Day pack with meat hauling capabilities

Jmyers12

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Jul 15, 2025
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not sure if this has been discussed or not I am sure it has. Looking for a pack for just walk in day hunting that can pack out a deer or an antelope. I’d rather it not be big and bulky and am looking for suggestions on a set up. Also something that doesn’t break the bank is also a plus! I’ll be driving to most spots and walking in anywhere from a mile-10 miles top and will not be staying over night!
 
I have been using a Kuiu 3200 for the last 6 years. I've packed out 4 elk and 3 mule deer with it. When I'm not hunting I'm hiking and would estimate that I carry that pack 200 plus miles a year. The 3200 has been replaced with a 3600 which has slightly more room but is still ideal for a day pack that can also haul meat.
 
I have a kifaru hunter frame with am Stryker xl bag. Could haul way more than my legs can handle but it's overkill for deer.

My badlands superday gets the nod for boned out whitetails. Works fine.
 
not sure if this has been discussed or not I am sure it has. Looking for a pack for just walk in day hunting that can pack out a deer or an antelope. I’d rather it not be big and bulky and am looking for suggestions on a set up. Also something that doesn’t break the bank is also a plus! I’ll be driving to most spots and walking in anywhere from a mile-10 miles top and will not be staying over night!

I would go with EXO and use their 2200 bag and a K4 frame.
 
If you are not trying to break the bank I would look at Mystery Ranch, can get into a pack for around 325, or cheaper used. Exo and Stone Glacier are great but are expensive and more than you need for deer and antelope.
 
not sure if this has been discussed or not I am sure it has. Looking for a pack for just walk in day hunting that can pack out a deer or an antelope. I’d rather it not be big and bulky and am looking for suggestions on a set up. Also something that doesn’t break the bank is also a plus! I’ll be driving to most spots and walking in anywhere from a mile-10 miles top and will not be staying over night!
Pop up by mystery ranch, look used for the best deals

For the money, I don’t think there is anything better that fills that niche.

Exo k4 and 2200 bag would be a good long term investment if you wanted to have a very capable pack that can turn into a backcountry setup down the road if that’s ever a possibility
 
Used frame and a smaller bag .

Stoneglacier Xcurve and a 1700 Serac are just about the perfect setup for dayhunting IMO. A bigger bag can get strapped down enough to not be bulky, but I dont care for them that way. Besides...A small bag will keep you honest :ROFLMAO:

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I would think through the possibility of being capable for overnight /backpack hunts. What I am saying is the advice you have recieved on going with a full size frame from Stone Glacier/Exo etc with either a smaller bag or a larger bag that folds compacts to a bivy mode is great advice. Antelpoe and deer only will not require as large of a bag.
 
Try to find an older, gently used Badlands 2800. Pack empty weighs in at just over 4 lbs and I wear it as a day pack every day hunting. Have had 70+ lb loads on it.
 
The Mystery Ranch Sawtooth 45 or the Pintler might work for you. I have the Sawtooth and use it for the same kind of hunts. Tightens down well on small loads but can be stretched to an overnight if needed. Meat shelf works great and handles weight well.
Edited to add that I have seen some great deals for MR older models on camofire recently.
 
A cheap option, particularly on the used market would be a bandlands 2200. They will hold a whitetail with ease. and are often less than 150 on ebay.
 
I use a SG XCurve with an Avail attached to it quite often. The one challenge to consider is the 26” frames can be bothersome for day hunting in areas with heavy cover. They tend to get hung up a bit. That height is needed for heavy weight generally but not day pack weight. I think there is a problem in this space that has yet to be solved. The MR Popups are on the right track but need some help. SO frames have extensions. Not super efficient to change and readjust. Etc, etc.
 
Mystery Ranch Pintler or Sawtooth 45, or any of the Pop-Up series will be perfect. Used or older models on sale all the time at halfway-decent prices, as well.
 
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