External Frame Packs

Liv2Hunt

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 25, 2012
Messages
214
Location
GA
I'm looking for and external frame pack. Primary use would be for drop camps or float trips not requiring hiking of more than two miles. Basically a meat hauler. Would like to have the option of attaching some kind of bag to haul in clothes and gear. Just starting my due diligence now to figure out what my options are. All inputs welcome.
 

VernAK

WKR
Joined
Dec 24, 2012
Messages
2,025
Location
Delta Jct, Alaska
L2H,

PM sent.

We use the Cabela's and they've held up for tons of moose meat over a decade or more. We typically limit our meat bags to 40 pounds and take two if the pack is short and flat.
 

roamingaz

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jul 7, 2013
Messages
117
Location
Arizona
The only external I have used is the Badlands Ox, really don't see many folks on here talk about them but I think it is one of the better pack frames and feels comfortable once adjusted.
 

Elkfever

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 20, 2014
Messages
160
I used my Cabelas Alaskan frame for my rifle hunts this year as my day pack. Sold my Badlands 2200 to pay for my Exo 3500 but did not order it in time to receive it for hunting season. So I turned to my Sitka Flash for bow season and my Alaskan for rifle. It has a solid built frame with a comfortable waist belt, good suspension and adjustability with a meat shelf/blaze orange panel. I was able to keep my gear in a dry sack and secure that and my water bladder to the meat shelf/frame. Obviously, it was handy to have when I needed to get my first load of meat out as well. I have packed a couple 100+ loads out on the frame, and it does very well, putting to good use the load lifters. Not my first choice for a day pack, lets say, but it did the job and exceled at what its intended for.
 
Joined
Jan 2, 2013
Messages
1,787
Location
Colorado
I like the Kelty cache hauler. I used it before moving to kifaru. Has a food down meat shelf with blaze orange cover attached. It has batwings that help to hold loads well.
 

Ray

WKR
Joined
Oct 5, 2012
Messages
1,097
Location
Alaska
I have been fondling the slumber Jack rail pack frame each time I hit a store. It appears to be a mix of standard pack frame, bat wing load hauler, and one piece shoulder/back system. I am slowly working on my old camptrails frame (grand dad to Barney's) and will probably be sewing up something like the batwings on hte SJK rail pack. Or maybe a kifaru knock off.
 

wyodan

WKR
Joined
Jan 11, 2013
Messages
729
I use an old Dana Designs Longbed for a meat hauler. It is more comfortable for that purpose than any of my other hybrid frame packs. It's been working for me for about 10 years.
 

kodiakfly

WKR
Joined
Jan 25, 2014
Messages
1,399
Location
Kodiak
I used the Cabelas for a moose hunt many years ago. Now my external is a Barney's with a custom bag. Hauls like a freight train, very comfortable and stable.
 

wpwarren

FNG
Joined
Nov 10, 2014
Messages
55
I have a Barney's that I love. I have never had a pack that carried weight nearly as well. That being said I am considering selling it to fund a new shelter. I just don't know how often I need to carry that much weight.
 

Justin Crossley

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Feb 25, 2012
Messages
7,278
Location
Buckley, WA
Bull pacs work well for hauling just about anything.

They are built like tanks but also the most uncomfortable pack I've ever worn. The frame is just too short to get any lift at all.

Best external frame out there is the Barney's imo.
 

Ed T

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Apr 29, 2012
Messages
100
Check out the Paradox packs. Carries heavy loads the best of all the packs I have used and I have used a lot of them.
 

Aron Snyder

WKR
Rokslide Sponsor
Joined
Jan 23, 2012
Messages
5,014
Location
The Wilderness
I'm looking for and external frame pack. Primary use would be for drop camps or float trips not requiring hiking of more than two miles. Basically a meat hauler. Would like to have the option of attaching some kind of bag to haul in clothes and gear. Just starting my due diligence now to figure out what my options are. All inputs welcome.
Get a Barney's. ....Best external frame pack on the market, in the style you're looking for.
 
Top