Kelty Red Cloud 90 For Elk Hunting?

[AggieScoot]

Hey guys. New to the group and to back country hunting. Have backpacked previously. Heading to Idaho in October for a back country hunt and my "need to purchase" gear list already has enough zeros behind it. Very interested in the Sitka Mountain hauler but hard to justify spending another $360 if my existing kelty red cloud 90 will be able to handle the task of hauling out an elk quarter. Has anyone attempted to use this pack or something similar for elk hunting and had success? Or should I just bite the bullet? TIA for any info/advice.

 

[cmahoney]

I haven’t used either of the packs you mentioned so maybe my opinion doesn’t hold that much weight.

I would use the pack you have and save your money until you can get one of the really good packs, EXO, Kifaru, Stone Glacier, Mystery Ranch, etc. another option would be to pick up a straight meat hauling frame and leave that in your truck for the multiple trip pack out.




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[doverpack12]

It will work just fine. My kelty redcloud had a frame sheet In addition to the aluminum stays that made it very rigid and extremely resistant to barreling. Never packed an elk with it but very confident it would have handled it just fine. My hunting partner packed many elk with his and I hauled a lot of homemade tree stands about 35 pounds each but awkward loads into the mountains several miles.

 

[AggieScoot]

It will work just fine. My kelty redcloud had a frame sheet In addition to the aluminum stays that made it very rigid and extremely resistant to barreling. Never packed an elk with it but very confident it would have handled it just fine. My hunting partner packed many elk with his and I hauled a lot of homemade tree stands about 35 pounds each but awkward loads into the mountains several miles.

awesome man exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks for the response.

 

[bobhunts]

Maybe just me but mine never was able to carry the weight on my hips. Having said that I had and used one way back in around 2004 if I remember right and I'm sure they have improved the Red Cloud since then. If it fits and carries weight use it! Save your money for tags!

 

[mtnkid85]

Agreed, yes it’ll work just fine. Bring some heavy duty contractor bags to use as a liner.