Elk Pack

[big wood]

I use exo but prefer the horse

[buglebrush]

Exo or Kifaru depending what you prefer.  I'm an Exo guy myself.  Have hauled a lot of elk in mine.  Wouldn't look any further than those two unless budget is a big constraint.   

[elkchaser54]

I vote for Eberlestock main frame . So many customizations available,  get exactly what ya want.

[huntnnw]

I have a mystery ranch 6500 and would never go smaller, they all compress down to nothing. No complaints on my pack as I have had it 5 years and packed alot of weight in it.

[gutsnthegrass]

Bull Pac has worked well for me.

[dilleytech]

Looking at buying a new pack.....  how about your preferences and why......  three day would be plenty......  looking to pack out elk - so a meat shelf would be needed.....  Thanks in advance!!

If you're packing out meat and not bones, no meat shelf is needed.

Not “needed” maybe. But a meat shelf is a HUGE improvement over just stuffing it in the main compartment. Both for keeping stuff clean and for getting the meat where it should be. Strapped right up against your back.

[Rainier10]

Bull Pac has worked well for me.

[vandeman17]

Looking at buying a new pack.....  how about your preferences and why......  three day would be plenty......  looking to pack out elk - so a meat shelf would be needed.....  Thanks in advance!!

If you're packing out meat and not bones, no meat shelf is needed.

Not “needed” maybe. But a meat shelf is a HUGE improvement over just stuffing it in the main compartment. Both for keeping stuff clean and for getting the meat where it should be. Strapped right up against your back.

Not to mention being able to still pack out your gear at the same time. Its nice being able to stuff your jacket, gloves and all that in the pack and have the meat on the shelf

[MR5x5]

Find a good used/comfortable frame pack - take the  pack off - lash on 6-10 bungee cords.  You can lash hunting packs, bows, meat, whatever to the frame.  Super easy super effective and super economical.

[BULLBLASTER]

Looking at buying a new pack.....  how about your preferences and why......  three day would be plenty......  looking to pack out elk - so a meat shelf would be needed.....  Thanks in advance!!

If you're packing out meat and not bones, no meat shelf is needed.

Not “needed” maybe. But a meat shelf is a HUGE improvement over just stuffing it in the main compartment. Both for keeping stuff clean and for getting the meat where it should be. Strapped right up against your back.

Doesn’t get any cleaner than the meat inside a dry bag inside the pack. Don’t have to take the bag apart that way either. Put the meat bag in and pack the rest around it to fit where you want it. 

[Stein]

It's good to have the option.  With packs built to haul meat, you can either strap the meat to the frame or put it in the bag.  Strapping it to the frame most often leads to a much more secure load that doesn't swing around back there, but it's faster to toss it in the bag and go. 

An added bonus is that you can stash stuff between the bag and the frame.  On my Exo, I have my kill kit vac sealed and strapped to the frame.  It's there if I need it but it doesn't take up space in the bag, get left behind or get in the way when I'm looking for something else.

Finally, if you can switch bags you can have 2 packs for far less than double the cost.  I have the smaller Exo for a day hunting rig and will be getting a larger bag for late season hunts where you pack a bunch of extra clothing as well as overnight trips.

[Jonathan_S]

My stuff stays clean, the meat is tight to my back, I fit everything else in the pack AND I dont have to fiddle with a meat shelf.

[2MANY]

Ray Holes

[theleo]

Ray Holes

You sir, are a connoisseur of fine elk hauling equipment.

I'd pit a Ray Holes pack and bags against any Exo, SG, Kuiu... pack out there and laugh against the fools that bet against me.

[dilleytech]

My stuff stays clean, the meat is tight to my back, I fit everything else in the pack AND I dont have to fiddle with a meat shelf.

I have done both. Utilizing the meat shelf on my exo is faster and easier then using the main compartment on my older packs. Not to mention sooo much more comfortable and secure. Your essentially more then doubling your packs capacity to carry stuff by having the meat shelf option as well.