Post by: Mike_D on July 11, 2009, 01:29:18 PM
What are ya'll using for packs? I've done alot of research into this, plus fitting, testing, and dealing with a sore back off and on... :'(
But I did finally break the bank and buy an Eberlestock D107.... I think its close to the top of the line for internal frame packs... and I'm most excited about it... Can't wait to break it in properly with a little elk blood... :D
Post by: KillBilly on July 11, 2009, 01:50:28 PM
Post by: elkspert on July 11, 2009, 01:59:38 PM
Post by: Mike_D on July 11, 2009, 02:20:40 PM
J107 The DragonFly....
Post by: TheHunt on July 11, 2009, 02:50:39 PM
Post by: alecvg on July 11, 2009, 10:13:52 PM
wups!!! Sorry KillBilly,
J107 The DragonFly....
The J107 will work perfect for elk hunting,, and any hunting for that matter, I have the J104, and it is great, and similiar to the J107, awesome packs, would recommend them. Though my Badlands is more comfortable, Eberlestock is better for packing and overnight.
Post by: actionshooter on July 11, 2009, 10:43:01 PM
Brother uses a Arcteryx, buddy uses a Badlands 4500. Lots of good packs out there.
Post by: Timmybob on July 11, 2009, 11:56:59 PM
Post by: Dean44 on July 12, 2009, 09:05:41 AM
It is sized just right so I can carry a slinged rifle and shoot while wearing it. Very good quality, plenty of pockets for binocs, range finder etc, and comes in a nice green.
The retail price is $90. Saw new ones at Sportsmans Whse the other day.
Post by: Mike_D on July 12, 2009, 02:16:33 PM
I've yet to have to pack out an elk, but I've a good friend who wants to try this... (my back is already complaining) so we're lining up for an east side 2week hunt this year... I've had a lot of problems with packs and back pain (even when in good condition) so I've tried to pick something near the top of the line without breaking the bank or going too overboard.
Nice pic. I'm might consider picking one of these up for a shorter hunts.
Post by: coachcw on July 12, 2009, 02:25:49 PM
Post by: KillBilly on July 13, 2009, 04:05:28 AM
wups!!! Sorry KillBilly,
J107 The DragonFly....
Okay, that looks like it will do the trick
Post by: rasbo on July 13, 2009, 05:28:57 AM
Post by: mossback91 on July 13, 2009, 05:33:54 AM
Ive strapped my day pack to a good pack frame , this can save you a trip back for a pack board . Coach
Have done that also........it seems then I was too prepared and nothing ever fell to the ground......... :'( :chuckle:
Post by: flyguide on July 13, 2009, 07:01:31 AM
Post by: couesbitten on July 13, 2009, 09:18:12 AM
Badlands 2800 - not sure how you can beat this pack for day hunting, overnight, or that 1st load of meat!
It's easy, just buy a Blacks Creek, Eberlestock, or Kelty. LOL
Just kidding, this is the whole Ford/Chevy/Dodge argument, and it has already been discussed here and on every other hunting website. Do a search, and you'll find numerous threads about this very subject.
I personally use a Kelty Freighter frame and a Blacks Creek Alaskan and love it. I've hauled out three deer and one elk using this combo.
Post by: AKBowman on July 13, 2009, 07:34:29 PM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on July 14, 2009, 10:58:13 AM
I have a eberlestock and it is great for many things but for just packing meat I have the cabelas Yukon frame pack and it works just fine.
Post by: HUNT on July 14, 2009, 11:06:29 AM
Post by: Crunchy on July 14, 2009, 11:25:03 AM
Post by: Mike_D on July 14, 2009, 01:05:17 PM
Post by: uncoolperson on July 14, 2009, 01:15:04 PM
But I hope the skycrane is as similar to the just one as the pictures make it lool.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,30067.0.html
Post by: whacker1 on July 14, 2009, 05:36:23 PM
Just an FYI - I had been pondering which pack for quite some time and ultimately decided this will be the best for me.
Post by: cornhuskid on July 14, 2009, 08:04:14 PM
Cabelas in Lacey, WA has two J107 Dragonflys in Mossy oak Brusk in stock right now. I was there earlier today and happened to see them.
Jeff
Post by: bow4elk on July 14, 2009, 08:13:04 PM
http://www.badlandspacks.com/ox.php
Post by: Mike_D on July 14, 2009, 09:12:06 PM
Post by: Branden on July 14, 2009, 09:30:21 PM
Cableas frames are a little week, we've broke a few packing animals on them. And Bullpacs have the worst suspension of any frame pack made. They are strong and will never break unless you run them over though.
On another note I am curious where Badlands gets the info that external frames weigh 9 pounds for just the frame? 17 with a pack attached? Are they talking about a pack saddle or something? Externals are the lightest packs on the market for weight to room ratio.
The 2800 looks like a pretty decent day hunting pack with room to pack out a quarter.
Post by: bow4elk on July 14, 2009, 09:42:21 PM
You are correct in your assessments of the Cabela's freighter frame, the Bullpac, and the fact that external framed packs offer the most storage capacity. I have many of the Badlands line up and I've been most happy with the Hypervent for mountain bike elk hunting. They have eliminated the annoying "squeaking" from the internal frame so if you hear about that issue, rest assured, it's a thing of the past and only occurred on the earlier versions.
Post by: Branden on July 14, 2009, 09:50:35 PM
Post by: bow4elk on July 14, 2009, 09:56:13 PM
Post by: videoman on July 14, 2009, 09:59:03 PM
Post by: ghgetter on July 14, 2009, 10:48:18 PM
I almost bought a badlands 4500 this year but when I was doing the research on them they are just to heavy for the size. If I was in the market for a smaller pack I really like that 2800 and this was the first time I noticed the Hypervent but it looks like a sweet day pack.Brandon, have you screwed around w/ a Crew Cab? I just sent some pics to Brian. If you want you can get them from him...dont let the weight thing scare you.
Post by: actionshooter on July 15, 2009, 03:35:41 AM
If a pack fits right, carrys well and the suspension system is built right, pack weight is the last thing to worry about. You won't notice it.
I have a mystery ranch pack it is the best pack that I have ever used.Hands Down!.
Post by: whacker1 on July 15, 2009, 06:22:42 AM
I chose the Eberlestock, because I like the suspension a little better on the big pack, but might end up buying a smaller pack from nimrod.
Post by: Branden on July 15, 2009, 09:30:37 AM
Brandon, have you screwed around w/ a Crew Cab? I just sent some pics to Brian. If you want you can get them from him...dont let the weight thing scare you.
I also pack year around, after this weekend I'll have close to 70 miles this month with a full pack on.
If a pack fits right, carrys well and the suspension system is built right, pack weight is the last thing to worry about. You won't notice it.
All of the times that I have packed if I am hiking in a long ways, or have a heavy load coming out its not my shoulders that hurt its my feet. So I figure the least amount of weight on my back the easier it'll be on my feet. I have done a ton of research on packs, and the guys that use packs the most and in the roughest terrain seem to like other packs better then the MR. Now, if they came out with a pack that had the same cu in. and was as comfortable as mine for less weight then I would think about buying one. But they are heavy, don't pack a heavy load as well, and cost more for a less capable pack.
Post by: whacker1 on July 15, 2009, 09:51:55 AM
Post by: gutsnthegrass on July 15, 2009, 11:53:39 AM
Post by: Huntbear on July 15, 2009, 11:58:09 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on July 15, 2009, 12:05:57 PM
Post by: Rob on July 15, 2009, 12:26:56 PM
I have been using one of the cabelas external frame packs - the alaskan II I think. Not really snazzy, but less than 5 pounds empty.
I picked up the Eberlestock last winter and would like to get it out, I like the integrated rifle storage. But when push comes to shove I'm not sure I'll be using it for a longer hunt just because I don't want to have to pack in 4 pounds of extra pack weight.
Post by: actionshooter on July 15, 2009, 01:18:10 PM
Brandon, have you screwed around w/ a Crew Cab? I just sent some pics to Brian. If you want you can get them from him...dont let the weight thing scare you.I also pack year around, after this weekend I'll have close to 70 miles this month with a full pack on.
If a pack fits right, carrys well and the suspension system is built right, pack weight is the last thing to worry about. You won't notice it.
I have done a ton of research on packs, and the guys that use packs the most and in the roughest terrain seem to like other packs better then the MR. Now, if they came out with a pack that had the same cu in. and was as comfortable as mine for less weight then I would think about buying one. But they are heavy, don't pack a heavy load as well, and cost more for a less capable pack.
Packs are like boots, the fit is everything and personal prefference is the most important thing. Everyone has a different opinion. With that being said , your way off base with mystery ranch. I don't know where your doing your research but MR has a huge following with sheep hunters, guides and backpack hunters. Saying they don't pack a heavy load well tells me either you have them confused with another brand or you just heard someone say that and you haven't actually tried one.
The two drawbacks are they are heavier and they are expensive, both of those are minimal for the performance gained.
Just a FYI, I have actually used the Eberlestock, Badlands 4500, Arcteryx,REI,Gregory, Dana Design and countless others the last 20 years of backpacking. ,
Here a couple of links for people to look at if there is anyone who wanted real feedback on MR.
http://www.backcountryhunting.net/forum/index.php?topic=578.0
http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/dosearch/topic/0/Searchpage/1