Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Packs and frames ?

I agree. I have one of the lighter Cabelas frame packs, I think they call it the Extreme Outfitter or something similar. I have used it for several backpacking trips for sheep, elk, mule deer, moose, caribou, grizzly, etc. and it is a great pack for the money. The suspension fits me very well. It weighs about 7.8 pounds with the bag and is a good option for $300 or so.

I am trying out a Stone Glacier Solo this year. It seems to be promising and weighs about half as much as the Cabelas, but it costs twice as much too.

Chet

+1. I own two of them. One I purchased out of the classifieds here complete with bag for $125.00 shipped, and the other off the local KSL adds for $80.00 complete with bag. I've taken the bags off and and lashed several feet of 550 cord to the frames. Well wroth the price of admission!

Kelty Cache Hauler

with pack
http://www.kelty.com/p-56-cache-hauler-3400.aspx?category=backpacks

without pack
http://www.kelty.com/p-272-cache-hauler-frame-only.aspx?category=backpacks

Been looking at the Cabelas packs. Also seen a Redhead 5000 that is fairly new. 5000 cu inch, plus hydration compatible, rain cover, weapons carry system, etc for $199. Found some USMC issue ILBE packs with internal frame for $100, capable of hauling 120lbs if need be. Guessing I'll be making a trip and actually looking at packs in person and trying them on.

The Bikini Frame would by my pick, except I'd pair it with the Hill People Gear SM25 bag/compression kit/Tara Pocket. I've never used ANY pack that had a waistbelt that was even close to Kifaru's. The waist belt is what makes or breaks a load hauler.

I just picked up a pack frame at bass pro. redhead enduro flex. It was on clearance for $49, then I also got a 10% military discount.

Seen those on sale at Bass Pro. Kind of interested in an ILBE military park. Internal frame and $100

Mystery Ranch NICE with a crew cab and 6500 will cover everything.

I use the CC for hunting and the first trip out.

Heres the CC with half a bone-in mule deer buck, head and cape:



I then switch out the CC for the 6500 for all return trips:

I packed the bone in front, bone in hind, backstrap and scrap meat from a 5 point bull, with ease in the 6500:



Boned desert ram, rifle, spotting scope, bino's, etc. etc. no match for the 6500.



Boned mule deer buck, head, cape, and all my back packing camp in the 6500...about all I care to hump out of the woods 4 miles in one trip:



I have also packed 2 bone in hinds from a raghorn bull in one trip, about one mile with the 6500. Too muchie and not a smart move on my part...but the pack will do it.

Buzz, i have seen pics of your elk, I want some the deer hero shots!

MR has two knocks on it, that have been discussed to death. Lack of load lifters on the NICE Frame and just plain heavy on most packs.

I have about 25 miles on my Metcalf, and really like it. The Load lifters are functional and do provide some lift, even on my tall body.

In all honesty though, if MR wants to stay competitive in the hunting market with companies like Kuiu, Stone Glacier, and Kifaru(and Paradox coming soon) innovating tough packs at a super light weight with functional shoulder lift then they need to find an improvement for the NICE frame. The Metcalf is a step in the right direction IMO.

I used Kifaru all last season, and will have some time with The SG Solo here really soon. All pricey, but good options IMO.

I agree with you on the load lifters on the crew cab. For the record, I just recently stopped by MR and Jeff gave myself and a work partner load lifters for the crew cab. That will make the crew cab better, IMO.

There isnt a problem with the 6500 for most people of average height in regard to load lifters.

I think the lightweight packs are a craze more than anything else. I dont find the MR packs to be a problem weight wise as they fit right, and carry well.

I also like the ability to switch back and forth between bags with the same frame.

Look at these.

Top quality

http://www.bullpacs.com/

I have a lot of experience with Kifaru packs and fully recommend them for heavy packing. Very durable, great suspension.