I have a buddy needing a pack for an elk hunt this fall. Backpacking in, backpacking out (including any meat). Up to 7-8 days in the field.

Budget: $300 or less.

My initial thought was a used ILBE. Yes, it's heavy, but it's durable, it's well within the cost parameters, it's a good size, and it pretty comfortable.

My friend is (supposedly) 5'8", and about 200ish (I think that's standing on a chair, though).

I anticipate your friend will be 185 by season, and is 5' 8-1/2"..

S.F.B.

Got pics of her?

He's slightly more clean shaven these days.

People seem to like the Kelty Cache Hauler Link

I'd think something like that, combined with a big silnylon drybag (Link) would give you an awful lot of flexibility for not much money.

They used to have cache haulers at Sportsman's I think, which would let him take a look at one before purchasing, if he lives near a sportys. I didn't really shop around - you could probably find a drybag cheaper than that. Add in some 550 cord and you're set for just over half the budget.

I bet you could find a used Dana Designs pack for around $300 or even less.

I have a Dana Designs Bighorn and Bomb. Great packs, might be just a little small for a week, but I use mine for daypacks just in case I get lucky enough to knock something down. Paid less than $30 each in great shape.
Same on some old Mountainsmith Frostfire size packs. But my current favorite is a Gregory Forester that I found at a thrift store for $25. Depending on where you live you can find a lot of great packs for far less than $300 on Craigslist.
Lot of great packs sitting in houses that never get used. Makes for some great bargains.

At 200lbs, he can keep the pics of her!

My Dad always jokingly told me that big women need lovin too. I would always tell him, "yeah, but not by me."

The carryall by LL Bean got some favorable reviews on here in the past.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/6439...;attrValue_0=Olive&productId=1077114

For the price, I think it looks pretty slick. Use a large dry bag or duffle for the pack in. A small bag or camelbak on it for day hunts. Similar to the cache hauler linked above.

I used the LLBean carryall this year with a couple dry bags. I think they were 20L's.

Pack weight was about 40#'s. No elk, so no heavy loads. It carried the 40 some pounds well, but the pack is a bit small for me. I ain't 5' 8".

The straps also slip pretty easily. I was constantly tightening chit up.

It's cheap, decent suspension, and you can do a lot with it.

I'm going to pick up a used Arcteryx Bora for next season. Loads of really good, slightly used, packs out here for under $200.

5'8". 200 pounds. The pack he needs is made by Polaris. And comes with 4 wheels

Try to find a used Outdoorsmans Optics Hunter Pack. It's great hunting pack and meet hauler.

http://outdoorsmans.com/outdoorsmans-optics-hunter-pack-system/

damn....

LOL! That's a good one right there!

BTW, I'm 5'9" and 195... With a 30" waist... And don't need a Polaris. So those one size fits all obesity charts don't always work...

Lots of good options for that budget. My #1 recommendation would be to look for a used Paradox Evolution frame. Even if he can't get one with a pack bag for his budget, add a few SilNylon stuff sacks and he'll be able to carry anything needed for a trip that length, plus have the flexibility to work meat into the load in the event it's required.

I know, and agree. BUT I have an idea who the Op's friend is, and busting his balls is just good times

I figured. And I definitely got a good laugh out of it.

Yeah, you do, and you know why I was being generous in the 5'8" and conservative in the 200#. He gets Grumpy (pun there).

He should just head back to the mines and sing happily all the way

Just scored a barely used, as in the thing looks brand new, 10 year old Bora 80 for $150.