Hunting vs Hiking

[DakotaSota]

Hoping to land my first antelope this fall and I'm getting my gear in order. My last piece I am not sure on is the pack. We're going to do a camping WY public land rifle hunt in 2020.

REI Co-op Mars 80 Pack | REI Co-op

Built to handle heavy loads with all the creature comforts, the newly updated REI Mars 80 pack handles extended backpacking in any season.

www.rei.com

I have had this pack for almost 8 years, use it for BWCA trips and it's been great. Trying to get out there and go through my first year as cheap as possible so I can gauge what I need and what I don't. Would this pack be just fine for hauling meat in and out or do you think I should look at a framed pack?

 

[Young Blood]

If all you're dealing with is an antelope it will be just fine. They are a small animal.

 

[Montana Slim]

Especially for an antelope hunt - your pack is fine. I'm assuming you will be car camping and using your pack to haul meat as a day pack. No need for anything new. Antelope are pretty small, but delicious. Take good care of the meat (get it cool quickly) and use the pack you have.

 

[DakotaSota]

We're up in the air on how to camp, but we're used to camping in northern MN for a week or so. I'm thinking we would have no problem camping out there for a few days. Have three days planned as actual hunt days with two travel days.

 

[Kotaman]

If you're trying to save, that one will work fine.

 

[lonedave]

The bucks I've taken only had 40 - 50# of meat on them, so your pack should work perfect.

 

[WCB]

You are good... You can pack a boned out antelope in a school back pack.