Open main menu

L.L.Bean Hunter's Carryall Pack

rated 5.0 of 5 stars

The Hunter's Carryall Pack has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best external frame backpacks for 2024.

photo: L.L.Bean Hunter's Carryall Pack external frame backpack

Excellent modular external frame pack and hauler with comfort of an internal frame pack: hybrid of Kifaru/Mystery Ranch frame concepts.

Pros

  • Versatility
  • Modularity and size flexibility
  • Light, firm, KISS

Cons

  • Nothing which couldn't be solved by a bit DIY
  • Thin shoulder straps

I am a Bushcrafter from Germany and had been looking into the Kifaru frame and cargo panel concepts for quite a long time. Original DIY plan was to get a MOLLE frame and add a DIY cargo panel. The cargo panel was in progress when I stumbled over the L.L. Bean Hunter's Carryall Pack.

You can't go wrong at this price, even incl. freight and customs, I thought — and it finally proved me right!

I brought my frame to a saddler now to add male/female zippers at the side flaps in order to add a British PLCE side pocket.

My DIY Molle Cargo panel will replace the big load panel. I sew some suitable packbags myself in the shape  like the Kifaru Pods. Then I will get a MY pack:

  • Lightweight and comfortable like an internal frame pack
  • Modularity with lots of options (with PLCE Side pockets on the side flaps like an Eberlestock Black Widow or Warhammer, with Molle Cargo panel to add Molle pouches or add packbags in front)
  • I can arrange my load and gear, do the the pack configuration I need (not the other way round)

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: 79

A versatile load capable pack.

Pros

  • price
  • load capacity
  • color
  • value

Cons

  • sizing

My wife got this pack for me for Father's Day from a few dropped hints. I used this pack this summer in anticipation of a Colorado elk bowhunt.

This pack is designed as a freighter type pack, but I found by using a simple duffel bag inside it was a very capable backpacking pack also.

I was able to comfortably carry 50# with this pack. and after a successful hunt was able to pack out elk quarters as well as the packs 3-4 times as expensive.

For hunting I placed my daypack inside the cargo area with the hydration tube up through the shoulder strap.

For backpacking the duffel and cargo area were able to easily fit everything for camping and hunting.

This pack appears small, but has handled whatever I have tried to do with it. The heaviest load I have tried with it was 2-game bags with front quarters and back-straps in one load, I would guess the weight around 65-70#

There is not a ton of adjustment in the fit, but for average man it should work well (I am 6'-0" tall).

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $80

Your Review

You May Like

Specs

Price MSRP: $79.00
Reviewers Paid: $80.00
Weight 4 lb 6 oz
Dimensions 26 x 12 in

Recently on Trailspace

Call for Reviews: Your Favorite Spring Gear