Help Me Choose My Pack

[shaneatkinson82]

I currently own a Badlands Point Pack. Nice pack at 2200ci with good features. (http://www.badlandspacks.com/point-hunting-pack.html)

However, the more I read about Elk hunting the more I see a framed pack or external frame is best. So I started researching and have narrowed it to two at the moment (Shown Below).

Basic question here is: would the Badlands I own suffice for a first time elk hunt on a day trip? It does have wings and the capability to mount about one quarter or cape to the outside. Do you veterans recommend a newby use what he has and learn what he needs before running out and getting yet another pack.

My two options, open to additional options:

Badlands Ox: http://www.badlandspacks.com/ox-hunting-pack.html
Horn Hunter Full Curl System: http://hornhunterpacks.com/product/full-curl-system/

I like the concept of the removable packs and the option to add a meat bag to the Horn Hunter system. However the frame is internal not external like the Badlands pack. However, I feel the Horn Hunter could provide more options in the future for extended camping hunts. If I did get the Horn Hunter pack then I would no longer have a use for the Badlands I own since it comes with a pack that can be removed and is equivalent to my current day pack.

[Ben Nicholson]

I'm probably in the minority, but I like a fanny pack with shoulder straps. I have a Tenzing, but the Badlands Monster pack is good too. No I can't haul the first load out with it, but the comfort trade off is worth one extra trip for me. I have been looking at the X2 and if I ever go with a full sized daypack that is probably what I'd buy.

Having said all of that, your current Badlands pack will certainly work just fine for you.

Good luck,
Ben

[ElkNut1]

Shane, I've used several models of the badlands packs over the years & packed out a heck of a lot of elk on the 2200. It has an internal frame so it will pack 100# -- It's not real comfortable doing it but it will work & is a very tough pack. I cannot find info on the badlands link there to see if the point pack has an internal frame? If not you may as well stay with the Superday or similar pack. -- Between the Point Pack & the Horn Hunter, it would be hands down the Horn Hunter pack, it's more versatile & hauls weight excellent! I've carried around 96# in the Horn Hunter pack & it is a very good structured pack that you would be happy with. I interested talk with Packfitter here on the Forum, they are a Sponsor here & it's where I picked my pack up from they were great to deal with.

Ben - The X2 is a solid pack & I've packed out near a dozen elk with it, it won't handle weight great around the shoulder area very well after 60# but it's tough enough to handle 100# loads if you don't mind the punishment! (grin) It's all between the ears! (grin) There are better packs out there for sure! The Horn Hunter is quite possibly the best bang for the buck & is built very well. My #-1 choice these days after tons of packs used is the Exo 3500 Pack, it's simply awesome & lightweight!

I'm carrying the rack out & boned out meat plus cape on an X2.. My son is using the same X2 in the 2nd photo & my son in law is using a Kelty Frame Hauler. Neither compare to the comfort & stability of a Horn Hunter or Exo pack but as you can see it will get the job done.

ElkNut1

[shaneatkinson82]

Thanks ElkNut. I'll talk to Packfitter. After I posted this I continued to research that Horn Hunter and the more I look at it the more I like it. I'll be sure to research that X2 now also.

[ElkNut1]

No problem! I'll add a photo here of the Exo Pack with 1/2 of a boned out bull. Note how high the pack rides even with near 100# in it! This is because the pack is adjustable up or down on the titanium frame, with weight I raise it, with no weight I lower it, very simple & cool.

ElkNut1

[Tim in Wa.]

I just got a Exo 5500 c. i..I haven't hunted with it yet but I tested it a little with up to 90 lbs.So far I like it and it seems to be well thought out and well made
Tim

[otcWill]

I would suggest that you not buy until you've at least looked/talked with the boys at Kifaru.

[pointysticks]

i regret my Kifaru purchase. super comfortable despite the fact that with any significant load, the pack's load lifter drift down. maybe my body dimensions are not standard. i am running long stays, and i am bordeline short by Kifaru standards..i could run the 24" if i wanted. there is no way to change the dimension between the load lifters and the hip belt. Stone Glacier solved that very problem. and i am on the fence with putting meat on the inside with my gear. if i am packing in, i have to reserve space for potential meat. my Gregory pack i used for years does the same thing. tying gear to the outside is awesome with the kifaru.

that badlands 2200 will get a rear hind out. i did it twice with the older 2800..which is very similar. that bat-wing thing is surprisingly robust. if you're camping out of a pack, you will need bigger for sure.

if i could do it over again, i would have gone with a stone glacier..putting meat in the inside shelf is smart. heaviest stuff near your back to minimize the cantilevered load..and you have meat on the outside. win-win.

daypack? i think i would opt for a mystery ranch..with the NICE frame. same meat shelf option.