Hunting Backpack Frame Types
Frameless, internal-frame and external-frame packs: how a frame moves weight from shoulders to hips, which suits day hunts, backcountry trips and hauling meat, fit, and planning loads for packing out an elk, following Wikipedia, the Alaska Bowhunter Safety Course and Penn State Extension.
A pack frame’s job is to move a heavy load off your shoulders and onto your hips. This guide covers the three frame types, fit and meat hauling, following Wikipedia’s backpack article, the Alaska Bowhunter Safety Course and Penn State Extension. We have not tested packs against one another and prices change, so we name no models.
What a frame does
Wikipedia explains that a frame, external or internal, transfers heavy loads from the shoulders to the hips, reducing strain on long walks with heavy gear. A frameless pack is a simple fabric sack carried on two shoulder straps.
Internal frame
Wikipedia describes internal-frame packs as a large fabric body around an internal frame of aluminium, titanium or plastic strips, sometimes with metal stays, with straps that distribute and hold the weight. The frame lets the pack sit close to your back and reduces load shift, which helps when you move your upper body, for example scrambling over rocks.
External frame
External frames were designed for heavy loads above about 20 kg (44 lb), with better support and weight distribution than a frameless bag (Wikipedia). The load hangs on a rigid frame, often away from your back.
Frameless
The lightest option, suited to light loads such as a day hunt; without a frame the weight stays on your shoulders.
Fit
Wikipedia notes modern packs use features such as a hip belt, sternum strap, side compression and load-stabiliser straps to keep the load in place. Fit the pack to your torso length with the hip belt carrying the weight, and try it loaded before a hunt.
Hauling meat
- Plan for the weight: the Alaska course calls moving a big game animal strenuous work, even for hunters in excellent condition: get help and rest often. Penn State Extension notes elk and moose may need halving or quartering to carry out and to cool faster. Our meat yield calculator estimates how much meat an animal gives, and the pack-out checklist helps you plan trips.
- Keep meat clean and cool: the course names heat, dirt and moisture as the causes of spoiled meat; game bags help.
See our elk profile for the animal you’re most likely to pack out in pieces.
Sources
- Wikipedia, Backpack (frameless, external and internal frame packs). Read 28 October 2026.
- Alaska Bowhunter Safety Course (bowhunter-ed.com), Moving a big game animal and Field care basics. Read 28 October 2026.
- Penn State Extension, Proper field dressing and handling of wild game and fish. Read 28 October 2026.
Recommended Gear on Amazon
- Internal frame hunting packs - browse current options and reviews on Amazon.
- External frame hunting packs - browse current options and reviews on Amazon.
- Backpack rain cover - browse current options and reviews on Amazon.
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