Cabela's Rifle & Bow Pack

[Hunting Cowboy]

My son and I looked at quite a few packs this past spring replacing our smaller hunting day packs. We saw several we liked including the Badlands and Eberlestock brands but we settled on the Cabela's Rifle and Bow packs. My son chose the Seclusion 3-D camo and I decided on the Outfitter Camo pattern. This pack is in the $100-$129 price range. Here is it's basic description......

Secure any bow or rifle to your back and keep both hands free when the going gets rough. Constructed of CT450 Plus which is a waterproof fabric that is soft and quiet even in temperatures well below zero.  It is a low nap finish so it will not collect burs, seeds and other clingy vegetation.

A large main compartment easily accommodates bulky items like extra clothing. Two side pockets, one with a pass-through design that can hold shooting sticks or a collapsible hiking staff and keep them where you can get to them quickly.

This pack includes hydration reservoir, sleeve and tube clip. The fold-out bow-cam/buttstock support secures the lower cam of your bow or buttstock of your rifle and is adjustable to fit even a long muzzleloader or recurve.

A rigid but lightweight sheet frame with aluminum stays adds extra support. Pack is now available with or without the added protection of a Scent-Lok®-lined main compartment. It comes in two sizes and four camo patterns.

[archery288]

Looks like a nice pack cowboy!   

[BlackTail]

I got that same pack for Christmas and haven't made the transfer from my old pack yet.  What do you think of yours so far???

[bucklucky]

Not to talk bad about your new pack but my wife and I had the same pack and absolutely hatted it. We sold both of them and got the badlands 2200. WayWayWay better and hands down more comfortable. If I were you I would return them and go get a badlands. I am seriouse, that badlands will put that cabelas to shame. Sportsmans has the 2200 for 149.00. I think you can price match at cabelas. I think cabelas wants 179.00. Seriousely huntingcowboy you really should consider, the badlands is an awesome pack.

[MichaelJ]

Badlands is an awesome pack, but without being able to test that cabelas pack I can't say much...

I actually need to send my '04 model 2200 into Badlands and get them to replace some zipper tabs...  But man you won't find a nice day pack that can take a HEAVY load and still be comfortable... I can only imagine what the new ones are like...

Michael

[BlackTail]

bucklucky, what didn't you like about the cabelas pack?  Not comfortable, not well made, didn't like the layout of the pack??

[bucklucky]

You cant beat the warranty either!! There is no comparison between the two packs. My buddy told me the same thing as I did on here and didnt beleive him untill I broke down and bought one myself. I thought that cabelas pack was comfotable till I bought my badlands. I have a bunch of buddys of mine that tried out my pack and went and bought a 2200 badlands they liked mine so much. As for packing out meat you absolutely cant beat that badlands. It killed me to pack meat in the cabelas pack, but the badlands is set up for packing meat. Its enjoyable to pack meat with the 2200.

[bucklucky]

Not comfortable when using for a period of time. The straps , back support, the way it holds items in the pack. If you have any weight in it at all like meat it really wears on your shoulders and neck. The badlands keeps everything up where the cabelas pack really "sagged" badly.

[BlackTail]

I'm seriously thinking about exchanging mine after hearing your experiences.  One of the main reasons I picked the cabelas pack was for holding my rifle while mountain biking back behind gates.  I went on the badlands website and looked at the 2200 and in the pack details it says "Rifle: Yes".  Does this mean that it has hands-free rifle straps as well?  If so, how does the rifle attach to the pack(i.e., on the side of the pack or the back)?  Thanks for all the info, as I think I will be making the switch.  I've heard nothing but good things about the 2200!

[snohohunter]

I'm going back and forth between the Badlands 2200 and the Eberlestock J104....what to do!?!?!   

[bucklucky]

That was one reason I bought the cabelas pack was for the gun deal on the pack. It didnt work as well as I thought it would . The rifle will fit behind the straps in the meat shelf I beleive. Kinda the same type deal as the cabelas pack.

 As for choosing between the badlands and the eberlstock, I cant help. Never had a chance to try the eberlstock. I would say if you can find someplace that carries the packs and put 50 pounds in them. That will tell you which one will be the most comfortable with weight. 

[Curly]

Have any of you guys ever tried a Nimrod pack? I've thought about getting one for the last couple of years......but they are a little pricey.  The rifle scabbard seems like a really good concept.

I like the fact that the rifle sits diagonally accross your back instead of straight down like most other brands I've seen.  That way, you should be able to wear the pack with your rifle in the scabbard while riding an ATV, horse or mountain bike.

http://www.nimrodpacks.com/hunt/HuntPackage.html

[bucklucky]

I have looked at the nimrod products and have a se of there binocular straps whaich are better than the crooked horn outfitter IMO. They have a solid upper strap so your bino's dont bounce . They are very cofortable, the packs are nice but dont do what I need them to do. They would be great if you werent packing meat too. Seam like they are built well.

[DeKuma]

They look nice, but they are not cheap. (Nimrod)

 I thought about the Cabela's pack until reading this little review, will consider the Badlands now, though I have not seen a need to buy a new pack yet.  I am sure mine will suck at packing meat out.  It is a cheap Fieldline.

[bucklucky]

Wow, My first pack was a cheap feildline. I boned out a deer and put some in the pack and some over my shoulder in game bags and the zipper blew out and so did my meat I have been through a few  packs in the last 10 years trying to find one that works. The past 3 I have had the same pack, Badlands.