Well my dad and I were both drawn for an elk tag this year in Colorado. This will be my first time hunting in the Rocky Mountains and I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good frame pack that will hold an elk quarter. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

Eberlestock makes top notch packs.

http://www.eberlestock.com/hunting.htm

I couldn't help you with frame packs, but I use and love Eberlestock. I prefer all in one pack as opposed to a day pack and frame.

Badlands 2200 if you are carrying a spotting scope or a Badlands Superday if you are not. Both are great packs. Also take a look at the Badlands Ox.

Mystery Ranch out of Bozeman are great packs.

Exo mountain pack or kuiu ultra pro


Eleberstock just came out with their j frame which should turn into their top platform.

2nd for mystery ranch

Great info, thanks guys!

I cant say much about a lot of packs out there, but i have the Eberlestock "Team Elk" pack, it has an internal frame for hauling weight/meat but also works well for a day pack, i just got back from a 10 day Elk hunt, and i wore this pack everyday with no issues. One thing i might add, this pack has a long pocket on each side for your spotting scope and tripod, as well as a Rifle Scabbard in the back.

Just to give you the low down of what i had in my pack everyday: 72 Oz's water, Rain Gear (Frog Toggs) Full days food, para cord, 4 pillow cases (Meat Bags), 4 Large Glow Sticks, Head Light, Bow Sling, Extra Socks, Wool Vest, Pistol, Ranger Finder, GPS, Compass, Knife, Diamond Sharpener, Wind Proof lighter, Ibuprofen, Anti Acid, TP, Scent Away wet wipes, Gloves, Beanie, Survival Blanket, Extra can of Snuff, Batteries, and my pack was no where close to full.

I did not kill an Elk, but i am confident this pack will hold a boned out Elk quarter pretty easy.

It will hold two boned out quarters, no problem.

I have a Gregory Denali Pro Pack

It is not cheap - I paid $499 a few years back, but is as close to bomb proof that a pack can come. It will hold well over 200lbs of gear/meat if you want to push your self. The capacity is 6000-7000 cubic inches depending on the frame size you choose. You could easily pack two quarters at a time in this pack and depending on the animal even more if you are up for it.

I have used it in some nasty country and have fit enough gear and food to go off grid for 2 weeks at a stretch without having to come back to civilization to re-provision.

http://www.rei.com/product/648696/gregory-denali-pro-pack#specsTab

I use a Badlands 2200 as my daypack/first load out and a Kelty Cache Hauler to carry out quarters.

Packs are kind open ended.

Elberlestock is the get it done always dependable pack. I don't think you can tear one up!!! Bad is its not the most comfortable under heavy load and no bag change options. I own a couple eberlestocks packs and they have served me very well. I think the new j frame would be the most diverse pack, it fixes the load and bag options .

Mystery ranch and kifaru are the pinnacle of mountain packs but they come with a very hefty price.

The kuiu ultra pro you can change bags from 1800 cu to 7000cu. The Exo mountain pack(just used this a week in CO) bags range from 3500 to 5500. Both the kuiu and Exo will be under $500. I carried 90lbs plus in the Exo all summer and was very comfortable. If the elberstock j frame would of been out I might of went that way. The detachable scabbard is a big deal to me. Just always keeps you gun safe. Not to mention the ability to go from 1000 cu to what ever is pretty appealing.

Hope this helps. All packs have some great videos on line to explain the use and options