Youth packs for hauling meat

[IDHUNTER]

I have a nephew who's 14 and very small for his age (maybe 5' tall) but he's an outdoors fanatic. I'd like to get him a pack that's comfortable hauling meat that he can use until he grows into an adult size pack. I've seen the Exo and Western Edge youth models but wanted to see if there are any other options out there that I may be overlooking. Also, if you have any experience with the two that i mentioned above, I'd love to hear feedback on those as well.

 

[cuerro viejo]

Any frame sheet pack like Kuiu venture would work for no more weight than they would be able to carry. Hip belt should fit his hips pretty good.

Another more robust option might be the mystery ranch pop 30 or 40 in small or XS.

 

[nodakian]

I have a nephew who's 14 and very small for his age (maybe 5' tall) but he's an outdoors fanatic. I'd like to get him a pack that's comfortable hauling meat that he can use until he grows into an adult size pack. I've seen the Exo and Western Edge youth models but wanted to see if there are any other options out there that I may be overlooking. Also, if you have any experience with the two that i mentioned above, I'd love to hear feedback on those as well.

Hit me with a PM, email, or call if you have any questions about Western Edge packs.

 

[Marshfly]

We purchased a Western Edge about a month ago. Unfortunately it was after we finished hunting for this season. Quality is awesome and the owner was extremely responsive to questions I had prior to purchase. I bought it for my 10 year old for exactly what you are doing. Something that can grow with him through his teenage years. I'm very happy with the purchase so far.

 

[IDHUNTER]

Hit me with a PM, email, or call if you have any questions about Western Edge packs.

Does the bag separate from the frame to allow meat to go between them or is meat intended to go in the bag?

 

[WV Mountaineer]

I have a nephew who's 14 and very small for his age (maybe 5' tall) but he's an outdoors fanatic. I'd like to get him a pack that's comfortable hauling meat that he can use until he grows into an adult size pack. I've seen the Exo and Western Edge youth models but wanted to see if there are any other options out there that I may be overlooking. Also, if you have any experience with the two that i mentioned above, I'd love to hear feedback on those as well.

Kuiu women’s and kids frame. I don’t think you could go wrong.

 

[Stumpy208]

I got my kid one of the Mystery Ranch pop up 28's in xs/s. He's 10 and it worked well for him this year. He was able to pack out our hearts, livers, and his rifle with it comfortably.

 

[nodakian]

Does the bag separate from the frame to allow meat to go between them or is meat intended to go in the bag?

All bags separate from the frame system, so bags can be swapped, or the frame can be used without a bag for odd shaped loads.

The Elkhorn and Long X bags have built in shelves so meat can go between the frame and bag. The Bullion Butte and Mud Butte Scrambler don't have shelves. The picture below is an Elkhorn (prototype) with half a deer on the shelf and an orange panel for better visibility.

Belts and backboards can also be swapped around as kids grow.

 

[butcherboy]

I would go with the Western Edge or an Exo. I have an Exo K4 and it’s a fantastic pack. I would imagine their pack designed for women and kids is just as fantastic. I have no experience with the other but have been eyeballing them as well for my son and daughters.

 

[Wrench]

Don't feel like you are married to a green or brown pack. There's a lot of female hikers that have the body size you're looking for.

 

[dirtytough]

Western Edge makes solid packs. My kid used one and had zero issues.

I use a couple custom accessories. While cinching down a load I’ve never torn webbing out of the stitching. I feel like that’s where I put the most force besides the belt and shoulder straps.

I have had webbing tear out on two popular brands of hunting packs.

 

[hunt1up]

I bought both my kids the Kuiu Women's Pro 2300. They're still on sale for 57% off. They're legit. And there's no marking on them that make them a male or female leaning pack. They're just shorter. They have the larger bag sizes on deep discount also.

 

[AK Troutbum]

I bought my son one of the original Stone Glacier packs when he was 12 (also a very small kid), he's 21 now and still uses it to this day.