Imagine hauling a heavy pack deep into the wilderness, miles from your truck. Does your current backpack make that journey feel like an impossible climb? For serious hunters, the pack is more than just a bag; it’s the foundation of a successful, comfortable trip. Choosing the wrong gear can lead to sore shoulders, wobbly loads, and ruined hunts.
External frame packs offer a unique solution to these challenges. They are workhorses built for carrying heavy, awkward loads like game meat or bulky gear. However, navigating the world of aluminum stays, adjustable torso lengths, and specialized lashing systems can feel overwhelming. You want stability without the weight penalty, and durability that lasts season after season.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes an external frame pack the perfect tool for your next big adventure. By the end of this article, you will know which features matter most and how to select the ideal frame that supports your ambition, not weighs it down. Let’s explore how to choose the ultimate external frame hunting pack.
Table of Contents
Top External Frame Pack For Hunting Recommendations
- HEAVY-DUTY ALUMINUM: TR backpack frame combines pack frame comfort and lightweight durability, equipped durable 600D fabric, ideal for hunting, camping, hiking and backpacking adventures
- COMFORTABLE DESIGN: shoulder straps increased foam density, wrap-around waist belt with load adjusting straps, and breathable mesh back panel, provide the utmost comfort and stability under the heaviest of loads
- Ergonomic Design: The pack frame conforms to your lower-back and torso, adjustabe shoulder straps and belt regardless of body shape offer optimal comfort and weight distribution
- CAPABLE OF CARRYING LARGE GAME: Three adjustable length extended straps for extra-large loads, securely bind game or travel gear; the top frame can be adjusted from 34'' to 40''
- DESIGNED FOR THE SERIOUS HUNTER: featuring dual zipper pockets on the belt for quick access to essentials like whistles and maps, with realtreeedge patented ecamouflage for enhanced concealment in the outdoors. You can be confident in your purchase with our inclusive one-year support period.
- Lasting and Reliable: Crafted with a premium aluminum frame, the external frame backpack ensures long-lasting durability and reliable performance. This sturdy backpack frame provides excellent support and stability, making it perfect for camping, hiking, and backpacking adventures
- Ergonomic Design:This hiking backpack features a mesh back panel that allows for enhanced breathability and ventilation during long hours of wear. The extra thick padded shoulder straps and waist belt offer optimal comfort and weight distribution, reducing fatigue and strain on your body
- Ample Storage Space: With dimensions of 14.96"L x 14.17"W x 29.92"H, our frame backpack provides ample space to store all your essentials for your outdoor activities. Whether you need to carry camping gear, hiking equipment, or camping supplies, this pack frame has enough room to accommodate everything you need
- Versatile and Adjustable: The external frame design of our backpack allows for easy attachment and customization. You can easily attach additional pockets, or accessories to the frame, providing you with endless possibilities for organization. The adjustable shoulder straps ensure a comfortable fit for users of different heights
- Reliable: We stand behind the quality of our product. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we are committed to delivering a external frame hiking backpacks that meet your needs in the great outdoors
- ★Folding Design for Easy Storage★ Our hunting pack frame features a clever folding mechanism that allows it to take up minimal space when not in use. This makes it ideal for storing in your car, closet, or garage without taking up valuable space.
- ★Ergonomic Design★ The Hiking Backpack fits snugly on your back, the extra-thick padded shoulder straps and waist belt offer the best comfort and weight distribution, reducing physical fatigue and strain.
- ★Lasting and Reliable★ The hunting backpack frame is made of high-quality aluminum frame, ensuring long-lasting durability and reliable performance. This sturdy backpack frame offers excellent support and stability, making it ideal for hunting, hiking and backpacking adventures.
- ★Breathable & Padded Fabric★ The sandwich mesh fabric ensures optimal breathability and heat dissipation, keeping your shoulders and waist cool and comfortable. The sponge inner padding adds an extra layer of softness and elasticity, providing you with a plush and cushioned carrying experience.
- ★Dedicated Customer Service★ Should you encounter any issues with the operation or appearance of our products, please feel free to reach out to us. We promise to provide you with efficient and patient solutions to ensure your satisfaction.
- Lightweight Construction: Crafted with an aluminum frame, this backpack frame weighs only 4.4 pounds.
- Excellent Load-bearing: The frame backpack can bear capacity of 60kg. It's perfect for hiking or hunting.
- Spacious Capacity: Measuring 28.7 x 14.6 x 9.8 inches,it offers ample room to store your hiking essentials, camping gear, and personal belongings.
- Ergonomic Design: The external frame distributes weight evenly, reducing strain on your back and shoulders for comfortable carrying.
- VERSATILE DESIGN: External frame backpack with adjustable straps and durable construction, perfect for hunting expeditions and outdoor adventures
- LOAD DISTRIBUTION: Rigid frame structure helps distribute heavy loads evenly across shoulders and hips for enhanced comfort during long treks
- WEATHER PROTECTION: Includes bright orange rain cover to keep gear dry and provide high visibility in outdoor conditions
- MODULAR SYSTEM: Multiple attachment points and straps allow for customizable gear organization and secure equipment carrying
- STURDY CONSTRUCTION: Heavy-duty metal frame combined with reinforced straps and buckles ensures reliable performance under demanding conditions
- EXTREMELY MODULAR: The frame is a customizable pack frame that can be personalized with different rucksack and add-ons to suit your specific needs.
- DESIGN: Unique lashing system to secure meat; includes 3 extension lashing straps for extra-large loads.
- LOADS: Aluminum frame with freighter shelf will support maximum weight during your next successful hunt, even stepping in for emergency rescues during natural disasters e.g. carrying the injured.
- COMFORATBLE: Padded waist belt and shoulder straps give you ultimate comfort for long hikes.
- SIZE: Frame size is 33.4”x18.5”x17”.
- DURABLE BACKPACK FRAME: Easily pack your gear and harvest in and out of the field with our adjustable frame. It features a lightweight yet heavy-duty aluminum construction that won't hold you down.
- ADJUSTABLE: The frame adjusts from 33 inches to 36 inches to accommodate increased load capacity.
- BOTTOM FOLDING SHELF: The bottom folding shelf gives you extra support when needed and folds flat for easy storage. The exterior lashing points quickly secure heavy loads.
- COMFORTABLE CONSTRUCTION: The contoured frame rests naturally on your back, and the dense foam padded chest strap and waist belt help keep you comfortable and stable. The pack also features a mesh back support panel for added stability.
- ALLEN COMPANY: We share your passion for the great outdoors. Our unwavering dedication lies in crafting superior hunting, shooting, and archery gear that combines quality and value.
- Lightweight Construction: Crafted with an aluminum frame, this backpack weighs only 4.44 pounds.
- Excellent Load-bearing: The frame pack can bear capacity of 60kg. It's perfect for hiking or hunting.
- Spacious Capacity: Measuring 28.7 x 14.6 x 9.8 inches,it offers ample room to store your hiking essentials, camping gear, and personal belongings.
- Ergonomic Design: The external frame distributes weight evenly, reducing strain on your back and shoulders for comfortable carrying.
Choosing Your Perfect External Frame Pack for Hunting
An external frame pack is a hunter’s best friend when carrying heavy loads over rough ground. These packs feature a visible metal or composite frame outside the main bag. This design lets you lash awkward items—like an entire deer quarter—securely to the outside. Finding the right one takes knowing what matters most. This guide helps you choose the best pack for your next expedition.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important parts. They make a big difference in how the pack performs in the field.
Frame Strength and Adjustability
- Load Rating: Check the maximum weight the frame can safely carry. A good frame supports 60 pounds easily.
- Adjustable Torso Length: Your pack must fit your back length perfectly. Look for systems that let you easily adjust the height of the shoulder straps. This prevents chafing and poor weight distribution.
Suspension System
- Hip Belt: The hip belt carries most of the weight (about 70-80%). It must be wide, well-padded, and sturdy. A stiff belt transfers weight directly to your hips.
- Shoulder Straps: These straps should offer thick padding. They keep the load stable but should not bear the primary weight.
Lashing and Versatility
- Attachment Points: Good external frames have many loops, webbing, and holes. You use these points to strap on extra gear, meat bags, or tree stands.
- Convertibility: Some packs let you detach the main bag, leaving just the frame. This “skeleton” mode is perfect for hauling heavy, irregularly shaped items.
Important Materials Matter
The materials determine how long your pack lasts and how much it weighs.
Frame Materials
- Aluminum: This is the most common material. It is strong, relatively light, and resists rust. Quality aluminum frames last for decades.
- Composite/Fiberglass: These newer frames are often lighter than aluminum but maintain high strength. They cost more, usually.
Bag Materials
- Nylon (High Denier): Look for packs made from thick, tough nylon, often rated 500D or higher. This fabric resists tears from sharp antlers or rocks.
- Water Resistance: While no pack is completely waterproof, a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating keeps your gear dry during light rain.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all external frame packs are built the same. Small details separate the great packs from the mediocre ones.
Quality Enhancers
- Better Buckles: Strong buckles made of metal or high-quality, cold-resistant plastic do not break when you need them most.
- Padded Back Panel: Even though the frame is external, a mesh or foam panel between the frame and your back keeps air flowing. This significantly reduces sweating.
Quality Reducers
- Lightweight Aluminum: Frames advertised as “ultra-light” might bend or warp under a heavy load of meat. Sacrifice a little weight for proven strength.
- Thin Straps: If the hip belt or shoulder straps feel flimsy or thin, they will dig into your shoulders quickly once the pack is loaded heavy.
User Experience and Use Cases
External frame packs shine when you carry bulky or heavy items. They are excellent for specific hunting styles.
Best Use Cases
- Backcountry Meat Hauling: This is where they dominate. You can strap a boned-out elk carcass directly to the frame, keeping it away from your back for better airflow and balance.
- Extended Trips: If you need to carry a tent, sleeping system, and food for many days, the external frame allows you to lash bulky items outside the main compartment.
- Archery Hunting: Bows, quivers, and extra arrows attach easily to the frame’s exterior webbing.
When you wear the pack, remember that weight placement is crucial. The pack should feel like it is pushing you slightly forward, not pulling you straight backward. Test the pack with weight before your hunt. A well-fitted external frame pack makes a tough job manageable.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About External Frame Packs for Hunting
Q: Why choose an external frame pack over an internal frame pack?
A: External frames excel at carrying very heavy or awkwardly shaped loads, like meat or large gear piles. They also keep the load away from your back, which helps you stay cooler.
Q: Are external frame packs noisy when moving through brush?
A: They can be slightly noisier than soft internal packs because the metal frame might bump branches. However, good lashing techniques keep the attached gear tight, reducing rattling.
Q: How much weight can a standard aluminum external frame pack safely hold?
A: Most quality models handle 60 to 80 pounds comfortably. Stronger, expedition-grade frames can manage over 100 pounds if the suspension system is robust.
Q: Do external frame packs come with built-in storage bags?
A: Yes, most modern external frame packs include a main pack bag that attaches to the frame. Older or simpler models might only be the bare frame, requiring you to buy separate dry bags.
Q: Is it hard to keep my gear dry in an external frame pack?
A: The main bag needs good water resistance. You must use waterproof pack liners or dry bags inside the main compartment for critical items like sleeping bags and electronics.
Q: Can I attach a rifle securely to an external frame pack?
A: Absolutely. External frames offer many attachment points. You often use compression straps or specialized scabbards to lash the rifle vertically or horizontally to the sides of the frame.
Q: How do I adjust the torso length on these packs?
A: Most adjustable frames have a sliding mechanism, usually involving a bolt or strap release near the top of the frame. You slide the shoulder harness up or down until the hip belt sits correctly on your hip bones.
Q: Do external frame packs weigh more than internal frame packs?
A: Generally, yes. The metal frame adds weight. However, this extra weight is often worth it when carrying 50+ pounds, as the external frame distributes that weight more efficiently.
Q: What is the best way to pack meat on an external frame?
A: Always place the heaviest meat closest to your back and centered on the frame. Use strong external bags or netting to secure the load tightly so it does not shift while you walk.
Q: Are these packs comfortable for long periods without a heavy load?
A: They can be less comfortable when empty because the frame protrudes. The padding helps, but they feel best when they are loaded down and the weight settles against the frame structure.