Badlands 4500??

[wazzu99]

Sorry but I got another pack question!  I've been doing some research and trying to come up with a hunting pack that is versatile enough to not only hunt with put also backpack with in the off-season.  I was leaning towards the 2800 from badlands but fear that might not have enough space??  I realize you can easily tie additional equipment and game to the backside but I think it lacks internal storage.  Does anyone know if the 4500 also doubles as a packframe much like the 2800 with the flip-out wings?  Also wondering if anyone on here presently owns a 4500.  thanks for the info.

Wazzu99

[bobcat]

I don't have any personal experience with the Badlands packs, other than I have heard they are a good pack. I'm just curious if you've looked at the Eberlestock's? I've got the J104 and it seems to be about what you are looking for in a pack. Take a look at them here http://www.eberlestock.com/Just%20One.htm  (if you haven't already.)

[tlbradford]

I own the 4500 and I do not have a single bad thing to say about it.  And yes it hasameat shelf and essentially performs much the same as the 2800.

[wazzu99]

Tlbradford,

Thanks for the info.  It also says on the website that it has some detachable items like a fanny pack or day pack??  How does that work or does it work much at all??

I've checked out the Eberlestock's and they are nice as well, that is currently my 2nd choice.

thanks again.

Wazzu99

[tlbradford]

The fanny pack sits on top of the backpack and is very secure.  It is great and comfortable to wear on small outings.  The day pack is adequate, but it would be great if it expanded a little bit more than it does.  It will hold a water bladder a set of butchering tools, a little survival gear, and a little bit of food.  I haul a lot of water around so it does not leave room for much else.

[wazzu99]

Can you use main pack without the fanny pack attached to save weight?  Or does it need to be on for the back to function?  Also, did you buy it locally or did you order it?  Reason being I would like to actually try it on rather than just order it online.

thanks again,

Wazzu99

[tlbradford]

You can use it without the fanny pack or the day pack.  They are add-ons and not needed to function properly.  I know Sportsman Warehouse carries the Badland line, I do not know where else they are carried.

[actionshooter]

One of my buddies uses the 4500 and I think they are a pretty good pack that is well thought out. My biggest problem with it is its weight but removing the extra fanny and day pack would help that out.   

[Red Dawg]

if you get one that big you will be able to pack mine out.

[wazzu99]

Red Dawg,

I was buying it so you would have something to wear!

Wazzu99

[PacificNWhunter]

Wazzu99

I almost bought the 4500 pack a couple months ago. I did quite a bit of research and it is a really nice pack, has lots of really nice options. It's designed to carry carry the meat internally, there is a meat shelf built into the inside complete with some stabilization straps if I remember right. There is a mesh bag attached to the pack that folds out so you can carry your clothes on the exterior on your hike out. It's has really nice big pockets that allow you to access the inside without going through the top of the pack too. It's also one of the few larger pack that has a bladder holder for water. The top of the pack can be removed with a few snaps of some buckles and doesn't keep you from operating the pack. I chose to go with a more conventional backpack. (Arc'teryx) It's basically the 4500 without the internal meat shelf (I made up a system that works as good though) The badlands felt a little heavy on my back and did not carry the weight that well. (on me) They have an awesome warranty though! I went to Cabelas in Lacey and checked it out. They were really cool and let me load up camping supplies and stuff to get a feel for it loaded. If you have not had a pack before I suggest going to REI or another outdoor retailer and get fitted for a pack so you know what will work for you. GOOD luck, go with whats comfortable.

Jordan

[bullchaser]

Cant go wrong with the 4500 its the last big pack you will have to buy(awsome warrenty). holds even a 60 pound load tight to my back and balanced and its only designed for one thing hunting. I agree with the last there are some really great packs out there. but you will not find one at REI made to haul out elk quarters.

[BLUEBULLS]

I have the older 2800 and i've never ran out of room. i try to pack light but I also make sure i have everything that i need. it's usually 55-65lbs worth of gear, food and water. it doesn't leave a whole lot of room for an animal but i know i can manage to get a whole deer out with my gear. to me the 4500 is just physically too big to pack all day if I'm doing that kind of hunting.

the 2800 might surprise you.

[AlpineMuley]

I have the Badlands daypack 2800 and the giant fanny pack.  Both are very nice and have held up for two seasons.  My only beef on the fanny pack is the main comparment, is like a pit.  I spend more time digging in this bottomless hole.  I went to REI or what ever store and pu some small bags of different colors w drw strings.  Now, I use each bag for different items, knives etc.  Im thinking of constructing some kind of clip system underneath the lip to keep these bags stationary. 

  blah, blah.  I would recommend both of these items.

[RubblesPH]

I have the new 2800 and love it.  It's pretty versatile and I can pack a lot in it if I take a little bit of time and use the space accordingly.  There's a lot of room there. 

Brokenarrow turned me on to the pack and he packs in enough food and gear for 3-4 days on his elk camps and then returns to base camp to restock, clean up and get meat into the locker. 

They went 5 for 5 last year on elk and their 2800's did the trick for packing gear and game.  When he gets back from vacation I'm sure he'll provide you with some more detail....he's a bit of a gear freak.

Great pack....to me, the 4500 seemed overkill for those one or two day trips.