BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

Lazy TL · Joined: 23 Jun 2007 Posts: 14 Location: eastern Montana

I've drawn a mountain goat tag here in my home state of Montana. My other hunts have only required a soft backpack, but I will probably need a frame pack for this hunt. Any thoughts on the best frame pack for the money?

Hiker · Joined: 23 Jun 2005 Posts: 1316 Location: Colorado

Lazy TL wrote: I've drawn a mountain goat tag here in my home state of Montana. My other hunts have only required a soft backpack, but I will probably need a frame pack for this hunt. Any thoughts on the best frame pack for the money?

Lazy TL, Welcome to BGH! :D Congrats on Drawing your MT Goat tag. What area did you draw? I have a external frame BP....I'm not sure of the brand. It hold a lot of supplies, usually 4-5 days worth plus I have hauled out quite a few elk and deer quarters with it too.

fuzzybear · Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 1326 Location: Bend, Oregon

Welcome to BGH.

I've used a variety of packs over several decades. Currently the cats meow is a GI medium MOLLE II. It can hold more meat and gear than I can carry and is one of the most comfortable, if not the most comfortable exterior frame pack I have ever used.
A few weeks back a friend, one of the young bucks, wanted to see how much weight he could carry in it. We loaded it with 120 lbs. He guessed 60 lbs.
I also have a couple of ALICE frames with shelves that are great for carrying quarters or a mount.

Lazy TL · Joined: 23 Jun 2007 Posts: 14 Location: eastern Montana

Hiker and Fuzzy Bear - thanks for the welcome, especially from a couple of believers. I've been a moderator on other forums but just discovered this site. My area is 316 which is just north of Silver Gate, where my in-laws have a 70-year-old cabin, and Cooke City. I have an uncle who was also an outfitter in the Beartooths for many years so I have some history in that area. I took a moose there 12 years ago. Best place to look at Molle or Alice packs?

Hiker · Joined: 23 Jun 2005 Posts: 1316 Location: Colorado

Lazy TL wrote: Hiker and Fuzzy Bear - thanks for the welcome, especially from a couple of believers. I've been a moderator on other forums but just discovered this site. My area is 316 which is just north of Silver Gate, where my in-laws have a 70-year-old cabin, and Cooke City. I have an uncle who was also an outfitter in the Beartooths for many years so I have some history in that area. I took a moose there 12 years ago. Best place to look at Molle or Alice packs?

Lazy TL, That is a beautiful area. My family & I vacationed by the Beartooths last year. We got in a couple of hikes and the one to Mystic Lake my 4 year old son made it all of the way up and back. We saw a nanny and her kid on the way back down from Mystic. When we were on Beartooth Highway, over the week, we saw around 40 goats, most of them were up top by that old ski lift.
I hope God blesses you with a fun and safe hunt.

fuzzybear · Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 1326 Location: Bend, Oregon

I was introduced to the Alice by military influence and the Molle by a friend that was in the National Guard.
The surplus stores may have some to look at. I was already familiar with them and found some great deals on new surplus at Ebay.
The Molle is a 5 pc. modular system. Frame, straps, belt, upper pack, lower pack. If you find a need, you can detach either or both of the packs and utilize the frame. The complete system comes with accessory pouches that attach and a patrol pack system.
The internet may direct you to a store or two or three that sells them.
The new 5 pc. Molle II sells for about $300. The complete system system sells for about $500. I picked up a new 5 pc. on Ebay for $48.
They are certainly worth the effort to check out.

Lazy TL · Joined: 23 Jun 2007 Posts: 14 Location: eastern Montana

I was taking a serious look at Alice and Molle when a friend recommended Eberle. So, last night I order an Eberlestock (www.eberlestock.com) J104. It looks like a lot of pack for the money.