Cabela's Rifle & Bow Pack

[DeKuma]

So far I have only had to pack out one big muley with the pack, and I did the same as you.  Shot it in the evening, and went back in in the morning to pack it out.
I boned it out.  stuffed my pack, filled up a duffle bag I brought in with me and carried the rest on my shoulders.  Luckily it was only about 2 miles straight downhill to camp.
Think it would really suck for an elk or anything real big.  The duffel bag I drug in the snow behind me is the only thing that saved me.........

Did break a zipper, but was able to replace that.

[Hunting Cowboy]

Bucklucky, Thats quite and endorsement! I picked up the Cabelas pack a few months ago. I had an old fieldline for probably 15 years and without a doubt this Cabelas pack is 100% more comfotable. I really did not buy it because of the rifle or bow packing capability and I'm not certain I'll ever use it. But after our comparisons we decided this one works for us. Now, I may change my mind after a season of hauling it around and your heartfelt endorsement has me almost second guessing my decision except for one thing.

One of the major reasons for passing on the Badlands is that one of my buddies has one and although he says he likes it, I have heard nothing but complaining while on three hunts with him. He wasn't happy with the straps, didn't like how it fit his back, couldn't seem to get it adjusted, and on and on. He sent it back to the company once for sure and maybe twice. The Badlands company seems to do everything they can to accomadate their customers and they have a great warranty.

I helped this buddy of mine pack out a buck two years ago and he was complaining about it from the time he was trying to pack up the meat all the way out to the trailhead. So, that kind of experience kinda shyed me away. I don't know which Badlands he has for sure, but I can find out. Which kind of leads me to the conclusion that one size, brand, style, does not fit all.

I also looked at the Eberstock and Nimrod packs, and I almost went with my first choice which was King's Hunting Illustrated KHI TX Core Hunter Pack But as you can see, we settled on the Cabelas as our second chioce. I may wish that I had went with the King's, but truthfully, after witnessing and listening to my buddy first hand out in the field, I just kind of had second thought's about the Badland's pack. It looks like a nice pack and I have heard a lot of good reviews. It would also be fine I'm sure when compared to the old Fieldline. And it may well be a better pack than the Cabela's, many folks thinks so

As I say, I have not been out in the field yet with this Cabela's, but as of now all indications look good, and a huge improvement on the old Fieldline. Time will tell and I'll keep ya posted.

[DeKuma]

Regardless, it is a nice pack and I have been looking at it myself.  Do not want to spend the money on a pack when most times, I have been able to get my animal out with the pack I have........

Keep us posted how the pack works out for you.  I am interested in your field proven report.

[bucklucky]

Hey there Huntingcowboy, thats a first on the badlands I heard. But for sure let us know how it goes with that cabelas pack, just thought I would put my 2 cents in on those since I had a terrible time with mine. I dont know exactly how many buddies have the badlands 2200 now but it is around 12 and not one of them have had any troubles. Nothing but positive feedback.

[Hunting Cowboy]

For sure Bucklucky I appreciate the imput. Like I said, you've got me doing a little second guessing and mainly because you've had both to compare. Which will force me to take a serious look after this next season. If I decide I don't like it I will upgrade. I do think listening to those that have used them is valuable info!

[bucklucky]

Definately. But not every pack fits or does what one wants. Hopefully it works for you. I was going to say if you wanted to try mine and compare you could, I would loan it to you , it is quite blood stained though. Of course I think you are way up north so it may not be an option.

[MountainWalk]

huntingcowboy, im with bucklucky. i have never heard an ill word about badlands except for the price. i dont  know if i could get any better than my 2200. it hauls meat fine and was made for hauling heads. its hard to get it to NOT fit you right. while im not a fan of the new redesign of the 2200, im sure they are still as good as the older ones.

[BlackTail]

Hunting Cowboy,

Any more review on the cabelas pack.  I've put some weight in mine and did a little hiking and it seems fine.  However, I'll be the first to admit that I didn't test any other packs and got this one because of the ability to pack my rifle hands free.  I did leave the tags on in case I want to take it back and get the badlands.  I think I'll be stopping at Cableas on my way to the Cougar game this weekend and just wondered if you've had a chance to test your pack out anymore?  Thanks!

[Hunting Cowboy]

I've used mine exactly twice and have to say that I like it. I will know more once the season begins in earnest. My comparison is of course with my old fieldline which was uncomfortable. That's all I know right now. Good luck.

[Crunchy]

Have either of you two considered a tactical sling for your rifles?  I have a bullpacs pack frame and sling my day pack over it.  I have the attachment for the rifle, but unless I have a heavy load, I have my rifle slung over my shoulders.  It is a lot easier to carry that way, and it ready when the time comes.  Just a thought.

[75johndeere]

just a heads up in case you trade in i bought a eberlestock j107 a few months back and hands down i think it is the most comfortable pack i have ever used i have used the badlands 2200 a few times and it wasn't even close.it is a little heavier than the badland but it makes up for it in comfort.  i haven't packed meat in it yet so hopefully ill let you all know how that goes withen the next few months

[BlackTail]

Crunchy,

I like to pack my rifle on my shoulder too, but I got this pack for when I ride my mt bike back behind gates.  I've tried a couple different ways to sling my rifle while riding a bike and haven't found a comfortable way to do it with a back pack on yet??


75johndeere,

I'll take a look at that one too!  Think I'll actually try a few on this weekend and see which one I like!!

[bucklucky]

Its all what fits you the best, Badlands all the way for me. Wouldnt mind trying a eberlestock pack though. I have heard lots of good with some bad on those too. Just dont know till I try one. I could not stand my cabelas pack but others seem to like it.

[BlackTail]

I maybe should have noted earlier too, that this will strictly be a day pack for me.  No over nighters, no packing meat or quarters.  Just knives, spotting scope, tripod, water, lunch, a way to pack my rifle hands free, etc....  Probably never have more than 35lbs in my pack at any one time.  Just looked at the eberlestock J107 in Cabelas catalog and that is WAY MORE back pack than I'm looking for.  That things starts off at almost half the weigh I want my entire pack to be.  Too big, too heavy, too much $$ for a day pack, IMO.  Still insterested in the Badlands though! 

[timber tiger]

look at the eberlestock gunslinger for a daypack way better than badlands imho thats what i bought and never looked back......remember day pack there is no frame.....