Post by: mjustice79 on March 01, 2015, 11:00:30 AM
Post by: Bmcox86 on March 01, 2015, 11:35:17 AM
Post by: jackelope on March 01, 2015, 12:08:00 PM
Post by: jrebel on March 01, 2015, 01:26:09 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 01, 2015, 01:55:25 PM
I now have a mystery ranch and absolutely love it but it is not even close to eberlestock price unless you get lucky on finding a used one.
Post by: danderson on March 01, 2015, 05:20:42 PM
Post by: AZcoueshunter78 on March 01, 2015, 05:25:06 PM
Post by: mjustice79 on March 01, 2015, 06:41:24 PM
Post by: buglebrush on March 02, 2015, 08:56:41 AM
Post by: danderson on March 02, 2015, 11:10:17 AM
Post by: vandeman17 on March 02, 2015, 11:17:24 AM
Post by: ghosthunter on March 02, 2015, 11:31:27 AM
I think for the most part the reason you see a lot of Eberlsotock packs on here is because guys bought the best they could afford at the time. Two three years later they can afford more so they upgrade.
Nothing wrong with the packs.
Post by: ghosthunter on March 02, 2015, 11:45:14 AM
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,171256.msg2263368/topicseen.html#new (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,171256.msg2263368/topicseen.html#new)
Post by: Magnum_Willys on March 02, 2015, 12:00:26 PM
Post by: Shawn Ryan on March 03, 2015, 10:07:26 AM
Similar to what has been stated on this thread, the Blue Widow is a good pack at its price point. If you can spend more money, there are better packs. I have one for sale on this forum and posted that same opinion in my post:
"I don't know why several are for sale. I know at least one seller who was looking for something smaller. I've had mine since 2009 and it has served me well. It is a very well designed and built pack for its purpose in its price range and I've recommended it to friends who want a pack in that price range. I intend to buy a Kifaru pack for about 2.5 times what I spent on this pack when I purchased it new. (I bought mine at a show for a small discount.) So, I'm upgrading and have no issue in stating my opinion that the Kifaru pack is a better pack and you should buy a better pack if you can dedicate the money towards it. If spending that kind of money does not work for you for what ever reason, then the Blue Widow is a good alternative. The pack is good value/good pack for the money." http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,168903.0.html. (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,168903.0.html.)
If you are interested, let me know.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 03, 2015, 10:20:57 AM
The best part of owning a Badlands pack is there unconditional guaranty on the products they sell, even if you buy a used one, just send it back to there head quarters and they will either repair or replace, you pay a fee of 12.00 dollars that's it.
Which is needed with a badlands in my experience. :chuckle: mine had to go back 2 times a year on average to be repaired.
Post by: buglebrush on March 03, 2015, 10:29:25 AM
The best part of owning a Badlands pack is there unconditional guaranty on the products they sell, even if you buy a used one, just send it back to there head quarters and they will either repair or replace, you pay a fee of 12.00 dollars that's it.
Which is needed with a badlands in my experience. :chuckle: mine had to go back 2 times a year on average to be repaired.
Funny how people's experiences can differ. I have absolutely put my 2200 through the wringer. Carried 1/3 of an elk in horrible terrain for a couple miles twice last year alone, and haven't a thing go wrong yet. After a couple years of abuse I like the idea of the warranty, but the way this pack is built I don't know if I will ever need it. :twocents:
Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 03, 2015, 10:45:00 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 03, 2015, 11:23:58 AM
A few years ago, I got a BL 2200. It's a great pack but it's heavy and I wasn't backcountry hunting. I sold it here and went with smaller daypacks. We can cover more territory and then get what we need when we need it. It depends on what the OP is doing for hunts. :dunno:
Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 03, 2015, 12:31:44 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 03, 2015, 12:37:04 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 03, 2015, 12:57:48 PM
I'm very wise. Just ask me. :tup::chuckle:
Post by: ridgefire on March 03, 2015, 06:19:43 PM
Post by: mjustice79 on March 03, 2015, 06:27:46 PM
It all depends on what kind of hunting you do. We're old guys but we do put down some boot leather on day hikes. But if someone gets an elk down, someone else is going to camp for the packboards and kill gear, cart if useful. I don't see anywhere whether this is for backcountry or day trips. Makes a big difference.
A few years ago, I got a BL 2200. It's a great pack but it's heavy and I wasn't backcountry hunting. I sold it here and went with smaller daypacks. We can cover more territory and then get what we need when we need it. It depends on what the OP is doing for hunts. :dunno:
It will be just day hunts starting out, then progressing more to back country hunts as I approach retirement from the service here in about three years.
Post by: buglebuster on March 03, 2015, 06:35:13 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 04, 2015, 05:52:28 AM
It all depends on what kind of hunting you do. We're old guys but we do put down some boot leather on day hikes. But if someone gets an elk down, someone else is going to camp for the packboards and kill gear, cart if useful. I don't see anywhere whether this is for backcountry or day trips. Makes a big difference.
A few years ago, I got a BL 2200. It's a great pack but it's heavy and I wasn't backcountry hunting. I sold it here and went with smaller daypacks. We can cover more territory and then get what we need when we need it. It depends on what the OP is doing for hunts. :dunno:
It will be just day hunts starting out, then progressing more to back country hunts as I approach retirement from the service here in about three years.
Then get yourself a light day pack with a bladder and keep a packboard in the car. Why carry all that weight around unnecessarily?
Post by: huntnnw on March 04, 2015, 06:03:03 AM
Post by: Shawn Ryan on March 05, 2015, 06:14:04 PM
I found that day hunting with a pack that has a good suspension makes the weight feel light all day long. When I put on my old day pack for day hunts, I'm always disappointed in how the weight is distributed to my shoulders, not my hips, which makes me want to carry my internal frame pack even for one-day-only hunts.
Post by: RadSav on March 05, 2015, 06:52:22 PM
Eberlestock are some great packs for the money. I had a dragonfly and packed some serious loads with it. I feel eberlestock are pretty hard to beat in their price point.
I agree 100% on this. Plus getting the Blue Widow is supporting one of the best businesses in the NW. Pocket layout is good, packs ride comfortable, they handle heavy loads fine and they compress down and ride like a medium weight day pack. Wore my Dragonfly almost every day of every hunt for four years. Almost feels wrong to hike without it on! As a day pack I like the way it carries better than my EXO as a day pack! One of the big things for me in an every day pack is how hot they ride. For a pack that hauls heavy loads it rides cool. And most important it rides dry as contact points don't seem to wick moisture form by skin.
With all that said, You can get the EXO 3500 pack for half the price of a premium pack and it has few equals. And if they ever figure out how to make a quality waist belt I'm not sure it would have an equal!! On heavy loads it is so good it's not even in the same class as the Eberlestock. Very well may be the best heavy load internal frame pack I have ever worn. Plus it is lighter than most day packs and compresses on day hunts like you are carrying only a frame. Other than the waist belt it may be the best thought out pack on the market today. And mine seems dang near bullet proof. As much as I like the Eberlestock...If a guy can save up another couple hundred bucks he'd be crazy to get a Bluewidow instead of the EXO. At least that's my opinion. For what it's worth :dunno:
Either way you are supporting good folks located in the northwest! Some of the best people you will meet anywhere, great service and support. And packs built by people who have actually been there, done that, and truly want you to be successful! Can't go wrong with that!!
Post by: kentrek on March 05, 2015, 06:57:45 PM
I know it can be done a million ways but trust me when I say it's a great way to go
Post by: RadSav on March 05, 2015, 07:43:34 PM
I've never understood the logic of hunting with out the ability to take care of meat....that includes all the game bags for an entire animal..and the ability to pack out that first load.
I think for many it all has to do with either not believing you will be successful that day, proximity to the truck, long history of wearing an uncomfortable pack or a combination of all three. I know I'd probably not wear one if my pack was a WWII pack board, I hunted no more than 200 yards from the truck and felt elk were some mysterious creature only seen on the pages of a magazine :chuckle:
Post by: kentrek on March 05, 2015, 07:52:02 PM
I've never understood the logic of hunting with out the ability to take care of meat....that includes all the game bags for an entire animal..and the ability to pack out that first load.
I think for many it all has to do with either not believing you will be successful that day
with out confidence how can one stay focused on the objective ? Once your focus is gone you might aswell go home
Super broad but I think this is the basics of success
Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 05, 2015, 08:54:36 PM
My Mystery ranch 6500 is worn on every hunt even half day elk hunts and treestand whitetail hunts in Nov...it barely fits all my clothes I have to pack to the stand in cold weather :chuckle:. Elk hunting I have everything in it to break down and pack a elk out if needed..no way I am walking back without a load.im in the same boat. Always take something out with me.
Post by: RadSav on March 05, 2015, 09:25:02 PM
I've never understood the logic of hunting with out the ability to take care of meat....that includes all the game bags for an entire animal..and the ability to pack out that first load.
I think for many it all has to do with either not believing you will be successful that day
with out confidence how can one stay focused on the objective ? Once your focus is gone you might aswell go home
Super broad but I think this is the basics of success
I do have to admit, on those days I forget my knife, camera or leave the truck without a pack on...those are usually the days I shoot something BIG :P
Post by: kentrek on March 05, 2015, 10:00:25 PM
I've never understood the logic of hunting with out the ability to take care of meat....that includes all the game bags for an entire animal..and the ability to pack out that first load.
I think for many it all has to do with either not believing you will be successful that day
with out confidence how can one stay focused on the objective ? Once your focus is gone you might aswell go home
Super broad but I think this is the basics of success
I do have to admit, on those days I forget my knife, camera or leave the truck without a pack on...those are usually the days I shoot something BIG :P
can't believe you'd spill the beans on the secrets to your success...... :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: RadSav on March 05, 2015, 10:29:53 PM
I do have to admit, on those days I forget my knife, camera or leave the truck without a pack on...those are usually the days I shoot something BIG :P
can't believe you'd spill the beans on the secrets to your success...... :chuckle: :chuckle:
Dangit, I forgot that was a secret. Sorry ;)
My biggest bull was an Oregon 7X7 quite a ways back into the Strawberry Wilderness. Since neither of us had a camera I hiked 1.5 miles with a couple thousand feet in elevation, drove an hour back to town, bought a disposable 110 camera at the Exxon and hiked back in the dark. Then realized I had grabbed the wrong camera mistakenly getting the one without a flash. Ended up using my emergency blankets and some sage brush as insulation in October at 5,000' while we waited for light the next morning to take some blurry pictures >:( Was still a good day!! :IBCOOL:
Post by: kentrek on March 06, 2015, 07:08:16 AM
I do have to admit, on those days I forget my knife, camera or leave the truck without a pack on...those are usually the days I shoot something BIG :P
can't believe you'd spill the beans on the secrets to your success...... :chuckle: :chuckle:
Dangit, I forgot that was a secret. Sorry ;)
My biggest bull was an Oregon 7X7 quite a ways back into the Strawberry Wilderness. Since neither of us had a camera I hiked 1.5 miles with a couple thousand feet in elevation, drove an hour back to town, bought a disposable 110 camera at the Exxon and hiked back in the dark. Then realized I had grabbed the wrong camera mistakenly getting the one without a flash. Ended up using my emergency blankets and some sage brush as insulation in October at 5,000' while we waited for light the next morning to take some blurry pictures >:( Was still a good day!! :IBCOOL:
That's dedication ! My first archery bull was a 7x7 with no camera :'( we were 8 miles in and only 3 hours round trip from town....no one volunteers to make that camera run :chuckle:
Post by: buglebrush on March 06, 2015, 08:02:14 AM
Pianoman said: "Then get yourself a light day pack with a bladder and keep a packboard in the car. Why carry all that weight around unnecessarily?"
I found that day hunting with a pack that has a good suspension makes the weight feel light all day long. When I put on my old day pack for day hunts, I'm always disappointed in how the weight is distributed to my shoulders, not my hips, which makes me want to carry my internal frame pack even for one-day-only hunts.
:yeah: It isn't as much about the amount of weight as it is how the weight carries. I never hit the woods without a frame pack with functional loaf lifters. I spent years with a frameless day pack. Never again.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on March 06, 2015, 08:43:17 AM
[/quote]
Then get yourself a light day pack with a bladder and keep a packboard in the car. Why carry all that weight around unnecessarily?
[/quote]
The ultra 3000 is an external frame carbon fiber pack with load lifters and load sling for meat between bag and frame - and weighs no more then most typical daypacks. Best of both worlds - never a trip back to get the meat packs. For day hunts or short overnights the kuiu or exo are nice additions.
Post by: jtw on March 06, 2015, 09:43:52 AM
:yeah: It isn't as much about the amount of weight as it is how the weight carries. I never hit the woods without a frame pack with functional loaf lifters. I spent years with a frameless day pack. Never again.
I agree 100%. I have had several hunting packs with and without loadlifters and they are a non-negotiable now. Even a day pack with just a kill kit and emergency supplies in it can leave you feeling more tired after a day with a cheap backpack.
My advise, find a used frame with load lifters (Kifaru, exo, Kuiu, MR[with lift kit], it doesn't matter). Start with a frame and load sling and when you have enough to buy a full on pack get the pack. Otherwise you'll be buying multiple cheap packs that are never quite right.
Post by: Smossy on March 06, 2015, 10:05:20 AM
Post by: Smossy on March 06, 2015, 10:08:24 AM
That blue widow actually looks like a great pack. I just wish it came in a different color.Eberlestock are some great packs for the money. I had a dragonfly and packed some serious loads with it. I feel eberlestock are pretty hard to beat in their price point.
I agree 100% on this. Plus getting the Blue Widow is supporting one of the best businesses in the NW. Pocket layout is good, packs ride comfortable, they handle heavy loads fine and they compress down and ride like a medium weight day pack. Wore my Dragonfly almost every day of every hunt for four years. Almost feels wrong to hike without it on! As a day pack I like the way it carries better than my EXO as a day pack! One of the big things for me in an every day pack is how hot they ride. For a pack that hauls heavy loads it rides cool. And most important it rides dry as contact points don't seem to wick moisture form by skin.
With all that said, You can get the EXO 3500 pack for half the price of a premium pack and it has few equals. And if they ever figure out how to make a quality waist belt I'm not sure it would have an equal!! On heavy loads it is so good it's not even in the same class as the Eberlestock. Very well may be the best heavy load internal frame pack I have ever worn. Plus it is lighter than most day packs and compresses on day hunts like you are carrying only a frame. Other than the waist belt it may be the best thought out pack on the market today. And mine seems dang near bullet proof. As much as I like the Eberlestock...If a guy can save up another couple hundred bucks he'd be crazy to get a Bluewidow instead of the EXO. At least that's my opinion. For what it's worth :dunno:
Either way you are supporting good folks located in the northwest! Some of the best people you will meet anywhere, great service and support. And packs built by people who have actually been there, done that, and truly want you to be successful! Can't go wrong with that!!
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on March 06, 2015, 10:34:06 AM
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Post by: RadSav on March 06, 2015, 11:32:46 AM
That blue widow actually looks like a great pack. I just wish it came in a different color.
Three camo colors and solid earth. That's more than a lot of other packs. You looking for pink or chartreuse? :dunno:
Post by: Jonathan_S on March 06, 2015, 11:37:05 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 06, 2015, 11:48:54 AM
Don't look at the Source. It's the 1st thing I received from them I didn't like. The traps are unpadded and cheap. They traded me out with the Stealth and didn't upcharge me the difference.
Post by: Smossy on March 06, 2015, 12:06:41 PM
Lots of Kifaru guys...but he asked about an entry level pack that won't break the bank.Yup, missed that part, Definitely brakes the bank lol. Love mine, its a tank.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Only problem, they keep coming out with all these new bags that look great. :bash:
Post by: Smossy on March 06, 2015, 12:07:08 PM
Purple camo, actually....That blue widow actually looks like a great pack. I just wish it came in a different color.
Three camo colors and solid earth. That's more than a lot of other packs. You looking for pink or chartreuse? :dunno:
Post by: RadSav on March 06, 2015, 12:13:44 PM
Purple camo, actually....That blue widow actually looks like a great pack. I just wish it came in a different color.
Three camo colors and solid earth. That's more than a lot of other packs. You looking for pink or chartreuse? :dunno:
Here is one for you. And it won't even cost you $140 like the Badlands!! Might even be able to get them to throw in a free purse for you too :chuckle:
Post by: Jonathan_S on March 06, 2015, 12:37:58 PM
Room for a complete set of crayons (to wax my bowstring of course)
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on March 06, 2015, 01:16:42 PM
Lots of Kifaru guys...but he asked about an entry level pack that won't break the bank.Yup, missed that part, Definitely brakes the bank lol. Love mine, its a tank.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Only problem, they keep coming out with all these new bags that look great. :bash:
Do you have a T2 or 3?
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Post by: mjustice79 on March 06, 2015, 07:19:42 PM
Post by: Shawn Ryan on March 06, 2015, 10:54:13 PM
Post by: RadSav on March 06, 2015, 11:05:12 PM
I figure that if we are going to stay up here I have to get into the PNW hunters mentality and kindly give the southern deer hunter mentality a rest :chuckle:
So what you are telling me is that you are going to get out of the treestand and just sit in the truck while you drive around at 5mph with a wagon train of hunters held up behind you...NICE :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: RadSav on March 06, 2015, 11:11:33 PM
Seriously though, some of those deals on the Blue Widow are darn hard to pass on. You could get one of those at a bargain and then save for an EXO, Kifaru or Stone Mountain for some time later. That would be my plan, I think. Life is too short to hunt without a quality pack. And the Blue Widow is a quality pack that I think you, like me, will come to appreciate.
When you do make the step up to the premium packs you will have a great backup or loaner in the truck. I like it when I get back with the first load of meat and some guy stops by to tell me he would help but he doesn't have a pack. "Well you know what? I just happen to have a nice extra pack right here!" :o It's worked so well over the years I usually have two extra packs in the back of the truck these days. :chuckle:
Post by: mjustice79 on March 07, 2015, 07:10:07 AM
Just funnin' ya!!
When you do make the step up to the premium packs you will have a great backup or loaner in the truck. I like it when I get back with the first load of meat and some guy stops by to tell me he would help but he doesn't have a pack. "Well you know what? I just happen to have a nice extra pack right here!" :o It's worked so well over the years I usually have two extra packs in the back of the truck these days. :chuckle:
I like that idea! I have enjoyed the conversation on here too, really good.
Post by: Smossy on March 07, 2015, 09:04:53 AM
Ive got the DT3, Looks like they no longer even carry it.Lots of Kifaru guys...but he asked about an entry level pack that won't break the bank.Yup, missed that part, Definitely brakes the bank lol. Love mine, its a tank.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Only problem, they keep coming out with all these new bags that look great. :bash:
Do you have a T2 or 3?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk