Field-testing the newest hunting pack from ALPS Outdoorz.
Whether you’re packing gear for a backcountry hunting trip, hauling a tree stand into the deer woods, or packing elk quarters back your truck, the new Elite Series ultralight hunting pack system from ALPS OutdoorZ can do it all.
For years, ALPS OutdoorZ has been manufacturing a popular meat-hauler frame and pack system called the Commander X. In 2022, the company took that proven design and made it 30 percent lighter, 30 percent stronger, and much more versatile, with additional modular features that let the user customize the pack system to any use.
The heart of the system is the Elite Frame, which is made of a high-performance thermoplastic composite and weighs 3 lbs. 10 oz. Designed for adjustability and comfort, it features a cushioned, contoured pad in the lumbar region with a nonslip pad in the center and breathable mesh covering the pad and straps. You can adjust the frame for a wide range of torso lengths by removing the straps and positioning them up and down from an XS position to an XXL position. The frame’s meat shelf has numerous adjustments to accommodate quarters from antelope to elk and has plenty of lashings to secure the load. Load lifters and anti-sway waist belt straps keep everything stable on the hike out.
The removable waist belt on the frame is exceptionally well designed, with large zipper pockets on either side for phones and other small items you need to have at hand. Don’t like the pouches? They’re removable, so you can attach different pouches, a holster, or other gear to the MOLLE connectors on the waist belt.
There are two pack sizes available to attach to the Elite Frame: The day-pack-size Elite 1800 (1 lb. 12 oz.) and the roomy Elite 3800 (2 lbs. 7 oz.). Both packs, like the meat shelf on the frame, are made of sturdy, highly water-resistant 500 D Nylon Cordura. Attaching and detaching the pack bags is a breeze. Six attachment points on the pack frame allow the packs to be quickly clipped in. Simply attach the bags to the unloaded frame for your hike in. When your hunt takes a lucky turn, unclip the pack, strap your game bags to the frame and meat shelf, clip the pack bag back on top of the meat, and cinch everything down tight with the pack’s compression straps to pack out the full load. It’s easy and intuitive.
The pack bags themselves were obviously designed by an experienced backcountry hunter. Both have a large zippered top compartment for quick access to lunch and smaller items. They are set up for a hydration bladder and have ports on both sides for the tube. The main compartment in both bags zips fully open so you can lay the pack flat and see everything inside, and the interiors of both main compartments have five zippered mesh pockets so you don’t have to go digging for smaller items. Both packs come with a rain cover zipped into a dedicated bottom pocket and a drop-down pouch that allows you to strap a gun or bow to the pack for hands-free hiking or climbing. Both packs have open pouches on both sides to accommodate water bottles or tripods, and the 3800 has an additional zippered side pocket for a spotting scope.
I have used ultralight pack systems that are slightly lighter in weight than this one, but with its excellent adjustability, rugged construction, features, and ease of use, the Alps OutdoorZ Elite Pack System compares favorably with anything on the market and is an excellent value for the money. I’d like to see the company add an intermediate pack size option for longer day trips or single overnights, but the current system should be ideal for most of my fall elk hunts and summer scouting trips. The frame retails for $249.99; the 1800 pack for $149.99; and the 3800 pack for $199.99.
