Hunting Pack

[BULLBLASTER]

The best part of owning a Badlands pack is there unconditional guaranty on the products they sell, even if you buy a used one, just send it back to there head quarters and they will either repair or replace, you pay a fee of 12.00 dollars that's it.

Which is needed with a badlands in my experience.  mine had to go back 2 times a year on average to be repaired.

[buglebrush]

The best part of owning a Badlands pack is there unconditional guaranty on the products they sell, even if you buy a used one, just send it back to there head quarters and they will either repair or replace, you pay a fee of 12.00 dollars that's it.

Which is needed with a badlands in my experience.  mine had to go back 2 times a year on average to be repaired.

Funny how people's experiences can differ.  I have absolutely put my 2200 through the wringer.   Carried 1/3 of an elk in horrible terrain for a couple miles twice last year alone, and haven't a thing go wrong yet.  After a couple years of abuse I like the idea of the warranty, but the way this pack is built I don't know if I will ever need it.   

[BULLBLASTER]

It seemed like kine was breaking or ripping everytime i loaded it heavy. Mine was a 2800. Broken buckles were common, ripped straps, torn seems. It was a very comfortable pack tho, and i used the heck out of it hauling salt/feed and treestands etc and also packing meat.

[pianoman9701]

It all depends on what kind of hunting you do. We're old guys but we do put down some boot leather on day hikes. But if someone gets an elk down, someone else is going to camp for the packboards and kill gear, cart if useful. I don't see anywhere whether this is for backcountry or day trips. Makes a big difference.

A few years ago, I got a BL 2200. It's a great pack but it's heavy and I wasn't backcountry hunting. I sold it here and went with smaller daypacks. We can cover more territory and then get what we need when we need it. It depends on what the OP is doing for hunts. 

[BULLBLASTER]

Great point pman!

[pianoman9701]

I'm very wise. Just ask me. 

[BULLBLASTER]

I'm very wise. Just ask me. 

[ridgefire]

Save for a bikini frame and whatever bag that fits your needs. Buy once, cry once. I have used eberle and badlands and they dont compare to kifaru.

[mjustice79]

It all depends on what kind of hunting you do. We're old guys but we do put down some boot leather on day hikes. But if someone gets an elk down, someone else is going to camp for the packboards and kill gear, cart if useful. I don't see anywhere whether this is for backcountry or day trips. Makes a big difference.

A few years ago, I got a BL 2200. It's a great pack but it's heavy and I wasn't backcountry hunting. I sold it here and went with smaller daypacks. We can cover more territory and then get what we need when we need it. It depends on what the OP is doing for hunts. 

It will be just day hunts starting out, then progressing more to back country hunts as I approach retirement from the service here in about three years.

[buglebuster]

I have been using a badlands 2200 for the past few years and it's been great for me. I have done a couple 7 day backcountry hunts in it and it works. What's nice is its a good size for day hunts still big enough to pack meat. I've packed alot of meat with mine. My buddy and I have packed 3 bulls out with ours in one trip. Boned out elk, half in each persons pack. With that said I am currently saving for a kifaru.

[pianoman9701]

It all depends on what kind of hunting you do. We're old guys but we do put down some boot leather on day hikes. But if someone gets an elk down, someone else is going to camp for the packboards and kill gear, cart if useful. I don't see anywhere whether this is for backcountry or day trips. Makes a big difference.

A few years ago, I got a BL 2200. It's a great pack but it's heavy and I wasn't backcountry hunting. I sold it here and went with smaller daypacks. We can cover more territory and then get what we need when we need it. It depends on what the OP is doing for hunts. 

It will be just day hunts starting out, then progressing more to back country hunts as I approach retirement from the service here in about three years.

Then get yourself a light day pack with a bladder and keep a packboard in the car. Why carry all that weight around unnecessarily?

[huntnnw]

My Mystery ranch 6500 is worn on every hunt even half day elk hunts and treestand whitetail hunts in Nov...it barely fits all my clothes I have to pack to the stand in cold weather . Elk hunting I have everything in it to break down and pack a elk out if needed..no way I am walking back without a load.

[Shawn Ryan]

Pianoman said:  "Then get yourself a light day pack with a bladder and keep a packboard in the car. Why carry all that weight around unnecessarily?"

I found that day hunting with a pack that has a good suspension makes the weight feel light all day long.  When I put on my old day pack for day hunts, I'm always disappointed in how the weight is distributed to my shoulders, not my hips, which makes me want to carry my internal frame pack even for one-day-only hunts.

[RadSav]

Eberlestock are some great packs for the money. I had a dragonfly and packed some serious loads with it. I feel eberlestock are pretty hard to beat in their price point.

I agree 100% on this.  Plus getting the Blue Widow is supporting one of the best businesses in the NW.  Pocket layout is good, packs ride comfortable, they handle heavy loads fine and they compress down and ride like a medium weight day pack.  Wore my Dragonfly almost every day of every hunt for four years.  Almost feels wrong to hike without it on!  As a day pack I like the way it carries better than my EXO as a day pack!  One of the big things for me in an every day pack is how hot they ride.  For a pack that hauls heavy loads it rides cool.  And most important it rides dry as contact points don't seem to wick moisture form by skin.


With all that said, You can get the EXO 3500 pack for half the price of a premium pack and it has few equals.  And if they ever figure out how to make a quality waist belt I'm not sure it would have an equal!!  On heavy loads it is so good it's not even in the same class as the Eberlestock.  Very well may be the best heavy load internal frame pack I have ever worn.  Plus it is lighter than most day packs and compresses on day hunts like you are carrying only a frame.  Other than the waist belt it may be the best thought out pack on the market today.  And mine seems dang near bullet proof.  As much as I like the Eberlestock...If a guy can save up another couple hundred bucks he'd be crazy to get a Bluewidow instead of the EXO.  At least that's my opinion.  For what it's worth

Either way you are supporting good folks located in the northwest!  Some of the best people you will meet anywhere, great service and support.  And packs built by people who have actually been there, done that, and truly want you to be successful!  Can't go wrong with that!!

[kentrek]

I've never understood the logic of hunting with out the ability to take care of meat....that includes all the game bags for an entire animal..and the ability to pack out that first load

I know it can be done a million ways but trust me when I say it's a great way to go