Eberlestock Dragonfly

[Takem406]

I need to upgrade my Badlands Hypervent for a pack that I can haul meat and possibly a head with.
Also need it to be a good day pack. I'll probably have a pack frame back at the truck but I don't want to go back empty handed.

A friend suggested the Dragonfly. I don't plan on back packing in so I won't be packing a camp in, just an elk out.

Another buddy offered to sell me his X2 but it can only hold 1900 CI.

Any other suggestions? I like the fact that Eberlestock makes a longbow carrier and like the rifle scabbard on the Eberlestocks.

 

[taliv]

they make an Elk pack too, which presumably would be good for that, but i've no experience packing meat around.

ceylon at deltaoutdoors is having a pretty decent sale on eberlestock this week. check his website out

 

[X-Rap]

I have an old BadLands 2800 that does a real good job fitting your requirements. I don't even know if they still make these.
The 2200 might make a decent smaller compromise but I'd be concerned about how well it would handle an elk hind quarter.
The kelty freighter is the best pack frame I've used, it's light and you can simply strap on a small river bag for your gear and use as a daypack although it is bulky.
Another pack I'd like to try is the Eberlestock Warhammer.
I'd read lots of reviews and pick which one best fits your needs and then find an outlet where you can try them on.

 

[outboard]

I've got an Eberlestock "just one" pack. Its similar to (but a bit smaller than) the dragonfly... My thoughts - Negative: its a bit heavy for a day pack. It seems to distribute the weight a little farther out from my back than I am used to with other day packs, especially when the water bladder is nearly empty and rifle is not in the scabbard. Positive: It carries weight well, scabbard is nice when hiking to or from hunting areas in the dark. (I would not count on being able to access the rifle from the scabbard, chamber a round quickly), Its well made, comfortable, it expands to allow for transport of quarry... I've carried elk with mine, a single hind quarter maxes the pack (and me), but carries it OK. For the second retrieval run I usually switch it out for an old external frame pack. Overall, I really like mine and would recommend the pack.