Mainframe

The Mainframe alone is spectacularly simple. As part of the EMOD system, the concept is even better! I purchased just the Mainframe for this season’s elk hunt and fully intend on adding a completed EMOD package to it for next season. Comfortable under loads of more than 120 lbs. Granted that was in the living room with the 12 year old sitting on it right after opening the package, but my shoulders were impressed immediately and the load was shared evenly on my back. Would highly recommend this system to anyone looking for a modular setup for packing elk, water jugs, or the kitchen sink.

I love how modular this pack is for setting up for all kinds of different hunting situations. Also the weight distribution for packing out meat means less trips and more importantly more comfortable than my other packs I’ve used in the past.

I liked the pack was compact and lightweight! I scored lower for two reason:

- the back frame base is small and made it difficult for the large moose i packed out. I will say, it is likely fine for any other game other than a moose (unless there is a way to extend the base). It still got the job done, just took some extra work to get the back legs on the pack! It will hold a bunch of weight, that wasn't the issue.
- The Basin pack did ok, however, it wasn't nearly as large as I wished and it looks bigger than it is in the videos. I would definitely choose a larger gear pack for the frame!

It is important to note that i was out in the woods for a long time on a DIY moose hunt and I needed more room than I initially thought for this type of hunt.

The mainframe is awesome. I have packed a lot of elk in my life on different pack frames. This frame is simply one of the best I have used. The only negative I have for this system is the unbelievable lack of organizational pockets in the packs that attach to the frame

I bought the Mainframe with 2 Batwings to use mainly as my day hunting pack. I saddle hunt on public land and often walk in a fair way. This pack is perfect for that use. It carries super well, doesn't rattle or creak, and is decently light. I slip my platform and saddle behind the Batwings, all my smalls like flashlights and kill kit go in the pouches, then strap my steps to the back. After seeing the quality and feeling how well it carries I'm definitely going to get some of the other accessories and possibly pick up an X2 to replace my assault pack.

The open frame concept is new to me, but makes the most sense when hunting. I've always liked internal frames on my packs, whether hiking or military use. The idea of the mainframe being versatile was really convenient for this hunting season in particular because I was hunting offthe back of a dirt bike.

To start, I like the scalability of it. Adding only batwings wasn't quite enough, so I needed more space. By the time I figured that out though, it was the day before leaving for my hunt and I just didn't have time to get the additional lid, so I retrofitted a lid from a hiking pack that I already had. That'll be a future addition. Being able to add a normal pack to it will be nice though too, for when I backcountry hunt. Being able to drop non-essential weight and run just the frame and a couple pouches to manage game is really nice.

Getting the whole kit pulled tight and compact was great when adding a bow to the whole package. The frame was really sturdy, as expected. Better yet though, it fit me really well. The shoulder strap adjustment was ample to get a great fit for my torso. The padding was comfortable and didn't make me sweat excessively, so great ventilation. It was honestly the least worrisome piece of equipment I had. Which was a huge relief, because some of the single track in Idaho is hard enough just for fun, but adding the extra weight and dynamic of a bow and pack hanging off your pack can be a whole new challenge. The way the frame fit me, it was almost not there. I picked the shorter of the two frames available, so I had lots of clearance at the top for low clearance areas. The bottom of the pack didn't stick out too far either, so it never interfered with moving around on the seat. I was still hopping downed trees and large rocks like normal without adding anything to the equation. Because of all that, packing out also didn't create a huge challenge other than a little extra weight to balance, but that's a task that falls on me and not the mainframe.

Only pet peeves are: 1) The outside corners of the shelf are exposed, so when I sat down with rocks that were a little tall, it scraped off paint and made excess noise. Not a huge deal, but now it's scratched up and I have exposed metal to watch over time. B) The cummerbund could use some elastic bands at the hemmed end of the tightening straps to roll up the excess strap when fully snugged up. I sat on the excess a few times and tugged at it while trying to ride. Fixed with tape, but a few inches still dangle. It also aggravates my 'tism from the military with having unsecured straps. They're an actual hazard, though admittedly I was using it in an unorthodox manner.

Overall, solid kit. For the one week that I had it, it was exactly what I needed. Day packs are great, until meat pack out. Expandable packs are great for pack out, but someone's they add too much weight and bulk when you don't need it. The mainframe fixed both of those "issues" and was actually really convenient from atop a dirt bike. Bravo, gents.

I love the flexibility that the EMOD system allows for customization. I was looking for a packout frame and came across this system. I just started building it out and it’s been great. Would highly recommend for anyone who is looking for more than just a daypack.