Which Day Pack should I get?

[BuckHunter23]

I'm looking for a new day pack for deer hunting.  I had the Badlands 2200, but sold that a few month back.  I felt it was kind of bulky, and I didn't like some of the features.

I want something a bit smaller, but that still has the capability of packing out quarters or boned out meat.  I don't travel too far off the beaten path, but there are times I may get out a ways (at least my definition of out a ways ).  I was looking recently at Wholesale Sports and came across a couple that seemed to fit the bill, but wanted to get some opinions from the peanut gallery.

I looked at the Eberlestock X2, Badlands Superday, and the Kelty Wrangell and Varanger.  Now I know what some of you are going to say that most of these are actually bigger than the 2200, but I'm pretty short, 5'6", and the 2200 feels really big on me.  I tried on these others, and I didn't get that feeling.  So my questions are:

1.  Would you recommend any of the ones I have listed above?
2.  Are the Kelty packs any good?  I havent seen any threads about them on here, but I know they make great backpacking packs and tents.
3.  Should I look elsewhere at some different packs?  Maybe Cabelas?

Thanks for the help!

[quadrafire]

The superday is comfy and rides well (for a day pack). Carrying an animal out with it would not be my choice. Boned out you could maybe do it but I don't think it would be your best bet.
Day pack-- yes
Meat packer--no

[Morrison4375]

Hornhunter Packs Mainbeam or Mainbeam XL are great packs also there new Curl Pack all fit the bill for what you are looking for

[Miles]

I use the Camelbak motherlode as my pack.  I also have a smaller camelbak that I will use from time to time. I like these because I can get them fairly cheap from people selling them(military), and they are tough packs.  They have a lot of molle webbing and points to tie extra gear on.  I've even tied two deer quarters to the outside of my small one.  I don't think you ever have to worry about that webbing tearing off...it's some rugged stuff.  If there is a place you can try some on, I wouldn't pass up the chance.

I know you don't hear a lot mentioned about these in the hunting world, but I like them.  I've also bought two more for dad and a freind to use while hunting. I've packed out a mulie boned out in the motherlode, and it wasn't all that bad.  Far better than walking back to the truck and having to make a second trip.  Having the ability to tie stuff on to the outside of the pack is a major advantage.  There are anchor points all over the entire bag.


Here is a link to their packs.  You have to click "view all" or it will not show you all the packs.

http://www.camelbak.com/Military-Tactical/Packs.aspx

I have the M.U.L.E and the Motherlode.  The MULE is the one that I was able to tie two quarters on to the outside.  There are loops on the top of the pack and shoulder straps that I used to get every thing tied on.  I had other boned out meat inside....the pack wasn't light, and not a single stitch tore during the pack out.  They're tough.

[Miles]

I personally like the looks of the new "linchpin" pack, but it doesn't look like there are many tie off points on this bag.  That's kind of a deal breaker for me.

Here's a quick description of the Linchpin

"Featuring the Futura Harness by Mystery Ranch, the Linchpin™ allows the user to custom-fit the harness to a specific torso length. It can also be adjusted for wearing with or without armor. A narrow profile allows the user a full range of motion and easier movement through narrow spaces"

[Skyvalhunter]

Do you like to always carry you rifle on your shoulder, in your hands or would a scabbard work for you?

[hunter93]

get a NIMORD pack. they are tuff, and really nice. with great people selling them.

[BuckHunter23]

Thanks Miles...I will check those out.

I would like a scabbard for the early AM hike to my spots, but I generally carry in my hands or on the should when I am moving around during the day.

[MDGrand]

Thanks Miles...I will check those out.

I would like a scabbard for the early AM hike to my spots, but I generally carry in my hands or on the should when I am moving around during the day.

I have an Eberlestock X1a1 for sale in the site classifieds right now. Has a scabbard and is a killer pack! I already have another one very similar so I dont need two.

Check out Eberlestock for details: http://eberlestock.com/introducing_the_x__project.htm

[Miles]

Here is cheapest motherlode I could find online with a quick search.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/camelbak-motherlode-3l.html

If you can find a place that carries them and decide it's something you might want, then pm me and I'll keep my eye out over here.  I've picked up two brand new Motherlode packs with the tags still attached for between $30 and $40 each.

With the uniform changes for the military, a lot of people are getting rid of the DCU ones they were given...that's why they are so cheap and some have never been used.

[halflife65]

My dad is about 5'7" and the Superday doesn't fit him well.  When he walks up steep hills the hip belt hits him right in the hip flexors and is really uncomfortable for him.  I'm 6'0" and it fits me fine.  Something to keep in mind if you're not tall, though.  I ended up with both his and mine.  I sold one of them already and will probably sell the other - but it does have some wear on it - mostly just one of the waist straps because my @#*(^@ dog chewed on it.

I use a Mystery Ranch now but I looked at the Eberlestock X2 the other day for my dad.  If I was looking for a pack I would very seriously consider it.  It has a burly frame, seems well constructed and seemed like it would be really comfortable.  I highly recommended that he go try it on for himself.

He wants a pack that he can strap meat on and carry it out with him until he retrieves his packboard.  I think that the X2 would have no trouble with that.

I'm a bowhunter and so is my dad, so we don't have a lot of interest in the scabbard.  To me it seems it would just place the weight farther from your back with that thing in the way and unbalance you but, admittedly, I've never tried it.  Maybe it works fine.

[MDGrand]

Man, I just bought a superday.. so far, I think it is better than my Eberlestock X1a1.. which is a great pack.. but (and this is somewhat of an answer to your gun scabbard statement) I liked the scabbard but I did not like how I had to take out the rifle to sit down with the pack on.. and dont slip!.. because if you do and fall on your but, you are hitting the muzzle of the rifle. I did not like this.. and it really is not that easy to get out and especially back in the scabbard of the eberlestock backpacks. It takes a bit of manipulation and trying to find the slot.

So.. I bought the superday.. like the gun scabbard in it, as it sits with the butt of the rifle down instead of up. I really like the design too and the feel.. I am 6'0 ft so it fits real well. Tons of space too and I know I could throw a quarter in the main compartment and hike it out. Not exactly sure how I would lash a head to the top, but It has a few straps I think I could figure it out.

BUT.. after seeing the Mystery Ranch pack.. especially the Crewcab.. I almost wish I waited and bought that!.. only draw back is the amount of buckles everywhere could get confusing.. but the fact that it can grow fro 1900 CI to 5000 CI is pretty killer. really cool design. Pretty much looks like it can do it all! Price is pretty high though.. but it would probably be the last pack you own.

Anything else you did not like about the SuperDay that I should know?

BTW.. saw the Eberlestock X2 and its a pretty simple but very functional design.. if you dont plan to rifle hunt with the scabbard and want something to pack out the head, it looks like it will do it and then some. I did not like how wide it was though.. little bulky as that is also why I am trading out of my X1a1. Eastmans gave the X2 a pretty kick ass review though.. you might want to look that up.

[halflife65]

MDGrand - I actually have the Crew Cab with the NICE frame.  I fought with the buckles and stuff for about 15 minutes and then everything was real clear.  After you figure it out it's piece of cake.  I got the thing in November, too late for WA seasons but hunted AZ for deer in January this year (they have a LATE season).  I hunted all day in it for something like 6 or 7 days straight, shot a buck while wearing the pack, boned it out and carried the entire thing but the cape, backstraps and antlers - which I could have easily put into the pack but happened to have a buddy with me that was gracious enough to carry that much of it.  Really the only issue is the base weight of the pack - something like 7 pounds (don't remember the actual weight but it's heavy.)  However, that's offset by the extreme comfort of the pack and the fact that you're wearing what feels like a day pack that you can attach 200 pounds to if you wanted (not that I'd be able to pick it up if I did that.)  It'll set you back a chunk of change, though...

[poohdog]

My dad and I both have the X2 and its great.  It handles elk quaters no problem. Very comfortable and breathes well on the back.

[halflife65]

Didn't answer the second part about the Super Day.  As far as that goes, it is a good, well made pack.  I don't really have any complaints and the only reason that I upgraded was because I hunt quite a long ways from the road sometimes and it sucked to have to go get a packboard.  I wanted something that I could use to take a whole boned out deer in or a quarter of an elk and not waste a trip.  The Super Day is probably tough enough to take it but it's not designed for it and isn't really big enough to put too much in it.

If you're not looking to pack anything but stuff for a day hike (and you can put a lot of stuff in it if you're going on a long hike - that's not an issue) the Super Day is a good pack.  Never had any issues with it.