Best for packing elk out

[Westelkmule]

Looking for a pack I can load up to 100lbs or so for packing elk out of high Rockies.
Sometimes hiking out 3+ miles of up and down steep slopes. My buddy here likes mystery ranch but it seems like here they get mixed reviews.

I’ve been using a backpacking internal frame pack and it’s crushing my soul and my back. Exo and kifaru get great reviews but I was trying not to spend 600+. I have some hill people gear stuff I like.

 

[TheM1DoesMyTalking]

I'd watch the classifieds for a used EXO K3 or K4 or a Stone Glacier pack that's in your budget.

 

[ganngus]

Nothing but good things to say about the K4. Packed multiple animals off mountains with it. That said, if I draw a moose tag in Alaska, I will be buying a Barney's pack...

 

[sndmn11]

The best one is going to be the frame (brand) that fits your body and pressure preferences the best. The only way to know that is to try 4-5 different mfgs, or get close enough and settle.

Exo, Seek Outside, Kifaru, Stone Glacier, Initial Ascent are all "top tier".

Some folks might also love Mystery Ranch, Kuiu, possibly Sitka, possibly AGC.

I'd find a frame from two different mfgs here, sell the loser, buy another, and have that head to head shoot out until you are satisfied.

 

[Jbehredt]

The one that fits the best. Just like boots, if they’re too big, too small or the wrong shape you’re gonna hurt. I prefer exo bags but with my bony hips nothing fits like a kifaru waist belt. I (like many) had to experiment a little. Bought and sold pieces then frankensteined an exo bag onto a kifaru frame.

 

[Westelkmule]

Thanks everyone I’m limited on stores where I live. When I head to bigger town I’ll try some packs on. Try some buddies out too.

 

[rclouse79]

Between my son and I we have packed out two deer and two elk this year. I had a Kifaru for years and it was good, but it can’t touch my Exo k4. That thing is a freaking dream pack. Worth every penny.

 

[mtnbound]

Looking for a pack I can load up to 100lbs or so for packing elk out of high Rockies.
Sometimes hiking out 3+ miles of up and down steep slopes. My buddy here likes mystery ranch but it seems like here they get mixed reviews.

I’ve been using a backpacking internal frame pack and it’s crushing my soul and my back. Exo and kifaru get great reviews but I was trying not to spend 600+. I have some hill people gear stuff I like.

I have used Kifaru, EXO, SG, Kuiu, MR, and many others. EXO’s K4 pack system is the best for me. Then Kifaru, then Kuiu.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

I'd find a frame from two different mfgs here, sell the loser, buy another, and have that head to head shoot out until you are satisfied.

This is what I’ve done and works great.

 

[farmermail]

I use Initial Ascent, awesome for packing game. A few elk, deer, and pronghorn so far. Really well balanced, great weight transfer.

 

[kcm2]

I can't say best. I can say a properly adjusted Kifaru frame is very, very, very good to take out as much as half an elk in one trip. I say that with some certainty, having used exclusively Kifaru since 1998. YMMV .

 

[Geewhiz]

I have never used exo, Stone glacier or Kifaru, but I am a big fan of my mystery ranch pack. It’s carried well over 50 animals in the last few years and I haven’t had a single issue. Several loads well over 100 lbs.

 

[Legend]

Looking for a pack I can load up to 100lbs or so for packing elk out of high Rockies.
Sometimes hiking out 3+ miles of up and down steep slopes. My buddy here likes mystery ranch but it seems like here they get mixed reviews.

I’ve been using a backpacking internal frame pack and it’s crushing my soul and my back. Exo and kifaru get great reviews but I was trying not to spend 600+. I have some hill people gear stuff I like.

Don't let a pack keep you from hunting elk. Spend as much or as little as you want.

I used a $90 North Face back pack that I found on clearance. It packed more elk then I can remember for 20 years.

One of my biggest pack outs was with an external frame that you wouldn't pay $1.50 at a garage sale.

I now use a a SG and it's good but in a lot of ways miss my cheap old north face.

 

[Beendare]

The best I've used for 100# plus loads was an older MR frame pack.

The best all around pack for 70/80# loads was a McHale that I wore out and now the EXO which is equal to the McHale custom.

 

[shootnrun]

You can find MR for 40% + off retail from several websites this time of year. Although I run a kif, I usually recommend MR sales packs if folks are wanting something budget friendly. I have worn them and find them perfectly comfortable and capable of packing an elk hind/front if you're daring enough to pack the weight. They may miss in a few areas, but you're saving up to 50% of what the big names fetch.

If you're MR adverse, watch the classifieds. SG, Exo, or Kif will all accomplish what you're after.

 

[Westelkmule]

You can find MR for 40% + off retail from several websites this time of year. Although I run a kif, I usually recommend MR sales packs if folks are wanting something budget friendly. I have worn them and find them perfectly comfortable and capable of packing an elk hind/front if you're daring enough to pack the weight. They may miss in a few areas, but you're saving up to 50% of what the big names fetch.

If you're MR adverse, watch the classifieds. SG, Exo, or Kif will all accomplish what you're after.

That’s kinda what my buddy here was saying. Black Friday mr can be had for cheaper. As I’m 40 and only getting older I don’t mind spending more for something better for the lower lumbar.

I backpack a lot in the summer so serving dual purpose with good bag is easier to justify.

 

[AKEK]

I would highly recommend the AKEK packs! Lifetime warranty and very comfortable!
Just watch this short Youtube video HERE

 

[chindits]

I’d skip the 100 lb loads and go with whatever pack suits you.

I’ve packed multiple elk for me and others and even with my moose last year I never packed 100 lbs and I take everything neck, shanks, flanks, heart, etc…. Long term your body will thank you right in that 50-60 year range