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[ELR]

I'm looking to buy a daypack that has packing out game capabilities...e.g. game bags or slot away from other gear but close to my back. I'm a first timer to go elk hunting, and my buddy who hunts elk regularly has talked me out of a frame pack just because of the size to carry when there isn't an animal in it. I would guess my normal items to haul would be pack able raingear and an extra layer for morning evening sits, a spotting scope and tripod and maybe a sandwich or two....I've looked at Hornhunter Mainbeam and Mainbeam XL, and a couple different badlands packs. I would also like to be able to strap my weapon to the bag for hikes in the dark when I know I won't be needing it.Any help.

 

[CoHiCntry]

I've used badlands in the past and they are OK. I like the super day the best for a day pack. If you really want a pack that carries your rifle, I would steer you towards Eberlestock. The gun carrying system on the badlands stinks compared to Eberlestock. You might take a look at the Eberlestock J34. Sounds like it would meet all your requirements, but might be bigger than you want? I personally have gone through numerous packs and have come to the conclusion that I would much rather have a bigger pack with a good frame for when it comes to Packing out heavy loads. Your back will thank you later.

I'm gonna be selling an Eberlestock X1 soon. It has the built in gun scabbard. I've packed out meat with it too. I just use exterior pockets, and or lash extra gear to the pack and put quarters etc in the main bag.

 

[tdcour]

Pretty good chance I'll be selling my horn hunter mainbeam here pretty soon. Judging from your criteria the mainbeam would do the trick. I've used this one for 4-5 years without any issues and I have hauled out pretty decent weights with it. I have put deer in it a couple times, but not an elk. I might be a little worried putting a full quarter with bone in on the frameless packs, but they could still work. CoHiCntry has a good pack in the Eberlestock as well, so take a good look at both. The downfall to the mainbeam is that it doesn't have an adjustable torso length where I think the Eberlestock does. Other than that, I loved my mainbeam, but don't need it with the new pack I have gotten.

 

[ELR]

I bought a eberlestock team elk pack on a whimb when I started putting in for this elk tag just to start accumulating some of the necessary items for this hunt! But we really won't be doing any spike camps or packing into our base camp or anything. So I was thinking of downsizing possibly!

 

[CoHiCntry]

I've been as stubborn as anybody not wanting to carry around a big pack for hunting. So over the years I've packed out some extreme loads in daypacks so I didn't have to make more than one trip.. I'm paying for that decision now with back pain. If your only gonna do it once or twice or maybe even a few times, then you might be OK. But if your gonna make a habit out of carrying large loads on your back do yourself a favor and don't skimp on the pack. I heard other guys say this over the years but I ignored it. Wishing I would have listened. The embarrassing part is I always had larger packs at home I used for backpacking that would have saved my back!

 

[sneakypete]

Nothing wrong with a badlands 2200, it packs my deer out every year and I have packed out three elk in the last two years.

 

[ShepDog]

I've been researching Blacks Creek packs with the "Grips" frame. They have 2,3,4,5 and 6 CI bags that attach to this frame. You can buy several sizes and they are detachable. You can detach your bag, put a quarter or 2 on the frame and then clip your bag on top of the quarters. I've seen it first hand. You can pack a load out first trip without having to walk out and get your pack board.
Just take a look at this system. If you hunt the back country and pack deer and elk, this may be what you are looking for.

 

[ELR]

Anyone have any meat packing experience with a pack like the tenzing 2200?

 

[Boehunter]

I'd Look into an exo mountain gear, kuiu or mystery ranch all separate from the pack and carry meat against your back. All of them are solid packs and you can buy accessories for gun slings bow slings extra hip pockets. Buy once cry once when it comes to good packs that wont leave you searching for the next best thing year after year.

 

[CoHiCntry]

Anyone have any meat packing experience with a pack like the tenzing 2200?

The kid I took deer hunting this year used one. He packed out meat with it too. It will work as good as any of the other daypacks ie Badlands, Eberlestock etc. They all work, just not ideal for meat packing IMO. The gun scabbard option on the Tenzing is very similar to the Badlands too. Pretty much useless to carry hands free and hunt but can be used when packing out meat when you don't need the ability to get to the rifle quickly.

 

[sra61]

Stone Glacier is what I went with. I really like them. They are very versatile, and well thought out. The guys there are awesome to work with. I have a Solo and an Approach, and love them both. The thing I really like about them is that I can buy any of the bags separate and put them on my frame and I have a whole new pack.

 

[ELR]

Ok, I need pros and cons from anyone that has compared side by side a Mystery Ranch Longbow, and the Blacks Creek 2000ci "Answer"....I believe I'm set on a smaller pack like 1800-2200ci but a meat shelf or similar style to avoid putting meat in with any gear

 

[ore hunter]

Im impressed with my new kuiu icon 1850,,,could give you a awesome deal on a near new blacks creek" alternative" 300 cu in size in perfect condition..its a nic e pack,just a little heavyer,,very heavy duty fabric.

 

[ore hunter]

3000 cu in is what I meant.

 

[TimberJunkie]

I think finding a pack that fits you is the most important factor. Everyone finds something different to be comfortable. I have gone to Kuiu. I have one frame and two different packs that fit the same frame. They are light and durable. I have the Icon pro 3200 and 5200 bags.

If you buy a fixed frame pack, get a bigger pack than you think you need. A 2200 is a small pack, if you need to put a large coat in it, you're out of room. It's better to have the space and not use it. Don't make another pack purchase next season.

Stone glacier makes a great pack, kifaru is high quality, and eberlestock is indestructible. Kuiu works well for me, but may not fit you right. I tried on and used one from a friend before I bought one.

 

[crzy_cntryby]

The blacks Creek R7 bags with grip frame is what I think I am sold on.

 

[ELR]

I think I am to! But I also may have included the kuiu icon pros in my top 3....they all seem to have there benefits....the kuiu is light, the blacks creek just look like there what I'm looking for but I can't find any local retailers in MN that handle them to go eye them up in person, and a person I put a lot of trust in has recommended the mystery ranch longbow.

 

[ore hunter]

I have the kuiu icon 1850 pro and like it though its only a 1 day day pack,,comfortable very light weight.my next size up I have is the blacks creek "alternative" at 3000 cu in,like it very comfortable,heavy dutyer fabric and grip frame than kuiu,good size for a day pack or a couple day coyote out type pack,,and I have also just got the icon pro 5200 bag to switch to if I need a large multi -day pack, but havnt tried that configuration out yet,,,"yes,Im a gear hoarder".the butterfly harness and belt on the blacks creek does seem more comfortable than the kuiu,but it is a little heavyer. good folks over in Idaho at blacks creek,,made in usa also ""a real rareity these days"".got it direct from the factory there little over a year ago.my kuiu's seem a little wimpier on fabric at the sacrifice of saving weight.

 

[tttoadman]

Don't skimp on the size of the bag. I have a SG Solo(3300) that tops out at 4 days by itself. After that I have Kifaru lids on top and dry bags on the side. I have a Kifaru 6500+/- bag that I have not had a chance to use yet myself. I bought the frame used, and I need to do some changes before I can use it. My brother did use it this year, and I can tell you that it compresses every bit as small as my SG bag when in hunt mode.

Don't be stuck on the load shelf idea. Most of the experienced guys tend to end up with a giant bag and a 35L dry bag to put meat in the main bag. Nothing wrong with either way.

As others have said, weight isn't everything. An extra 2# on a frame that fits you better with 80# is a no brainer.

 

[ShepDog]

I agree with country boy. Blacks Creek is the way to go. Get the 3000 CI just in case you need more stuff. If you want to pack a load out first trip. This is the pack!!!!