Originally Posted by
Sitkaspruce
If you are going to hike and hunt with it, then I would look at an MR/SG/Kifaru. The externals are too noisy, squeaky and are always banging branches etc.
If you are simply looking for a pure meat hauler, then the Alaskan/Tatonka/Kelty etc. are a good alternative to the MR/SG/Kifaru.
I have an MR Pintler for my hunting pack and it works awesome for my use and I can pack out quarters with it when needed. I have a Tatonka for purely packing large weights like quarters, 50 lbs of salt/grain etc. and it is perfect for that! I tried hunting with it and it was a PITA when hunting brush. I also have a Camptrails Osprey that has packed out why more than I think a pack should pack in it life time and it still comes along as a backup/spare. Great external pack!
Save up for what you really need based on how you hunt and what you need in a pack. Lots of options out there.
Cheers
SS