Gents,
I've always elk hunted with outfitters or friends that live out west and have there own frames, so I never had a real need to buy one. This year myself and two other beach bums are headed out west to do it ourselves and none of us have packs or frames. So give me your advice. I'm looking for the best option at the best price for packing meat out, carrying gear on my back through the day, a water bladder is a plus and a gun sling or holder is a plus. If you recommend external frames, what brands, and how to you pack for the day? if you recommend internal, what brands, and how do you pack meat? Remember, we're elk hunting not deer.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

External frame packs are good bang for the buck especially considering that your hunt is a one off. I've got an old camp trails frame that has served well if not always as comfortable as others. I have some top of the line equipment and some cheap stuff, I suspect you might be the same.

My buddy has a couple of Cabelas (alaskan?) pack frames. They have a nice padded wrap around hip belt and they have packed out literally tons of meat. I've been given one on the odd occasion to help with packing when my pack has been other places and they aren't too bad at all, for the price.

You might want to look at Bull packs they are really heavey duty.

As a general big game hunting pack, the Mystery Ranch NICE rigs are in a class of their own and superior to any other pack now made,except the custom McHales. I have had them all and sold off/gave away, everything except my MR and Bozeman-Dana Design packs.

For an external, try to find an older Dana Terraframe or Shortbed, made in Bozeman that fits you and e-bay and so forth are good places to look. These are the best externals I have used and are "perfect" for packing Elk and Moose, etc.

My next choice and this is based on reports from guys here in BC whose opinions I respect, is the Barney's frame packs from Alaska....pricey, but, any worthwhile pack is and cheap packs are a waste of money and hurt like hell after a short time under load.

I had a Bullpack, mediocre suspension, great frame and excellent people to deal with. It is fine for short treks under load, but, awkward with a day's hunting-emerg. gear.

Learn to handle Elk by the "boneless" method and use an MR NICE 6500 or Crewcab, these really work.

most all alaskan guides use a pack frame from barneys sport chalet here in anchorage alaska. hands down the best external suspension system i've ever see. as a guide i've seen alot of packs. most are heavy and not well thought out. i've carried well over 100lbs ALOT in my barneys packs and love it. even a couple loads over 200lbs, but clients with their kifaru, mysterranch, cabela's, keltys....could never come close. do a google search for barneys packs and you'll see the reviews from guys that know how to put miles on a pack...i'm only in the field about 200 days a year with one on my back....

quote:

Barney's

I've heard great things about these but I started off way cheaper.

Looking back I wish I'd have spent more sooner. Tried the cheaper ones from Kelty, and something else. I am now using a Dana Designs internal frame pack. Very comfortable. I bone meat into canvas bags and line the pack with a large heavyweight trash can liner.
I've heard the Bull Packs are good as well, but the best opinions will be just that; someone elses opinion. Go to a mountaneering store and get measured and fitted for a pack that fits well. The better it fits the less fatigue you will suffer. The external frames with a packers shelf would be best for hauling meat. But, the internal frames are really comfortable for the rest of the time. - Nate

We have had good luck with the old Camp Trails Freighter Frames. If you can find one at the right price buy it. If the shoulder straps are old or worn get new straps and or hip belt from Barney’s

The Barney’s Frame and packs are well built and hold up for the long term.

Alaska Master Guide #110, www.Bristol-Bay.com

Went on my first sheep hunt last year in Alaska. I had been moose/caribou hunting in Alaska before and used a couple of different packs but thsi sheep hunt was strictly a full backpack hunt. I knew I needed something better. I had stopped in Barneys in Anchorage but did not buy when there. I also knew my guide used Barneys packs, so I ended up buying one. It hadn't been used on a hunt, just camping once. Almost like new, it is the Pinnacle pack/bag. Worked great and the guide liked that I showed up with my own Barneys.

This is me at the start of the hunt, still fresh!!!

Started out with an old Camp Trails, which was ok, but switched to a Barney's which is better. I found a Cabella's single main compartment pack bag that fits the Barney's perfectly and makes a great combination.