I am heading out to the elk woods in a few weeks and am currently planning on using my tried and true osprey backpack, but am slightly concerned about it being able to handle an elk quarter. I'll likely be buying a nice (kuiu, EXO etc) hunting specific pack for next year, but saw a good deal on a pack from kings camo on camofire. It looks like a wire internal frame similar to what I'm already running, so I wonder if it is worth the buy. Anybody have any experience with kings packs?

Osprey couldn't handle the weight. I have one. My zippers have busted when I loaded it down.

I have no experience with the Kings. I am not sure which pack they have listed. I doubt a wire frame is designed for a meat hauler. Buy one that is designed to handle it. You can get a cheap Eberlestock or Alps. They won't be comfortable but can hold the weight.

I wouldn't try using an internal frame pack for elk quarters. What's worked for me is this: use the i frame you carry while hunting to get the tenderloins and backstraps back to your camp. Then leave your hunting pack there and switch to a big external frame pack to shuttle the quarters out one at a time.

Not everyone can take 2 packs up a mountain to base camp. Especially if pack 1 is already 60 or 70 pounds.

I've had 2 internal frame packs and they packed meat fine. But they were designed to do so with meat shelves.

I like this idea as a stop gap between this year's hunt and next year's purchase of something nice. We'll be no more than 5 miles from the truck so overloading the internal frame with backstrap/neck meat wont be that big of a deal for a one time trip.

Check the classifieds on Rokslide for used packs. Lots of folks change them up often so you can find deals. I like Kings clothing, but not the packs FWIW. I run a Kuiu and Exo.

I've been running an Alps Commander-X for years. It's great, and very comfortable for a meat hauler. I've had over 100lbs on it with no issues.

If you don't need the bag, you can get just the meat hauler and add a bag later. You could easily use a dry bag and attach to the meat hauler for a day pack. That's what I did- bought the pack and used it for 2 years, then invested in the bag once I needed it.

Or, if you have the Commander bag, it easily converts to a day pack, or even a fanny pack. It's a great system and well worth the money. They have gone up in price, but still a huge value for what you get.

cupofjoe04 said:

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I've been running an Alps Commander-X for years. It's great, and very comfortable for a meat hauler. I've had over 100lbs on it with no issues.

If you don't need the bag, you can get just the meat hauler and add a bag later. You could easily use a dry bag and attach to the meat hauler for a day pack. That's what I did- bought the pack and used it for 2 years, then invested in the bag once I needed it.

Or, if you have the Commander bag, it easily converts to a day pack, or even a fanny pack. It's a great system and well worth the money. They have gone up in price, but still a huge value for what you get.

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That looks cool. It's just hard to fathom that packs cost more than lightweight tipi tents these days.

Eberlestock. You can borrow one of mine if you're so inclined. It's got lots of mojo left.

Post the model #. I have a kings backpack, never used with the rifle sling I'll give ya if ya want. Not sure if it's what you're looking for.

TX_COWDOC said:

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Eberlestock. You can borrow one of mine if you're so inclined. It's got lots of mojo left.

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Have they gotten better? I did a bunch of research and bought one as my first pack like 10 years ago and loved everything about it (think a gunslinger) until I got on the mountain. The internal frame wasn't strong enough and the internal rifle holder I'm pretty sure knocked my scope off and cost me one bull.

KCG2200

Mountain top 2200 is what camofire had.

Where are you located?

I got a M-ALICE pack you could borrow for free (ALICE frame and bag/ MOLLE pack straps and belt).

Sadly its never gotten to carry any parts of an elk I shot, but it handled quarters from my buddies elk no problem.

I'm between BCS and NW Houston every week.

Man, I really appreciate it. I am pretty far out of the way down in Palacios. I think I'm just going to go ahead and pick up a meat hauler. Not crazy expensive and you can never have too much gear...right?

BCO07 said:

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Man, I really appreciate it. I am pretty far out of the way down in Palacios. I think I'm just going to go ahead and pick up a meat hauler. Not crazy expensive and you can never have too much gear...right?

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Amen to that.

https://packoutbags.com/

My friend used one of these on our Alaska caribou hunt. We all made fun of him before the hunt...but dang, he could carry a lot of meat in that thing!

This way you could still use your Osprey and not worry about putting extra weight/blood on it.