Terrific Gear That Can Handle The Heavy Pack Out

EBERLESTOCK

Eberlestock’s Vapor Series features 2,500-, 5,000- and 7,500-cubic-inch bag sizes that all fit perfectly on the F1 Mainframe, offering maximum versatility for all your hunts. These bags are built to be streamlined and lightweight, with each weighing in under 2.5 pounds. They are made from tough rip-stop nylon, have a polyurethane water-resistant coating, removable Duraflex HD 25mm buckles and YKK Zippers. The bags zip into the F1 Mainframe when the shelf isn’t in use and have lengthy straps to help secure your meat and your bag to the frame when it’s time for the pack out. Bags: $169-$249, Frame: $279; eberlestock.com

KOOLA BUCK

You’ve taken the shot and tracked blood to your trophy, now the work begins. Every hunter should be equipped with high-quality game bags to protect the precious meat from bugs and bacteria. Koola Buck’s Antimicrobial Game Bags are a cotton/poly blend treated with natural acids from fruits and other bacteria-blockers to stop the growth of meat-spoiling microorganisms. These bags are available in four sizes to accommodate quarters from deer and antelope all the way up to elk and moose—there is even a body bag option to protect a whole deer or antelope carcass. $13-$40; koolabuck.com

PEAX

PEAX Sissy Stix trekking poles are designed to be rugged and reliable, plus they help take weight off your joints when you need it most. The Backcountry Pro model features upper and middle segments that are built with 3K carbon fiber to keep them lightweight, and the lower section is built from 7075 aerospace aluminum to hold up against abuse in rough terrain. Anodized aluminum QuickLocks hold the three sections together and allow these poles to extend from 24.5 to 54 inches length. Each pole weighs 7.5 ounces. $130; peaxequipment.com

MEINDL USA

The Comfort Fit Hunter may very well be THE pair of all-season hunting boots, and that’s taking everything from hunting elk in mountains to upland game on flatlands into consideration. The 9.25-inch nubuck leather uppers provide ankle support, even for packing heavy loads, yet flex comfortably. Gore-Tex membranes provide waterproof, breathable protection and Comfort Fit construction provides more toe-box room and cups heels for a custom-like fit. Vibram’s Multigrip 6.0 outsoles have aggressive tread for varied terrain and excel on difficult descents. (Insulated models also available.) $310; meindlusa.com

PRIMED NUTRITION

Whether it is for a midday pick-me-up or for those last few miles at midnight during a rough pack out, everyone needs to replenish precious electrolytes. Primed Nutrition’s Elevate electrolyte packs are designed specifically for hunters and shooters. The blend of sodium, potassium and magnesium will get you back on your feet and moving towards your destination. Elevate comes in four different flavors to fit your palate and are packaged in single-serving packs for easy use in the field. Available in either 15- or 30-serving quantities. $18-$26; federalpremium.com