I use a kelty frame with no bag on it,it has a pocket for a water bag and the wrap around wings with straps,the fold down ledge is perfect for supporting the weight of an elk hind quarter or a boned out deer.

It probably depends more on factors like type of activity, length of activity, and weight to be carried (ie the backpack needed for an afternoon hunt would greatly differ from a two day hunt) I personally use a small pack that hugs low on my back for hunting. For long trips I pack in a external frame North Face pack. The bag is removable from the frame, so you can haul items like firewood or a deer quarter or whatever.

thanks for the replies.

i am mainly talking about large backpacks not day packs. I have used the same internal frame pack for years and have used it for backpacking. I was just curious what others have used. I have just slid the meat into the pack and away we went.
This pack would be used for backpack hunts and to get game out of areas that you can't get horses to.

tim

In that case I would probably go with an external frame pack. Then you could just wipe the frame down instead of having to wash the whole bag and pack.

Kifaru.net Their internal frame packs are incredible

I use an Alaskan II pack frame from Cabelas can get with bag or not really works well can also put other back packs on it use to have three but sold one , really great for toating elk out.

I like an external for the ability to remove the pack and tie an elk quarter onto it. I use an ALICE pack that I got here...

http://store.yahoo.com/campingsurvival/genmedoldrab.html

The #1 question in my mind when deciding what pack to use is what it'll be used for. I can't imagine an internal frame pack when hauling out meat. Aside from the shape limitation, you'll very likely be stuck trying to get blood out of the fabric. Externals can't be beat for hauling meat because they're so versatile in terms of strapping an odd-sized object, and they're easy to clean afterward.

However, if I'm just lugging essentials around and not taking meat out with it, I much prefer an internal pack that moves with me better and doesn't make me feel like I'm strapped to a headboard.

I have actually found internal frame packs are awesome for packing out meat. Just drop the quarter in the bag, tieten the side straps and start walking. I have had elk, mtn goat, rocky mtn bighorn, moose and muley in my internal frame.

tim

I have used Kifaru internal frame packs for hauling meat and my camp for a few years - and I beleive they are the best pack made for such purposes - IMHO.

I currently own four different sizes of their packs including the long hauler which is made just for hauling. The beauty of Kifaru is that they are made by a hunter for hunters and is made in the U.S.