Gentlemen,
I am leaving to go to France in less than 3 weeks, and am thinking of buying a pack that I can carry +_ 40# in. I also want to use it to pack meat with it, and possibly hunt with eventually. Is this a good pack and frame to start with as a pre-beginner? It seems to have all the features I need (including a good price), for now with no experience. I look forward to your thoughts.
Regards,
Graham

I have a Cabelas Alaskan Pack. I have never packed meat with it but I have packed just about everything else. It serves me well. Lots of room and lots of places to tie stuff on.

My opinion is go with the Kelty Freightor or now I think it is called the Cauche or something. Kelty makes the Cabelas I was told, but the Kety belt and straps are a little better I think and the shelf is great!

Have used the Cabela's Alaskan guide pack + frame for 4 bachback sheep hunts and have packed out 2 elk.Decent pack lots of room good sized pockets , strong zippers + bag ,the waterproof bag that comes with the pack is to small ,had to add extra padding around the middle-lower back section as the one metal cross rib would dig into my back and leave a ugly mark.Its a little heavy < think about 8 lbs empty> but has done me well over 5 years of very hard rough useage.Dont think you can go wrong fr a starter pack-frame good luck

My brother and I both have the Cabela's frame but no packs. We use them primarily for meat packing and they work well for the job. I would recommend them for sure.

Thanks Ya'll for the information. I ordered one last night over the internet from their website. I hope it gets here in time! I appreciate your input.
regards,
Graham