Backpacks for elk?

[eflanders]

I have a Horn Hunter day pack and the Eberlestock X2.  My fellow elk hunting buddies only use their fanny Parks until an animal is down. They then call me and I usually carry the bulk of the first load out in my day pack. We then go out with frame packs to get the balance of the meat or hire a horse/mule train.  All 3 of us are now 50+ so we try to avoid carrying weight as long as possible...

[twistedlim]

This fall I used an Arc Teryx Khasmin 38.  What I really liked about it was that is was very narrow.  My hunting partner had a nice wool pack but with the attachments it was wider than he was.  The wide pack was always hanging him up as we went through tough terrain.  The only thing I will change is to sew some fleece to the top.  I only noticed noise when I ducked under a branch and poped up scrapping the nylon on the branch.

 

[skilonbw]

I use the horn hunter day pack and it does everything I want include carry my arrows on my side in a quiver so that there is nothing on my bow. I go the pack from RMSGear a sponsor here and Tom took the time when I went in to help me fit it and get the quiver moved to the right spot for hunting.

[Michael Pfander]

I have been hunting out of the same North Face pack for 20 years.  I have lost track of how much meat it has carried out.  I have shot over a dozen animals with it on.  The deer I shot last Sunday was with it on my back.  Fit,size,shape,comfort,and durability are what matters.  Mine is blue not camo.  The only thing I would change is to make the fabric less noisy.  Make sure you can make the shot with the pack on your back.
MAP

[highPlains]

I have used the Horn Hunter Mainbeam the past three seasons. I have no problem shooting with it on, and I have killed two elk while wearing the pack. You will not have to purchase a pack frame for packing meat, which is why this is what I would recommend.

I am a small guy, 5'5". The Mainbeam XL is too long for me and sits too low on my hip. If you are looking at the Horn Hunter packs I would take that in to consideration.

From all of the great reviews on the Eberlestock packs on here I gave one a try. I thought it was great, but I still choose to hunt with the Mainbeam.

I have done quite a few 2-4 day trips with my Horn Hunter Mainbeam. I could do plenty more days, but I am going to get the Full Curl system for future pack trips.

The biggest reason I like the Mainbeam is because of how comfortable it is for packing meat. In the past a trip to camp was always required to get the pack frame. The Mainbeam is so comfortable I have not touched a pack frame since I got it. Now that I have used a system like this I will never again carry a pack that will not allow me to take a load of meat out. But that is just my preference.

I have a rack, front quarter, and back straps on the Horn Hunter Mainbeam. I would not have wanted to take anymore, though the pack could have easily handled it.

   

[freebird134]

Consider the Badlands Ox.  It gets little attention, probably because it is a little heavy.  But I use it for mule deer day hunts and week long pack hunts for elk.  It's superversatile, comfy, and you are always prepared to pack out that first heavy load!

[MAT]

I hate hunting with a pack on, so I use a cabelas frame pack to haul in camp, and then use a big cabelas fanny pack to hunt with.  It fits under the cheap green bag on the shelf with the basic version.  The frame pack can haul meat if needed.

[FerretWYO]

I cannot tell you anything that has not been said here. Many use two packs and I have done that as well. Last several years I have used only one.  

I have the badlands ox. Very versitilale and comfortable. The issue with it isnthatnit is loud. The new tenzing is a thought to replace it.

Important factors. Shoot wearing whatever you get. Ensure it is comfortable with heavy cloths and light cloths. Load it down test it out.

[trapper]

I use my Eberlestock Dragonfly to pack in up to four days. I use it as a day pack after camp is set up. Great to haul your meat in also with the expandable mesh section.