The area I hunt deer in is fairy rough hilly country. The deer are similar in size to your Elk. After the deer is shot we normally field dress and hang it in the forrest overnight and then carry it out the next day after it has set (depends on temperature etc).

I am looking at geting a pack specifically for this purpose. I've been considering different packs including the ALICE pack. Would value your thoughts and experience.

I lean to the ALICE or MOLLE. I don't like internal frames. They move around too much and there's no air circulation between the ruck and my back to keep me dry. That's an important feature in cold weather. And the ALICE & MOLLE make it easy to rope or bunji items to the outside.

If I'm carrying a mature elk, that means at least 4 full loads.
I want a stuut external frame freight pack.
When I was living in Montana I got a Cabela's Alaskan 2 freighter frame & pack & it served me well carrying friends elk & a moose I got down there. It has also served me well with moose with 100# loads.
I'd get another one.

Hunter, if want "a mans pack for a mans load" Check out a 'Bull-pacs' frame. It will securely hold more than a normal man can carry. I use mine on every hunt since 1995 and It still works! There is no other frame that can compare. The thing is nearyy indestructable, and everyhting is adjustable and replacable. I have not replaced anything on mine. The shoulder webbing and padding are the most heavy duty of anythng our there and it come is different lengths to accommodate different sized hunter. Do a search and check out the site and call them. They will talk to you. http://www.bullpacs.com/index.html
Remember, just becasue the US Army provides things like Alice doesnt mean its the best!

Thanks for all the good advice. For those who wondered why I mentioned an ALICE pack the answer is simple. I knew I would need an external frame pack for the task at hand. After going through all the local "outdoors" shops I could find nothing but framless/internal frame packs, mostly in yellows/pink etc!. The only pack I could find with an external frame was an ALICE pack (Korean copy) in one of the disposal stores. Looks like another internet based order coming up.

For pure hauling of quarters it is a Camp Trails Freighter frame pack