Caribou Gear® Frequently Asked Questions

Explore answers about Caribou Gear® game bags, tarps, and backcountry essentials—optimized for durability, lightweight performance, and superior meat care in elk, deer, moose, caribou, and bear hunts.

Product & Fit

What makes Caribou Gear® game bags different from cotton or cheesecloth bags?

Caribou Gear® bags are engineered from a proprietary, breathable synthetic that’s lightweight, durable, and reusable. Unlike cotton/cheesecloth, our fabric resists tearing, sheds debris, dries quickly, and helps protect your meat from insects and contamination—without trapping moisture.

Which Caribou Gear® game bag set should I use for elk, deer, moose, or caribou?
  • Elk: Wapiti or High Country sets for quarters + loose meat.
  • Deer/Mule Deer/Antelope: Muley or Carnivore sets (quarter or boned-out options).
  • Moose/Caribou: Magnum/Wapiti Pro configurations sized for larger quarters and trim.
  • Bear: Carnivore or Magnum depending on quarter/bone-out strategy.

When in doubt, size up for airflow and ease of hanging.

Are Caribou Gear® bags truly reusable?

Yes. With proper cleaning and storage, our bags deliver multi-season durability. Many customers run the same set for years of hunts.

How much do Caribou Gear® game bags weigh?

Weights vary by set and species application, but all systems are built for ultralight backcountry travel without sacrificing strength. Check each product page for exact grams/ounces per bag and per kit.

Do your bags prevent bugs from getting to the meat?

Our tight-weave synthetic helps block insects and debris while allowing airflow to support surface drying. For heavy bug pressure, pair with good hanging practices and a light meat-safe citric spray if desired.

Are Caribou Gear® bags breathable?

Yes. The fabric is engineered for high airflow to promote crusting and cooling, which is critical for meat quality during pack-out and transport.

What’s the difference between the Carnivore, Muley, and Wapiti kits?
  • Carnivore: Optimized for boned-out meat (versatile, compact).
  • Muley: Sized for deer-class quarters plus trim bags.
  • Wapiti: Built for elk-class quarters and heavy loads.

Select based on species, quarter vs. bone-out strategy, and expected pack distance.

Do Caribou Gear® bags reduce meat spoilage risk?

They’re designed to help you execute best practices: clean, breathable containment, rapid hanging and cooling, debris/bug protection, and efficient transport. Proper field care is still essential—shade, airflow, and temperature management.

Use & Best Practices

How do I use game bags to cool meat quickly?
  1. Quarter or bone out promptly and keep meat clean.
  2. Load into Caribou Gear® bags and hang for airflow in shade.
  3. Wipe off excess moisture; avoid stacking bags on the ground.
  4. Rotate as needed; move to cooler elevation or a breezier setup if possible.
Can I hang meat in the sun?

We recommend shade with maximum airflow. If sun exposure is unavoidable for short periods, keep it brief and monitor temperature closely.

Should I bone out the meat or keep it on the quarter?

Both are viable. Bone-in retains structure for hanging and may cool predictably; boned-out can be lighter and faster to pack. Choose based on terrain, temperature, and distance to the truck/camp.

Do Caribou Gear® bags work in wet or snowy conditions?

Yes. The synthetic fabric dries quickly and maintains airflow. In prolonged precipitation, leverage overhangs or a Caribou Gear® Hunters Tarp to shield bags while maintaining ventilation.

Care & Cleaning

How do I wash and sanitize Caribou Gear® bags?
  1. Rinse in cool water to remove debris and blood.
  2. Machine wash cold, gentle cycle with mild detergent.
  3. No bleach, no fabric softener, no high heat.
  4. Air dry completely; store in a clean, dry place.
Will washing affect durability or breathability?

No—if you follow the care instructions. Proper cleaning maintains performance and extends service life.

Can I reuse bags within the same hunt?

Yes. Rinse, air dry fully, and ensure bags are clean before re-loading meat.

Hunters Tarps & Accessories

When should I use the Caribou Gear® Montana or Colorado Hunters Tarp?

Use our tarps for clean skinning surfaces, emergency shelter, and weather protection during hanging/processing—especially in rain or snow. They pack ultralight and clean up fast.

Are Caribou Gear® tarps blood and stain resistant?

They’re engineered to resist absorption and wash out easily so you can maintain a sanitary work surface in the field.

Orders, Shipping & Warranty

Do you offer a warranty?

We stand behind our gear. If you experience a material or workmanship issue, contact our support team with your order details and photos. We’ll make it right.

What are your shipping timelines?

Most in-stock orders ship fast. Transit times depend on your location and carrier selection. See checkout for real-time estimates.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes—international shipping is available to many regions. Duties/taxes vary by country and are calculated at checkout or upon delivery, depending on destination.

What is your return policy?

Unused gear in original condition can typically be returned within the stated window on our policy page. Initiate a return via your account or contact support.

Pro Programs & Bulk

Do you have an Outfitter/Guide or Pro Purchase Program?

Yes. Qualified professionals can apply for program pricing. Provide credentials and business details; our team will review and respond promptly.

Can I place a bulk or team order?

Absolutely. We support bulk orders for outfitters, guides, and agencies. Contact sales for quotes, lead times, and kitting recommendations.

Compliance & Safety

Are Caribou Gear® materials food-safe for meat contact?

Our bags are designed specifically for big-game meat care in the field. Always follow best practices for cleanliness, cooling, and transport to maintain food quality and safety.

Do bright-color bags affect animals or regulations?

High-visibility options can improve safety and bag identification. Always verify local regulations regarding game transport and tagging.

Troubleshooting & Optimization

My quarters feel warm—what should I do?

Increase airflow immediately: hang higher, separate pieces, move to deeper shade, elevate with sticks, or relocate to a breezier ridge. Consider night packing if daytime temps spike.

How do I reduce pack weight without compromising meat care?

Choose a species-optimized kit, go boned-out when appropriate, and leverage our ultralight bags and tarp for clean processing with minimal redundancy.

Can I label or color-code my bags?

Yes—use a permanent marker on the tag area to identify quarters (FL/FR/RL/RR) or hunters. This accelerates organization at camp and during processing.

What accessories pair best with Caribou Gear® bags?

Popular add-ons include the Hunters Tarp (clean surface/weather shield), light cord for hanging, and lightweight gloves for sanitary processing and grip.

Ready to upgrade your pack-out playbook? Explore our full lineup of Caribou Gear® game bags and Hunters Tarps.