Load Shelf Necessary?

[Athor119]

I use the load shelf for carrying a 40 lb salt bag with ruck training more than anything else

 

[Kenny Hart]

The Exo bag itself is the load shelf. The bag pinches right at the bottom to create a wedge so it still situates most of the weight higher.

You don't really need the load crib unless you want to do training hikes without the bag on, or if you need to pack out something like an elk over multiple trips and just want the ease of pulling your entire pack off at the truck instead of unpacking it before making the second trip. The crib doesn't hold the weight any different than the bag.

The Exo design is super easy to access and tighten down. After doing both meat-in-bag of my old Kifaru, load shelf on the Kifaru, and load shelf on Exo, the Exo setup is unquestionably superior in ease, speed, and cleanliness.

 

[mtnbound]

I find with boned out meat if I don’t use the load crib the meat starts to settle and the load shifts but with the crib supporting more surface area the load stays put. Both methods work, just find what’s best for you.

 

[Koda_]

I’ve narrowed down my pack choices to either an Initial Ascent or Exo. Neither come with a load shelf on the frame. For those with these bags, how necessary do you believe a load shelf is? They’re both like 60 bucks but may be worth it to get that weight from sagging to your butt. Any input appreciated!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

A load shelf is not necessary.
Packs without framed load shelves use their bags to support the meat (or other load) and the load can be adjusted for stability and comfort using the packs compression straps. They tend to be more complicated designs but the advantage is they are a true internal frame pack when just hiking around.
Ive used both and find the "shelf-less" packs are more complicated to use but work very well if your willing to learn to set them up to haul properly. I have an Eblerstock F1 frame pack (traditionally called a "packboard" design) and its so simple to use you just lash on your payload and yes the shelf means you dont have to worry about adjusting straps to prevent sagging... simplicity at its finest.
I find the frame pack hauls heavier loads more comfortably and stable than my shelfless pack in load hauling mode but I dont find the frame pack comfortable to hike around in all day.

So it comes down to personal preference.

 

[fatlander]

I’ve packed meat all three ways: in the bag, sandwiched between the bag and frame (essentially a shelf), and shelf on the frame, with a medley of kifaru, stone glacier, and exo packs.

Every way works fine, don’t really prefer one method over another, with the exception I haven’t found a bag big enough to fit an intact whitetail inside of. I pack most whitetail does out whole, sandwiched between the bag and frame or with the exo load sling.

The sling is used mostly for carrying my sandbag training in the off season. Keeps the bag from having unnecessary wear and tear.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk