What pack to buy?

[MuleyMadness]

Right now I have the b adlands 2800 but am looking for something that is more comfortable and can pack more stuff.

Looking to do a 4 to 6 mile pack in and camp for 5 days and to get my bow in with me...

The reviews on cabelas look like the Alaskan Outfitter Pack with Frame is pretty nice.



What do you use and why?


THANKS GUYS!

[cohoho]

Can't go wrong with a Erberstock 104, as much weight as YOU can carry.  I like mine, but will admit it is just too big for 90% of stuff unless on a hike it hunt..  Able to zip in a clothes/spike bag and leave it in camp, keeps clothes and gear nicely separated when packing back meat..

Seems like the Badlands 2800 is quite big already, what are you planning on packing out? 

I would stay away from the Cabelas packs, as I had friends that utilized them on Caribou hunts and they failed on heavy loads.  Broken straps and tears..

[HUNT]

I own the cabelas Alaskan Outfitter pack and frame.  I've had it for 10 years and never has an issue with the pack failing.  I have hauled loads up to 150 lbs with it.  I've packed out more than 10 elk with that pack frame and carried spike camps in and out with it.  Probably the best pack I own.  

[RUTNBULL1]

Badlands 4500 cu. in. has worked great for me in all my backcountry hunts. No issues, no problems and plenty of room and organization.

[ridgefire]

i would look at the new eberlestock j 104 or the blue widow if i was looking for a new pack

[coonhound]

I've been using the Eberlestock J104 for several years now, lots of deer and elk have made it out in that pack.  Very versitile, I've used it many times for backcountry use. 

I think I would go for the Eberlestock Blue Widow over the J104 if I had to choose today, they didn't have that model back then, it'll keep the load a few inches closer to your back.

Coon

http://eberlestock.com/JP9%20Blue%20Widow.htm

[Map]

+1 for eberlestock Blue Widow. Put it to the test this year, buddy and I packed two bulls in 5 days with them. They were pretty friendly for packing gear and then packing meat. I think the Badlands 4500 new design looks good as well and seem to have good reviews.

[bow4elk]

Some great packs out there.  I like the Badlands Diablo, Hypervent, 2200, and 4500 for going big and deep.   

[high country]

I have been using the mystery ranch nice for two years. I still use my 2800 as a day pack, ut the MR takes the weight way better and is adjustable in ways you can't even imagine. a little pricey, but made in bozeman by argueably the best pack maker ever. I believe the bag on mine is the g5500. tent is a megalite, bag is a western mountaineering and a BA rem pad......plenty of room left over and goes in at sub 40lbs for 4 days in 30ish degree weather.

[257 Wby Mag]

I've always liked badlands, pards use em, good packs. That being said, I'm gonna pony up the coin and have a mystery ranch on my back next fall..

[Bearhunter]

You guys that Haul 150lb packs are absolute animals, I cant imagine even doing that.  That would kill me, maybe on flat ground. 

[alecvg]

Badlands 4500 or the Sitka 45 bivy's are good packs, I have the Eberlestock J104 with spike camp duffel used, in good condition for $225, if you are interested?

[whacker1]

I bought a Eberlestock Dragonfly this last summer.  Haven't used it much. 

It is also worth checking out the Nimrod packs as they are made in Washington.  I will likely be buying my next day pack from Nimrod as my current one is starting to fall apart.

[actionshooter]

The guys who are recomending anything but the Mystery Ranch haven't tried one. Best pack on the market. This is a true case of "you get what you pay for".
 I use a Badlands 2800 for a day pack.

[BrushChimp]

For the Mystery Ranch users, do you prefer the NICE frame packs with the 6500/7500 or the internal frame packs? Any gripes about packing meat with the Internal frame packs?