The Best Hunting Backpack for Packing Out Meat in 2022
Backcountry and big game hunting can be exhausting to say the least.
Most of us who choose to make this a part of our lifestyle accept this as a right of passage.
We prepare for it in the off season, just like we prepare for everyday life, training mind and body.
Strength training and conditioning play an integral role in our ability to optimize our hunts and bring home as much meat for the freezer as we’re allowed. Sometimes there are many mountains to climb and valleys to traverse to even get to where we’re going to set up base camp.
Backcountry big game hunters are also usually the type to not half-ass much of anything. They strive for excellence in most things they do. The kind of drive this style of hunting requires separates the men from the boys.
This unwillingness to settle for less also accounts for the type of gear they choose to carry because they know that well-made, high-quality gear will probably not fail them in the field.
There’s little sense in putting so much hard work and training into getting ready for a season, just to have your chances for success hindered by poorly designed and faulty gear. This would certainly apply to the backpack we choose to employ on a big game hunt.
Things to Consider When Deciding on the Best Hunting Backpack for Hauling Out Meat
There are some things to consider when a hunter is looking for the right backpack, and one of the most important considerations is the ability to haul out precious meat from an animal that gave its life for you and your family, for you to be able to eat the most healthy meat on the planet.
Check out THE 3 BEST DEEP FREEZERS FOR HUNTERS (THAT YOU CAN BUY ONLINE!) to see some long term storage options for preserving that precious meat!
BE NIMBLE, BE QUICK!
We’re looking for speed and efficiency when we have the time-sensitive task of bringing meat from wilderness to table, as preservation is of utmost importance. In order to do this, we must consider a few things about the backpack we choose to help us bear this load.
In order to optimize our performance in the field, we’re looking for a pack that has a very sturdy, yet lightweight, frame, capable of hauling as much weight as you think you’re willing to carry as far as you think you’re willing to go.
HOW MUCH REAL ESTATE DO YOU NEED?
The ideal hunting backpack for packing out meat should also have enough space to carry everything YOU need to get the job done safely and efficiently.
This includes water, shelter, fire, and food, if you’re going to be out overnight or longer.
You must account for your weapon(s) of choice, the tools you’ll need to field dress or at least quarter, extra clothing, binoculars, cordage, and so on. All of the stuff YOU need.
Your list is specific to you and you only, and before you go spending a pretty penny on a backpack, you probably want to make sure it can do what you want/need it to do.
You should buy a pack based on your predetermined needs and preferences and not base your decision on what you can take because of the limitations you’ve imposed on yourself by not buying the right pack.
“SHHH, BE VEWY VEWY QUIET…” — Elmer Fudd
Another thing to consider is choosing a pack that is made of a solid fabric and material that is ultra QUIET when you’re on a hunt.
Wildlife is very perceptive when it comes to their instincts for survival, so the second they smell or hear something that doesn’t add up, there gone, lickity split! Be stealthy!
LOAD SECUREMENT AND ERGONOMICS, FITTING TOPICS
Last, but absolutely one of the most important considerations, make sure your pack fits you properly.
Hunting backpacks can come in various sizes and may have adjustable torso lengths, so make sure you’re pack is fitted to your body properly before you head out into the field.
This is a BIG DEAL! If you’re pack doesn’t fit tight to your body, you will not perform optimally. This will wear you down quickly and you won’t be able to handle as heavy of a load as safely as you should.
Test your load by taking your loaded pack somewhere and walking with it a couple of miles. Then, make the necessary adjustments until you feel confident you’ve optimized the fit. Do some research if you have to, to get details on weight distribution and how to pack and haul a heavy backpack.
Alright, now if you have an idea of what you plan to haul in and what you’re willing to haul out, let’s get to the meat of this article and hunt down The Best Hunting Backpack for Packing Out Meat in 2022!
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THE BEST HUNTING BACKPACKS FOR HAULING OUT MEAT IN 2022
ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag
When you get the Alps Outdoorz Commander + Pack Bag, you’re getting the Commander Freighter Frame plus a 5250 cubic inch pack bag. This system is great for getting all of your gear into base camp and packing all of your meat out of the field.
Once you get to base camp, get all of your things out of the pack bag and set up, the Commander then turns into the Freighter Frame, ready to haul out meat securely and efficiently with a unique lashing system built in.
With comfort in mind, Alps Outdoorz knows you’re aim is going to be to pack out as much meat as possible to put in your freezer. So, with comfort in mind, they have built in extra padding on the waist belt and shoulder straps, making your haul-out as easy on the body as possible.
They have included extra pockets for a flashlight, knife, and one specially made for your rifle. With this rig, you’re actually getting two outstanding products for the price of one with a budget friendly price tag to top it all off. For the money, this is an outstanding choice for your big game/meat-hauling hunts!
REMOVABLE PACK BAG:
Capacity - With a 5250 cubic inch main compartment, spin-drift collar top, lashing loops and multiple exterior pockets, the Commander Pack has ample room for your essential gear.
Spotting Scope Pocket - Spotting Scopes are essential for long distant hunts, keep yours secure in the 16”x 6”x 2.5” side pocket.
Drop-Down Rifle Holder - Whether packing in or out, keep your hands free and your rifle close using the Drop-Down Rifle Holder.
COMMANDER FRAME:
Lashing System - Designed for hauling meat, the Commander frame offers a unique lashing system. For extra large loads, three extensions straps are included.
Adjustable - The Commander offers torso adjustments from 17” to 23”, providing a custom fit for your body.
Freighter Shelf - Keep your heavy loads secure utilizing the freighter shelf. Simply lash the load to the frame and adjust the straps on either side of the shelf, to maximize the support.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Nylon Ripstop fabric
Rifle holder
Top loading
Pockets: two side accessory hinged pockets, main, front, spotting scope pocket
Spindrift collar with draw cord
Hydration pocket and port
Frame and lashing straps included with pack bag
Hold-open frame
Lower door access – #10 zippers
Internal horizontal divider
Webbing loops for lashing
Size: 5250 cu. in.
Pack Bag Weight: 2 lbs. 3 oz.
Total Weight w/Frame: 7 lbs. 5 oz.
Torso Range: 17" to 23"
Fabric: Nylon Ripstop
Waist Belts: Standard Fits Waist 26" to 40" / X-Large Fits 40"+
The Eberlestock Mainframe is arguably the greatest innovation in modern pack making, the holy grail of a great modular pack system.
A truly unique, but brilliantly simple design, with this load-bearing workhorse as a base, you can build a true ultra-light pack by simply adding one of their dry bags.
Transforming into a meat hauler within seconds, the Mainframe is one of the primary base-platforms for the Eberlestock Modular System, and it works with an ever-growing number of complimentary accessories. Add components of your choice, and the Mainframe can function as a freight pack, day pack, or all-around utility pack.
This pack carries very well and allows you to tailor your load to the type of excursion and season. The strap system allows solid securement of any type of load in any configuration needed.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR PACK w/ THESE ADD-ONS:
Ultra-light Set-Up - The Transformer is ideal for day or overnight hunt trips. Stay organized but still have a frame to haul meat.
Mid-Range Set-Up - Pair with the Spike Duffel for a 2-4 day hunt. When you reach camp, drop your gear and start hunting with this ultralight setup.
Expeditionary Set-Up - For a 5-10 hunt, use the Little Big Top for more capacity and the convenience of an actual backpack.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Intex ll aluminum frame.
Zippered attachment points compatible with Eberlestock’s duffels, drybags, and more.
Full MOLLE webbing matrix covers main panel to attach scabbards, pouches, etc.
Three built in horizontal compression straps for securing your gear.
Adjustable ladder harness system. Makes customizing the fit quick and easy
Lifetime manufacturers warranty.
Weight: 4 lbs 5 oz
Dimensions: 26"h x 11"w
TALL VERSION
Tall version is 3.5" taller than the regular size
Designed for those with extra-long torsos or prefer higher load-lifter straps
Tall Mainframe is compatible with the same accessories and packs as regular Mainframe
Weight: 4 lbs 8 oz
Dimensions: 29.5" x 11"w
It’s been 25 years since the birth of their first 2200 Pack, and a lot has changed. One thing hasn’t changed, the Badlands 2200 Hunting Pack and Meat Hauler is still at the cutting edge of load-carrying perfection.
Badlands has been hard at work over the years while making over 25 enhancements in just one year! Improvements include a lighter and stronger magnesium frame, a weight-loss program that cut nearly a whole pound off, and a tighter, slightly lower center of gravity for increased mobility. They’ve been hard at work on these changes because they know one thing hasn't changed in 25 years, 50 pounds is still heavy.
Badlands’ approach is to build around physics, proper ergonomics and acute knowledge of bio-mechanics. This approach leads to ultimate results in peak performance. With its near perfect center of gravity, the 2200 pack works with your body‘s own natural ability to support weight.
The T-6 aircraft aluminum frame bypasses your spine and transfers any size load evenly down to your hips through the molded foam suspension, greatly increasing comfort and control.
The Badlands 2200 Backpack offers a multitude of pockets, allowing you to carry bow and arrow set-ups, rifles, tripods, hydration, and an assortment of other gear offering you the freedom of complete customization. It even includes two hip-belt pistol holsters for grizzly country!
ADVANCED ERGONOMICS & TECHNOLOGY:
KXO-32 Fabric - Badlands' KXO-32 fabric is the strongest, quietest, most waterproof material in the hunting world. How do we know? Because we tried 31 different combos before we finally got it right! Soft, supple, quiet, it’s everything you've always wanted in a hunting pack (and a mate, but that's another story for another time).
Fully Loaded - The 2200 covers all the bases with a built-in meat shelf, internal scope and tripod pockets, and a zippered rear entry panel for quick access to your gear; DWR-treated, waterproof fabric offers scent suppression and resists moisture, dirt, and blood
Comfortable Carry - ThermoMold Suspension utilizes molded foam so ergonomically advanced that it virtually matches every contour of the human form; T-6 Aircraft Aluminum internal frame and load lifter straps transfer weight to your hips to reduce fatigue
Approach Camo - Tested across the globe in varying terrains, Approach camo has a neutral color palette, meticulous patterning, and multi-layered design that’s proven to confuse the eye; Hunters are rendered virtually invisible in varying surroundings and light conditions
Rifle & Pistol Compatible - 2200 features an integrated rifle boot and built-in hip-belt pistol holders; Compression straps give you loads of options for gear attachment; Compatible with 2-liter hydration systems and the Badlands Bow Boot (sold separately) to attach in place of rifle boot
Unconditional Lifetime Warranty - Badlands’ packs are built to withstand the toughest conditions hunters might endure; If your pack ever gets damaged, Badlands will fix it for free, forever, no matter who’s at fault
FEATURES & SPECS:
Large Frame Fits 19"-22" Torso
Medium Frame Fits 17"-19" Torso
Total Volume: 2,750 CI
Main Pocket Volume: 1,980 CI
Total Weight: 5 LB, 15 OZ
Dimensions: 19 IN x 17 IN x 9 IN
Pockets: Eight
Allite Super Magnesium Frame
Carries Rifle or Bow
Zippered Back-Panel Access
Built-In Blaze-Orange Meat Shelf
Hip-Belt Pistol Holster
Easy-Access Hip-Belt Pouches
Integrated Spotting Scope Pocket
Molded Foam Suspension
Reinforced Carrying Strap/Hanging Strap
Aramid Bartacking on Stress Points
Hydration Compatible (Up to 2L)
Adjustable Waist Belt with Reverse Tightening
Bino Connect Compatible (requires optional Bino Connect Kit)
Badlands' New KXO-50 Fabric
Detachable Rifle/Bow Boot
When Horn Hunter designs a pack it’s usually to solve a problem or to make a particular hunting situation easier. If you plan on going in light, and coming out heavy then Horn Hunter Full Curl System is for you!!
This versatile modular hunting pack system with multiple pack combinations has a heavy-duty aluminum frame for heavy hauling. It has a day pack with straps tucked away and ready to carry all your gear as it can be separated and removed from the frame.
Once your quarry is down, with the day pack removed, you are now equipped with a sturdy frame pack and ready to haul out some meat. It was designed to haul out a complete deer in one trip; Head, cape, and boned out meat.
Keeping the load tight to the frame and your body, triple strap side compression panels with an adjustable load shelf on the bottom have been added as well as adjustable shoulder straps for various torso lengths.
The two side compression panels have drop-down pockets for tripod and spotting scope. The frame itself also has a hydration pouch and large hip-pockets to easily access gear.
No more ropes or bungees!! secure and compress the load in seconds with quick release buckles!!
The Full Curl System, with the frame, the detachable day pack, and the detachable large bag is perfect for a night or two on the mountain with enough room for extra gear. Once loaded down with meat, the day pack then attaches to the outside of the large bag and helps in compressing the load for the haul-out.
There is also a heavy duty, washable, breathable, canvas meat bag that will snap in directly to the frame. Simply extend the day pack out away from the frame, and buckle the meat bag to the frame. It rests on the flexible shelf providing a secure, compressed load!
FULL CURL SYTEM INCLUDES:
HH13 - Full Curl Frame
HH11 - Full Curl Pack
HH12 - Full Curl Bag
FEATURES & SPECS:
Only 9.2 lbs
Approx. 5200 cubic inches
Top load style bag with drawstring closure
Lower divided stuff sack compartment
Side entrance panel for easy access
Contoured lid with accessory pocket
Instantly attaches on Full Curl Frame
Weight: 9.2 lbs
Weapon Carrier
Rain Cover Not Included
Hydration Bladder Compatible
This Bozeman, Montana based company is small in size but ever-growing in popularity. Their drive and desire to produce top of the line outdoor gear with sturdy, efficient, lightweight, and minimalist designs shines through extending to the reputation and trust they’re building with hunters all across the country.
Based on Stone Glacier's best selling Solo 3300 design, the EVO 3300 is the lightest-weight and most versatile pack they’ve ever created. It is a capable day-pack that can also be used for multi-day ventures for the ultralight and discerning backcountry hunter.
After you notch your tag, use the load shelf with their 2,500+ cubic inch Load Cell Dry Bag that is sized to carry an entire boned sheep or mule deer. In elk country, the load shelf is sized perfectly for elk quarters. An ultralight pack made with the toughest technical materials, the EVO 3300 is a versatile pack built for North American backpack hunts from the Beartooths to the Brooks.
Quite possibly the most versatile, comfortable load bearing pack on the market, a lot of experienced hunters exclaim that the EVO 3300 is hands down the best pack they’ve ever used!
“Stone Glacier is a result of 15 years of solo sheep hunts from the Dall country of Alaska to the unlimited districts of Montana’s Beartooth Wilderness.
Minimizing pack and gear weight increases usable load, which in turn extends your range in the backcountry.
My quest for ultralight backpacking gear began 15 years ago and has been a slow and organic process of development, testing, and refining. The goal has been straightforward: build the lightest, most durable gear using only the toughest technical materials available.
After hundreds of miles of testing on the trail, years of research and design, this goal has been accomplished.”
—Kurt Racicot - Founder/Owner/Lead Designer
WAIST BELT SIZES:
Small - 28" - 30"
Medium - 31"- 36"
Large - 37" +\
FEATURES & SPECS:
Weight - 3lb 13oz. on Medium Krux Evo Frame, Bag only weighs 1lb 6oz.
3,300 cubic inch main bag
One external zipped pocket
Full top panel zip for access to the main compartment
150+ pound load rating (check Design page for load rating info)
Hydration compatible
2,500+ cubic inch expandable load shelf
Belt attachments
Heavy duty YKK #10 zipper
Cordura 500 and Xpac fabric
Heavy-duty, 1" Duraflex military approved buckles and webbing
Made in the USA
“Go afield with a good attitude, with respect for the wildlife you hunt and for the forest and fields in which you walk. Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. It will cleanse your soul and make you a better person.”
-Fred Bear
Well, there you have it guys. We feel like we’ve covered a diverse selection of packs today, each with some different designs and features, while all remaining in the same field of focus, getting the meat from the wild to the table.
There are so many hunting backpacks for hauling out meat on the market today that we could have made a pretty exhausting list. However, as usual, we like to keep things simple here at Rugged Man.
We hope we took a little bit of pressure and confusion out of the equation and helped make the search for your next pack more like it should be, fun.
We hope you’ll take today’s quote from the legendary Fred Bear with you on your next hunt. Remember, how you train and the gear you choose to take into the field with you, along with dignity and “respect for the wildlife you hunt and the forest and fields in which you walk”, are the most important components of a successful and ethical hunt.
If you follow those key principles, you’re sure to have a fulfilling experience out there. Whether you bring home meat or not, it’s a successful hunt, and you’re sure to be a better man for yourself, those you love, and everyone around you.
Until next time, dig down deep to be the best man you can be, stay properly outfitted, remain rugged, feed your family, and be well!
For more articles and stories on all things hunting, head on over to the Rugged Man Hunting Blog!
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