hunting packs

[forester]

I am planning a DIY Colorado hunt from a cabin. Any recommendations for a good day pack that can also handle elk quarters and maybe an overnight? Looking at new Badlands 2200 and Eberlestock 2320. Also, I hunt with a recurve. Can I attach it to backpack?

[ElkNut1]

Tyler, welcome! As far as packs go that have a dual purpose yet doesn't break the bank the 2200 will fit the bill, we've packed a couple dozen elk out of the woods with this pack. It's not the best comfortable pack for the job but it will get it done as long as you don't mind a bit of shoulder pinch under heavy wts of 70# plus because it doesn't have working load lifters. For similar money I'd seriously consider a Full Curl Horn Hunter pack instead, it will handle the loads & still work well as a daypack or bivy pack if needed! Check out this video clip here from Pacfitter.com - http://www.packfitter.com/full-curl-system.html -- As far as strapping a recurve to ones pack I'd say it needs to be a two or three piece bow as most trad bows are in the 60" plus range. If yours does break down then just about any pack will accept a bow secured to the back of it.

ElkNut1

[forester]

Paul,
Thanks for the link to Packfitter.com. I looked at their packs last night and the Full Curl with the detachable day pack sounds like just the ticket. Think I will just put another bow tip protector on my recurve and just be careful using it as a walking stick if I am carrying a load in pack. Love your site! Full of helpful info. for a new elk hunter. There seems to be a consistent and widespread attitude of generous good will that is refreshing and encouraging. Thanks for demonstrating/modeling that in your posts!

[Triplebhunters]

I have the Badlands 2200, I baught it in 2012 on the way out west, put the water bladder in place, pulled straps tight and away I went. Last year, a couple months prior to season I adjust all the straps really good figured a nice balanced placement of my gear, practiced shooting my bow with it etc. and hunting with it last year was comfortable. Really didn't feel the weight of it while hunting.

[mrbillbrown]

I also bought a Horn Hunter Full Curl System from Packfitter. Great pack and awesome CS from Packfitter. Should do everything I want from a day pack to a multi-day hauler.

[ElkNut1]

Tyler, you're welcome! All here are more than happy to help out! Thanks!

ElkNut1

[forester]

Thanks for the replies. I think I am leaning towards the Full Curl. This will be my first elk hunting trip since way back in the early 70's when I was in college. Bowhunted mule deer and elk in CO for three summers but haven't been able to get back what with raising five kids and self employment. Hoping to make an annual trip West for as many more years as the Lord gives me. Will start with DIY cabin hunt and hopefully graduate to 10 day backpack hunts when my two older sons can come along. The Full Curl should work for the DIY cabin hunt and for a longer trek.

[ElkNut1]

I think you'll like it just fine, it's a "do it all" pack! When I have mine all loaded for an all day hunt it weighs in at 12 lb. That includes 75oz of water in the bladder. I don't use either of the pack bags with it just the frame & batwings along with the pouches already on it, it's nice and light!

ElkNut1

[Indian Summer]

2200 for me. 12 years on the first one and just got the new model for free as a replacement last year. 110% satisfied with the pack and Badlands service.

[Lark Bunting]

I absolutely LOVE my Tenzing 2220 pack for day trips. I guess you could spike out for a couple days with it as well. I also have a full external frame pack for hauling more crap around.

[ElwoodUT]

The Horn Hunter Full Curl System is really a great do all pack. I would recommend that you use the day pack attached to the main frame for your day trips out from the cabin. You will hardly even know it is there. Then once you get your Elk down you will have a nice comfortable pack out.
There is also a game bag that you can purchase for pretty cheap that that is custom built for the Full Curl System that buckles straight to the main frame. It makes your load feel nice and stable for the walk out.
These packs also have a lifetime warranty that Horn Hunter truly stands behind and they are MADE IN THE USA!

[ElkNut1]

Preston, nice to hear you mention you like the meat sack you can pick up separately from Horn Hunter, I have one also but will not get to try it out until this year, I agree though it looks & feels great, I think it will be a nice addition to packing quarters or boned meat, thanks!

ElkNut1

[elkaholic]

Last year I hunted and hauled elk out with Badlands Sacrifice pack. Prior to that I had a 2200 and liked it but the sacrifice was awesome. Light as a feather and no issues loading it up and hauling with it. I actually enjoyed using it more than my external frame meet carrier (Alaskan guide model)

[kevin_t]

The Paradox is a very capable lightweight hunting capable pack http://seekoutside.com/lightweight-backpacks/

[rowdycwby1]

For the guys that have the badlands 2200 how much air flow between the pack and your back does it get? Will my back be drenched after wearing it all day or does it have enough air flow to keep it fairly dry? I know I'll have some but I hate my back being just drenched. For that matter how about all the packed y'all suggested and are using how's the air flow on them?

[ElwoodUT]

My Horn Hunter Full Curl System breaths great. When I stop to glass for a little while I have never had that uncomfortable wet feeling on my back. Horn Hunter uses a system called "Air Mesh" but I think the main reason your back doesn't get all sweaty is because the load lifters working so well. I done have to cinch my pack up so tight to my back and work my shoulders so hard because all of the weight is on my hips.

[4araquiver]

Elkaholic
How did you load your meat in your sacrifice pack?
Please chime in with any input fellas. Any tips would be much appreciated. Do you put your quarters or boned out meat in the large compartment? Do you strap it to the back? Do you line your pack with anything? What have you guys found works best from your experiences?

[Huntography]

There are so many great looking lightweight backcountry packs out there.

I use a Stone Glacier Terminus. Very light weight and comfortable for backcountry spike camping and packing elk out for miles.

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Rudy