Backpacking Out MEAT and EXTREME WEIGHT - Guide Proven Techniques

[@dannyjacobs2280]

Cliff, you're quickly becoming one of my favorites! No fluff or wasted useless content, just great advice, even for someone who's packed multiple animals over the years! Keep it coming brother!

[@CliffGray]

thanks Danny! appreciate the support

[@rotaman8555]

Get in shape! You need to start working out and carrying around a heavy packs MONTHS ahead of your hunt! I started working out for a goat hunt eight months out and was glad I did. It was still brutal, but my muscles were strong and I had shed excess weight. I try to maintain a general fitness level so that I can enjoy being active outdoors without getting hurt. Great content! Thanks for all you do.

[@jesseherbert2585]

Hey brother, I'm a thin guy myself and as a person married to a woman who's from a famous mountaineering family, I carried a lot of weight down mountains over the years as well. One thing I learned was to actually do what I call "backwards tech" As a snowboarder I also modified this to where I literally now go down the mountain with packs on touring left or right or just walking backwards or sideways. It really spreads out the load and as someone who use to wrestle in high school and was in a car accident as a kid, my knee was pretty shot from a young age, but this has allowed me to keep doing all these things, along with the hiking poles of course. Thanks for your golden insights as well on weight management! Oh, check out "knees over toes guy" too if you haven't yet already.

[@JacopoSkydweller]

packs on touring left or right? What do you mean? I've been getting severe hip bruising from my Exo Mtn Gear pack, and I'm trying to figure out what the problem is. Also tall and thin. I've got all the weight on the hip belt, with shoulders tensioned just for stability. the top front of my iliac crest is carrying all of the weight, it's not distributing around the belt at all.

[@laniermobiledetailing4423]

The knee extensions work

[@aleksandarvasic4885]

Honestly best explanation on any video that I watched, he is so detailed about everything he post, my seventh year of elk hunting and still learning a lot of things Thank you for unselfishly giving great info to the people 👍🏻

[@CliffGray]

Thanks!

[@it_is_what_it_is_brotha]

I learned how amazing horses are with my first bull elk a couple years ago. After two trips with full loads that was damn near crippling I found a horseman to do the last trip in and out and the smile on my face couldn't have been wider carrying only a bottle of water out! Money well spent to find one or two ahead of time to call for help. Plus it made another personal connection, cool pics and part of the story, as well as giving me the lead to the person who did my euro mount for a great price.

[@CliffGray]

yes, pack animals are phenomenal help!

[@michaelwhite8801]

I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I'm an elk addict that grew up in prime elk country and I have more time than most none professionals in the woods chasing elk and consumed an unhealthy amount of elk hunting content and you have helped me iron out more kinks in my gear and gave me more insight to tactics I need to improve on than any other channel by far.

[@CliffGray]

awesome! appreciate the support for the videos and glad you have been able to pickup a few things from them. thanks

[@rogerramjet7567]

Great pearls of wisdom for pack hunters!! I have done most all of this and believe me , Cliff is right on. One thing, before doing this, get yourself into shape. I mean great shape. Without it, the rest is meaningless.

[@CliffGray]

thanks for the support Roger! and yes, being n shape makes a big difference and avoids injury!

[@NAubc]

Cliff please start a podcast. I want to listen to you while running, walking, rucking, driving and working out.

[@moewells100]

This guy and his info is gold. Thanks Cliff

[@vincentjackson3472]

A wealth of info Cliff! Especially when you were talking about that top compressed burn in the too of your hips. That gets me a lot! Much appreciated from Nz!

[@CliffGray]

👍🤙

[@adventuresoftheuneducatedh7813]

Your tip on big part of the leg up and not down was a huge help made packing out so much easier

[@CliffGray]

good deal! glad to hear you were packing some meat. congrats!

[@adventuresoftheuneducatedh7813]

@@CliffGray thank you the backstrap is getting cooked today with turkey

[@scotterickson9091]

Just bagged my first elk! Your videos have helped out so much as I began preparation this season. Excited for many more seasons and many more videos!

[@CliffGray]

Awesome! Congrats

[@wyndwalkerranger7421]

I am a hunter but have not had to do a pack out mainly because I am in northern NE and have been able to drag out my deer. That being said I am a backpacker and depending on the time of year the pack can be heavy. With a heavy pack I do as you said getting the pack on while on the ground roll like you showed but many times I can use my trekking poles to push myself up. I use three section poles and adjust them to the height I need. This also works getting up from a rest or more frequently than I like from a fall. Great video thanks.

[@CliffGray]

Great tip! Using your poles is a great option 👍

[@awiegwa]

Great video, ty! I have passed up shots on both Elk and Mule Deer in the past when I looked at the terrain I was in and thought about the pack out. I figured I had achieved the stalk and/or the potential for the stalk (stickbow hunter here) and decided to just feel good about that. I love deer and elk meat and I definitely want to be able to get out the meat after the kill. Being a 58yo female I also just tend to take more trips out with less weight unless one of the folks I have on speeddial is available to help haul the meat out - but i don't plan on those folks always being available too. Enjoying your videos and vast knowledge share.

[@CliffGray]

really appreciate the support. glad the video was helpful! thanks

[@chuck805]

Cliff, a couple months ago I began to get interested on elk hunting, at age 65. Your videos help me to understand what I'm thinking about getting into. But IF I can't pack out my elk by myself, I'll get someone to help me. This is something I want to do but if I can't because of my physical limitations, then I wonder how close I can get to make this a reality. Maybe all that happens is I get me out there, searching for them, observing and then practice on calling them. That actually sounds like a good time. Keep living your dream as your inspiring and teaching many of us. Thanks Cliff for everything.

[@tysonstenson9514]

Find a pack service and get them ready to go when you hit the hills. Expect to spend $500 to get your elk out. You can still enjoy the hunt, but having a service ready to go is key. Also be prepared to have your meat sit for a couple days while they fit you into their schedule. Meat care is key.

[@chuck805]

@@tysonstenson9514 Thanks Tyson I appreciate your input.

[@CliffGray]

Chuck, Tyson’s advice is great. Having a couple hunting partners is also a great help, if you can pull that off. Glad the videos have been helpful. Good luck Chuck!

[@awiegwa]

In a couple locations there are plains elk too - so you can consider that, a couple of buddies and a huge deer cart. Or perhaps a drop camp and then the pack service as Tyson mentioned. All in all though calling elk during the rut is a hoot and I highly recommend giving that a go even if you don't hunt them. You could take a trip to like Estes Park and try out your elk bugling in town or just outside it. Just keep your space so you don't get knocked down by the bull elk you are calling. I live in elk country and often step outside on the deck and bugle back at elk at 1am when they start bugling - the neighbors actually don't mind and like the bugles back and forth - its a hoot. Funny thing is I don't carry a bugle when I hunt near the house because in the Nat Forest so many hunters bugle constantly. So for me the bugling and the hunting of elk are separated because of where I hunt/live.

[@chuck805]

@@awiegwa That's exactly my plan. Find them, call them, see how close I can get using the thermals. Then backpack and find them, bugle, get close...practice makes perfect. I get to practice living out there and it won't take long to find out things I need to change. When that day arrives I'll be as ready as I can be and that includes physically. Thank you for your help, it's all helpful.

[@americansafarico]

Man this is awesome. I’ve been backpack hiking for 20 years now and never really understood the relationship between load lifters and the shoulder straps. Thanks again, Cliff.

[@timjohnson2731]

"I hate my life pose." LOL. That is the PERFECT name for that pose. I have done it countless times, and while in that pose, said "why do I do this?" Excellent video Cliff. Your videos are little gold mines. Great stuff.

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Truly the best videos on KZbin free expert advice

[@CliffGray]

:) thanks

[@adventuresoftheuneducatedh7813]

Thank you I’ve been fighting with my pack and this video is the best one out there for me. Great info cliff

[@CliffGray]

👍

[@jakef1977]

Good stuff Cliff! We pack pretty much like you do. Mules are the best but here where we hunt the Pacific Northwest blacktails we drop into holes that have no bottom route. We have came up crazy steep country with 80 to 100 lbs on our backs and it is humbling. We call it out happy hurting hikes. I just recently started using treking poles and they are pretty awesome with heavy wieghts . Thank you for putting this stuff out there

[@CliffGray]

thanks Jake!

[@johngardner6399]

No hats for sale in your store. A nice ELk hat would be a great addition to store. Enjoy all your videos!!!

[@CliffGray]

Hey John, I am in the process of redoing all my merchandise. I will get some hats up soon! thanks

[@CascadePacificNW]

The key is postponing the pain train, copy that Cliff. Another video great video in the books.

[@CliffGray]

thanks!

[@MikeJones-vb1me]

Priceless and timeless information. Thank you, Cliff!

[@mepatka]

This is a great explanation. Very detailed. All your videos are incredible and enjoyable to listen to.

[@XWolFPacKElitesX]

I love the tips, I am 6'3 and lanky 220lbs. I will have to implement some of these tips in my next pack, my last pack my trapezius muscles were sore at the end.

[@time_experiment]

Very good advice. Thank you for the video. I didn't understand the purpose of the load lifters last year and ended up with really tight traps. I have a SG pack and they have a good video on how to properly fit it. Make sure to add about 30 lbs when adjusting your pack. This also made me realize the importance of really knowing my equipment, so now I always test my equipment on day hikes prior to the hunt. I even go do a test hike if I change my boot lace configuration haha

[@CliffGray]

👍

[@mountainlivin]

Absolute nuts and bolts of packing. Excellent. Thanks Cliff.

[@darrenhart8151]

That's all great info, most of your advice mirrors what I've figured out over the last almost 40 years. The biggest game changer for me was switching to Kifaru packs. There's nothing that I've tried that comes close when it comes to really heavy loads.

[@CliffGray]

agreed! thanks Darren

[@phild9813]

A good fitting and correctly fitted pack is crucial. And it needs to be able to carry my rifle while loaded down. I’ve found it to be a Mystery Ranch personally for me. The other piece of gear that has changed my world is a set of trekking poles (makes the rifle attachment to the pack mandatory).

[@johnfowler6297]

One of the nice things being in the military, weighted ruck marches. Bad thong about it, they have us with time hacks so pain is always a thing. Looking to try these techniques this November.

[@vincethewoodlander]

Here's my advice for what it's worth. Im 5'6" 170# 1. Know your torso length to the 1/4". Buy correct pack and know how to adjust to correct length. Source backpacking info. 2. Uphill-Shoulders carry weight so my legs and ass can get blood. 3. Downhill- don't get shoulders too sloppy or knocks me off balance 4. Boned out meat- I've got old school external frame with zippered shelf. If they don't already, the new companies oughta put a shelf that clips to the main pack halfway up. My shelf is zipped and meat elevated off bottom of ruck by shelf and extra clothes if needed. 5. Bone in meat- shanks face down ham and shoulders up = majority of weight between shoulders. (See KZbin member pic thingy jig) 6. Rarely sit, feet will swell and the next half mile is agony. 7. Drink and eat something quick on your feet every hour for 5-10 minutes, old army habit for long ruck marches. 8. Skull cap everything you can. 9. My Best tip ever!!! Know the number of the wrangler that works your area and always know your shortest distance to truck/trailer navigable road. Good luck everyone, great job Cliff.

[@CliffGray]

Great stuff! I should have touched on meat shelves… the video was getting so darn long. I like them but only if they are up elevated a bit as you mention. A lot of newer packs have a shelf at the bottom, which I don’t see a ton of value in. Eating/drinking something is a great tip If you are staying in camp, skull cap and face caping is the way to go! Thanks

[@vincethewoodlander]

@@CliffGray yeah the low meat shelf is worthless it makes your ass/ lower back a lever point for the ruck pulling you backwards. One thats up 8-10" should be included on an expensive ruck. PS you've email at pursuit with Cliff.

[@CliffGray]

@@vincethewoodlander I agree! a shelf up the frame a bit is a big help.

[@izatt82]

You have to eat. Eat something before you leave and eat often while you are walking. Eat and hydrate with electrolytes. With a heavy pack, you can dig yourself into a calorie deficit quickly and good luck getting out of it in the backcountry if you don't know what you are doing. Find what works for you before you are in the mountains.

[@CliffGray]

@@izatt82 great point and additional tip Chris. Thanks

[@kylejohnson5876]

It's great to see the following grow!

[@CliffGray]

Thanks!

[@realitysurvival5006]

Looking to get my 1st deer this coming weekend. This video was a HUGE help. Thank you!!!

[@CliffGray]

Good luck!

[@SP6X6]

Your still young .But here's a tip as you get older.I shot a large 350 type bull archery solo a few years back at 58.I use a pack with meat carry option. I was in 3+ miles and it was hot 80 ish.shot bull at 10 am.I boned front shoulders and gutless type for rear quarters.100's of bees /yellow jacket and baldfaced.I was going to get to ridge top then down into creek.So I had front boned in my pack, and 2 rear qrtsand head.I leap frogged up ridge, only had about 100 yrds in me at times carried rack that was 34 lb with pack, then Santa caused 1/4s.SO up ridge then to creek.Its was going ok so I continued this all day.This amounted to 9 miles ,but saved me having weight on for really long stretches and allowed me to get the elk out.I had frames back at camp, but at my age slugging it out 3 miles load 3 times I wouldn't been able to do.But ice get a brake when I dropped meat and went back for next load.Im a 170 # and 5-9.When I was young I packed 1/4s eight milestone way many times.Packed elk for 3 days once

[@striderwolf687]

Super helpful! You ought to cut out the backpack fitting as its own mini vid as i have been searching that a ton and yours is way more helpful. Thanks for this vid

[@dannyjacobs2280]

I'm so glad that I originally purchased a 7800 ci Kifaru pack when starting out elk hunting. For cost reasons, I almost went with something smaller, but bit the bullet and have been happy since. The large pack, obviously, lessens my trips back and forth either with meat or camp. Saying that to suggest to someone thinking of buying a pack, go with large, unless it's just a day hunt pack purchase.

[@CliffGray]

great tip! thanks Danny

[@barthuntfish]

Some sage advice. Could've really used this one about a week ago. Front and rear quarters for 2.5 miles. Trying to preserve my back.

[@Canadaman4403]

Awesome info

[@utahreadiness]

Welcome to the party! I love it!

[@CliffGray]

ha! that's right

[@calineman]

One thing I do is stretch before, sometimes during and after a pack out. Keeping hip flexors stretched is important.

[@CliffGray]

I’ve never had the discipline to stretch before a packout… just a lot going on. But I’d guess this is great advice

[@finnbismark]

Using your trekking poles to stick into the ground on an angle to stop your pack falling over can help use a better/higher spot to place your pack on to sit down a bit up off the ground. Having someone else hold it works too but setting up your poles to balance it when you take it off saves you from having to lift it up.

[@BitterrootRambler]

alot of good info here.. the lower shelfs are great just dont put the heavy stuff down there. thats where the light stuff (tent, sleeping bag) sits and then you can stack the meat ontop, then then meat cant slide down your back. you can actually use that shelf to stack. stacking is a super solid way to pack, reverse weight stacking. light at the bottom, heavy on top. mountain sherpas shelves.

[@scotts6358]

Great video Cliff. I’ve packed out many animals and your video had tips for an ol dog. One tip I would give is when you have to rest, only rest for a minute or two max. Don’t go into full cool down mode until you’re at the destination. Happy hunting!

[@CliffGray]

great tip Scott. thanks

[@gregmurphy5014]

such a good video man, and an overlooked topic too

[@north61]

Tremendous! Really helpful. Thank-you.

[@CliffGray]

glad it was useful!

[@reterwilliger]

Another excellent video Cliff! Right on point as usual!

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

It’s growing fast man great video .. 23k

[@CliffGray]

Thanks man!!!

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

@@CliffGray 👊🏻

[@devinad20]

Absolutely love you man

[@banjybubby]

great advise Cliff especially the intro to pack fitting adjustments.

[@jeffreyfoster2804]

I roll over like you did and then put one hand on my knee and the other with my walking stick to get my pack on and stand up.

[@CliffGray]

I like it!

[@averagedoes5715]

Made the mistake of not cushioning my downhill steps with my trekking poles packing out a black bear last fall and my quads paid the price. On the return trip to camp I had to go down the hills sideways or backwards to prevent my quads from locking up on me.

[@Timberlost]

Lol, 51:43 his watch gets caught on the strap trying to heave up that heavy load. Happens EVERY time.

[@jayphillips9743]

Great advice

[@CliffGray]

thanks Jay

[@TR-ms9zy]

It’s difficult to explain this to people that have never humped extreme weight. Just being able to show this to someone is invaluable. Thanks my man This is basically common knowledge for anyone that has done an extended walk with a heavy pack. I’m just appreciative of the insight. Is the available manipulation of the pack why you chose that particular pack? Or are there other advantages?

[@CliffGray]

Thanks TR. I feel like good load lifters, adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt are a must. Nowadays most decent packs have them. I like my Kifaru packs just because they have never failed me... over quite a bit of hard use.

[@brianrobinson1975]

best way to pack meat is to get a book on tape so your mind goes somewhere else as the miles go by

[@terryhemmes6210]

Great video

[@Cope125]

Great content, I find it very useful. I do have a question though. I am from Texas, and I am just in my 4th year of western hunting. Me and my hunting partner do backcountry style hunting. Mainly elk, but also some mule deer. We have yet to be successful, but are getting closer every year. So to my question. I have learned most of my knowledge by watching KZbin and various podcast. When learning to load up my pack, I thought most people said to load your gear in your pack, trying to keep heaviest items torwards the bottom. But when you talk about loading meat, you say to try to keep the bulk of your meat weight up high. So did I hear wrong before, or should you pack meat differently than gear? Keep up the good work.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks for the positive feedback man. Glad it’s helpful. Good luck on your hunts this Fall. Some of it might be differences in opinion or preference. Some of it might be semantics. For gear and meat, I try to keep the weight 1. As close to my back as possible 2. 60%ish of the weight mid-pack and above. Sometimes this is construed as carrying the majority of the weight on your shoulders versus hips - that is different. With heavy packs in the mtns you will average the majority of the weight on your hips. That is manipulated with load lifters and shoulders straps, for the most part not based on where the weight is in the pack. I prefer weight shifted slightly high because any weight down below your hip points tends to pull away from your body in my opinion. The most extreme example of this is boned out meat. If you put all the unstructured meat in the bottom of your pack it will all float down into a ball at your hip belt and some of it will shift outwards, pulling your center of gravity of your back. I’ve repacked meat or helped other hunters/guides repack meat/cape/hides dozens of time half way down the trail - 100% of those times things had shifted down and away from the pack’s frame, like a kids loaded diaper and outward. Not one time have i repacked meat/gear that “felt to high” or was causing issues up high. Maybe some antlers or rams head that’s off center, but that’s about it. Good luck up there man 👍

[@Cope125]

@@CliffGray Thanks. We do hiking with weight, trying to prepare the best we can. I may actually try moving some of my stuff around, to see if it makes it feel any different. Currently I put tent, sleeping bag, and other stuff in the very bottom, and I would say, that all totals about 1/3 of the weight. I may try putting some of the lighter stuff torwards the bottom, and get more heavier stuff torwards the middle to top, and see if that seems to make a difference. It doesn’t feel horrible now, but if it can help a little bit, I would think it’s worth it. Unfortunately no elk tag yet this year, but we do have a mule deer tag in Colorado. Missed out on elk primary and secondary. Still gonna try to watch the leftovers and reissues in august. Good luck to you as well, on your hunts.

[@unclejimmy219]

Thanks Cliff you are the man

[@CliffGray]

Thanks Jim!

[@kschmo3981]

Great review. Gotta start saving my pennies

[@southernhood5145]

great video man

[@CliffGray]

Thanks man!

[@dougjewart9501]

Hey Cliff great video learned a lot. Where do I get one of those locking straps? Can’t find them. Thanks Doug

[@CliffGray]

Hey Doug - the best place to find them is directly off of the backpack manufacturers websites. I was never able to find them on Amazon. I know both Kifaru and Stone Glacier have them on their websites if you dig in. Thanks

[@jameshurd4815]

Very informative. Thank you sir.

[@30-06]

Understanding Cliff is a Pro and works for clients so I don’t think you’d do such…but I have a question. I’m guilty on this. When I came to to very steep with very loose unstable downhills I often unpack and throw meat bags down. Repeat till I get to safer area I repack and continue on on my back, back and forth. Is do you consider it a a bad practice? Getting to tossed meat bags I’m I was half way sliding down with rocks. I’m sure some meat got tenderized like a tartar steaks in the process but I really don’t notice. Anyways I’d appreciate your thoughts on such practice on ethical front and from your professional view point. Thank you!

[@MiddleOutdoorsman]

Hunting farther then you can pack is probably a common mistake and one that I probably make routinely. What makes it worse, is I know better and I still do it. I say probably because I know I'll be pushing my psychical limits - but I think I can still do it. The problem is elk obsession. Not wanting to quit, or give up, to keep pushing, keep trying. There's a story to this, but packing out a cow elk by yourself, bushwhacking uphill over deadfall and thick pine and aspen, a mile from the road, in august, without trekking poles, was an experience in misery and determination. I've never been one to shirk manual labor, but i nearly passed out at camp. Too stupid to quit, too dumb to know any better.

[@CliffGray]

Ha! I think most of us have a similar story

[@Northwoods208]

Definitely been there before, and hopefully I will be again sooner than later. I like the punishment on some level I suppose, or I'd hunt less ambitious locations 🤣

[@sherristell4747]

very good instruction

[@cynthiamgentles6781]

In bear country best to pack a portable electric bear fence. A compact 2.4 Ibs for huge peace of mind.

[@arlanjohnson8841]

With the concept of keeping the weight of an elk quarter higher in your pack would it be good to place the ball joint end of the quarter up instead of down?

[@garyhowardman]

Got real familiar with the "I hate my life pose" a few days ago as I packed out both of my cow elk's hind quarters plus a front quarter in one load, loaded heavy ends down. It didn't occur to me to load at least one of the quarters heavy end up. When you suggest having the majority of the weight above the halfway point up the back, do you then suggest loading at least some of the quarters heavy end up?

[@CliffGray]

That is a serious load! So either way it would be rough, but yes, packing a quarter with the leg/hawk down works well if your particular pack and setup allows for it 👍

[@garyhowardman]

@@CliffGray Thank you for the tip and all your great content, Cliff!

[@dustinromney5136]

What are your thoughts on boning out elk for a pack out? I'm typically solo or with one other guy so seems like a good option to reduce # of trips. Also might be good to see your thoughts on sleds, carts etc in a video at some point.

[@CliffGray]

Hey Dustin, just depends on how far it is and timing. If I have camp time, I will debone everything in camp. If I am packing it out from kill site, 90% of the time I don't debone. The structure loss with deboned meat actually makes it a lot harder to pack in my opinion. That offsets some of the weight savings. In snow, I use a sled a lot. You can also leave hide on the quarters and drag them.

[@timgile8144]

Do you have suggestions for packs? I used a very old pack frame for years and want to update to something better.

[@CliffGray]

I use kifaru packs. Expensive but durable. To be honest, like many gear choices, I don't stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest. Kifaru has been solid for many many hunts, so I don't change it.

[@RednerKlallamStrong]

What kind of bag do you put the meat in ? Or just anything that's a good plastic bag ? Or is a certain plastic bag ?? Lol IDK it's why I'm asking lol

[@CliffGray]

I just throw it in a contractor garbage bag while I pack it out

[@toddnash789]

I noticed some folks were asking about or referring to using carts to pack out. While this is can be a good option in National Forest or private land, it should be noted that you can't use these in wilderness.

[@awiegwa]

well you could try...but it would provide "entertainment" for anyone watching in your group as the cart takes off down the rocky hill. But for plains elk it is truly an option and in a few places you can do that. I can't where I hunt though so I get your point.

[@Elkslaya1]

It sucks for guys with a gut like myself on occasion tightening up the waist belt. Gonna be losing that gut before summer

[@nickb8618]

Even if It’s diy on a back country lining up and paying a outfitter that has time with horses mules or llamas for pack out of game is worth every penny! You just have to do the ball buster of getting it to a trail. I ain’t gonna sugar coat it my knees suck! Torn acl in football and 13 season of catching in baseball I’m paying the price as I age

[@CliffGray]

I hear ya on the knees!

[@joshlaubach8166]

A truly heavy load is an Alaskan Yukon Moose hind quarter. After packing that every other animal is a breeze.

[@greghertzberg6220]

Never forget falling with 1/2 elk boned out. I knew i was going down and controlled it by pushing enough to land on my back on the meat. Coosh, best soft landing ever, then i had to figure out how to turn around in bushes and do a pushup pull up a tree up and stop laughing. The other tough pack out scenario was literally getting stuck with all backstraps/ tenders and a giant 6 by. Had to just set there for 5 minutes or so, rest then get pissed.

[@curtisgore1611]

Ok cliff. I want you to message me on where a couple newbies can go on a last minute backpack hunt. No more than3miles in to a set a spike camp. Ole buddy

[@jaredj631]

I’m about five hours from the trail head. Hopefully I’ll need this information. First year elk archery CO

[@CliffGray]

GOOD LUCK JARED!

[@jaredj631]

@@CliffGray Thanks for wishing me luck! I did not get to take an elk home but I did get in a lot of experience first year solo OTC. Thank you for all these video.

[@bryanfox2735]

That rams head is just as big as half the guys body. Lol. Dang!!

[@CliffGray]

Haha!

[@tysonstenson9514]

Get a good pack and figure how you load it and how much you can handle. Get used to a loaded pack before you hit the woods.

[@TheZibil]

Hey Cliff, do you have any recommendations for guides since you don't do it anymore.

[@AdventurerAnthony]

Hey Cliff is that an 22mag?

[@CliffGray]

Yes, an old one

[@AdventurerAnthony]

@@CliffGray have you any experience with the 357 mag ? Internal frame

[@Thetinebroken]

Going in two weeks

[@CliffGray]

Good luck 👍👊

[@spurlinmartin8933]

i am having trouble with what kind of pack to get can you suggest one. im 58 live in montana and alaska im 6 ft 3 250 lbs

[@CliffGray]

Depends a lot on what you are doing. Backpack hunts, what duration? Or day hunts?

[@spurlinmartin8933]

Going to be more day hunts with maybe overnight spike camp sometimes. But need big enough to haul some game parts out

[@CliffGray]

@@spurlinmartin8933 My order of preference - just find a model that fits you use: 1. Kifaru, 2. Stone Glacier 3. Mystery Ranch. Good luck!

[@spurlinmartin8933]

Ty

[@bobbykolachi3185]

I’ll always try to use terrain, logs or rocks, knee to waist high to stand my pack up and then wiggle it on. Somebody steadying pack from behind if possible.

[@magwamagwa45110]

Get the weight up high, pack elk quarters with the bone in with the leg pointing down, when you rest on a rock , log etc you can put the bone on the log or rock and take all the weight off your shoulders on a long pack this is like heaven. Strap boned out meat tight to your pack that stuff is like jello and will pull you back and that is miserable. A good hip belt is a must...... Great footwear makes this job much easier. Steep down hill take shuffling steps instead of hard planting each step your knees will love you for shuffling like tiny trot.... Look forward to eating that meat.... Lol

[@CliffGray]

thanks. great additional tips

[@RednerKlallamStrong]

The way it's done around here ? Is we just take the deer or elk cutt so we can take it all put it in the truck take home and go from there ! Lol

[@masterchamp2005]

What type of pack do you personally use?

[@jubalvw]

Kifaro

[@jamesmooney5348]

👍

[@joshsmith3650]

You could make a good meme shirt with a porcupine on it lol

[@_DB.COOPER]

I don’t do packs anymore. Deer carts, easier for me.

[@CliffGray]

I like your style!

[@_DB.COOPER]

@@CliffGray forced style, I hunt elk and deer in areas of NM where you can’t drive off the road to retrieve game. I’ve got a collapsed herniated disc in my lower back that I’ve been taken shots for and am about to have the nerve ends burned. Shoulder, knee, hand and elbow surgeries topped off by I’m damn near 60! I’ll hunt until I’m dead. Thanks for the video.

[@CliffGray]

@@_DB.COOPER For sure! thanks for the support and comments.

[@desertclimber78]

💪💪💪

[@gold_3]

👍👍👍👍

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

In my younger years I would rest in the military on my butt and back . At 60+ I ain’t putting that pack or my butt back on the ground till I hit the truck.. because I won’t be getting back up 😕

[@CliffGray]

Hahaha! I honestly feel the same… I don’t even stop to talk any more, ha!

[@q-man762]

I would look for what I called a "rest log" about waist high you back up to it setting the bottom of the pack on it, loosen the waist strap and scootch down to get the load setting on the log while resting until I got my body re-oxygenated .

[@benjaminbenedict7779]

Loaded diaper 😂

[@sha6mm]

Have Friends or better yet call a packer.

[@rylandavis2976]

Instructions unclear, everywhere hurts

[@thomaspitcher2335]

poles.....poles are so good.

[@CliffGray]

Ha, yes they are

[@thomaspitcher2335]

I carry extra straps and lockers for 550 to tidy up any danglers

[@djmanley27]

Y'all going to listen to another man tell you how to pack your meat???

[@Elkslaya1]

Love my Kifaru!

[@knuckledragger2412]

💪💪