I just bought a second pack for regular hiking, but my original Commander X+ pack I've hunted 3 years with for backcountry elk and deer. It shows little to no wear, though gets a bit creaky under a large load. My last elk I hauled was a long pack out, and I didn't want to have to come back for a second load. My buddy that has the same pack and I hauled a hind and front quarter each, split the miscellaneous meat and I hauled the head. With gear and meat I weighed the pack when I got home. My butt was kicked, and my legs were sore, but my back and shoulders were fine. The pack weighed 211lbs.