Need a Good Backpack

[PowDuck]

Here's what I'll be doing and what I'm looking for. Going to CO for an archery elk hunt. I'll be back at camp every night but will be out all day.

1] I want a pack that is not too big yet big enough to carry out boned meat portions, too. (What would be the average c.i. that I would need?)
2] Camoflage would be great but it's not a requirement. (No orange, purple or chartreuse though.)
3] A bladder type hydration system would be an advantage.
4] Comfort, good shoulder straps and waist suspension are prefered.
5] Price. I'd like to stay under $100 if possible.

Any suggestions you guys have would be appreciated. Links, too. I posted this in the Camping forum, too. Thanks in advance.

 

[sagebrush]

http://www.kifaru.net

You won't be able to stay under $100, but you'll get the best hunting pack made. Check out the Spike Camp. That's what I use for a day pack. I think it's exactly what you're looking for.

 

[LETUMGROW]

Hi sagebrush, I've owned half dozen different packs over the years for elk hunting.
Take it from another flatlander, them mountains are tough enough without adding a huge pack to drag around all day. My most favorite pack is the Crooked Horn Trail Blazer pack (Cabela's- $90), The only thing is it isn't big enough to carry meat, so we usually bring a pack frame along and leave in camp until we need, that way you have something rugged enough to carry and strap quartered meat to. I also have a Badlands 2200 back pack (internal frame with lots of room), they also sell hydraytion bladders to add to pack and I also use in my crooked horn pack. Look in http://www.above-timberline.com to see the badlands packs.

 

[FTTPOW]

PowDuck,
 You're likely to find as many suggestions of good packs as there opinions of what gun to use. Seems like everyone's steering you in the right direction. I looked at Kifaru's web page and they seem to have nice stuff, if not a bit pricey. Be prepared to pay for quality, though. Here's my two cents' worth. When I go to Montana for elk, I last used a pack from Bucklick Creek through Mossy Oak for around $65. It has side pockets,top flap and back pockets and enough room for day gear with room to spare. For a pack frame I went with a Bull Pac out of Lewiston, Idaho. Their website is http://www.bullpacs.com/bullbench.html. They make a frame especially for packing out game. It's lightweight, strong, and comfortable. Prices start at $169. I'm not saying I've got the definitive answer to your question, but this worked for the way we hunted. We went out each day prepared to pack out without having to go back emptyhanded to retrieve pack frames. Like LETUMGROW says, those mountains are tough enough on a flatlander without the extra weight of a big pack. There's no need to over-pack, but there's a certain amount of gear you'll be glad you dragged up the mountain, when the time comes. Unexpected mountain weather is no time to realize you've left a neccesity behind because of a few extra ounces.        

 

[Litch]

I bought a Kifaru pack a couple of years ago and it is a great pack. It was pricey, but it will last as long as I need it.