Kifaru 357 Mag Capable of Packing Elk Quarter?

[timberlinehunter]

I picked up a Kifaru 357 Mag pack recently and really like the layout and comfort. It seems like a great day hunting pack. Has anyone used it to pack an elk quarter? It seems like a well built pack but I wasn't sure how well it would handle that heavy of a load being an internal frame. Anyone have first hand experiance using it to pack out a load?

 

[Rufus]

Hi Timberlinehunter. I have a 357 that I have used some. I have not packed out an elk quarter with it, but have packed approximately 50ish pounds of gear and (mostly) water on a summer scouting trip. The pack handled the weight fine. I don’t think the weight of an elk quarter would be an issue, anymore than with a duplex frame. I think Kifaru says around 80 pounds is where things start to go south. The limitation might be the size of the bag. Bone out should be fine. Bone in might be too wide. Could always leave the bag zippers open and strap the quarter on against the internal frame.

I really like mine.
Thanks. -Rufus

 

[timberlinehunter]

Thanks for the feedback Rufus. Good point on the bag size. Bone out would probably be best like you mentioned. Hopefully I am lucky enough to try the pack out next season to pack some meat.


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[Carlin59]

Individual quarters are no problem. The pack/frame can handle over 100lbs, the suggested 80lbs pertains more to the potential of limitations of the 24” frame relative to load lifter height and adjustment range. I use the 357 as my primary day hunting pack, knowing it can handle a heavy first load out (26” duplex in the truck for dedicated meat packing). Last year, forgot the duplex on a “quick” morning hunt. Shot a small bull, and got him out in three trips with the 357. One trip was a front and a hind together, worked fine. Wasn’t able to zip it closed, but the compression straps worked well. If I were to critique using a 357 to pack heavy (over 80lbs, like the 2 qtr example), it’s that the upper attachment points are limited. This resulted in the load being a little “floppy” up high. Otherwise, the 357 makes a great compromise for a day pack that can still adequately pack elk.