I am about to pull the trigger on a pac frame here and would like to know if anyone here has used these frames. Too,their standard model has a 90 degree bend for the shelf and the Alaskan model has a down-angled "beaver tail" design. Any thoughts, positive or negative would be greatly appreciated.
I don't have any experience personally with the Bull Pac, but have heard nothing but good about them - very good reviews for an external frame pack. I have had an Alaskan frame pack in the past that I didn't really care for. It just wasn't comfortable to carry.
Have you looked at the good internal frame packs? I've used the Eberlestock for packing as much meat as I phyically want to lift, and it is far more comfortable than my old Alaskan frame. Plus the internal frame packs can do so much more than just pack meat.
Packs are kind of like boots..very individual as far as tastes. That said I have a friend that has had a Bull Pac for some time and he is looking to sell it anytime soon. If you want an all around pack for backpacking and packing meat I would look at something else. The Eberlestock is a great looking pack.
the bull-pac is all our camp uses. great pack. we only use them to get the elk to the road though. my frame alone has packed something close to forty elk and doesn't show the abuse it has seen. i can't say enough good about them.
matt
I bought the bull-pac frame a couple of years ago in anticipation of a Moose hunt that didn't happen. I bought the one you describe in the larger size.....I am 6"2" and 240# and I have strapped 40# bags of softener salt onto it to hike with to get in shape. It is comfortable and I can shoot my bow with it on without a problem. I researched quite a bit before dropping the cash and I NEVER read any negatives about this frame. Good luck! Mike
I bought a Bull Pac last year for a Colorado DIY elk hunt I took into a remote wilderness area. I too bought the larger model since I am 6'4" and weigh 240#. For training purposes, I strapped a 50# bag of shelled corn to the frame, plus enough barbell weights to bring the total pack weight up to 120 pounds (including pack frame). I hiked with this setup 4 times a week for about 5 months. For the actual elk hunt I packed 85 pounds on the pack 6.5 miles into the wilderness area . . . tents, hunting equipment, and enough provisions for approx. 2 weeks. Nothing in the load shifted at any time. The should pads are THICK, allowing you to carry heavy weights without bruising your shoulders. The frame is strong and well thought out; there are hooks all around the frame that allow you to lash your loads down with paracord. Although I didn't get to test it on an elk quarter, I did use it to pack out a big whitetail doe last season, plus I routinely use my Bull Pac to carry ladder stands and DB Blinds in and out of the hunting woods. I'll try to post a photo as soon as I can locate one.
Here ya go. I almost forgot, I bought the extension which really helps with the tall loads.
(http://brothersofthebow.com/bullpac2.jpg)
(http://brothersofthebow.com/bullpac1.jpg)
(http://brothersofthebow.com/bullpac3.jpg)
MAN that is a GREAT picture down that mountain valley! Outstanding!
I don't have much to add on the BulPac. I use an Eberlestock J107 for just about everything.
Mike Mitten sent me into that valley Steve. The snow you see looping over the 13,000' divide became a wall of rain by the time it blew down to 11,000' and hit me. I used a compact Canon digital camera mounted on a "Gorillapod" wrapped around a spruce limb.
A side note. While I use my Bullpac for a host of chores, my main hunting pack - the one I wear once camp is established, is a wool Bisongear "Elk Pack".
I've been eyeing the Gorilla Pod...that puts me over the edge, I will be ordering now. Really, really nice photo Gary.
Now back to the BullPac...doesn't all that exposed metal "ding" around a lot while you are wearing it hunting?
Well, that takes care of the noise issue...I type too slow :D
nice looking pics and nice pac - love my horse for packing though
jer Bear
I'm getting ready to do a big vertical format painting based upon that mountain valley photo(oil and alkyds on canvas). Steve, the Gorillapod comes in at least two sizes, small for compact digitals and one size up for SLRs and small video cameras. I carry the larger as it's big enough for both of my field cameras. Pretty sure Mike's been carrying one too. BTW, I'm working with Art Vincent on a full leather day pack design that will have special pockets for the "pod" (or a small collapsible tripod), camera, and batteries.
I have a Bull Pac and it's a dandy. That being said, you should also check out a Barney's pack made here in Alaska. They are expensive, but those that have them swear by them. It's the pack of choice up here by all the guides. look up Barney's sports chalet on google to get the website.
Quotelook up Barney's sports
chalet on google to get the website.
Check back with us next week!! Looks like it's been down since at least 9-08