Sawtooth 65

Putting 40 pounds of boned-out elk in this pack on day three was the real test, and the frame handled it without a single groan. The way it cinches down tight for the light uphill carry, then expands for the haul out, just makes sense for how I actually hunt.

Finally a pack that handles the weight of hauling quarters without feeling like it's going to tear apart. The way the load sits on my hips on the way out is noticeably better than my old setup, and it cinches down tight enough for a light scouting day. Worth every penny for a multi-day trip.

The shoulder straps sit right even with a heavy load, which I noticed on the third morning of a five-day trip. Interior space swallows my light camp setup but still leaves room for the meat bags on the way out.