I don't back pack anymore, but I used my .338 when I did. but I was only packing enough for a day and a night if necessary..Hunting from a high mountain pack in tent camp. Today I stay close to my horse and make little circles on foot and chunk rock off rimrocks..

If hunting lesser animals than elk, moose, or brown bear I would definatly carry my fwt. 30-06, 7x57 or 250-3000..

The .338 win has been my go to elk rifle since its birth..It is the best Mountain rifle I can think of and if I only was allowed one gun to hunt in North America it would be the 338 Win. I use the 225 gr. Accubonds, partitions, and the 250 gr. Partitions, the all work..Ive shot my last 3 or 4 elk with the .338 Win. between 300 and 400 yards, as I hunt in sage brush flats in lower country out of Southern Colorado where its hard to get close...

If memory suits me, I have shot either 2 or 3 cape buffalo with mine using North fork cup points or flat nose solids..

I highly recommend Rugers latest rifle, the Ruger mod. 77 African with iron sights and an optional muzzle brake and thread protector..They feed, function and shoot great. Ive owned about 4 of them and today have one in .338 Win and a 9.3x62..Its the best factory since the pre 64 win. and that says it all....