Badlands Source - 1st Impressions

[pianoman9701]

I sold my Badlands 2200 to a forum member because it was just too much pack for me. I recently bought the Source - a new pack in the line. Suggested retail is $109.95. The pack is extremely lightweight - 1 lb, 4 0z.. The total capacity is 1100 cubic inches. Like all of the Badlands packs, the materials are high quality, with strong stitching and reinforced areas that get extra stress. It comes with a 105 oz. hydration bag and I love that. The chest strap is two clips for your binos on elastic straps much like the straps on the Nimrod bino holders - it's an excellent feature but I wonder about the durability of the elastic. I know that if it wears out, Badlands will replace it. The material is a rip-stop type nylon, so I'm not too sure about how quiet it'll be in the woods. The one thing that surprises me is that the pack doesn't appear to be waterproof. There are no Goretex labels, nor does anything in the description say anything about it being waterproof. It also has the two straps across the back to carry a bow, with no pocket at the bottom. So, it won't carry a rifle.

I've written to Badlands to find out about the waterproofing, if any. In my opinion, it seems like a great strong and lightweight pack, but the waterproofing is a game changer. If anyone else has one, maybe they can answer that question for me.

Here's the Badlands info: http://www.badlandspacks.com/source-hunting-pack.html

[300rum]

I prefer to put a cover over my pack.  My pack has a built in rain cover but a plastic bag works in a pinch.  Gore-Tex or other waterproofing isn't a total waste but water is coming through the zippers anyway. 

[Smossy]

I sold my Badlands 2200 to a forum member because it was just too much pack for me. I recently bought the Source - a new pack in the line. Suggested retail is $109.95. The pack is extremely lightweight - 1 lb, 4 0z.. The total capacity is 1100 cubic inches. Like all of the Badlands packs, the materials are high quality, with strong stitching and reinforced areas that get extra stress. It comes with a 105 oz. hydration bag and I love that. The chest strap is two clips for your binos on elastic straps much like the straps on the Nimrod bino holders - it's an excellent feature but I wonder about the durability of the elastic. I know that if it wears out, Badlands will replace it. The material is a rip-stop type nylon, so I'm not too sure about how quiet it'll be in the woods. The one thing that surprises me is that the pack doesn't appear to be waterproof. There are no Goretex labels, nor does anything in the description say anything about it being waterproof. It also has the two straps across the back to carry a bow, with no pocket at the bottom. So, it won't carry a rifle.

I've written to Badlands to find out about the waterproofing, if any. In my opinion, it seems like a great strong and lightweight pack, but the waterproofing is a game changer. If anyone else has one, maybe they can answer that question for me.

Here's the Badlands info: http://www.badlandspacks.com/source-hunting-pack.html

Hey brother, Check these out.
They' work awesome. I have a normal blue one for my hiking pack incase we get caught in a downpoor, Seconds as a small rainfly for yourself also.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/eberlestock-reversible-rain-cover.html?gclid=CNWAlvWCgLoCFa9fQgod8SUASw&ef_id=Ue7XDQAAALSdiUk2:20131005153627:s



Im in the market for a new pack soon myself. Gonna maybe pick one up when I get my first paycheck, That and a Havalon!

[pianoman9701]

Dinner and flowers first, Smossy. 

[JLS]

REI carries some very good and inexpensive rain covers also.  I think Sea to Summit is the brand?

[Smossy]

Dinner and flowers first, Smossy. 

Well duh that's a given.

[Cap.Silver]

I'd suggest sawing machine ,piece of leftover waterproofed cloth (maybe old rain jacket )and rubber band sawn into it or something ....can't be that hard to do .....

[pianoman9701]

REI carries some very good and inexpensive rain covers also.  I think Sea to Summit is the brand?

No camo, though, right?

[Bmcox86]

Piano man,  go to bass pros website, camo pack covers 12 bucks, orange pack cover 6 bucks

[JLS]

REI carries some very good and inexpensive rain covers also.  I think Sea to Summit is the brand?

No camo, though, right?

Olive green.

[pianoman9701]

Piano man,  go to bass pros website, camo pack covers 12 bucks, orange pack cover 6 bucks

Cool, I'll check those out. Thanks.

[swanny]

A truly waterproof pack and featured pack is going to cost you WAY more than $109 which is why many companies do not make them. They aren't cheap and most people are plenty fine using an inexpensive pack cover instead.

[pianoman9701]

A truly waterproof pack and featured pack is going to cost you WAY more than $109 which is why many companies do not make them. They aren't cheap and most people are plenty fine using an inexpensive pack cover instead.

The 2200 was waterproof and that one was only about $60 more and had twice as much inside storage. I'm just a little surprised at it. I kind of thought waterproofing on Badlands was standard, but apparently not. No biggie.

[Alchase]

Pianoman9701, did your "Source" leak? I am just curious.
I have had a Monster Fanny Pack for about 8 years. It has been rained on a ton and never had a problem.
Do you have an old tent rain fly? They make great tarps and rain shields cut down to size.

[pianoman9701]

Pianoman9701, did your "Source" leak? I am just curious.
I have had a Monster Fanny Pack for about 8 years. It has been rained on a ton and never had a problem.
Do you have an old tent rain fly? They make great tarps and rain shields cut down to size.

No, it hasn't leaked; I haven't used it yet. But, there are places you can just about see through the fabric, so I doubt it's waterproof.