I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I am looking to buy a new external frame pack for a DIY backcountry elk hunt. I am looking into the Alps Commander Freightor Frame and the Cabelas Alaskan II currently. What do you guys recommend?
My torso size is around 20 inches, so I sometimes struggle to find the correct size of pack.
I cannot spend hundreds and hundreds however.....
Thanks.

this is a good sturdy pack I have been happy with.

http://www.bullpacs.com/new.html

From what I understand--the best in the biz...

http://barneyssports.com/backp...rame-moose-pack.html

Ed

Not sure "the best" and "can't" spend go hand in hand but if you are looking for the best take a look at Mystery Ranch Nice or the Barney's pack.

Get a Barney's & don't look back.
B.I.F.

Barney's Yukon!! My Sheep did not mind coming out of the mountains in it at all. Barney's suspension system is very adjustable and supper comfortable even with extreme loads.

It should definitely be adjusted by someone that knows what they are doing though.

Totally agree with the Barney's comments. You can't go wrong .

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
Totally agree with the Barney's comments. You can't go wrong .

+1

It's what they do....period!! Buy camping gear at REI, buy serious mountain hunting gear at Barney's.

I'm going to go a different direction than most... Borrow a friends hand dumbbell, I take both 40's. Wrap them in a couple towels and tape each one up separately. Go to cabela's, rei, bass pro, etc. With that rigged up. Get the backpacks that are in your class and take them upstairs. Load the pack with both and walk downstairs. If you are not loving it, move on. If you are ok with it, go up the stairs. Most people go up while trying packs. With hunters, you are more than likely going to have a full pack on the way down, so keep that in mind as you try them out. Having said all that... I got the Alaskan II. But that is what fit me and was the best for me.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rine Everett:
I'm going to go a different direction than most... Borrow a friends hand dumbbell, I take both 40's. Wrap them in a couple towels and tape each one up separately. Go to cabela's, rei, bass pro, etc. With that rigged up. Get the backpacks that are in your class and take them upstairs. Load the pack with both and walk downstairs. If you are not loving it, move on. If you are ok with it, go up the stairs. Most people go up while trying packs. With hunters, you are more than likely going to have a full pack on the way down, so keep that in mind as you try them out. Having said all that... I got the Alaskan II. But that is what fit me and was the best for me.[/QUOTE
Perhaps that works if you have all of those places available . Locally we only have Bass Pro and Gander Mountain. The best of their packs suck

Barneys all the way. One of the few things I didnt sell when we moved out of Alaska.

Jan-sport D series from the 80s can be often found on Ebay,etc. I have a D5 and D3 that I will never part with!

You just can't go wrong with Barney's for any gear. Bob and his crew understand the issues regarding gear for hunters. He's developed a great frame and bag for backpack hunting. It's large, light and durable. It really is the best in it's class. Even though I wouldn't recommend an external frame pack for horseback, I do know one sheep guide that uses it that way adn swears by it.

+1

100% go for Barney's and forget the rest.

Brett