I ended up going with the Beartooth for the just in case. I do plan on 3-5 day backpacking trips. It's a discipline thing to try and keep your load light so I just have to pay attention to the minimalist side of things lol.
I'm starting to gear up for my first elk hunt this year. I have been looking at this a lot lately and I think I'm going to go with either the Metcalf or maybe the Beartooth 80. I'm taking my son as well so I'll probably be packing a lot for the both of us so I think the size is going to be...
I've been staring at the mountains all week from Colorado Springs thinking someone up there is have a very fun day, it looks like one of them was you. Congrats! I have never been Elk hunting and just moved here a few weeks ago, already gearing and trying to plan for next year. Enjoy the meat!