My Two Favorite Elk Hunting Packs

[@deank4603]

Best part of the video is when Randy's keeps finding things stuffed in his pack: "Hey look, I just found Marcus, I've been looking for him". I have both packs and use them all the time: hunting season, camping, and off season training with sand bags on the load shelf. Love them and over the 100's of miles that I've used them, I've never had a problem. Thumbs up for both options.

[@paultunkis6532]

I've had a Mystery Ranch Bighorn for over 10 years, I had an original Bighorn from Dana Design, the company before Mystery Ranch for decades. They work, they are super durable and extremely versatile and can haul more than I can carry. Once I packed out a small bull in five loads, granted it was only about a mile and mostly downhill, the pack did it without a hitch. Also, their customer service is excellent. I had to have the buckles changed due to old hands, no charge. I burnt a hole in the top compartment with a high power flashlight, they repaired it no charge and very nicely. Great company. Great products.

[@TechnoNinjaAlex]

Packed a SD antelope out of public with my metcalf on Saturday. Love the pack.

[@kernalbagunz397]

“Huh I’ve been looking for that” continues to loose it by tossing it in the corner 😂 😂 😂

[@bootstraps1]

"I've been looking for that forever!" [throws found object into random corner of garage] LOL, j/k. Thanks for the review. Love your videos!

[@claytonwarren18]

I've been scouring the interwebs for pack information and lo and behold, go 'ol Mr. Newberg comes through for me! Thanks for putting out quality information on gear you stand behind

[@matthewholden3823]

Ya brother uncle Randy know best. Mystery ranch are the real deal. Don't know if you know much about them but owner was Dana designs before selling to I believe K2, In the 90's. Legendary packs then. Even better now. Well worth the money.

[@Fresh_Tracks]

I've known Dana since his time back at Dana Designs. We often see each other in town or over at their shop. He is a legend in the pack industry.

[@matthewholden3823]

@@Fresh_Tracks Appreciate you man thanks for all the hard work you put in. You keep us almost old guys inspired.

[@goory93]

I have a beartooth, I pulled the lid off during the majority of archery season since I didn't need the extra space except for one 10 day trip. It compresses down pretty decent if you don't have the lid on it, and the volume is similar to the metcalf including the lid. Once rifle gets here I will be using the lid for the same reasons you said, more clothes primarily.

[@ericwiitala5407]

Next year I'm going to be financially planning for some upgrades... This is one of them and I'm leaning heavily towards the Beartooth 80. Randy... This video was like Christmas for you! You kept finding things! LOL!! 😁

[@elianas7066]

I was on the fence about getting a Beartooth 80 for this year. This sealed the deal. Thanks

[@Fresh_Tracks]

You bet.

[@matthewserl3885]

You answer my questions I had of the packs. Thanks

[@mounthelena1]

Thanks for the informative video. I'm curious what rifle holster setup you use in your videos. I often see the rifle holstered on the hip belt and coming up under your arm, providing quick access. What system is that?

[@taylorfranklin6537]

I want quality and by god I’m going to pay for it! But I will only have to pay 1 time! Thanks for the tips on these packs!

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

I do like the new 5 point waist belt wish they had that in 2019 versions. The Marshall is a great backcountry Elk pack also, you can even get your wife in IT

[@elkhorncoffeeroasters7701]

Very helpful video! Thanks, Randy!

[@mmrtactical7764]

I have two MR packs and they are awesome!

[@alaskajon195]

Awesome video, i was trying to decide between those two exact packs!

[@Fresh_Tracks]

Glad I could help!

[@blacktailbowhunter0135]

Im curious to try one out and see ho comfortable they are. Ive always used eberlestock and have no complaints.

[@rwmagnus]

Both nice packs.

[@O331cowboy]

What do you think of the marshal pack? I’m looking at all 3 and since the price is similar I’m thinking why not just grab max for similar price in the Marshall. Thoughts/ opinions?

[@TSNOutdoors]

He is now still searching for that fishing tool he just tossed

[@gthomsen180]

Is that a lawn mower in the background by the refrigerator? Must be your neighbor's.

[@normankaster917]

Thanks Randy, nothing is worse than having a pack that doesn't cut it when it's loaded up with a elk quarter. What size of hydration system they handle, and is the hydration system between the bag and frame or in another location on the bag.

[@MrCharlesshine]

I have the Beartooth and it holds my Platypus 3L bag with no issues while the bag is fully loaded. Its located inside the big pouch with a hydration sleeve hole for ambidextrous use.

[@Gabriel-kw6ul]

Thanks for the info, maybe if I'm a good boy Santa will bring me one. 🌶️🦌

[@SARY1915]

Question, when you load meat in the pack, Is there something you need to consider in terms of scent and not emoting meat scent to bear or coyote? I mean you pack the meat, take it back to camp, then do you hang the pack from a tree like you would a bear can?

[@micahrockwell9615]

I bought the Popup 38 for elk hunting this year (don’t live far so no need to camp for two weeks). While built very well, I find the pack to be noisy (brush rubbing against the pack but even more, the tension on the shoulder straps makes a stretching sound that’s quite audible), no easy way to carry a rifle or bow, no hip belt pockets (for things like GPS or rangefinder), and the bag gets discolored easily when bumping around in the truck bed. There are no spotting scope pockets, the side pockets are very small and nearly useless. Lastly, after a few adjustments, I find that either the hip belt rubs my hips raw or the plastic frame creates a hot spot and rubs my back raw (even after adjusting for my size). For the money I paid, I’m not super impressed. Load capability is second to none. Otherwise, just another overpriced pack.

[@SHARPPITT]

Great videos always , What size is that yeti ?

[@brianthompson9485]

They're your favorite because they're your sponsor... you're paid to say that. What other packs have you used to compare? Kuiu, Exo, Kifaru, Stone Glacier, Barney's, Seek Outside, etc? Without experience with numerous other products your "favorite" doesn't carry much weight, pun not intended.

[@taylorfranklin6537]

Hey your links to the backpacks do not work they say” page not found”

[@robertrussell1141]

Randy, Do you think that a guy could use the Metcalf to hunt solo on public land in remote areas and pack out a complete whitetail by myself? I know I will need to debone a good portion of the animal but I would like to know your thoughts.

[@Fresh_Tracks]

Yup. Gonna be a heavy load, but the Metcalf could do it.

[@billy7805]

How do you attach your rifle to the pack

[@traditionalbowhunter5862]

“I would like some butter and some cheese”. Robin Williams in Good Morning Vietnam. Lol. This yankee city boy sounds just like Robin in that movie.

[@tristenniemeir479]

How much weight can you carry with the pop up frame?

[@WillieKlondike9482]

Randy I thought you were an Orion Coolers Hunter!

[@Fresh_Tracks]

They got out of the hunting space. If you are not interested in being in the hunting space, I'm not the guy to use your products.

[@WillieKlondike9482]

Randy Newberg, Hunter wow! Cool! I’m a Yetti guy myself. Lunch Bag, Tumblers, Hard Coolers and so on!

[@heathmarcum5390]

Packs run between 400-450.00

[@jeremiahellis3564]

At this point I don't even know were to start hunting

[@jeromev_1977]

Problem is that the average joe can't afford 500+ for a pack! Hell you can buy a nice rifle for that much!

[@ppainterco]

JeromeV - I have a $120 Alps Commander that I’ve used for the last 10 years. It’s lasted, but it is noisy and heavy. If I hunted a week or two, the Commander is OK, but I do other hiking through the year, so I can get more duty through the course of the year out of a good pack.

[@Huntnlady7]

JeromeV; I'm with you. Going to have to stick with the rigid frame pack I got at a thrift shop for $10.

[@baraksinz]

Well, if you’ve ever packed out an elk with a lesser quality pack, you quickly begin to realize that $500-$600 doesn’t sound too bad! Trust me, I learned from experience. I now have a quality hunting pack, and I honestly don’t regret spending the money one bit. And, as some have mentioned, cheaper pack frames can be NOISY!!

[@ppainterco]

Barak Sinz - I agree, even carrying your food and camping gear in cheap pack is more painful. I’ve carried 40 lbs of gear in the commander, it can be done. But a better pack will hold the weight closer to your spine making it easier to carry weight over uneven terrain. Why I’m in the market and will budget for something better.

[@jeromev_1977]

I have a nice Cabelas pack and also a frame pack, haul out a lighter load with my pack then go back for more with my frame, have a bad back so I'm not trying to pack heavy anyways.

[@shednesshunting2578]

Nice packs $550 😳

[@gm08351]

$500 for a pack 🤣