Tip of the Month: The best in backpacks and game bags

OUTDOOR TIPS OF THE MONTH

Your pack should be of good quality no matter what you choose. A quality pack that comfortably carries a heavy load is worth the extra cost. (PAUL D. ATKINS)

LEADERS OF THE PACKS

Editor’s note: Each issue, our Paul Atkins will offer a tip outdoorsmen and -women can use as they prepare for an Alaska adventure. This month: The best in packs and game bags.

BY PAUL D. ATKINS

You’ve been hunting out of camp for a week and each day takes you a little further away. Finally, on the last day you find the monster of your dreams and make the perfect stalk.

One shot from your rifle and the big boy is down. You’re excited and exchange high fives with your hunting partner, and you snap pictures of your harvest. Only then do you realize you’re 4 miles from camp and the hard work is about to begin.

In Alaska, accomplishing this step in the process is not an easy task. For most of us who pursue big game here, packs and packing are a fact of life. Whether you live in Southeast Alaska – with its rugged up- and downhill terrain – or the far north – think an endless sea of tundra – packing is not a job to be taken lightly.

Alaskan hunters pretty much live and die by their pack. I’m not talking just about the physical demand of getting downed game from point A to point B, but the whole hunting process. From choosing the right pack to selecting the proper game bags, all will come into play while hunting the Last Frontier.

BEST PACKS ON THE MARKET Let’s first start with packs themselves. There are lots of packs made specifically for packing meat, horns and capes, and they all come in a variety of sizes. Back in the old days a simple packing board was used. These were crude pieces of board strapped to your back with rope and canvas. They worked for the purpose at hand, but weren’t the most comfortable.

Today’s packs have come a long way. Most high-tech packs on the market now have an internal frame system that has a loading compartment attached to the frame itself.

These packs are incredible by today’s standards. They can handle large loads by slipping your bagged meat or cape inside and securing the load with tie downs. The great thing about them is they are specifically built to fit close to your body and securely above or right at the hip, giving you a comfortable feel,

If there are several hunters in your group, packing an entire animal out can be easy. Small packs work and just about any will do. One trick author Paul Atkins learned was to pack a few trash bags along to contain his kill’s blood, especially if it was warm. (PAUL D. ATKINS)

When you start out in the morning your pack is usually light, carrying only the necessities for the day. But if you’re lucky, on the pack back it will be full. You want to make sure you have everything you need before you leave even if the load is excessive. And they are light.

The key, however, is to make sure your pack distributes the weight evenly over the hips and keeps it from shifting. A good rule of thumb is to pack your meat or cape in the middle instead of the bottom. A lot of weight in the bottom of the pack tends to pull the hunter backwards and create a lot of strain, particularly if you’re in for a long hike.

Most of these packs come with online instructions and, in some cases, a DVD that shows how to fit the pack to your torso for the most comfortable fit. If you are going to pursue big game in the backcountry, take the time and get the specifics to make sure you’re getting the most out of your pack.

The Timberline by Kifaru is an excellent do-it-all pack that has multiple compartments with an assortment of attachments. The pack is perfect for taking everything in and bringing everything out. For long expedition-type hunts, such as goat or sheep, it fits the bill perfectly.

At 7,200 cubic inches the Kifaru seems a bit big, but it only weighs 9.2 pounds, something to consider when

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This is a common sight in Alaska. Frame packs make an excellent rifle rest, especially if there isn’t a tree or other stable surface in the immediate vicinity. (PAUL D. ATKINS)

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There are many similar packs, such as the Nice 7500 by Mystery Ranch and the Dragonfly by Eberlestock. They’re both capable of handling large loads and come in a variety of configurations. These high-end packs are not cheap, but they’re tough and can handle just about any kind of abuse a hunter can throw into them. Before making a final choice, take your time and try on several. Also think about what you will be using it for.

METAL FRAME PACKS Another route, which seems to always work no matter the situation, is a simple metal frame. Like many, I have used these for years, specifically when I’m on a fly-in drop hunt or hunting out of a close camp. They are strong and can handle a tremendous amount of weight.

Cabela’s Alaskan frame is a very popular model, and they last for years. These packs have a large detachable compartment that you can take off and use as a bag, leaving the frame for the heavy chore of hauling meat.

These frames usually come in two varieties. One contains a floor that folds out and gives your load something to rest on. The second type has no floor but is somewhat lighter and can still handle a load. These frames are cheaper in price compared to those mentioned above, but you still need to take the time to make sure you get a proper fit.

Choosing the right pack is much like choosing the right rifle or the right bow. You will spend a great deal of time with it, and just like that rifle or bow, it will be a constant part of you as a hunter.

IT’S IN THE BAG Packing is not just about choosing the right pack. Game bags are also a fact of life when you’re a hunter. In the past game bags were just that: game bags. Most were made of cotton or cheesecloth and not much attention was given when selecting them. Today’s game bags are far more advanced and have been manufactured in a way that provides a ton of options.

Basically, there are two types of game bags: form fitting and loose fitting. Form-fitting bags fit to the contour of the meat, while the latter is usually a square bag and allows the meat to move freely without restraint. Form-fitting bags are made of cotton and provide good breathability, but are susceptible to odor and in most cases can’t be used again, plus they tend to pick up debris and stick to the meat itself. Loosefitting bags are a bit better in terms of protecting your meat and they’re super tough, but at the same time they are heavy and bulky. If they get wet, drying time could take forever.

So, which to choose? Both form- and loose-fitting bags have pros and cons and if we could combine a little of both with a few added features, we could probably come up with the perfect game bag.

There are some very good bags out there. Alaska Bags, sold at several sporting goods stores, is a popular choice. These cotton form-fitting bags are thicker and more durable than the cheesecloth bags that you can get for a few dollars and can handle most situations.

Another choice that is relatively new on the scene is Big Game Bags by Caribou Gear. These synthetic bags are not nylon or cotton, but a special blend of fiber that allows your meat to breathe. They also come in a variety of sizes and are species-specific. In addition, they come with locking tags and a reflective color to prevent mistaken identity. They are lighter than most canvas bags and can be used again and again with no shrinkage after washing. They also do not stain. I have used these bags and I can honestly say they are what they say, very innovative!

Packs and packing are a big part of the hunting adventure, though sometimes not our favorite. But they are a must; the more selective you are in choosing the gear you need, the more enjoyable the hunt will be. ASJ

Editor’s note: Got a question for Paul on Alaska hunting or fishing? Email editor Chris Cocoles at ccocoles@media-inc.com.

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