Backpack add on for hauling out cape/head/rack

[Jeremybj]

Afternoon to all Roksliders;

A month or so back I preordered a KUIU Ultra 1800 pack. I'm not a rookie to hunting by any means, but this last year I had an extended pack out with a muley I dropped. With my cheapo backpack I wasn't able to pack much meat, and I had to figure out a way to carry the rifle and cape/head/rack, which was a pain.

I am wondering if there is any add on for the backpack that would allow me to roll it into one convenient package and attach it to my pack.

I looked at possibly just adding 2 compression straps and going around the rack, but that leaves the cape dangling, and I would think there is a better way.

Any help on gear or advise you can give would be great.

Thanks guys,
Jeremy

 

[dreamingbig]

Some advice if I may: 1. Cancel that order and get a bigger pack if you really want one that can haul meat, cape and horns.

2. There are better load haulers out there than the kuiu ultra series.

 

[tipsntails7]

i also would suggest getting a bigger pack, i will not however tell you not to get the ultra. i along with everyone else has zero experiance with the pack so will not judge it. for the tiny weight penalty going to the 6000 would be a no brainer. the 1800 is small. i have the 1850 and its just big enough for a day pack i couldnt even do an overnight unless i use the sling or strap stuff to the outside. puffy,raingear,extra pair of socks, hat, gloves, kill kit, spotter and tripod, small camera and any food or extras and its stuffed.

 

[couesbitten]

I'll echo what dreamingbig and tipsntails have already said and encourage you to go with a larger pack. While there are lots of options out there for packs, if you're intent on buying a Kuiu pack, I would go with the Ultra 6000. I think you're going to be much happier with a larger pack in the long run.

 

[Jager]

Jeremybj to answer your question, there really isn't any easy way to attach a trophy rack to your pack and be comfortable for any distance, as I am sure anyone else with experience will tell you. It is a cumbersome load and best done by using extra straps and or something along the lines of paracord.

We constantly see the shots of hunters with huge racks lugged up to their packs in every hunting publication out there, they are hero shots, as 99% of the time, there is no way they will walk anywhere with the way the rack is loaded for the pic.

This is my preferred method, and 'easiest', inverted commers meaning, it definitely isn't easy. Ha ha

You can know strap everything in position.

 

[Tekla]

I have hauled many animals up here in Alaska and always end up going with the barneys pack. Last time I took my kuiu I swore not to go anywhere without the barneys pack.

 

[Jeremybj]

Excuse my ignorance, isn't the point of the load sling to carry the meat and the pack itself is for hauling gear? I kind of bases my 1800 size decision on a daypack configuration for gear with the load sling for hauling critters out

 

[kodiakfly]

Dumb question time, is the frame in the 1800 the same as in the larger Ultras? If it is, then I guess in theory it should be strong enough to haul anything the 6000 would and with enough straps and buckles you can lash anything to anything. If it's a frame like what you'd find in a normal 1800 inch bag, then it's a day pack and you need to go larger; especially if you're wanting to ever pack more into a hunt. And looking at the price and weight difference between the Ultra series, might as well go with the 6000.

 

[kodiakfly]

Excuse my ignorance, isn't the point of the load sling to carry the meat and the pack itself is for hauling gear? I kind of bases my 1800 size decision on a daypack configuration for gear with the load sling for hauling critters out

Depends on the load and the gear and the pack. If you're hauling a turkey out, you can put it in a big backpack with your sandwiches and water bottle. If you're hauling with a 7500 inch bag, you can put a whole bear in the pack and carry it out. A lot of bags now will pack down for day pack mode, but blow up for hauling out meat. Me personally, an 1800 inch bag is good for day hunting and Id have something else to haul out anything dead. And then you're looking at two bags. Might as well get a bag that can do it all. It's easy to make a big bag work small, but you can't make a small bag work big.

 

[Jager]

Excuse my ignorance, isn't the point of the load sling to carry the meat and the pack itself is for hauling gear? I kind of bases my 1800 size decision on a daypack configuration for gear with the load sling for hauling critters out

...yes.

 

[jmez]

There is a product called a Cape Roll, made in Idaho that may be what you are looking for. Just Google Cape Roll and it will take you to their website.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Sounds to me like you need a Nomad. You will pay more in the beginning but you won't find better customer service ANYWHERE. The pack has also already been tested so you KNOW what you're getting.

If you go with the Kuiu, do yourself a favor and get the bigger bag like some of the guys have already said.

 

[Jager]

Jeremybj, I forgot to mention, in my pic, the cape is folded up under the skull cap and on top of the pack.

Jmez, interesting product. Imo, a hunter is mad though if they are carrying a trophy out that hasn't been fully face caped and skull capped, in the case of antler or horned animals, there is just no point to carrying all that extra weight.