Pakmule: A Hunter’s Solution to Backcountry Cargo

Years ago, when I decided on a backcountry rig to be able to take me through tough and rugged terrain, I chose a Jeep Wrangler (if it was good enough to outrun a T-Rex in Jurassic Park, it was good enough for me). Here in Arizona, our mountains and rocks are just about as unforgiving as you can get, so investing in quality gear that will work when you need it to is vital. I had been very happy with my decision and the many upgrades I made to truly make it mountain ready. However, as each and every successful hunt passed, I came to the realization that the one thing I wished I had more of was quite apparent – cargo space.

I knew I wasn’t the only outdoorsman with this problem, and I wanted a solution that would be extremely durable without compromising the backcountry accessibility that my Jeep had given me. As I researched options, I came across a brand and product that stood out more than the rest – Pakmule.

Pakmule is a “Made in America” (yes, that’s important), Texas-based company that created an innovative, yet robust hitch basket design, made from 100% TIG welded, corrosion-free aluminum that fits into any 2” square receiver opening. Their ingenious anti-wobble and locking cargo rack weighs just over 40 pounds, but supports up to 500 pounds in cargo weight. The Pakmule boasts 12 square feet of extra hunting gear-hauling space which would give me everything I had hoped for in an answer to my lack of cargo capacity.

It checked off everything on my list, but I couldn’t give it my stamp of approval until I put it through the wringer and tested it for myself. When I received the Pakmule, it exceeded all of my expectations. The build quality is truly a work of art, and I could immediately tell that it could be passed down for generations to come.

I opted for the Sway-Back model, which allows me to open and close my Jeep tailgate without having to remove the Pakmule, giving me even more convenience in the backcountry (they make two other versions – Original and Ridgeline). I loaded up my gear onto the Pakmule and was surprised as to how much I could fit and strap down to it.

My usual 15-minute Tetris game in the back of the Jeep was no more, and my ability to access things quickly was far more efficient. I headed out to spot deer and javelina in a unit we are familiar with and anticipated hearing it rattle on the drive. Well, there was zero rattle or wobble while loaded up and driving on some very harsh “trails”.

I treat my gear like the tools they are, and I do not shy away from pushing their limits. No matter what tests I put the Pakmule through, it has continuously proven to be very useful in our Arizona desert. One of my favorite features is the Pakmule decking. The decking is made up of solid aluminum planks which can be attached to use the Pakmule for use as a loading shelf. This made things extremely convenient when it came down to going through my hunting gear and using it as my base camp before heading deep into the mountains.

If you find yourself needing extra cargo capacity and want something that can handle western hunting, is lightweight, yet tough as nails, is American-made, and will last you decades – then I highly recommend you get yourself a Pakmule.