Hunting Backpack / pack frame, what's the best?

[Whitetail Chaser]

looking for the ideal hunting back pack, for day trips just food, water, misc. gear and clothing only. capable of expanding to pack out an elk quarter, capable of holding a bow or gun. Any suggestions?

 

[couesbitten]

Numerous posts addressing this same question in the "backpacks" forum. Use the search function, you should find plenty of opinions and information.

 

[19hunt92]

I will throw in my .02 and say that the mystery ranch metcalf has done well for me. It is a larger bag that i use for small applications rather than a small bag for large applications. Robust and comfortable

 

[Dharby]

I asked basically the same question and researched it to death. You can look at my thread but I ended up with a stone glacier.

 

[canyonhunter47]

For a daypack the Mystery Ranch popup series seems to fit what you’re describing

 

[Whitetail Chaser]

Thanks, i'm new to this site and I missed the backpack thread. I'll read through all of that content.

 

[deerhunt1988]

I was looking for the same thing recently and went with the Mystery Ranch Sawtooth. Haven't gotten to pack an animal out with it yet, but have put a lot of practice miles on it. I've had up to 65lbs in it while training and am very pleased with how it carries the weight. Definitely worth checking into.

 

[Jasper17]

I bought the Stone Glacier Evo3300 with the Crux frame and I tried on several of the mystery ranch packs and for me it was like when you put on the right pair of boots you just know. I also researched them to death and found a place that I could try them on for fit comparison. Good luck in your search its a tough one with the cost of all the brands its difficult.

 

[Carr5vols]

I like the eberlestock main frame with two bat wings for what you need.

 

[*zap*]

I think all the 'major' packs are good and offer various options but it really may come down to which one fits you the best. I picked up a MR guide lite, SG x-curve and a old SG Krux to evaluate. As far as bags I have a MR mule and a SG sky Archer 6200 to play with but I have two military bags that will fit right on the guide lite, a TAG recon ruck and a FILBE. I would really like to try the new MR frame if the guide lite works out.
The FILBE bag is a huge pack bag with some good features and could be an inexpensive bag option if you go with a guide lite and I have found the radio pouches in military packs to be very useful for keeping heavier items up high and close to your shoulders.
I just whitetail hunt and backpack camp but the very cold weather clothes can add up and so does stand, sticks/steps or a climber plus I do not want to be dragging deer a mile any more....