I have packed out deer in regular old packs with no waist belt or frame and it sucked. Not as bad as dragging but close. Packed out a bunch of critters in the venture which has a good belt and frame sheet. That pack works really well esp. if you arent packing a critter much over a mile. A legit frame pack makes life monumentally better if you are packing big weight and/or long distance. I wont say perfect but an optimal whitetail specific pack hasnt been built yet imo. If you never pack a deer or legally cant quarter and pack them, then absolutely no, a frame pack is not needed.
It's not even really about dual purpose, a frame pack is about hauling a critter out. You can haul a stand or platform a lots of different types of packs or put good straps and/or a waist belt on a stand a strap a pack bag to it. Lots of ways to skin that cat. But if I am planning to haul a critter out, at a minimum I want a pack like the venture with a decent frame sheet and good belt but prefer a frame pack like an exo or kifaru that is built for hauling weight as comfortably as possible.So it’s dual purpose more so than for the stand itself. Starting to make sense
Do u guys really think u need that robust of carrying method ? Sticks and stand is like 12 pounds. I’ve been using cheap Allen gunslings for years…. Am I missing something
Good point about not having straps and belt flopping below the stand or having to deal with cinching that stuff up before you get in the stand.Bibs, 3.5lbs
Coat, 3.5lbs
That’s another 7lbs right there.
Just depends on hunting approach and situation. Up mountains, in deep, the way I go about it, for me the advantage of a frame isn’t just in packing out game.
I used to haul a LW Sit and Climb with stock straps all about the mountains with my essentials lashed on. Same stand attached to a good frame and it’s far easier.
Take away shoulder straps and belt, and there isn’t much weight to an actual frame. Using a proper frame vice just a nice suspension has a few advantages.
1. Provides back contour (for those whose backs are not flat)
2. Detaches from the stand (no straps blowing in the wind)
3. Hauls game more simply and efficiently
If you go in wearing your outerwear and saddle with a license and knife in a pocket, and that works for you, then maybe a frame isn’t for you. Then again, maybe it is.
I’m thinking of selling my X-Ray, because I‘m grabbing a frame pack every time. Even for my platform/rope sets.