A stout external frame with the bag removed. When I approached my first elk it was vividly clear a full quarter would not fit in the bag. Moose even more so. Bag's still out in the wilderness somewhere.
Mesh across the back to bolster evaporation. Add about 15 to 20 ft of line and any conceivable load can be lashed on. Lash load as low as possible and configure so one's hips carry the bulk of the weight. The load must be tight with no swaying movements. Shoulder straps are mostly to facilitate balance. A shelf, unless it folds out of the way, greatly reduces their utility.
It's on my back for every big sky hunt reducing the need for a trip back to camp to retrieve things should one get lucky. Lunch, water, and survival gear are rolled into a raincoat and tied on for my daily outings.
Last edited by 1minute; 06/24/22.
