The Pintler and Mule are the same frame. Just a different bag. If you want to haul more additional stuff than the Mule, then yes, move up. But for hauling the meat they are the same.
I found I could easily have all my day hunting stuff such as water purifiers, food, puffy, rain jacket, gloves, misc supplies bag, and first aid in the bag of the mule and then attach as much meat as I was willing to carry to the load shelf.
I found I could easily have all my day hunting stuff such as water purifiers, food, puffy, rain jacket, gloves, misc supplies bag, and first aid in the bag of the mule and then attach as much meat as I was willing to carry to the load shelf.