Jim,
Any pack recommendations for elk hunting? Wondering if it’s worth investing in a framed pack like the Exo K4? I just day hunt and don’t plan on backpacking in anywhere, but I keep hearing how nice the meat shelf is on these packs. Wondering if it’s time to retire the Jansport/Badlands pack. 
I don’t have much experience with the Exo but I hear good things about them. My main pack for overnighters is the Kuiu Pro Guide 7000 and I have no complaints.
I have the Badlands 2200 and have packed out multiple elk with it. I have the EXO k3 and have packed out multiple elk with it. The EXO k3 is better for packing out meat. My k3 has some stitches coming apart and they are send me a new frame for it so custom support is great.
My elk hunts arent backcountry, but if they were I would either go with the X4 or Kifaru. I have researched the crap out of those bags and they are head and shoulders above most other bags. Stone Glacier is about the only other one I’d consider, but they seem to be better to mountaineering types. I have a mystery ranch and it did fine at lower weights, but anything over 50 and it didn’t ride right. It’s a common complaint for them.
I own an Exo K4 5000. Best pack I’ve owned, by far. Even with 100 lbs, it distributes the weight to your hips and makes it manageable. But I don’t think I’d recommend it unless you’re doing back country hunts simply because of the price. Although, if you think that you’ll need to carry meat on your back for miles (even if it is a day trip) that might justify the expense. Can’t go wrong. I love putting it on.
I have a Skre Pro 5000 nice meat shelf carbon fiber frame. Not sure if they are out of stock or discontinued. Anyway im happy with it have the 2800 too for 1 day hunts
Exo K4. Love mine and yeah the best pack I’ve owned