Pack Performance-What Grade Does It Get?

by **ElkNut1** » 10 19, 2013 • [Post 1]

Well, lots of Deer & Elk taken as well as other game & just a lot of pack hauling in every day use during ones hunt. What Pack did you use & what grade would you give it? Give its grade & elaborate if you wish as to the reason why! Do you intend on using it again? Are you now Pack shopping! (grin) Hopefully this thread will help out others who are still looking for the right pack for them!

A
B
C
D
F

ElkNut1

by **Broken arrow** » 10 19, 2013 • [Post 2]

Eberlestock blue widow.
B
Pros: functionality from packing in to day pack to meat hauler.
I think it's pretty comfy with 40lbs or less. Damn near indestructible.
It will hold more weight than I care to have on my back.
Cons: not as water resistant as they claim. I think the belt needs just a little extra padding around the hip area.
I am up in the air on keeping or getting a new pack. Having trouble justifying the coin for a kifaru I would use maybe 3 weeks a year.

by **AmericanBwana** » 10 19, 2013 • [Post 3]

Badlands 2200 (older model)
D
Cons: Up until this year I used it carry day pack stuff, but started loading it with a sandbag for training and quickly discovered I couldn't get it to fit correctly or keep the waist belt tightened (changed the belt buckle too), pretty heavy empty, very difficult to route hydration hose, not as water proof as advertised, and you always have to fight with the main pocket zipper to get it closed.

Pros: Lifetime support was quick. I had to get one of the zippers replaced.

Yes I am looking for a new pack but probably do not need to buy a kifaru for my two weeks of elk hunting a year.

by **Swede** » 10 19, 2013 • [Post 4]

I have three main packs which I use for different purposes.

1, Badlands Superday Grade A. This pack is comfortable, carries everything I want on my daily hunt. The pack has ample and convenient pockets that are just about always the right size. I can strap on extras if I want them. The zippers can be a little difficult, but that is only a minor annoyance.

2. Cabelas Alaska pack frame with the sack. Grade C- It can haul more than I can, but it does not fit well. There is no way I can adjust it to be at all comfortable for any long pack. I use it only 2-3 time a year to haul out game, so I have not considered replacing it, except on those times I am using it. By the time I get back to where I could really think about a new pack, I am rested up again and the wear spots on my hide are back to normal. At that time I do not need another pack, so I do not spend any time thinking about it.

3. Trapper Nelson pack frame with sack. Grade A for what I use it. This pack may have been used by Jim Bridger when he was out roaming the mountains. It is in great shape, but has some blood stains from years gone bye. The stains could have been left there when old Jim was getting too close to some unfriendly Indians. I can not authenticate that either. More likely the stains came when I let some guy in camp, who had no pack, use it. This pack is a great loaner. It is a wood framed canvas covered freighter with heavy canvas sack that has two side pockets. It has no waist belt. I use it to carry about 30 # of equipment including my tree stand, when I go to set up or take down a stand.

If someone wants my Jim Bridger, Trapper Nelson pack I will consider all bids. No guarantee I will accept any bid or that Big Jim ever laid eyes on the pack, but I will give it my own personal "Swede" autograph.

I have no real plans to change from my pack systems. The one good thing about the Cabelas pack is that it keeps me from wanting to get too far away from an open drivable road to do all of my hunting. You Hells Canyon boys have no reason to worry that I will be messing up your hunt.

by **Z Barebow** » 10 19, 2013 • [Post 5]

Kifaru Siwash- Grade A

Pro- It does everything that I have wanted. I wanted a backpack that would haul 7-8 days of gear/supplies. I wanted to use it as a hunting/day pack that would ride low through the brush. Lastly, I wanted a pack that could haul out the first load of meat. I haven't hauled meat in it yet, but I have thrown 80 lbs in it and nothing the pack cannot handle. It is cordura and I have been through nasty stuff w/o a tear. It is tougher than I am.

Con- minimal compartments. But I have turned this into a positive. I use sil bags to compartmentalize my gear.

I picked this pack up on sale as kifaru moved to gen2, so I got the pack with fleece panels for a little over $300 new.

This pack can write checks my body will not cash. I am sure there are some techno packs that might be better. But this pack has not given me any reason to look.

by **JGH** » 10 19, 2013 • [Post 6]

Sitka 45 ...

B

It's a good, representative pack, and versatile enough for day trips ... but weight is an issue ... with much more than 45-50#, it just didn't fit me well ... part of that is that I couldn't lash the waistbelt down tight enough on me ... and that's not the pack's fault. I guess I'll just need to eat more frozen pizza this year, perhaps a few more beers ...

Or ... purchase a new pack. I think 2014 is the year for that. I like having a pack that I can use for "everything" from carry-on luggage and weekend trips to a hotel to hunting day trips to packing out quarters.

This year, I also used a Cabelas fanny pack (with shoulder straps) ... loved it.

A

Lightweight ... carried everything I needed. Didn't heat up my back. "First trip out"-issues were, sadly, not an issue this year. Nonetheless, packing a critter out is a blessing, even if I have to go back for a stronger pack! Also, in most places, I'd just hang the quarters, walk out, and bring horses back!

by **cnelk** » 10 19, 2013 • [Post 7]

Badlands SuperDay - Grade A

Does what I got it for.
No surprises about the zippers, just gotta know they are frustrating

After all the rain this year, I will be getting a waterproof pack cover for it tho

by **pointysticks** » 10 19, 2013 • [Post 8]

Badlands 2800. 2008 model. solid B!!

i was going to give it away. but decided i kinda like it. goofy triangular shaped pockets. dumb water bladder pocket makes you HAVE to buy their brand of bladder. i use a camelback bladder,but leave some water volume on the table. a great daypack for me. big enough to hold my lunch, spotter/tripod, and my ever changing clothing, and day gear.

comfy enough. i can load it above 100lbs.and get the waist belt to take the load to my hips. load lifters? none. putting meat in the bat wing is a piece o cake. i love the blaze orange panel. super strong pack. it is the best pack to use to take my turkey blind way into the woods. i can stuff my seat into the tripod pockets and strap the blind into the bat wings and hang my DSD decoys to the outside. only thing in my hands is my bow. the rigid material makes it nice for a blind bag. the kifaru would be too floppy to hold stuff in a blind nice. my badlands is my blind "table top".

i'll keep the pack.

my kifaru is still working out a grade. TBD.

by **ctdad** » 10 19, 2013 • [Post 9]

Stone Glacier terminus: B+

This pack worked great as a daypack. I had a zipper installed in the bottom to improve access in daypack mode and that was key.

Large bag could easily haul spike camp in and bow easily and securely strapped onto back. Light gear so this was under 50lbs.

Estimated that I hauled about 85-90 lbs of meat in it and it carries the load well. Load lifters allowed me to get the load up off my shoulders and onto my hips, and when that became too much, I shifted more onto my shoulders for variety. Very functional.

The thing about this pack that needs to be improved is the way the lid rides on the pack when it isn't packed full. The lid kind of hangs off the top of the pack and doesn't really stay where it is suppose to on the stays. It doesn't affect the function of the pack in any significant way but it does leave the top of the bag exposed and in a light rain, when I don't think I need my rain cover, this was a concern for me.

Compared to the badlands and army surplus packs I've used in the past, this thing is an A+ but I've become much more critical of packs since owning those. And this pack costs considerably more so any flaws become more significant in my mind.

by **JJ Overkill** » 10 19, 2013 • [Post 10]

badlands 2800

grade D- almost an F

the pack works good for a day pack but im a skinny guy and I cant get the waist band to go tight enough. when I loaded it down with an elk quarter it was extremely uncomfortable. all the weight was on my shoulders and my neck was strained bad. I m thinking about keeping the pack as a day pack and getting a good pack frame. im looking at getting a different pack im just not sure what I want. my hunting partner had a kufaru s/p? and he really seemed to like it. he had it loaded down a few times. but it does cost a bit of money. my pack has to be sent out to badlands

I will be watching this for thread for info.

by **Trophyhill** » 10 19, 2013 • [Post 11]

last year my BL 2800 got an F, the 3 years before that my BL2200 got a D

this year my Kifaru BT1 gets an A+

both BL's packs felt good while in day pack mode but hauling quarters out is brutal with all the weight being on the shoulders which for me strained neck, putting pressure on all lower extremities from my hips all the way down to my feet. I had to send the 2200 in 3 times for batwing zippers and the stitching on the 2800 shoulder straps is coming apart from 2 loads 3 miles back to camp. the D for the 2200 is being generous.

the BT1 functioned as advertised with no residual painful side effects whatsoever for me this year after hauling 6 elk quarters bone in along with loose meat with the quarters.

by **ElkNut1** » 10 20, 2013 • [Post 12]

David, do you have any photos of your pack loaded with quarter on the bone & loose meat inside? If not how did you secure hindquarters to outside of pack? Thanks.

ElkNut1

by **Trophyhill** » 10 20, 2013 • [Post 13]

ElkNut1 wrote:David, do you have any photos of your pack loaded with quarter on the bone & loose meat inside? If not how did you secure hindquarters to outside of pack? Thanks.

ElkNut1

by **ElkNut1** » 10 20, 2013 • [Post 14]

Dave, your grab-it, (meat shelf) is covering the hind quarter, you have no weight there! (grin) 30# maybe a hair more?

ElkNut1

by **Trophyhill** » 10 20, 2013 • [Post 15]

ElkNut1 wrote:Dave, your grab-it, (meat shelf) is covering the hind quarter, you have no weight there! (grin) 30# maybe a hair more?

ElkNut1

lol no it was quite a bit heavier than that. it's bulging out of the grab it and covered with the lid

I guess I need to bring Conlan along next year to take pics. my cell phone just doesn't do too good lol

by **ElkNut1** » 10 21, 2013 • [Post 16]

David, I hear ya, nice work on the elk this year, you're getting to be a pro bud! (grin)

I'd like to hear more on guys packs, come on folks let's hear what you used & its performance?

ElkNut1

by **JCS** » 10 21, 2013 • [Post 17]

Badlands OX

Grade A

The pack is great for carrying heavy loads but is a bit heavy to use as a day pack. Overall, the quality of the pack has met or exceeded my expectations. I will be looking into buying the superday pack for next years daily trips.

by **ShowMeElk** » 10 21, 2013 • [Post 18]

Badlands 4500

B+

I lived out of it for 6 days on my rifle hunt this year. I broke a zipper on the 2nd day, but it just happened to be on a pocket I wasn't really using anyway. I sprayed it down with 3 coats of silicone h2oproofing before my trip, so it was plenty waterproof.

Coming down the mountain the last day with a load of meat, rack, and spike camp on my back ended up at 112lbs, and it would have held plenty more, but I could not! I don't care how great the pack is, there is no such thing as comfortable under those conditions.

Overall functionality was pretty good, but the bad thing about a pack this big is that even when empty, it is already heavy.....AND.....give me a big pack, and I will end up filling the darn thing up, even if I don't need to.

by **twinkieman** » 10 22, 2013 • [Post 19]

I used an Eberlestock Blue Widow this year, and it was a fantastic pack. I used it as regular backpack, and as a meat hauler.t was very easy to get the meat placed in the pack, and it was ultra comfortable. I would rate it A

by **LckyTylr** » 10 22, 2013 • [Post 20]

Sitka 45

C

I didn't have any "issues" with this pack . . . but it has the exact same zippers that my Sitka 30 had on it. Those failed when I loaded it down with all of my camp gear, hunting gear and a mule deer buck for a 5 mile pack out the year prior. That same pack out, I also wore a hole through the fabric behind one of the shoulder straps. It seems as though the pack just couldn't take the heat . . . or at least the weight. I called them . . . they warrantied and offered to give me the 45 in its place. Okay I thought, that'l work.

Anyway, fast forward to this year, larger pack . . . same fabric, same zippers, same waist belt, same shoulder straps.

The fabric . . . Thin and not up to the task of hauling a lot of weight assuming that you have gear at the bottom with any corners or edges.

Zippers . . . they failed before with a 80 lbs load . . . they could fail again as they are very dainty

Waist belt . . . I'm 6'1" and I bought the Long size . . . the straps still don't sit well and dig in at the pressure points on my hips. The only way I can get the pressure off my hips is to put most of the weight on my shoulders.

Shoulder straps . . . thin and not very padded.

I don't know, I keep looking at my buddy's Eberlestock and think to myself . . . "maybe it IS worth the money".

by **Trophyhill** » 10 23, 2013 • [Post 21]

ElkNut1 wrote:David, I hear ya, nice work on the elk this year, you're getting to be a pro bud! (grin)

I'd like to hear more on guys packs, come on folks let's hear what you used & its performance?

ElkNut1

wow that's quite a compliment Paul! I still have a lot to learn and a long long way to go before I can make that claim but I appreciate that

by **slim9300** » 10 24, 2013 • [Post 22]

Kifaru Bikini Timberline 1 - A+ rating

Packed out two bulls this September in boned halves and the closest to the truck was 7 miles. The lightest load was around 110 lbs. I pack out quarters just like David did but boned out meat goes in the pack.

This picture is 1/2 of Scott's bull and all my gear for 10 days. It was all of 120 lbs. and still felt comfortable to my weak self.

: ImageUploadedByTapatalk1382673567.193408.jpg (192.66 KiB) Viewed 61770 times

by **duckdog28** » 10 25, 2013 • [Post 23]

I own 3 sitka packs and have been accused of being a "pack" whore. I've tried badlands, eberlestock and others.

The sitka flash 20 is in my opinion the best daypack money can buy. Not too big, not too small. Suspended back is the best feature, keeps you dry while hiking. Waist belt pockets big enough for a Garmin Rino and a rangefinder (not many packs will hold a Rino in the waistbelt, and even fewer have both this and a suspended back). Big enough to pack a meat load to the truck and then switch to the frame pack. Great pack. Grade A

The sitka flash 32 has the same great features as above, but it gets a grade of B, because it is a bit big for a day pack and a bit small for a bivy/backpacking pack.

The sitka 45 also has the same great features but is big enough for a week long backcountry trip and big enough to pack quarters easily. Grade A

I havent had the zipper issue described above (knock wood), maybe I just dont pack them as tight. They have a lifetime warranty, so I dont worry about such things.

The fabric is thin, which is good. It is plenty strong and it is light and dries quickly if you forget to put the rain cover on.

Personally, I find the shoulderstraps to be quite comfortable, far more than a badlands or eberlestock. There is a ton of adjustability in the torso length if you learn to use the load lifters and adjustments correctly.

Once you buy a pack with a suspended back and big waist belt pockets, you wont even look at the ones that dont have them. I'm sticking with sitka until someone comes out with a better pack. I have yet to find one...

by **WindedBowhunter** » 10 25, 2013 • [Post 24]

I have 2 packs that I use during the season.

Mystery Ranch Crew Cab - B
The pack is awesome for distributing loads to my hips and is comfortable. It will also securely haul an elk quarter or full antelope or even a treestand! The only downside is the weight, it would be nice if it were about a pound or so lighter.

Mystery Ranch Dragon Slayer - A
I use this pack almost 12 months out of the year, as I hunt in state program for whitetails. This nice pack will haul all of my hunting gear, 3L water bladder for an all day hunt on the stand. It's comfortable, durable and quiet.

by **JJ Overkill** » 10 26, 2013 • [Post 25]

For the guys that gave good reviews on your packs, whats the smallest the waist belts on your pack will go? I need one that will fit snug to my 32" waist. My badlands doesnt get tight enough. Slim how well does your pack down size for daypack use?

by **pointysticks** » 10 26, 2013 • [Post 26]

jerinmn wrote:For the guys that gave good reviews on your packs, whats the smallest the waist belts on your pack will go? I need one that will fit snug to my 32" waist. My badlands doesnt get tight enough. Slim how well does your pack down size for daypack use?

I must regrettably report that I don't have that problem.

My buddy called badlands and I think the sent him a new waist belt.

by **WindedBowhunter** » 10 27, 2013 • [Post 27]

jerinmn with Mystery Ranch packs, you order the specific waistbelt size that you need:

Extra Large: custom made
Large: 38" to 46"
Medium: 34" to 38"
Small: 29" to 34"
Extra Small: Less than 29"

by **Magic** » 10 27, 2013 • [Post 28]

Badlands Superday - B, because the belt packets are inaccessible during carry. I do use small accessory pockets which are OK. Very comfortable.

Alaskan Pack frames e/w bag- B, because I have used nothing else. It is simple, lightweight, and does the job.

by **Willie makit** » 10 27, 2013 • [Post 29]

Dont see anyone here with the Barneys Alaskan backpack. After much deliberations I bit the bullet and ordered one last week and am curious about others comments / grading of them.

by **slim9300** » 10 27, 2013 • [Post 30]

Willie makit wrote:Dont see anyone here with the Barneys Alaskan backpack. After much deliberations I bit the bullet and ordered one last week and am curious about others comments / grading of them.

Are you a rifle hunter?

by **slim9300** » 10 27, 2013 • [Post 31]

jerinmn wrote:For the guys that gave good reviews on your packs, whats the smallest the waist belts on your pack will go? I need one that will fit snug to my 32" waist. My badlands doesnt get tight enough. Slim how well does your pack down size for daypack use?

I have a 34" waist but when I tighten my hip belt it's more like a 30" waist. Kifaru will custom make you hip belt for you when you order a pack.

This is the same pack by the way with a decent amount of gear for a scouting trip. I would say this is about as small as any daypack on the market but significantly more capable.

: ImageUploadedByTapatalk1382917330.904059.jpg (193.86 KiB) Viewed 61661 times

: ImageUploadedByTapatalk1382917371.604256.jpg (191.6 KiB) Viewed 61661 times

by **JJ Overkill** » 10 27, 2013 • [Post 32]

man slim that pack compresses very nice. I have a feeling once I look into these im going to want one and not like you very much for planting the idea in my head

j/k

hey slim I didn't know kifaru used your photo, congrats on that. hey does your pack have an internal frame. I saw the bikini frame and then the timberline pack with internal frame. which is yours?

by **Vanish** » 10 28, 2013 • [Post 33]

Badlands 4500

Grade B-

I've used this pack for ~5 years. This is the only pack I own, so I use it for all my backpacking regardless of intention, approximately 15 trips a year. I don't have a lot to compare against.

I've carried out a bull and the weight was not a problem for the pack. However, randomly during a different trip the frame snapped in half. Badlands replaced it no questions asked. I've also had a couple zipper pulls replaced. The shoulder strap threading is starting to look questionable. The hydration compartment is dumb. It is fairly heavy empty, so not a great daypack.

When I get the pack situated, it feels great. I hardly even notice it is there. It is quiet.

jerinmn wrote:For the guys that gave good reviews on your packs, whats the smallest the waist belts on your pack will go? I need one that will fit snug to my 32" waist. My badlands doesnt get tight enough. Slim how well does your pack down size for daypack use?

I'm a 32" waist and the belt on my Badlands 4500 fits well, so I'm not sure what to tell you.

by **Willie makit** » 10 29, 2013 • [Post 34]

slim9300, Bow hunting 90% of time, every now and then pick up rifle. Never been out west either, just accumlating gear for next year.

by **Huntography** » 10 29, 2013 • [Post 35]

Stone Glacier Terminus - A+

Over 30 days of hunting, filming and climbing the high country.

Very impressed.

Rudy

PS - re: lid with empty pack. I cinched it down really tight and it didn't hang weird.

by **Heartwood** » 10 29, 2013 • [Post 36]

Badlands 2800 (old model)
Grade: B-

Kelty Cache Hauler

Grade: A-

Have been using the Badlands for 6+ years and usually go 3 to 4 days bivy style or day hunts. I can just barely fit minimum gear for September fair weather hunts. Replaced waist belt with an Eberlestock Battleship belt. It's still not too comfortable with heavy loads of meat but good for bivy hunts. I tend to pack the very minimum amount of gear necessary. I did send it back to Badlands for repairs last year. Not the most durable pack but a fairly good pack. The new model 2800 has a non removable belt which would not tighten enough for a 32 inch waist. With some mods. It barely goes tight enough but haven't packed heavy loads with it yet and might get rid of it. (brand new except for belt mods.)

The Kelty is much more comfortable with heavier loads 70+ # and i use it for meat hauls and training. I have no doubt that the higher performance packs like Kifaru would be even more comfortable but i have other uses for that kind of coin. I will upgrade to another pack in the next few years.

by **BrentLaBere** » 10 30, 2013 • [Post 37]

Wilderness Pack Specialties - Yukon Frame with Pack: Over all Grade A-

Hauling 9 days worth of supplies with great organizing pockets and handling loads of 50 pounds was great. This is where the pack and frame did the best. Grade A
Next we have the day pack aspect of it. Large with the frame and heavy than most packs without loading it down with your essentials for the day. A different day pack is needed on extended trips and that just isn't feasible while saving on weight. It did however get the job done. Grade C
Hauling out meat. I did this only once and have to say I cant judge it fairly because I didn't even have it adjusted to fit me right! With that being said it did carry loads nicely and has the feature of extending the pack away from the frame to carry your gear and meat. I really like how the company made that special request work for me. Grade A

Overall I am happy with my pack and right now don't see myself changing. Visiting rockslide and seeing Slims post it really makes me want a Kifaru pack!

by **aron** » 11 01, 2013 • [Post 38]

Any of you that have been using Paradox packs how do you like them so far? Pros/cons?

by **ctdad** » 11 07, 2013 • [Post 39]

Elknut,

You mentioned in another thread that you weren't happy with your pack for elk hunting this year. Care to share details why?

by **FemoralArchery** » 11 07, 2013 • [Post 40]

aron wrote:Any of you that have been using Paradox packs how do you like them so far? Pros/cons?

I used the Evolution frame with the base talon this year.

Pros-
Lightweight
Multiple straps provide unlimited ways to strap down a load
Comfortable

Cons-
Uhhh... I haven't encountered any thus far.

Over all grade= A, but it hasn't been fully tested yet. I have packed it with my full daypack at 30#s and it was perfect. I still haven't been lucky enough to put a full load in it, but the season is still young.

by **ElkNut1** » 11 08, 2013 • [Post 41]

ctdad, without getting into every aspect of its pro's & cons I feel it is a pack designed more for back packing than hunting especially elk hunting. It is not designed to carry weights in excess of 65# well as it sits, you must be aware of many little things & distribute weight in a manner that i do not care to go through to receive any level of comfort when packing over 65#. It's just not practical in comparison to many of the other packs out there that I've packed with at a fraction of the cost. Not bashing but sharing info as I see it. I will be honest here & say overall I've used better packs!

ElkNut1

by **ctdad** » 11 08, 2013 • [Post 42]

I don't think you are bashing. You bought the pack and used it to hunt as well as pack out game and it isn't for you. I respect that a lot more than the guys who are on a band wagon but haven't even used the equipment they are so proud of.

I just ordered a kifaru timberline pack b/c they were on sale and I want to compare it to my stone glacier. The timberline interests me b/c I think it has potential to be a great day hunting pack as well as heavy load carrier.

As a follow-up on my stone glacier pack, my biggest complaint about it is probably trivial but it was that the lid hangs off of the back of it when it is compressed down and into day pack mode. I contacted Kurt, who makes the packs, and he told me how to make the adjustment to stop that from happening. So, with that solved, I'll give this pack an A for this year. Heading back out on a rifle hunt with it in a few weeks so it isn't getting a rest yet.

Elknut, if you have any interest in the stone glacier pack, I'd ship it out to you after I'm back from my rifle hunt and let you try it. I won't need it again until spring. If you're not interested, I won't be offended.

by **flystrait** » 11 08, 2013 • [Post 43]

ctdad wrote:I don't think you are bashing. You bought the pack and used it to hunt as well as pack out game and it isn't for you. I respect that a lot more than the guys who are on a band wagon but haven't even used the equipment they are so proud of.

I just ordered a kifaru timberline pack b/c they were on sale and I want to compare it to my stone glacier. The timberline interests me b/c I think it has potential to be a great day hunting pack as well as heavy load carrier.

As a follow-up on my stone glacier pack, my biggest complaint about it is probably trivial but it was that the lid hangs off of the back of it when it is compressed down and into day pack mode. I contacted Kurt, who makes the packs, and he told me how to make the adjustment to stop that from happening. So, with that solved, I'll give this pack an A for this year. Heading back out on a rifle hunt with it in a few weeks so it isn't getting a rest yet.

Elknut, if you have any interest in the stone glacier pack, I'd ship it out to you after I'm back from my rifle hunt and let you try it. I won't need it again until spring. If you're not interested, I won't be offended.

ctdad, would you mind sharing the solution for the stone glacier lid as I have struggled with it all season and it is driving me crazy!

Thanks,
Craig

by **dotman** » 11 08, 2013 • [Post 44]

ElkNut1 wrote:ctdad, without getting into every aspect of its pro's & cons I feel it is a pack designed more for back packing than hunting especially elk hunting. It is not designed to carry weights in excess of 65# well as it sits, you must be aware of many little things & distribute weight in a manner that i do not care to go through to receive any level of comfort when packing over 65#. It's just not practical in comparison to many of the other packs out there that I've packed with at a fraction of the cost. Not bashing but sharing info as I see it. I will be honest here & say overall I've used better packs!

ElkNut1

Didn't you run the same pack as slim and trophyhill above just different bag?

by **>>>---WW---->** » 11 08, 2013 • [Post 45]

I'm a day hunter. And being that, my Badlands Superday rates an A+. Now if I were one of those back country backpack hunters, I might have to re think the situation. But for the type of hunting I do, the Superday suits me just fine.

by **wapitibowman** » 11 10, 2013 • [Post 46]

Anyone have any experience with the Tenzing TZ4000, 5000, or 6000? Mostly interested in its ability to carry heavy weight. Anyone pack an elk out with one?

Wapitibowman

by **wapitibowman** » 11 10, 2013 • [Post 47]

ctdad wrote:I don't think you are bashing. You bought the pack and used it to hunt as well as pack out game and it isn't for you. I respect that a lot more than the guys who are on a band wagon but haven't even used the equipment they are so proud of.

I just ordered a kifaru timberline pack b/c they were on sale and I want to compare it to my stone glacier. The timberline interests me b/c I think it has potential to be a great day hunting pack as well as heavy load carrier.

As a follow-up on my stone glacier pack, my biggest complaint about it is probably trivial but it was that the lid hangs off of the back of it when it is compressed down and into day pack mode. I contacted Kurt, who makes the packs, and he told me how to make the adjustment to stop that from happening. So, with that solved, I'll give this pack an A for this year. Heading back out on a rifle hunt with it in a few weeks so it isn't getting a rest yet.

Elknut, if you have any interest in the stone glacier pack, I'd ship it out to you after I'm back from my rifle hunt and let you try it. I won't need it again until spring. If you're not interested, I won't be offended.

I looked at this pack on the website. It looks awesome! Love the meat shelf and extremely lightweight. The one internal pocket and one external pocket concerns me for the ability to get to "things" without having to take everything out (the Kifaru appears to have this issue too)

ctdad - could you shed any light on how it was for carrying meat, organization, and attaching a bow??

Wapitibowman

by **ctdad** » 11 10, 2013 • [Post 48]

ctdad, would you mind sharing the solution for the stone glacier lid as I have struggled with it all season and it is driving me crazy!

Thanks,
Craig[/quote]

There are two loops on the back of the pack that the lid straps go through. These loops limit how well you can compress the lid while in day mode. If you remove the compression straps from those loops, the lid will tighten down another 3-4 inches and won't flop off the back. I actually expanded my pack with those straps out of the loops as well and the lid was still well secured. Kurt did tell me that the lid rides better when the pack is full if the straps are through those loops.

by **ctdad** » 11 10, 2013 • [Post 49]

wapitibowman wrote:
I looked at this pack on the website. It looks awesome! Love the meat shelf and extremely lightweight. The one internal pocket and one external pocket concerns me for the ability to get to "things" without having to take everything out (the Kifaru appears to have this issue too)

ctdad - could you shed any light on how it was for carrying meat, organization, and attaching a bow??

Wapitibowman

I used this pack to haul 90# of meat and gear 4 miles two different times. I'd be lying if I said that was anything but difficult. However, this pack made it possible where a lesser pack would have required that I carry less weight and make more trips. I loved how I could use the load lifters, shoulder straps and waist belt to shift the weight around when things starting hurting without having to take the pack off or even stop hiking.

I had a zipper added to the bottom of this pack to give me access to the bottom of the pack when in day mode. This was a huge improvement. I carried my kill kit, first aid kit, food, and whatever I wanted each day in small individual stuff sacks. I'd just pull out a small stuff sack when I needed something and it worked well. I have a small pouch on the front of each side of the waist belt for wind checker, gps, calls, etc. The pocket in the lid held my map, extra batteries, and a couple other small items. The small pocket inside the big bag held toilet paper in a ziploc. This pack compresses down as small as any daypack I've ever seen.

I just attached my bow to the back of the pack under the 3 horizontal compression straps. Worked great actually. I only used this while packing spike camp in and out and when I had a load of meat. The bow didn't move at all.

I'll need to compress some pics but I'll post some examples from my trip.

My previous experiences with packs were with much less expensive packs (military surplus, badlands sacrifice, cabelas frame pack), and this one was great in comparison. I've recently ordered a kifaru timberline b/c it was on sale and I really want to personally compare the difference in these packs.

by **Trophyhill** » 11 10, 2013 • [Post 50]

hauled 2 Muley quarters bone in, head and backstraps in one trip, 4 miles last night November 9 in NM in my BT1! I'm starting to like packing

he had the BL'S 2800 that I gave him and hauled the 2 fronts and the neck meat. he was not a happy camper but I was ready to do it again. it was a brutal pack out not because of weight or elevation but because of terrain. all rock and at night. he fell twice and bruised both knees partially because of an unstable hauling situation with his pack.

by **Trophyhill** » 11 10, 2013 • [Post 51]

dotman wrote:
ElkNut1 wrote:ctdad, without getting into every aspect of its pro's & cons I feel it is a pack designed more for back packing than hunting especially elk hunting. It is not designed to carry weights in excess of 65# well as it sits, you must be aware of many little things & distribute weight in a manner that i do not care to go through to receive any level of comfort when packing over 65#. It's just not practical in comparison to many of the other packs out there that I've packed with at a fraction of the cost. Not bashing but sharing info as I see it. I will be honest here & say overall I've used better packs!

ElkNut1

Didn't you run the same pack as slim and trophyhill above just different bag?

if i'm not mistaken, I think he used the BT3

by **ctdad** » 11 10, 2013 • [Post 52]

: CYMERA_20130922_211343 - Copy.jpg (90.76 KiB) Viewed 61344 times

This is a full load of meat. I used the compression straps to keep the bottom tight so as to not let the meat sag below my hips.

: CYMERA_20130924_210323 - Copy.jpg (104.23 KiB) Viewed 61344 times

Bow attached to same load

: DSCN1542 - Copy.JPG (38.68 KiB) Viewed 61344 times

daypack mode. This was a selfie taken with clip-shot.

by **ctdad** » 11 10, 2013 • [Post 53]

This is the zipper on the bottom of a terminus pack. Someone else added a side zipper I saw somewhere.

: uploadfromtaptalk1384131619066.jpg (58.56 KiB) Viewed 61342 times

by **dotman** » 11 10, 2013 • [Post 54]

Trophyhill wrote:
dotman wrote:
ElkNut1 wrote:ctdad, without getting into every aspect of its pro's & cons I feel it is a pack designed more for back packing than hunting especially elk hunting. It is not designed to carry weights in excess of 65# well as it sits, you must be aware of many little things & distribute weight in a manner that i do not care to go through to receive any level of comfort when packing over 65#. It's just not practical in comparison to many of the other packs out there that I've packed with at a fraction of the cost. Not bashing but sharing info as I see it. I will be honest here & say overall I've used better packs!

ElkNut1

Didn't you run the same pack as slim and trophyhill above just different bag?

if i'm not mistaken, I think he used the BT3

I thought he went with the small bag but I was only aware of the one bikini frame that all the different bags attach to, so same frame right?

by **wapitibowman** » 11 10, 2013 • [Post 55]

[quote="ctdad"]

CYMERA_20130922_211343 - Copy.jpg

This is a full load of meat. I used the compression straps to keep the bottom tight so as to not let the meat sag below my hips.

Just curious why you put the meat in the main compartment rather than in the meat shelf? How would you rate this pack against all other packs that you have hauled meat with?

Wapitibowman

by **ctdad** » 11 11, 2013 • [Post 56]

My pack was dang near empty when I needed to haul meat b/c I was hunting. I put the meat in game bags and the meat baggie I had. I didn't use the meat shelf for two reasons. 1. There was plenty of room in the bag 2. Inside the bag, I can keep the load up higher with compression straps but on the load shelf, the load rides a little lower.

I would use the load shelf if my bag was full or I didn't have a game bag. I've used it plenty while testing the pack with weights at home and it carries well.

by **ElkNut1** » 11 11, 2013 • [Post 57]

ctdad, thank you for the offer sir but I have another pack coming this week to give a shot! It should be here in time to test out as I'm heading out this weekend to some very steep country on a Mule Deer hunt with my son. I'll see how it fits & feels then.

I have the T3 Kifaru W/Bikini frame. I will not be using it any longer after this year, I am very disappointed in it! In my opinion the pack is not designed for Deer or Elk hunting with any seriousness or distance in mind, it is designed for back packing & it will do very well in that capacity. The pack has good potential to exceed that but at present it does not with me. I want a pack to carry 100# loads, I also want it to do it quickly, this means 2-3 minutes to load meat on pack & out you go. I do not want to have to jump hurdles & remove pack from frame to secure loads of meat to receive a measure of comfort on pack outs. I do not want to be forced to bone out all meat to haul loads out. The list goes on. I want a pack that will haul loads out with simplicity involved & do the job right. And to be honest with you folks a pack shouldn't cost 800.00 - 900.00 to function in this capacity, sad thing is a Kifaru as I have does cost this much but its performance is weak at best when all avenues are considered.

Grade - C

ElkNut1

by **Packfitter.com** » 11 11, 2013 • [Post 58]

I love the Tenzing 6000 for large game. It is extremely light weight and can carry a large load with ease. The Horn Hunter Full Curl System is also a great pack. They are very versatile with the bag and frame and wings. Finally, the superday as has been said before is a great pack. This is Badlands best seller for a reason. Tons of pockets and very comfortable.

by **ctdad** » 11 11, 2013 • [Post 59]

One of my hunting partners used the full curl system this year. I was impressed. The pack can be huge and is a tiny day pack. He hauled half an elk with it 5.5 miles and he was happy with the results. Tired too

by **Packfitter.com** » 11 11, 2013 • [Post 60]

Yes they are great. Horn Hunter is a great company as well. They are local here in Utah and take great pride in their packs.

by **ElkNut1** » 11 11, 2013 • [Post 61]

The Horn Hunter Full Curl is the pack I have coming from Packfitter. I really look forward to checking it out & putting some miles on it! Thanks Brett!

ElkNut1

by **TRDHUNTER** » 11 11, 2013 • [Post 62]

Paul, I would like to hear some more of your thoughts on your pack as I am getting close to ordering a bt2. We talked on the phone a while back when I ordered a spotter from you and it sounded like we have a lot of the same needs in a pack. If you would rather a p.m. that would be great.

As far as pack performance this year I would rate my X2 as B-. I also used on old kelty backpack as my larger pack as I sold my bluewidow in the spring and had a few setback so money went other places than towards new pack. My biggest complaint is I am not sold on the batwing design and I just cant help but want to try something different.

by **kevin_t** » 11 13, 2013 • [Post 63]

Paul
Let us know if you would like to try a paradox sometime and I can get one of our testers shipped your way

Kevin

by **Elk_sausage** » 11 13, 2013 • [Post 64]

I am loving all the answers on here. I am looking for a new pack. Have any of you tried the outdoorsmans pack systems?

by **ElkNut1** » 11 14, 2013 • [Post 65]

TRDHUNTER, sent you a PM.

Kevin, that would be great! Is the pack the one with the batwing style or the large bag style? Thanks.

ElkNut1

by **kevin_t** » 11 14, 2013 • [Post 66]

Large bag style. We are not presently doing a batwing. There are a couple reasons at the moment , mainly the big bag style is more efficient from a weight standpoint and if we do a batwing we want to make some gains in the weight and efficiency part of it since it is not a weight efficient design. Don't get me wrong it's a very functional design but weighs as much as a big bag that provides a lot more usable space.