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.