External/internal Frame pack opinions

Elkextreme · Aug 2, 2017

Time to update my back pack, stuck between an external or internal frame. I mainly need a pack to haul out some game when tag has been filled, and possibly for carrying some extra essentials. I would like to find a 2 in 1 pack I'm not one to go deep into the woods solo camp for on going days, I don't want to break the bank. I only want to buy one pack for multiple uses if and when the need arises. I've been looking at following packs down below. Your opinion and experience is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance

ALPS Travers Extreme,
Commander Pack,
Commander lite
Bandland 2200
SJK Rail Hauler

Reuben_Soady · Aug 2, 2017

I hunt with a Badlands Diabolo (1700 cu-in). It can carry my hunting and field dressing gear with space left over to carry out a front quarter or back straps. I keep a bare pack frame with straps in the truck (with a small stuff sack of emergency stuff) for the subsequent trips.

I have used the pack frame to carry the Diabolo plus extra food and camping gear to go several miles up/in to the wilderness to hunt from a "coyote camp", but that's doubling up on the weight of the suspensions, and I'd rather have a mule carry size load.

I would rather not hunt while wearing a frame pack.

mozey · Aug 2, 2017

I don't know anything about the packs that you've listed--they may or may not be good. But what you're describing about what you want to do is pretty much how I live my life: go in light, but be prepared to haul out a bull's hind quarter or a quartered buck or barbary. For me, the expandable Eberlestock Dragonfly comes about as close to ideal as anything I've looked at.

bobby · Aug 2, 2017

get the badlands 2200 best pack out there imo. Internal frame made of aircraft grade aluminium sp its super light cant even feel it. Built in meat shelf and tons of storage . love the built in pistols holster as well

RabidRattleSnake1 · Aug 2, 2017

I have been dreaming about getting a Exo Mountain pack, but like I said dreaming. The cost is up there, but from all accounts you get what you pay for.

efnm · Aug 2, 2017

I picked up a used Full Curl System on rokslide classifieds for $225. It is a bit heavy but I really like the build quality. Keep an eye out for those as someone moves up to an Exo or other high-end pack. The meat bag is not worth it, though.

leftturnabq · Aug 2, 2017

This is how we do it: hunt with a smaller pack and have a dedicated meat packs for the heavy loads. My meat pack is a full frame pack with shelf, and "flaps" with clips...super easy to load and unload quarters, and reasonably priced.

I also have an older large Eureka for overnight outings, but I rarely use it.

NMPaul · Aug 2, 2017

*I keep[ going back to the J34 Eberlestock. Have had many others, but none do everything it does for me. There are much better day packs, and much better packs for packing meat, but, this pack does it all and now I must have a scabbard. I use it for my bog pod, trekking poles and a rifle if I am carrying one. Simple, minimal straps and pockets and that is what I like.
We own 3 of them and they have hauled dozens upon dozens of elk.