need help HBC pack hunters

[wsm]

need info from expierienced pack hunters. what i am interested in is pack type, internal or external frame pack which do you like and why? pro and cons . thanks in advance wsm

[bcbooner]

I have always been a fan of external frame packs.Its nice when you drop camp to be able to carry your frame without a bag,great for packing heavy loads.At this time i am useing the Alaska Outfitter Frame from Cabelas.Best pack I have used,well padded hip belt and straps.Packed 3 Bull Elk out off the back country last Sept.100 lb loads had no problem keeping the weght ballanced between shoulders and hips.Iff you have concerns about the alum.frame making to much noise you can wrap the bars with fleece.good luck.

[270WIN]

http://www.deakin.com/index.cfm?action=display&product_class_id=11&product_group_id=74&product_id=437&product_sub_id=3253

as you know this will be the one i will be using

[boatdoc]

I've both and definitly like the internal frame pack better. You only need to have the external frame pack shift on you once in a bad spot to make up your mind for good.

[boxhitch]

Externals are better for packing meat,
Internals are better for packing water filters and coffee presses.

[Clam]

I have used both. Currently I have a Tatonka Lastenkraxe. (I know it sounds like a disease but it isn't.)
The TL is an external frame. I have not noticed that the external frame design makes any appreciable difference in the "load sensing ability". By that I mean the weight feels about the same. So does balance. The space between the pack and the small of my back is not very wide anyway. I can just slide my hand in. This is great for ventilation.
I like the ability to stand it up on its legs so that it doesn't fall over.
All in all it is a good pack.

[boxhitch]

I'm impressed with the fit and construction of the Tatonka packs. Made in Germany. Not sure of the volume of the external, maybe 75 L.? , but they have a great internal 90 L. pack. Good value for sure.

[PG_ELK]

I have have/used both. I like using External packs for packing large bulky loads (meat/horns etc...). Although the Internal frame packs generally fit a little tighter to your back.

[Sikanni Stalker]

I have used a tatonka for about 10 years now for hiking and hunting and it has served well. I got a Badlands pack this year, and it fits and feels better than the tatonka. All my gear packs away in the zips and bat wings and the main cargo area is clear for meat.

[pmj]

External frame, Camp trails with a moose bag. Not the best but for $150 it was better than what I had.

[bensonvalley]

Mystery Ranch NICE frame with the Load Carrier for packing meat and the Behemoth Bag for packing gear. Wasn't cheap for sure but probably one of the best hunting purchases I'll ever make.
Google Mystery Ranch if you're interested.

[Rookie]

Another vote for the mystery ranch very pricey,but should last me a lifetime.Very comfortable under large load.

[bruin]

And another vote for MR internal. I will never wear an external again.

[kutenay]

Well, I have five MR packs and have raved about them here and on any forum I ever post on and I have had a lot of packs in my life. MR packs are the best production packs, overall, that I have ever used, Kifaru are also excellent and I have had two Badlands so far, which are pretty good for the price.

IF, the MR NICE Frame system FITS you and it does most people, this is just a fabulous pack and worth it's substantial cost. I carry 100 lbs., weighed, of sand bags on mine to train with and it is comfortable, that is a lot for a guy my age.

Get a GOOD pack, it pays off in long service and less "torture" when packing out your game.

[Deaddog]

I have tried both, internal is better for backpacking, external is better for packing meat. I have a north face internal and have used camp trails, wilderness wanderer and now a barney's external frame. If you don't want to spend big bucks and are looking for a pack that will last most guys years , buy the camp trails pack in either the moose or elk bag. DD