What frame pack for hauling elk

I've got a Kelty Cache Hauler. It has a compartment for a bladder. It's cheap at $89.00 but the hip belt fit me best and I could get it adjusted properly. Some of the better ones just didn't fit right. I hauled out 2 elk last year. The first one took 2 days.
Mark

My local sporting goods store caries kelty packs and the one I tried on was very comfortable. The only issue is that I heard they premote anti hunter groups. Is there any truth to that? Other than that they seem great.

"jayb22" wrote:My local sporting goods store caries kelty packs and the one I tried on was very comfortable. The only issue is that I heard they premote anti hunter groups. Is there any truth to that? Other than that they seem great.

I have no idea but you could go to their website and check it out. They support the National Wildlife Federation from what they say on their site but on the NWF website they say they are devoted to conservation. The packs also don't look as rugged as some others but they are inexpensive.
Mark

The one I saw had the padded sides that wrap around whatever you are packing and had the side metal brackets on the meat shelf. My only concern with the pack would be if those side supports on the meat shelf would get in the way if you were packing out a load wider than the shelf. Here is a picture to help make sense of what I am talking about

http://www.kelty.com/images/Product/large/272.jpg" alt="" />

I was concerned with how much I was forking out getting prpared to go elk hunting last year. I went with a cost effective frame pack from cabelas. I've never tried to pack out elk quarters on something to campare against the frame/pack I got, so I can't give a complete reveiw. All I can say is that this pack worked perfect for me and was nice and comfortable (at least as comfy as possible when you have a full elk hind quarter on your back).

You can see the meat shelf doesn't have the bars your concerned with in the photo you posted. The pack part is basically a large duffle bag with cinching straps. There are some side compartments large enough for you gear. I was able to fit the elk quarters nicely in the pack and cinch it down tight to the frame. Then on the final of six trips I took the pack off the frame and tied the head and antlers to the frame. Here's a couple of pack photos, and a 2:30 am final arrival at the fourwheeler pic.

http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/qq25/NotEnufTags/101_0451.jpg" alt="" />
http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/qq25/NotEnufTags/101_0452.jpg" alt="" />
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If you don't mind me asking how much was that pack?

I don't think we have a Cabellas in Canada yet but depending on the price I could be interested in getting one shipped up here. Thanks for the recommendations. It looks good.

The one pack that I would love to get but don't know if I want to spend the money on it is the Horn Hunter Curl hybrid pack. My only concern is the lack of metal frame on the meat shelf but I've read a few reviews of people packing out elk quarters with no issues. Plus their lifetime warranty would cover any issue.

https://www.gohornhunter.com/DesktopModules/PortalStore/Files/StoreImages/16/PackageImages/HH13frame-WEB.jpg" alt="" />

It's the Cabelas Alaskan I camo pack with frame. I got it on a sale for $99.95. Normal price is $119.95. They do have higher end models like the alskan extreme outfitter for $259. If you just want the frame it's 89.95.

"jayb22" wrote:The one I saw had the padded sides that wrap around whatever you are packing and had the side metal brackets on the meat shelf. My only concern with the pack would be if those side supports on the meat shelf would get in the way if you were packing out a load wider than the shelf. Here is a picture to help make sense of what I am talking about

http://www.kelty.com/images/Product/large/272.jpg" alt="" />

Yep, that's the one I got. No problems with large elk quarters and the panels wrapping around it. Quarters are tapered at the ends. You can actually fold the shelf up and put the wrap around panels over it to form a cradle for smaller loads too.There's a blaze orange thing it the bottom too for safety. Hope to wear it out this year. lol
Mark

"NotEnufTags" wrote:It's the Cabelas Alaskan I camo pack with frame. I got it on a sale for $99.95. Normal price is $119.95. They do have higher end models like the alskan extreme outfitter for $259. If you just want the frame it's 89.95.

I believe this pack (in green... not camo) is on clearance in the Bargain Cave @ Cabelas.com for $89.88 (as of Apr 2). Good price IMO, don't know how long it will be at that price.

I use the Cabela's Alaskan Guide Frame, it works great for me. and it is a reasonable price.

Kevin

+1 for the Cabelas Alaskan guide pack/frame. I have the Alaskan guide pack with frame which is the bag/pack and frame with all the bells and whistles. I've had it for a few years now and it's worked out great for me. Helped my buddy pack out his bull last year and I was very impressed with how comfortable and easy it was on my back and shoulders with 100 lbs of meat strapped on plus all my personal stuff I had packed, and the built in shelf that folds out really helps position the loaf and so does the adjustable frame height. If ya don't need the bag and all the extras then I'd highly recommend just getting the Alaskan guide frame.

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&N=0&fsch=true&Ntk=AllProducts&Ntt=Alaskan+guide+pack&x=0&y=0&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

I've worn out a few of the Alaskan pack frames from Cabela's and I think thaey are the only economical choice. I've used them not only for hunting, but also at work hiking and snowshoeing very heavy loads into remote communications sites. I have carried 20+lbs of gear plus an optima deep-cell car battery 5 miles into a site with no problem.......other than sore legs! The Alaskan will wear out with hard use, but you will get your money's worth for sure.----------SS

How does the alaskan adjust for short guys? Im 5' 8" alot of packs i have tried on dont fit me.

I have a Dana Design Flatbed. They are not made anymore, but you can find them used if you keep an eye out for them. I have carried 80+ lbs of meat out with no problems. It has a set of fiberglass rods which transfer the weight straight down on the hips, which allows me to carry more weight comfortably. Other Dana Designs frame packs have the same frame as the Flatbed, and may be easier to find, i.e Longbed or Shortbed. The Flatbed model is similar to Granite Gears Flatbed Hauler in that they are designed for large, unusually shaped loads. I have strapped a small day pack on mine for use while hunting, then I am ready to haul meat out without any wasted trips back and forth.

I just got a badlands ox pack frame. I haven't packed anything but antlers with it yet but i know it was the most comfortable out of the six or seven I tried on... its a little pricey but I really cannot put a price on comfort under extreme loads.