight on it.  My dog ate the straps off of it last year and I bought a new frame on sale this year and packed out a deer on it.  It worked flawlessly.  I've never used it as anything but a packboard, though - ie. I've never carried it around until I actually needed it.  I have carried it in the dark and stashed it somewhere and picked it up when I needed it or on the way out, but it didn't stay with me all day.

It seems like it's a pretty good pack unless you really want to step it up and start spending money.  I'm sure something like a Mystery Ranch would be better, but you'll pay for it.

[grizzlygibbs]

Keep your eyes on craigslist and eBay.  You can find great packs and not pay retail.

[NWBREW]

Has anyone ever looked into anything from these guys? They are local out of cashmere. A buddy of mine fishes Canada with the owner of the company. From what I hear they are great packs but a little on the spendy side.

http://www.nimrodpacks.com/hunting-gear.html


Lifetime warranty and made in the USA......and local

[high country]

I have used the nimrod system. it is a well designed system, but not for me. I sold it. I believe lowedog runs one.

if you can find a dana designs longbed.......you will be happy. they have not been made for a long time, but are still pretty much the standard.

[carpsniperg2]

look like good stuff if i had the $ to drop i would get one.

[bow4elk]

Has anyone ever looked into anything from these guys? They are local out of cashmere. A buddy of mine fishes Canada with the owner of the company. From what I hear they are great packs but a little on the spendy side.

http://www.nimrodpacks.com/hunting-gear.html

Lifetime warranty and made in the USA......and local

Nimrod has been around a long, long time - great packs.  Great local business too.  Nimrod was a pioneer in developing rifle scabbards for backpacks.

[Axle]

I've had the Alaska pack for many years. It is my second one. I totally used up the first one with all the meat packing and hiking adventures and I've loved both of them. There is a cheaper version of it that I bought for my son and I don't like it as much. Camptrails has been making these packs for a long time and they are great as far as I'm concerned. The best model is going to be the most expensive for you when it comes to hunting and packing meat.
I have a tall torso too and these packs are adjustable for a comfortable fit.
I have used them for so long now, I'm not familiar with any others at this time.

[Houndhunter]

i like mine, but like billy said i dont think the clips that hold up the bottom will do that well if your packing much over 100lbs. if you bone out the animal  than you could really load up that pack, but packing stait quaters using just the frame ive heard the clips can break. other than being a lil heavy, i love mine. lots of room and pretty comfortable. i did notice will wearing it and riding a bike i had a peice that digs into my back, got pretty bruised up but i just need to wrap somethin around a lil peice and it should be fine. its really built well for hunting