I am looking for a frame pack to haul deer meat. Any suggestions?
Molle 2
I got mine at Cabela's can't recall the model, it was the more expensive one if that helps.
For heavy loads, I like the Bullpack frame.
You can make a great meat only pack from one of the Molle 2 frames or you can add straps to any external frame pack to carry meat. I have 4 packframes. The newest being one of the Jim shockey packs from cabelas. I also have a kelty, a camp trails, and a smaller frame pack of unknown origin.
All will pack more meat than you will want to carry well if properly fit. The pack that I have used the most and still end up grabbing more often than not is the camp trails frame. Mainly because I have customized it to best fit my needs as I have had it the longest.
The first thing to do is get rid of the fabric bag that comes with it, its not waterproof and will eventually rip. I replaced it was one of the rubber Texsport float bags. This is a great option because its a very durable bag, it floats , :thumbsup: , and it has straps on it to make into its own backpack. To attach it you just run the pack straps from the texsport float bag thru the frame and zip tie at the top crossbar. They come in several sizes to fit your needs. I also attached several straps to the frame to strap meat and gear down with. This is really easy if you use rivets and the strapping from old rachet straps or you can by strapping and fittings at craft and camping stores. I had my mother sew up a large bag made from a piece of tarp and I roll up and put in the bottom of the float bag.
Now after you get to your animal, you just take off the float bag and pull out your tarp bag. Place your quarters in the tarp bag and use the assorted straps to secure your load. After your last load of meat you ditch your packframe at camp or boat/truck and carry the float bag out as its own pack.
The tarp bag just helps keep blood off your back.
I have used this pack to pack out several moose and caribou. It has served me very well. The only problems I have had was I broke a couple of the welds once on a poorly thought out pack where I took two moose quarters out at one time. This was easily repair with zip ties.
As long as you can get it to fit well they are all good. You can get the kelty for around $80 and its as nice as I have tried.
(http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a54/Thebear_78/2011-10-03_14-18-00_66.jpg) (http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a54/Thebear_78/2011-10-03_14-18-16_550.jpg)
Mystery Ranch