looking to buy a backpack..or whatever you call it that will enable me to pack out elk meat next october for our elk hunt..also any other equipment that i might use..thanks..also any help would be appreciated!..garry

That's kind of a open ended question. First thing is budget.

Budget minded - elberstock internal frame packs, our even cabelas Alaskan frame pack

Higher end -kuiu, glacier, kafari, outdoorsmen, exo mountian gear.

how about this..

[email:http://www.amazon.com/ALPS-OutdoorZ-Comm...rds=Eberlestock]http://www.amazon.com/ALPS-OutdoorZ-Comm...rds=Eberlestock[/email]

That's a he'll of a deal on a pack, but that's a very big pack.

i think you have the option of just using the frame part to haul game out of the field..dallassupplies.com is down right now..tried to send email..but it wouldnt go through...i think the elberstock prices might be out of my price range..300-400 dollars..unles i can find a used one..or something on sale..thanks for your help!! garry

Where are you elk hunting? I hunt elk every year and can help you narrow down an equipment list

Sign up for camo fire, and also watch the different western forums.

I highly suggest pm'ing dallasshootingsupplies here on THF

Take a look at badlands packs.

not a huge fan of all bass pro stuff, but this is one i have my eye on: http://www.basspro.com/RedHead-RH5000-External-Frame-Pack-Combo/product/13011606063211/

make some of the pawn shops.
i got an "antique" kelty frame
pack some years back for 15 or 20
dollars. the welded aluminum frame
is worth that easy. that's what
you're wanting anyway, a good
sturdy pack frame. of course, you
can tie anything you like on it
with rope or straps. if you already
have a day pack or knapsack you like,
just strap that to your frame and go

If you're strong enough to carry that big ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Freighter Frame Plus Pack Bag, then it certainly looks like a good one, especially for the price. You can easily spend 3 times that on a pack. I think it's a heckuva deal, as long as you can handle it.

You can also check a place like Play it Again. I got a used external frame Kelty pretty cheap at the REI garage sale.

You could go with a less expensive and smaller day pack for hunting and a pack frame for hauling meat, or you could get a larger, more expensive pack that will double as both. I have the Eberlestock J107, and I love it. It'll last a long time.

Also, mow, I have a list of the gear I take on the elk thread. I reposted it to be easier to find. If you have any questions about it, ask away. You won't need a lot if the things I have on there.

Eberlestock.

I have a pair of these that I still use to this day! Probably 40 years old - they were my dad's.

Two new packs hit the market last week

Steven specks- new pack
www.Exomountaingear.com

Kuiu ultra
blog.kuiu.com

Kuiu has a great price point

A wooden frame packboard works great for hauling meat.

I would highly suggest you go over to the bowsite and spend some time on the elk forums. look up backpacks on the search. you said October so that is probabuly a rifle hunt but the gear is the same no matter the weapon. Are you hauling meat a couple miles or less at most or are we talking 5 to 7 miles or more? More than that I would serious look at a packer to come get the meat. Are yall buddy teaming the meat? 4 guys get a load and your done or you hauling all youself? I now have a kifaru and I'm done with packs. One will fit you and another won't....like boots and shoes. I had a mystery Ranch.....great quality but the fit was not me.

Did I mention you need to get to the bowsite? EVERYTHING about elk hunting has been hashed and rehashed over there by some of the best hunters in this country.

i prefer a frame with a pack myself.
with internal frame packs, you're
limited to carrying what will fit
inside the sack. you could tie it on the
back of it, but it won't balance as good
as when you can cinch a heavy load
close to your back like you can with
a frame and pack. i couldn't see me
trying to haul an outboard motor or
a jerry can of gas with an internal
frame pack. i guess if it works for
you that's ok.

I have an alpz pack:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/3068324408/alps-outdoorz-pursuit-backpack?cm_vc=ProductFinding

I like it, it's not huge but it has an internal frame and is big enough to put a whole deer worth of meat in, boned out (assuming you don't have anything else in the main pocket). Also has a place for a water bladder and has adjustable straps. I wish it had more pockets and was a little bigger sometimes, but I can web some on there to the webbing straps on the front. Also it comes with an orange cover in the event you are rifle hunting. The bow holder thing works well enough, but it isn't quick access like the eberlstock. But then it only costs about 1/3 of the eberlstock.

I plan to try this one with a modular approach. If I ever get the chance..

Easton has some deals going on their 3000cu pack on camp fire recently

I have an Alaskan freighter frame that has worked great for that.

Check Pawn shops, Thrift store, Estate Sales and garage sales for old Aluminum backpacks. I found two right before my elk hunt in a garage sale. 10 bucks each. Make sure the shoulder straps are good and strong, not dry rotted. I removed the canvas bag. And just tied the meat to the aluminum frame. Worked great and cheap. Also a good meat saw.