Planning on doing an elk hunt this fall. I've been reading and researching about backpacks. Seems to me that I need to find one that fits my body. I'm 6'4' 230. Going to get down to 200-210 by fall. Any advice for a pack to be looking at? I know this will probably be the most important piece of equipment I get so I'm not concerned about price if it is a better pack, but I'm always up for a deal or something cheaper that performs well. We will be packing for a week and plan on going in a few miles in DIY country. I want something that will handle carrying meat out. I'm an optimistic person and even though I've been seeing success rates of 17% I plan on getting an elk with the bow at some point. Thanks in advance for any advice.
I've never used one for hunting, but I've done my share of backpacking. Kelty makes a great pack, and don't count out cabelas backpacks. They are nice packs and you will save some money. I used one one a 110 mile trip in New Mexico and had no problems with it. Btw, I'm also 6'4 and just about every pack I tried out adjusted more than enough to accommodate my height.
Sounds good. This is what I was hoping to hear. I know they look at torso length instead of height, but I should be able to get something to work and fit. By the way, 110 mile trip! Wow. That sounds like a lot of packing. I was looking at cabelas external packs. Doesn't look like they have as many bells and whistles, but seem more useful and what I'm looking for in regards to packing out meat.
Did you have a bad experience with Eberlestock? I've read a lot of good reviews on them. Pricey though.
I'm 6'2" and my elk hunting weight usually is around 210, I've used a badlands 4500 and it fits me well but on the heavy side at 9 lbs. When I update I'm going to take a long look at the Kuiu packs and other gear.
I'm 6'4" 265 pounds and I got a badlands 2200 for Christmas. This pack fits awesome and is comfortable as can be! It looks like it'll pack out some meat, but not with the capacity that a larger pack would provide. The 2200 was my second badlands pack, I also own the monster fanny pack and they both are of great quality, and have highly functional pockets/organization features. I will recommend badlands to anyone looking for a pack.
