Elk pack thoughts

[T Sunstone]

Which do you prefer, internal frame like a Kuiu or external?

[calgarychef]

Tough question. I like my external frame because I can pack it lightly and have enough room for meat.  On the other hand my badlands is smaller and more mobile and also much quieter.  I don't get elk often anyway so the lighter badlands seems the way to go.

[FerretWYO]

It really depends on the type of hunting you are planning to do. An external is great for packing meat but you don't need it all the time in most cases. If you are in a spike camp situation though one pack that can do it all is a great idea. I hunt with an external a lot.

[Biathlonman]

Kifaru, best of both worlds.

[T Sunstone]

I'm thinking of getting the Kuiu 1850 day with a 2500 ci sling.  I have a big frame pack.

[Dirtybird]

This past year elk hunting I tried the EXO hunting pack.  I hauled in 70lbs and then used the pack as a day pack.  The pack was awesome.  It was everything I wanted in a pack.  Can haul a heavy load and be used for everyday abuse in the mountains.

[Iowabowhunter]

I have the Stone Glacier Sky 5100 and love it. Little big for a day pack, but I can compress the pack down quite a bit.

Works great as a meat hauler, it's super light and very comfortable. Great customer service and Kurt is a great guy. Couldn't think of a better pack

[DaveT1963]

This will sound crazy but my two favorite packs are from yesteryear
1.  Dwight Shuh orignal fleece pack on the flexible frame
2.  Old wool pack sold by Paul Brunner  - think it was called the Screaming Eagle Pack?

Both of these packs are dead quiet and more then capable of packing out a boned out elk quarter along with equipment.  After first trip I grabbed my old pack frame with some lashing straps and shelf.

I still use my wool pack as my go to tree stand pack most days.  I recently bought an Alps back that is really nice and use it a lot in early season when it is warmer.

[Stickbow]

For hauling meat loads I will use my pack frame everytime. But I use an Eberlestock for everyday use which allows me to take a meat load out with my first trip.

[T Sunstone]

I did order the Kuiu 1850.

[MnFn]

I have used an Eberlestock for a couple of years now. It is OK. I don't have much to compare it to except an old external from the 1970's that I don't have anymore.

[screamin]

I've had quite a few of em. Eberlestock was to heavy and not great to carry meat; KUIU Icon 1850- still have but a little to small bag wise, haven't hauled meat yet; Sitka Flash 32- not a good meat hauler; some badlands packs-not good meat haulers; A Cabelas frame pack that will carry more than I care to but not a good day pack. Next up is the Exo 3500- I suspect this will be my last pack. It's built right and the strapping system to haul meat is the best I've seen.

[beendare]

I've had a bunch of packs too....and packed out many boned critters...about 50 elk alone. I now use my Mchale custom for almost everything as I can hunt with it and still pack out a load heavier than I want to carry these days...

Internal frame is the way to go and some of the mountain packs might work for you from say REI. Good packs make the load less of a burden. Packs like eberle let the meat ball up in the bottom- feels like a sack of potatoes.  Kifaru and MR's are good. Some others but I don't have personal experience with them.

I think the main criteria should be;
1)that it fits like a glove- (easier said than done)
2) pack alone weighs no more than 6#
3) versatile, strong