Here's the pack I've used for the past three or four years...it's outside your budget but still much cheaper than going into the high end internal frames.
http://ww w.tacticalandhuntinggear.net/pd_mad-dog-bags-packs6.cfm
I prefer the high end internal frames but at $600, a Mystery Ranch may not be in the cards for you right now. I've taken the Mad Dog on several week plus trips and have carried up to 140 pounds in it and it's held up well. We did a trip in the Willmore two years ago and packed a sheep out for three days. I easily had 110 pounds in the pack There is no reason your pack can't be a gearpack and a meat pack. I've packed moose quarters and elk quarters in the Mad Dog and I've thrown two weeks worth of gear and food in it.
I find most of the internal frames are just not big enough or sturdy enough for extended trips or for packing 100 pound plus loads. If you are serious about backpacking and could be out for a week at a time and could end up packing big loads for several days, the Mystery Ranch and possibly the Kifaru are the only two that fit the bill. The Eberlestock is a great pack but it lacks sufficient room for extended trips and the gun carrier sucks when you want to sit down...something you'll do often with a heavy load on. They are a great 1-3 day pack but fall short of being an extended trip or meat packing pack IMHO.
If you are on a budget, look at the external frames as you can get the room and sturdiness you need for a much lower price.
http://ww w.tacticalandhuntinggear.net/pd_mad-dog-bags-packs6.cfm
I prefer the high end internal frames but at $600, a Mystery Ranch may not be in the cards for you right now. I've taken the Mad Dog on several week plus trips and have carried up to 140 pounds in it and it's held up well. We did a trip in the Willmore two years ago and packed a sheep out for three days. I easily had 110 pounds in the pack There is no reason your pack can't be a gearpack and a meat pack. I've packed moose quarters and elk quarters in the Mad Dog and I've thrown two weeks worth of gear and food in it.
I find most of the internal frames are just not big enough or sturdy enough for extended trips or for packing 100 pound plus loads. If you are serious about backpacking and could be out for a week at a time and could end up packing big loads for several days, the Mystery Ranch and possibly the Kifaru are the only two that fit the bill. The Eberlestock is a great pack but it lacks sufficient room for extended trips and the gun carrier sucks when you want to sit down...something you'll do often with a heavy load on. They are a great 1-3 day pack but fall short of being an extended trip or meat packing pack IMHO.
If you are on a budget, look at the external frames as you can get the room and sturdiness you need for a much lower price.
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