Sitka Bivy 45 Review (not impressed)

[Antlershed]

I got to put my bivy 45 pack to the test yesterday packing out my cow elk, and I must say that I am not impressed. I am 5'6" and 145lbs, so I bought the smaller of the two sizes that they offer. I had a hind quarter in the main compartment of the pack, and then my bow strapped to the back of it. After about a half mile of carrying the head, I strapped the head to the pack and started carrying my bow. Perhaps it is because of my small frame, but I couldn't get the straps tight enough to get the load to sit right, so it was pulling on my shoulders the whole time. My second complaint is that I broke two of the buckles just tightening the straps down. Third complaint is that half way back to the truck the across the chest strap popped off on one side and I couldn't get it back on (got it back on now). It was only about 2-2.5 miles back to the truck, but today my shoulders feel like I was packing for about 10 miles. Wishing now that I wouldn't have got rid of my badlands pack 

[shanevg]

All commOn complaints on the Sitka pack. The chest strap design is probably the stupidest design I have ever seen. Every pack I've ever owned has an adjustable chest strap that doesn't pop off under a load. Its not rocket science  I've also run into problems with the straps not staying cinched down. I got my Sitka 45 this year but I think I'll probably sell it after season and opt for a Kifaru T1 instead.

[Antlershed]

If nothing else, I can say that they have good customer service. Called them up today and had to leave a message. Within an hour, Travis called me to get my address so they could send me two new buckles. Would be nice if they wouldn't break in the first place though...

[Wanttohuntmore]

Curious what badlands pack you had prior that you liked?  I'm using the 2200 now.

[Antlershed]

Curious what badlands pack you had prior that you liked?  I'm using the 2200 now.

I also had the 2200. While it obviously has 1/2 the cubic inch capacity, it was a lot more comfortable with a load of meat...