Hunting Day/Overnight Pack that break neither Bank now Back

[Would Rather Be Fishing]

Any recommendations for a decent "unicorn" hunting backpack that can be used as day/overnight pack, allows packing out a quartered deer and doesn't break the bank? I love the Exo Mountain stuff but darn those bags are costly. Anyone tried Cabelas or similar backpacks?

[waserwolf]

Absolutely love my Mystery Ranch Metcalf. Not sure if that fits your budget. While I haven't hauled any meat with it yet I have loaded it up with 40+ pounds. The weight is very well distributed.

Something to consider.....if you spend good money now it may be the last pack you'll buy.

[Bustercluck]

+1 for the mystery ranch. I bought the Marshall, because I end up packing stuff for the wife or kids. Don't cheap out on a bag. Especially if u plan on using it quite a bit.

[SeaScene]

For years I have used a waterproof canoe pack (Cdn Tire) and (available on line elsewhere) quite large but roles up to size needed. I keep several cheap shopping bags with different type of stuff in them ... all fit into the waterproof pack. The bags actually act as "compartments". I have had expensive packs but this beats them all (my opinion).
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/woods-waterproof-canoe-pack-0765400p.html

[jac]

Mystery ranch!!!!

[RackStar]

I love my MR METCALF

good for a day pack or a week long pack

[BornNRazed]

For a deer anything will do if your on a budget, heck my wife carried out a 85 lb military ruff sack 2km uphill to get our elk out, Costco sold a north face hiking pack for $130 last year that would do just fine, I ended up buying the alps traverse x and am happy so far, hold all the gear nice and seems like it would haul meat well but haven’t had the opportunity yet


http://www.alpsoutdoorz.com/products/extreme/traverse-x

[Salix]

Hunting pack that won’t break the bank. Look at the LL Bean Carry All pack (about $100 delivered). It’s a basic frame with load panel and straps. I used it for years with a small day pack strapped in it with the hunting gear. It’s packed out multiple elk in the years I used it. For an overnight I would use a mid to large dry bag with gear in it strapped into the pack.
Ive graduated into a Kifaru EMR2 now (it broke the bank) so the carry all is used as a spare pack or the one I throw into the work truck.

[whitlers]

Keep an eye on the for sale section here. Some great deals can be had. I would hold out and find a decent used pack.

[twoSevenO]

Why not start with something like a Cabela's pack frame? They are not expensive and if you ever upgrade you can always sell it used to someone else.
Whether you are hunting just for the day or overnighting it you could just throw your gear into a 30L dry bag and strap that to the frame.

its no MR, Exo or SG pack, but lots of guys use them and they DO work.

I think this one is $120 currently.
https://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/CabelasCA/181612-229784?wid=460&hei=460

[Yuritau]

I picked up a Badlands 2200 from another forum member for $250. Haven't really loaded it up yet, but the fit so far is delightful, as is the functionality.

[ajr5406]

I picked up a Badlands 2200 from another forum member for $250. Haven't really loaded it up yet, but the fit so far is delightful, as is the functionality.

I got one this year too and have been very happy with it. A bit cheaper than the MR as well.

[zippermouth]

Mystery ranch makes a pretty decent pack but pretty sure mines wore out. Been using it for 5 years and have been getting major pains the last few pack trips. The padding in the waist belt seems to be almost gone. I’m going back to a external frame pack after this fall. Just tried on a Barney’s the other day and that will be what I’m going for. I used an external frame pack before the mystery ranch and they are the way to go in my mind.

[AlpineStalker]

I'm using the Vorn Deer (42L) pack: http://ca.vornequipment.com/vorn-deer-42-liter-backpack-reeltree-xtra-53 I like having the rifle carry on the pack so both my hands are free when I'm scrambling up the nasty terrain. I can have gun in hand and looking through the scope within 4 seconds still. Downside: no meat rack. The reality being 1% of the time I'm carrying meat, but I will have my rifle 100% of the time... Might be a bit tight for an overnight unless you go really light.

[Panzerfauste]

If you live near the lower mainland there is an endless supply of 60L arcteryx bags on craigslist for less than $200

[okas]

I have a Camelbak very well built. And a camelbak water bladder only pack that has a strong shoulder strapping and rings for tying meat on

[ElliotMoose]

I have an eberlestock for long pack trips which has been great but you’re looking at $400 give or take. I also have a cabelas Alaskan guide pack frame and can honestly say it is just as comfy as my eberlestock. I’ve packed a ton of meat out on that thing with some loads exceeding 150lbs and never had an issue. I just strap my old backpack to the frame and fill it with whatever I need for the day. As mentioned they are about 120-150

[barongan]

I love my Mystery ranch.http://gshort.click/isna/1/o.png

[Arctic Lake]

Mystery ranch makes a pretty decent pack but pretty sure mines wore out. Been using it for 5 years and have been getting major pains the last few pack trips. The padding in the waist belt seems to be almost gone. I’m going back to a external frame pack after this fall. Just tried on a Barney’s the other day and that will be what I’m going for. I used an external frame pack before the mystery ranch and they are the way to go in my mind.

You mention Barneys . do you have a link to them as well as what one you tried on ?
Thanks
Arctric Lake

[twoSevenO]

If you live near the lower mainland there is an endless supply of 60L arcteryx bags on craigslist for less than $200

60L is it gonna be enough for overnight gear AND for packing an animal out, unless the animal is a hare.

Just fyi in case some of the newer hunters might not be aware.

[dana]

If you are not wanting to break the bank I'd suggest walking into a outdoor store like Atmosphere and just look at packs. Plenty of cheaper packs on the market that can easily be used as overnight day packs and still put a quarter of meat into. It doesn't have to be from a hunting company. I ran a Gregory pack for years. Hauled a ton of critters out in it. Got it used for $150 IIRC.

[RadHimself]

2x on the cabellas pack frame... and a roll top dry bag from MEC i run a 30L raptor bag...

i have an eberlestock j34 dragonfly with all the goodies... its been replaced by the $140 frame and roll top

ill let the decked out dragonfly go for $500 with everything... no damage or stains

[zippermouth]

https://barneyssports.com/product-category/default-category/packs-bags/
Here you go arctic lake.

[dapesche]

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eoutdoorsmenforum% 2Eca%2Fshowthread%2Ephp%3Ft%3D310136&share_tid=310136&share_fid=105860&share_type=t


I am big fan of this full curl pack. Only used as a day pack for elk hunting but I'd have the ability to load it up for overnighters.

[Greenthumbed]

Mystery Ranch Crew Cab or Metcalf. Can't go wrong either. I own both of these bags and love them both. My biggest problem is I can't decide which one I want to use.