Hunting back pack

[BP Hunter]

This is only my 2nd year of deer hunting in WA State and am still learning the art of stalking vs where I was raised in TX where hunting was sitting in stands. Our deer season is over but I have learned to walk many miles into the hills to hunt and have wondered how I was going to drag out a deer through the many milles of hilly terain. I have learned to gut a deer and am planning to butcher it on the field and carry the meat in a back pack.

What hunting back pack do you seasoned hunters recommend?

Thanks!

 

[Water-Man]

Eberlestock Hunting Packs.

 

[Outlaw Man]

Another to look at is Kifaru.

Both fetch a premium price, but if you're planning to do a bunch of hiking and carry parts of a large animal back with you, this and footwear are where I'd spend the money.

 

[BP Hunter]

Thanks for the responses. I was hoping for something not too "hard core". The most I will usually do would be a 4 mile walk. If ever I needed to back pack deeer meat out would be a 2 mile trek.

 

[WayBeau]

External frame packs are nice because they're less restrictive when it comes to loading quarters. You can simple strap the quarters to the frame. AND, you can probably find a pretty good one for relatively cheap on eBay, Craigslist, or at a local surplus store.

Just my $0.02

 

[jmr40]

External are good for hauling the meat out, not so good for carrying the gear you need for a days hunt. I use a mid size daypack, something around 2000- 2500 cubic inches for hunting. There is a lot of personal preference, but don't go too cheap. Look at the better backpack shops or online places like www.rei.com or www.campmor.com and buy something good. The Walmart stuff just does not impress me. You should be able find something around $100.

Another possibility is one of the military surplus 3 day assault packs. Make sure you get real military surplus, not the Chinese made knockoffs. I have 2 of those bought used at gunshows for $30 each. The real ones sell new for over $100.

This is the real deal. Desert camo versions are often much cheaper.

http://www.amazon.com/US-Military-S...620576&sr=8-8&keywords=military+assault+packs

You want get a whole deer out in one piece, but you can carry at least 1/4 at a time. I've brought out all of the useable meat divided between myself and 2 other hunters in 1 trip with bags this size. I could have probably managed in 2 trips by myself.

 

[BP Hunter]

jmr,

That's exactly what i was looking for in quality and price. Thanks!

 

[Magoo]

These guys may well be above your price point, and I have no experience with their hunting packs, but it's certainly worth a look. Dana Gleason has long made some really great stuff.

http://www.mysteryranch.com/hunting

 

[content]

I use the surplus Swiss Military waterproof backpack #SL-2157.



It is quieter than it looks, holds 40 liters,internal frame(good for the thickets) is very strong for the long haul, water proof (pull string inner liner completely closes the top) and has plenty of places to tie to.
No waist belt is the only draw back but it does have a very nice lower back support.

Swiss link has them for 39.99 ebay for 49 or so.
I found a new one, near a college campus,at a goodwill store for 11.00.

Hope you find what works for you.

 

[theotherwaldo]

I used to use the Swiss rubberized canvas bag mentioned above - until I found myself trying to pack out a rather large mulie. After that I started carrying a modified kayak dolly that I could strap onto the pack until needed.

 

[Nite Ryder]

The people I hunt with usually use military surplus pack boards. They seem to work pretty well for packing out meat, but aren't much good for hunting packs or day pack. Four years ago my son and nephew were involved in packing out 5 different deer in a mountainous area in Northern Oregon. They estimated the longest trip was close to four miles from camp, and was a terrible struggle to finish the job. I've always been more careful where I shot an animal. If I'm not close to a road or can't get to it with a 4 wheeler, than I think long and hard before pulling the trigger. I'm getting more lazy in my old age...

 

[JJHACK]

Kifaru express, add side pockets for spotting scope and tripod. Then use the " grab it" to haul meat.

This is the bag to beat. I'm sure there are equals, but I would argue none better. Used one, now for years, have packed out tons of meat and full bear hides with paws and skull.

Actually I've packed out at least 75 plus bear skins when I was guiding hunts in WA state. It's still as good as the day I bought it. A little blood stained and dirty on the outside. But the zippers seams and straps are perfect.

I will never use an external frame pack again, after using kifaru internal designs they rock!