Killbag Recommendations

[Jtb2018]

Looking for input on insulated cooler killbags for big game (deer/elk). Which brand and size, also pros and cons you have found. Thanks!

 

[Netherman]

M

Thread 'Which game bags? (Brand/size)'

Aug 11, 2024

Ive always used the gauze alaskan game bags. Are the lighter game bags like argali, tag, black ovis, etc significantly less bulky or lighter? Any difference in durability or quality between these (or other brands)? Ive found a few threads but not much detail and figured Id ask in case anything new is out there.
Most of my use is deer. I normally get an entire bone-in deer into 2 of the gauze bags, assuming the above mentioned bags are not stretchy, what size and how many do folks use for a deer normally?
Any recommendations and reasons you prefer those are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

• Macintosh
• Replies: 45
• Forum: Gear

S

Thread 'Which game bags?'

Apr 24, 2017

Which game bags do you use? Why? How many do you carry?

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

• SquidHC
• Replies: 24
• Forum: Gear

The problem with those options is breathability. In a "kill bag" you'll want significantly reduced breathability. Personally I'd go with a freezer level ziplock or maybe saran wrap otherwise you'll need a lot of layering or wait for starvation to kick in.

 

[Netherman]

Joking aside pretty much anything with a brand name will be fine. The questions for you will be weight, breathability and durability with price being a side consideration. Light, breathable, and durable doesn't exist at any price. Pick two and see how much you can buy of the third and whether it is worth it.

I've got experience with allen synthetic, TAG, Kuiu, and Argali.

Allen Syn:
Heavy, ok breathability, durable.

Tag:
light, very breathable, lower durability.

Kuiu:
moderately heavy, good breathability, durable.

Argali:
Light, good breathability, moderate durability.

For me the allen didn't breathe as well as I would like for an early season hunt. the Tag were a bit more fragile that I wanted. I have the "deer" set from argali and will keep taking them for pack in type deer hunts until they die. I have two sets of kuiu large that I'll use at home and on elk hunts. If you go the kuiu route watch for sales as they typically go 25-30% a couple times a year.

 

[Tmac]

Are you asking about game bags that keep meat cool with no added ice? When I hear kill bag I think of an insulated bag to keep meat cold, soft cooler style.

 

[Jtb2018]

I am asking about an insulated cooler bag. Not game bags

 

[GARLICSALT]

I use A "Reliable kill bag" it's marketed to fisherman. Here on the west coast we use them for all kinds of fish, from rockfish to yellowtail to 250# Blue fin tuna they come in a bunch of sizes and prices.

Reliable was the first around the so Cal area, but these days there are a lot of brands on the market.
Deckhand sports, Opah, Reliable, AO marine. google kill bags for fish.

I have used my Reliable for a deer, worked great.

 

[K_pem]

The GoHunt ones are heavier but theyre pretty stout and relatively cheap. I think im going to try the Grakksaw bags this year to mix in.

 

[Tmac]

I’ve used my Reliable bag for deer, worked great. Hard to lift when full. Once chilled, I bone it, put the meat in scent free garbage bags and in the kill bag it goes. Then a couple blocks/bags of ice, also sealed in garbage bags. Look for the kill bags with a flat bottom, they hold more. I think my bag is 42”-48” ish long with 9”-12” wide bottom.