Looking for pack recommendation

[truckdriver20]

I’m a relatively new hunter looking to buy a hunting pack. Here’s my specific use case and requirements:

- I live in New York and day hunt for whitetail deer, but I hunt deep enough in that I’d like to be able to pack out a whole whitetail in one trip versus dragging or needing multiple trips.

- I saddle hunt and beed to carry in/out my saddle gear (stand, 3 sticks, saddle, ropes in pouch).

- I have Sitka fanatic bib and jacket that I pack in and out to avoid overheating sweating. They’re super warm and nice but pretty bulky.

- I currently use a Gregory Baltoro 75L internal frame pack that I have from other outdoor activities. I strap the sticks to the outside, but between the stand, saddle, ropes, bib + jackets, and kill kit, the pack is full with no more room for meat. This is mostly since the outerwear is bulky and the stand is an awkward shape to pack.

I’ve never used an external frame pack meant for carrying out meat so I’m not familiar with what they can do. Any recommendations for a pack that’d work for me and can carry tree stand gear, bulky outerwear, and all the meat from a whitetail? Thanks in advance for the recs!

 

[solidstars43]

I’d look for a used Exo K3. Gonna be a tough find at that price but it is a phenomenal pack. Also keep an eye out for used Kifaru or Stone Glacier packs. You could definitely find some used and even possibly new Mystery Ranch packs in that range, however they’re a step below the other brands.

 

[lil' bear]

It's a little large but I'm using my k4 terretorn. Bag. My saddle fits in the lower section. Warm gear in the upper. Knick nacks in the wings and my sticks strap between them.

 

[rogerdoger]

You are going to get a lot of recommendations for the exo and stone glacier, they are awesome packs but expensive. The cheaper route that would fit your needs would be Mystery Ranch, the packs are still tough, they just are not as comfortable when you get close to carrying 100#. I picked up a new beartooth 80 for $320 earlier this year. Probably some good deals on Rokslide right now or in the coming months.

I packed an elk out this year with my beartooth, was 4 miles to truck, pack did great.