Looking for recommendations for a pack to haul meat out. Just a frame is fine or a complete pack. Haven't found anything this small that can handle a 50 # load comfortably.
Torso 18"
Waist 26 inches
Constructive thoughts are appreciated
Call me a fanboy but if cost isn't the major focus I'd look at Kifaru. The marauder in gen 1 or 2 is a 2,000 or 2500 CI pack that will carry 50 pounds comfortably as will a pointman or late season. They're pricy but tough and comfortable with a load. The suspensions are reasonable adjustable as well and you can get different sized waist belts.
Good luck.
Frank
If the belt will fit then the Kelty Cache Hauler would be a good bet at $95. The LL Bean Hunter's Carryall is $70 on sale. The Cabelas Outfitter frame is $145 shipped.
But, a 26 inch waist is going to be hard to fit. I'll try to remember to measure my Kelty belt for you.
The LL Bean Hunter's Carryall is a great choice for hauling 50 lbs. and under. I wouldn't recommend carry much more than 50 lbs. I bought my for carrying tree stands and smaller loads from truck to campsite but realized quickly it was much more versatile. It also works well with an Eberlestock Spike Camp Duffel bag for even more versatility. You just can't beat it for $70, which is what I paid for mine a year or so ago.
Any help with the 26 inch waist?
Those of you with skinny daughters understand.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts.
50#? That's easy. ULA Epic. 2#,3oz plus the weight of whatever drybag you choose.
26" is tough. Our smallest belt (not in production yet) is a 27+. Might be able to make it by substituting a narrower buckle. Like a cobra, or maybe even a grimlock.
The LL Bean Hunter's Carryall is a great choice for hauling 50 lbs. and under. I wouldn't recommend carry much more than 50 lbs. I bought my for carrying tree stands and smaller loads from truck to campsite but realized quickly it was much more versatile. It also works well with an Eberlestock Spike Camp Duffel bag for even more versatility. You just can't beat it for $70, which is what I paid for mine a year or so ago.
I think the hunter's carryall only cinches down to about 34" - my waist is about 33-34" and I held off on purchase because of this. 26" might be tough to find in something that rugged. I would maybe look at Eberlestock day-pack sizes or maybe an old Dana Designs internal (I think they had some pretty small belts of some of their female-specific packs.
I would go with ULA epic, they have small belts available. Just get the ULA with a long enough torso to get functioning load lifters. The cache hauler is good, but I doubt the belt is small enough. The carryall the same. I bought a really small belt for the ULA for my son this year.
I have a LL Bean Carry all, and with the belts as tight as it goes, it just works on my 28.5" waist (just a shirt, no coat).
Where the belt slides through the back panel is enough room to add a little foam, and tighten it some........I put a piece of sleeping pad closed cell in there and it gives some more belt play.
Tall and skinny is a tough fit at times:<(