RE: packing out elk w/o horses?
Used Cabela's Alaska Guide frame with bagfor years and worked great (took top bar off, just gets in the way when trying to actually hunt). Last acouple yearsswitched toMystery Ranch Nice frame,Crew Cab bag set up. Both work well. I justuse aheavy duty garbage bag for my pack as a liner to prevent blood soaking rest of my gear when packing meat out. Proper tools also make or break the process.Always carry good knives with sharpener, somesort of saw, parachute cord is great, etc etc etc