Post by: Dr. Death on December 03, 2012, 02:39:13 PM
Any and all info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Post by: NRA4LIFE on December 03, 2012, 02:45:16 PM
Post by: hillbillyhunting on December 03, 2012, 02:53:02 PM
I prefer to buy backpacking packs from REI because of their unbeatable warranty. I personally use gregory packs. I have gone through about 5 of them in the past 8 years but I dont think anything would stand up to years of what I put them through. I had to warranty those packs for failed zippers on the top pocket and for small separations in the stitchings.
I am sure there are better packs out there, but because of my 1 experience with badlands I will not be trying them.
Post by: sirmissalot on December 03, 2012, 02:58:58 PM
Post by: jackelope on December 03, 2012, 03:17:27 PM
.02
Post by: Mudman on December 03, 2012, 03:28:00 PM
Post by: Dr. Death on December 03, 2012, 07:58:33 PM
Post by: X-Force on December 03, 2012, 08:04:15 PM
Post by: sirmissalot on December 03, 2012, 08:04:25 PM
Post by: dkecoleman on December 03, 2012, 09:15:44 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on December 04, 2012, 09:07:31 AM
Post by: lghtnquik on December 04, 2012, 11:01:20 AM
Post by: luvmystang67 on December 04, 2012, 02:18:51 PM
After using them and doing some packing around, my favorite by far is the Blue Widow.
Considerations:
1) Adjustable yoke is awesome, the Badlands packs are generally not near adjustable enough for me like the badlands
2) While I like the eberlestock scabbard in principle, when I want my gun to be that far away it is just as easy to strap it on the back of the pack and then you dont have to pay the penalty of the majority of your load being 2" off your back
3) Eberlestock material is more waterproof and has much better zippers than the badlands packs
4) BIGGEST REALIZATION: Most of the places that I pack in, I want take a substantial load back out with me. If I'm in 2 miles, (usually what i'd have a pack bigger than a tiny daypack for) I want to be able to take a full load of meat out with me, and probably want to carry a lot in as well. I'm not as concerned about convenient pockets and such, as I am about hauling more stuff in and back out. The Superday and X1 are great for walking around for a day, not great for packing back out with you anything more than the head.
SO, I have sold the Superday, considering selling the X1 and now my primary use is the convertible Blue Widow. It packs fairly small when in daypack mode. I can stick a rifle or bow on the back when i'm trekking long distances (without additional accessories). It is fully adjustable and sometimes I change the yoke for a heavier load if it rides too low. If i get something I just expand it and I can take a full load of meat out, which is usually downhill anyway. It is not perfect at anything, except is the all-in-one aspect that it provides me. :twocents:
Post by: JLS on December 04, 2012, 02:38:22 PM
Not trying to advertise my own sale too much but I have a Mystery Ranch NICE frame and LongBow bag for sale in the classifieds. It will out haul and be more comfortable than all the options mentioned here, I've owned them. It will haul a whole deer or elk quarter if your legs will no problem, I know. I'm willing to deal let me know if you need any info. I've learned the hard and expensive way on packs so trust me when I say buy the best you can afford it will pay off in not having to wonder if the pack will hold up.
The MR Longbow will absolutely blow a Badlands out of the water when it comes to being able to handle a heavy load. They are expensive. They are bombproof.
I tested out my Longbow with loads of 110+ (weighed on a scale) and was highly impressed.
Other packs will do the job too. If you don't want camo there are some excellent mountaineering packs out there on Ebay and Craigslist for very good prices.
Post by: Griiz on December 04, 2012, 03:04:54 PM
Post by: 400out on December 04, 2012, 03:37:11 PM
:tup: there are a lot on ebayNot trying to advertise my own sale too much but I have a Mystery Ranch NICE frame and LongBow bag for sale in the classifieds. It will out haul and be more comfortable than all the options mentioned here, I've owned them. It will haul a whole deer or elk quarter if your legs will no problem, I know. I'm willing to deal let me know if you need any info. I've learned the hard and expensive way on packs so trust me when I say buy the best you can afford it will pay off in not having to wonder if the pack will hold up.
The MR Longbow will absolutely blow a Badlands out of the water when it comes to being able to handle a heavy load. They are expensive. They are bombproof.
I tested out my Longbow with loads of 110+ (weighed on a scale) and was highly impressed.
Other packs will do the job too. If you don't want camo there are some excellent mountaineering packs out there on Ebay and Craigslist for very good prices.
Post by: Dr. Death on December 05, 2012, 07:57:35 AM
Post by: Big Horn on December 09, 2012, 06:35:07 PM
The Badlands 2200 and 2800 make great mid-sized packs. Both are good strong packs/meat haulers. I have a 2800 that I now almost exclusively use as my day pack.Ditto on the 2800 first pick or the mag fanny pack from badlands
Post by: Jason on December 09, 2012, 06:46:49 PM
Dont so much need one that packs a huge load as I have a couple Kelty Cache Hauler Frames that I love for packing animals and can handle big loads. Want one more for just day use, maybe a night and that could haul a load if in a pinch...
I'd suggest you look at the Eberlestock x2. The scabbard option rocks.I love the X2..And it easily will pack an Elk hind quarter back for you get to your Kelty and the load sits on the freighter shelf and not in the main compartment getting all your accessories bloody.
.02
X2 on the left
Post by: actionshooter on December 09, 2012, 07:15:14 PM
Post by: RobM700 on December 31, 2012, 03:25:41 PM
Post by: huntnnw on December 31, 2012, 10:09:48 PM
I have been using a 2800 for a few years and have broke the small buckles on the back a couple of times (including this year). Its a good back but the zipper pulls and the small buckles are weak points.
EXACTLY why I will not own a Badlands pack..unless u can find a used one from several years ago
Post by: Mudman on December 31, 2012, 10:16:13 PM
Post by: xXLojackXx on January 01, 2013, 09:52:08 PM
Post by: Quicksilver on January 01, 2013, 10:33:10 PM
Post by: colockumelk on January 01, 2013, 11:56:24 PM
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,114434.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,114434.0.html)
Post by: crnbndr on January 02, 2013, 09:27:58 AM
Post by: brocka on January 02, 2013, 09:32:52 AM
I just ordered my Eberlestock J107 Dragonfly with the super spike duffle to get it up to 7600 cubic inches. The reviews I read claim its a little heavy (8lbs bare) but its a workhorse and carries a heavy load better than most. Anybody have experience with it?
You'll like it. Just watch the video on Eberlestocks website on how to properly fit it. They show you how to bend the aluminum stays and how to tighten the straps in the right order. I hunted out of mine for 2 backcountry hunts this year and it did awesome. 1 of the hunts had around 90 lbs in it on the hike out.
Post by: xXLojackXx on January 02, 2013, 10:17:28 PM
Post by: lostbackpacker on January 06, 2013, 12:23:18 AM
Hauled a bull out from deep canyon this year.
Post by: Dr. Death on January 07, 2013, 09:45:06 AM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 07, 2013, 09:54:22 AM
Post by: shanevg on January 07, 2013, 09:57:29 AM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 07, 2013, 10:00:03 AM
I definitely second the Kifaru pack. I would say the Kifaru's are pretty much unbeatable when it comes to load hauling. I obviously haven't tried out the new Bikini pack yet but sounds like it is super comfortable from weights as low as daypack weights all the way up to a 100 pound load.
They claim it hauls the same loads as the duplex frame, and they generally aren't fib tellers. Aron can pack some weight.
Post by: shanevg on January 07, 2013, 10:03:17 AM
Post by: fillthefreezer on January 07, 2013, 03:25:10 PM
Post by: actionshooter on January 07, 2013, 06:10:03 PM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 07, 2013, 06:54:37 PM
I'm waiting for you guys to order a Bikini so I can come look at it..............wait that sounds kina wierd.. :chuckle:
Hopefully I'll be ordering mine next month. But there is a 12-16 month lead time, but you are more then welcome to meet up to see it.
I also just put my order in for the KUIU Guide Jacket. I'm pretty excited. It's been a HUGE gear year for me.
Post by: madcow41 on January 07, 2013, 06:58:26 PM
Post by: actionshooter on January 07, 2013, 07:54:04 PM
I like Mystery Ranch alot and if you can afford it I would go with a 3 day assault or a Crew cab for longer day trips or for carrying the bear/deer out
I have been a DEDICATED MR user for years, but I am wanting to look at lighter packs......just research for now.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 07, 2013, 07:58:32 PM
I like Mystery Ranch alot and if you can afford it I would go with a 3 day assault or a Crew cab for longer day trips or for carrying the bear/deer out
I have been a DEDICATED MR user for years, but I am wanting to look at lighter packs......just research for now.
I have spent...a lot of time, and gotten great advice from some individuals who have never steered me wrong when it comes to backpacking gear.
I can't speak from personal experience (yet), but from what I've read, Kifaru is the end all be all. The Alpha and the Omega. Plus, let me tell you what, I don't think I've seen someone so ecstatic and knowledgeable about backpack hunting then Aron Snyder.
Once my bonus comes in...it will be mine!
And like I said, you are more then welcome to come look at it.
Post by: actionshooter on January 07, 2013, 08:18:26 PM
I appreciate that!I like Mystery Ranch alot and if you can afford it I would go with a 3 day assault or a Crew cab for longer day trips or for carrying the bear/deer out
I have been a DEDICATED MR user for years, but I am wanting to look at lighter packs......just research for now.
I have spent...a lot of time, and gotten great advice from some individuals who have never steered me wrong when it comes to backpacking gear.
I can't speak from personal experience (yet), but from what I've read, Kifaru is the end all be all. The Alpha and the Omega. Plus, let me tell you what, I don't think I've seen someone so ecstatic and knowledgeable about backpack hunting then Aron Snyder.
Once my bonus comes in...it will be mine!
And like I said, you are more then welcome to come look at it.
I will give you my opinion for what it worth, and this is from experience. Packs are like boots, there is no such thing as the end all be all for backpacks. Packs fit everyone differently, what works for Aron might not work for the next guy.
Post by: colockumelk on January 07, 2013, 09:16:10 PM
Post by: colockumelk on January 07, 2013, 09:25:09 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi45.tinypic.com%2F23u5y6f.jpg&hash=468615d765cefa13ae688902d4185d19c90b6235)
Post by: colockumelk on January 07, 2013, 09:28:21 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.tinypic.com%2Fm0px5.jpg&hash=9d59e8f82bb379501e18c9bccff30c267a38c7bb)
Post by: Bearmtn on January 10, 2013, 03:44:32 PM
Post by: couesbitten on January 10, 2013, 11:07:07 PM
But there is a 12-16 month lead time
Actually, it's more like a 12 - 16 week lead time. Ordered my bikini frame/highcamp bag a week or so ago, supposed to ship April 8th, can't wait!
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 11, 2013, 06:09:43 AM
But there is a 12-16 month lead time
Actually, it's more like a 12 - 16 week lead time. Ordered my bikini frame/highcamp bag a week or so ago, supposed to ship April 8th, can't wait!
I did not mean to put month...thanks Coues!
Post by: Branden on January 11, 2013, 06:41:22 AM
I need a small pack that will hold a bow also. Thinking of a bikini frame with a dt3 bag. Packs down small, and could still get a full load plus have functional load lifters with the 26" stays.
Post by: KevinClimbs on January 11, 2013, 10:46:36 AM
Post by: hirshey on January 16, 2013, 09:49:12 AM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-prn1%2F36535_10101723572413968_1850309485_n.jpg&hash=ac127028a3027e8894323b3d9b22c1b7efdce097)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-snc6%2F271023_10101666690780218_363772069_n.jpg&hash=575bcc556ecb5cea2f33c520c3f98cc705340525)
Post by: Dr. Death on January 16, 2013, 02:37:42 PM
Post by: RadSav on January 16, 2013, 02:53:51 PM
Post by: actionshooter on January 16, 2013, 08:20:10 PM
Post by: Devinshoe on January 16, 2013, 08:26:57 PM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 16, 2013, 08:27:13 PM
No nod at the new Kuiu Icon packs? It doesn't have a dedicated rifle/bow hauling method but I found it very easy to strap my rifle to it numerous places. Took it on my Idaho hunt this year and hauled my spike camp around for 6 days, 1/3 of a friend's deer, and my deer back to camp just dandily. The carbon frame makes it extremely light... My ex used it to haul out his spring bear this last season, too. Better universal size adjustment than the Eberlestock's, although I do miss my scabbard.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-prn1%2F36535_10101723572413968_1850309485_n.jpg&hash=ac127028a3027e8894323b3d9b22c1b7efdce097)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-snc6%2F271023_10101666690780218_363772069_n.jpg&hash=575bcc556ecb5cea2f33c520c3f98cc705340525)
You must not have the newer version. The 7000 has a dedicated rifle scabbard. I have started to put together a KUIU set, and absolutely love it. I've heard some mixed reviews on the packs, but mostly positive. What's the biggest load you've taken out with it? I know the frustration with their load haul system is that if you get anything bigger then an deer quarter, you're going to have to put it inside the pack, which is a downside for those of us who want to pack an animal and camp out.
Post by: hirshey on January 16, 2013, 09:06:25 PM
No nod at the new Kuiu Icon packs? It doesn't have a dedicated rifle/bow hauling method but I found it very easy to strap my rifle to it numerous places.
You must not have the newer version. The 7000 has a dedicated rifle scabbard. I have started to put together a KUIU set, and absolutely love it. I've heard some mixed reviews on the packs, but mostly positive. What's the biggest load you've taken out with it? I know the frustration with their load haul system is that if you get anything bigger then an deer quarter, you're going to have to put it inside the pack, which is a downside for those of us who want to pack an animal and camp out.
I don't have the newer version.. I think Jarred's spring bear was most likely its largest load at about 110 pounds if I do recall.. He had a few elk sheds strapped to the outside as well; he carries a little repair kit for a frame with him which he ended up needing.. He broke the carbon frame that trip. I had a new pack within 10 days though. My heaviest load was probably just around 85 to 90 with no issues though. It has the internal meat compartment that kept all my camp items clean, even though the meat was just in old pillowcases. :)
Post by: hirshey on January 16, 2013, 09:08:24 PM
Badlands super day back pack on sale camofire for 112.99 Nice pack i have one myself and really like it.
That's a dandy pack at a good price..
Post by: Benny on January 16, 2013, 09:52:35 PM
I know the frustration with their load haul system is that if you get anything bigger then an deer quarter, you're going to have to put it inside the pack, which is a downside for those of us who want to pack an animal and camp out.
Why would putting meat in the bag be a downside or frustration?
Post by: Branden on January 17, 2013, 06:14:03 PM
I know the frustration with their load haul system is that if you get anything bigger then an deer quarter, you're going to have to put it inside the pack, which is a downside for those of us who want to pack an animal and camp out.
Why would putting meat in the bag be a downside or frustration?
I don't understand either? I have packed an animal and camp, and it all mixes together. Packed a bear and camp this year, (yes it was a small bear) and everything went into a T1.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on January 17, 2013, 06:18:33 PM
I know the frustration with their load haul system is that if you get anything bigger then an deer quarter, you're going to have to put it inside the pack, which is a downside for those of us who want to pack an animal and camp out.
Why would putting meat in the bag be a downside or frustration?
I don't understand either? I have packed an animal and camp, and it all mixes together. Packed a bear and camp this year, (yes it was a small bear) and everything went into a T1.
I would be frustrated if I couldn't use a component of my pack, especially an element designed to haul meat. Also, Branden, I don't know if you count, since you are a freak of the mountains...I heard you take a sharpened tooth brush and that's it in your pack...so it would make sense that you could get your bear and "camp" out.
Post by: Benny on January 17, 2013, 10:32:46 PM
Post by: Andrew on January 19, 2013, 02:39:35 PM
Post by: kentrek on January 19, 2013, 02:44:14 PM
Figured I might as well post my question onto this thread than start new. This past season I used my Dana expedition pack for the high hunt (first high hunt, 2nd deer season). The Dana pack is comfortable, roomy, and works great. However, being an expedition pack it's a bit much to lug around after setting up camp, and it has minimal compartments; which means the few items that I bring along hunting are flopping around within the pack. Therefore, I'm thinking of the following: purchasing a Granite Gear "Flatbed" which I can then load with day pack or something within the 2000 cubic inch range. Once I get to the 'spot' I ditch the Flatbed and hunt with the day pack. Should I get lucky head back and get the Flatbed to haul.
"heading back" to get your meat hauler can be a pain..id just hunt with the flatbed at all times :tup: then you dont have to pack an extra daypack
also the flatbed is a 70 lb pack for $ 359...might as well get one of the other frame meat hauler type packs in the same price range that are lighter and can easly cary more
kifaru, kuiu, wilderness packs,mystery ranch all make better "flat bed" options in my eyes
Post by: Branden on January 19, 2013, 03:48:29 PM
A lot of guys are unloading their Kifaru Duplex frame right now to get the bikini frame. You could probably score a deal on one, and use it the same as you were going to use the flatbed. Also the Kifaru packs compress extremely small. Makes a pretty nice day pack with load hauling capabilities.
We shot a deer 6 miles from camp. That would really suck to go back to camp, get a meat hauler, hike back to the deer, then pack it back to camp.
Post by: RadSav on January 19, 2013, 04:00:16 PM
Figured I might as well post my question onto this thread than start new. This past season I used my Dana expedition pack for the high hunt (first high hunt, 2nd deer season). The Dana pack is comfortable, roomy, and works great. However, being an expedition pack it's a bit much to lug around after setting up camp, and it has minimal compartments; which means the few items that I bring along hunting are flopping around within the pack. Therefore, I'm thinking of the following: purchasing a Granite Gear "Flatbed" which I can then load with day pack or something within the 2000 cubic inch range. Once I get to the 'spot' I ditch the Flatbed and hunt with the day pack. Should I get lucky head back and get the Flatbed to haul. Does anyone else pack similarly or got any pro/con comments about going about it this way?
I've tried as you discuss. Took my 70# pack and made it almost 78# which I didn't care much for. Then after I shot something I decided to wrap my small pack in a trash bag and bury it rather than have the extra pounds for the long haul out. I had the best of intentions to go back and get it after I had the meat and camp out. Ended up being 10 months before I got back to get it. I don't think it was worth it.
As mentioned the J107, Kifaru and others haul heavy loads nearly as well, but compress down to make great day hunting packs. Even if they are a little heavier and larger than a typical day hunter I feel you will be happier going that route than taking two packs. Unless you just like to pack more weight going in and coming out.
I'm all for trying anything at least once. If you don't want to spend the money on a new pack give the two packs a try. Perhaps you will like it better than I did. :dunno: Don't think anyone is going to belittle you too much for trying. Though, like anything new, I would try it first before season rather than waiting till your banking your season on it.
Good luck with your decision.
Post by: 7mag. on January 21, 2013, 08:58:27 PM
Figured I might as well post my question onto this thread than start new. This past season I used my Dana expedition pack for the high hunt (first high hunt, 2nd deer season). The Dana pack is comfortable, roomy, and works great. However, being an expedition pack it's a bit much to lug around after setting up camp, and it has minimal compartments; which means the few items that I bring along hunting are flopping around within the pack. Therefore, I'm thinking of the following: purchasing a Granite Gear "Flatbed" which I can then load with day pack or something within the 2000 cubic inch range. Once I get to the 'spot' I ditch the Flatbed and hunt with the day pack. Should I get lucky head back and get the Flatbed to haul. Does anyone else pack similarly or got any pro/con comments about going about it this way?
I tried that a few times, and I didn't care for it. I felt like a hillbilly, with a bunch of crap lashed all over my external frame pack, and nothing was easily accessible. I use a Mystery Ranch expedition size pack now, and while it is a little big and heavy for a day pack, it compressed down pretty small, and is comfortable. I also like knowing that I can easily fit an entire boned out deer and camp in to my pack, with room to spare. I don't like making extra trips. My advice is to figure out what size pack you need, then get one a little bigger, and buy the pack with the best suspension that you can possibly afford.
Post by: scree on January 23, 2013, 07:16:31 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on January 23, 2013, 07:39:41 PM
Badlands 2200 I have had mine for about 9 years great pack that has held up well. I sent it in this year to to have the zippers fixed. talk about a warranty they will fix or replace it for life even if you are the 10th owner.I also like the 2200 and bought it off of camofire a few months ago. Just last week they had the 2800 on sale for 179.00, that figures!
Post by: Mudman on January 24, 2013, 07:13:20 PM
Bought two 2200 off of camofire last year. Very happy with it, use it even when I dont really need to. The other one was for a cousin. No zipper issues here.Badlands 2200 I have had mine for about 9 years great pack that has held up well. I sent it in this year to to have the zippers fixed. talk about a warranty they will fix or replace it for life even if you are the 10th owner.I also like the 2200 and bought it off of camofire a few months ago. Just last week they had the 2800 on sale for 179.00, that figures!
Post by: iflyils on March 23, 2013, 06:53:50 PM
Post by: Sliverslinger on March 23, 2013, 09:49:01 PM
Post by: Z_rock01 on March 25, 2013, 09:34:21 AM
Post by: vandeman17 on March 25, 2013, 09:59:44 AM
I'd strongly recommend the Eberlestock X2. I've owned a lot of daypacks and this one wins hands down. Packed all of my elk quarters out with it this year. Holds my bow but with the buttbucket and ripcord I can get it within a second or two. Best pack I've ever owned. This year I'm picking up a blue widow for longer trips (5-7 days).
I am planning on getting this pack too. I have read good things and glad to read another! :tup:
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on March 25, 2013, 10:46:32 AM
Has any one tried the Oregon Pack Works Bag?? :dunno: I have heard good things about it, but I dont know anyone personaly thts owns one. I am thinking about upgradeing and thought about this pack but ai don't have $600 sitting in my pocket.. I have the Kelty Bighorn as of right now I believe it is 2800ci?? does really well.
I have no opinion on these packs, but why would you go with that pack when you could get a Kufaru, kuiu, stone glacier at half the weight?
Doesn't make sense to me...
Post by: Z_rock01 on March 25, 2013, 11:42:33 AM
Has any one tried the Oregon Pack Works Bag?? :dunno: I have heard good things about it, but I dont know anyone personaly thts owns one. I am thinking about upgradeing and thought about this pack but ai don't have $600 sitting in my pocket.. I have the Kelty Bighorn as of right now I believe it is 2800ci?? does really well.
I have no opinion on these packs, but why would you go with that pack when you could get a Kufaru, kuiu, stone glacier at half the weight?
Doesn't make sense to me...
I guess i really never looked at weight for the pack?? but the versitility of the oregon pack that i didnt see (correct me if im wrong)on the others. The oregon pack can brake down to nothing after hauling your camp up and hunted with and then loaded up for the pack down? I like hunting with a pack, so i liked the fact that it could be broke down and hunted with hydration and day pack while the rest remained at camp. I totally see what your talking about.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on March 25, 2013, 12:20:13 PM
Not that I'm pimping the pack that I haven't tested, but there are some gear photos of the kif t1 turned into day pack mode, and it looks smaller then my day pack. Maybe hirshey has some input on how her kuiu breaks down. It's your coin, but if you aren't using it for back pack hunting, then you don't need a pack that big, if you are, you don't need one that weighs that much.
I have the bikini and dt1 on order and plan on it coming with me in the field all the time, for all types of hunts.
Post by: deerslyr on March 25, 2013, 02:50:29 PM
Post by: Z_rock01 on March 25, 2013, 03:19:30 PM
Post by: kalamasasquatch on March 26, 2013, 12:40:53 AM
I'd strongly recommend the Eberlestock X2. I've owned a lot of daypacks and this one wins hands down. Packed all of my elk quarters out with it this year. Holds my bow but with the buttbucket and ripcord I can get it within a second or two. Best pack I've ever owned. This year I'm picking up a blue widow for longer trips (5-7 days).
I am planning on getting this pack too. I have read good things and glad to read another! :tup:
i picked up a blue widow last year. Great pack for hunting out of but wouldnt recomend it for long hauling meat. good choice for 3-5 day hunts. avoid the bow butt system. doesnt supprt my guardian the way i had hoped. spend that money on the zip in panel
Post by: lghtnquik on March 26, 2013, 03:02:51 PM
I have a Kuiu 3000 and a Mystery Ranch 6000 w/daylid both great packs just the Kuiu lets you go further (tons lighter) more comfortably. But I'd love to get my hands on the new Stone Glacier and Kifaru stuff to try out. All your real packs compress down small enough for day hunts, lighter than the Badlands 2200's and the like, yet you can load out meat and most have a load sling or meat shelf design.