What are my best options for an Elk Daypack/Meathauler?

[Coveyleader]

If price is a non issue, any of the big name packs. Price sensitive, a badlands 2200 fits your bill to a T. You can find them dirt cheap and they work well for you WT hunts.

 

[Mt Al]

Lots of great options. I went with a MR Selway as a compromise. Big for a day pack, but doesn't seem that big on an all day hunt during the winter when puffy coat and pants, gloves, extra socks, etc. get thrown in. Simple to add pockets to the top, bottom, sides and back if you need more cubic inches for a few overnights.

However, lots of options in 3500/4000 cubic inches with a meat shelf from all the major manufacturers.

 

[Roksliding]

I'm looking at grabbing a new pack that will be primarily a day pack going out from basecamp and likely headed back to camp at night. I'd like one with the option of a possible overnight and then ability to be a solid meat hauler when needed. This will be for elk this September but will be used for future trips for deer as well.
Currently looking at the Eco 1800 K3 frame, Kuiu Icon Pro 2300 and the MR Pop up 28...what are some other solid options? Which Kifaru?
Thanks

I got the MR 28 and, it’s good enough, I’m not crazy infatuated with my packs like some guys seem to be tho. I tried the exo k2 (2000 I believe) and didn’t care for it.

 

[Kevin Dill]

I've used a Mystery Ranch Pintler as a day hunting pack and heavy duty meat hauler....for years. Slim design is great for slipping through cover. No frills externally which gives it a clean profile. The frame easily handles moose meat for me. Meat shelf is a wonderful bonus. Combine it with a custom tapered meat carry bag from Rugged Stitching and I've got enough pack to do the job.

Lots of nice packs being built these days. I wouldn't give up my going-on 5 year old Pintler for any pack made today, regardless of name or price.

 

[MattB355]

I got a .44 Mag on the recommendation from Kifaru. I used it on a late season hunt and it worked great. You will want to go bigger rather than smaller. Especially if you have to pack out meat--tip, use dry bags and the inside of your pack instead of the meat shelf. The pack worked great with 8-10 mile daily hikes and 30-40 lbs of gear. I have had it loaded with 85 lbs and it was solid.

 

[Crowmangler]

Mystery Ranch Sawtooth would be a great option for the scenario you describe

 

[brsnow]

Seek outside, extremely light and carries weight comfortably. Actually their bigger packs weigh less than most daypacks of other brands. I have the Revolution frame with Merlin bag for day hunts and 3500 peregrine for longer. Either will be effective, comfortable and way lighter than others.

 

[Randonee]

I really like my MR Pinter as both a day pack, and shorter overnight trips. Perfect size for that, I think. I also find it very comfortable, both lightly loaded and carrying heavy meat loads.

 

[boarder1995]

Kifaru frame and Woodsman pack/bag - marketed as their daybag to 3 day pack. Very adjustable size wise, with its roll top, and easy access inside with multiple entry points (double zipper front and roll/cinch top). Plus the bag has a built in meat shelf. When we hauled out our elk this past season I loved having a very comfy frame for the weight when it counted - hauling multiple heavy loads up steep terrain!

 

[MeatSeaker]

Right now it’s a toss up between MR Sawtooth 45 and the Pop up 38. I think the Sawtooth would be better meat hauler but I’m not the same guy I was 10-20 years ago...my lumbar discs tell me 80# probably my limit now days. That’s why you hunt with friends. Anyone with experience with the MR pop up series care to post their experience?

 

[brsnow]

Right now it’s a toss up between MR Sawtooth 45 and the Pop up 38. I think the Sawtooth would be better meat hauler but I’m not the same guy I was 10-20 years ago...my lumbar discs tell me 80# probably my limit now days. That’s why you hunt with friends. Anyone with experience with the MR pop up series care to post their experience?

both those packs are really heavy. Look at their dry weight.

 

[MeatSeaker]

5.3# doesn’t seem that heavy
What’s the lighter options in the ~2500cc bag?

 

[brsnow]

5.3# doesn’t seem that heavy
What’s the lighter options in the ~2500cc bag?

SO 3500 peregrine is over a pound lighter,

 

[MeatSeaker]

SO 3500 peregrine is over a pound lighter,

Nice looking ultralight pack...waist belt and shoulder harness look a little on the thin side for a load hauler but I’ll give Seek Outside a better look thanks

 

[brsnow]

Nice looking ultralight pack...waist belt and shoulder harness look a little on the thin side for a load hauler but I’ll give Seek Outside a better look thanks

they don’t have a weight rating because you can’t carry enough to compromise the pack. Also look at stone glacier, their packs are lighter as well.

 

[Dries]

I'm looking at grabbing a new pack that will be primarily a day pack going out from basecamp and likely headed back to camp at night. I'd like one with the option of a possible overnight and then ability to be a solid meat hauler when needed. This will be for elk this September but will be used for future trips for deer as well.
Currently looking at the Eco 1800 K3 frame, Kuiu Icon Pro 2300 and the MR Pop up 28...what are some other solid options? Which Kifaru?
Thanks

Camofire has some Mystery Ranch Packs on right now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Catahoula]

I run the Kifaru Woodsman 3400ci min and 4000 with snow collar extended. It compresses down nicely as well. It has been a wonderful pack overall for the last three seasons of hunting and hiking. There certainly are other wonderful packs available, so take your time to find the right one for your needs.

 

[Bruce Culberson]

Nice looking ultralight pack...waist belt and shoulder harness look a little on the thin side for a load hauler but I’ll give Seek Outside a better look thanks

I have a Seek Outside Revelation and the hip belt, harness and frame are better than the Pop UP 28 for loads above 60lbs in my opinion.

The Pop Up is great at 50lbs, I used mine for training at that with a sand bag. I used the PU 28 to pack out a 3x4 mulie buck that I cut in half. Each load was around 80lbs and the pack worked but wasn't as comfortable as a full size pack. The pack out was only 3/4 mile. Personally I would use the PU 28 for elk if I was day tripping and only 2-3 miles from the truck, and would have a dedicated hauler at the truck for after the first load out.

Pop up with 1/2 mulie:




SO Revelation with 80lb bone-in elk quarter plus a 40lbs rib & neck meat in game bag (the heart is in the bag in my hand):

 

[annapolis76eb]

IMO, everyone has a personal preference on packs. I have a few options for your exact situation (this is how I hunt over 10k in CO) and would strongly suggest a smaller/lighter pack that you can either strap or load an elk quarter on. Anything bigger is a waste as you are unlikely to carry more weight than this at one time. You will appreciate the lighter pack when you are climbing up mountains all day.

 

[hikenhunt]

IMO, everyone has a personal preference on packs. I have a few options for your exact situation (this is how I hunt over 10k in CO) and would strongly suggest a smaller/lighter pack that you can either strap or load an elk quarter on. Anything bigger is a waste as you are unlikely to carry more weight than this at one time. You will appreciate the lighter pack when you are climbing up mountains all day.

Agree with this. If you don't need a bigger pack, it's a waste. A smaller pack with a meat shelf seems like a good option for you. Anything too big and you'll feel like you need to fill it up with stuff you probably don't need!