backpacks wars

[Fridaythe13th]

I'm looking at backpack and I sure they have been reviewed here before but, I just want the pros and cons of these 3 main packs.... Badlands 2200....... Eberlestock X2 ......... Tenzing 2220.

Badland 2200 most expensive $269 of the 3 and I've been reading that some people have trouble with the zippers breaking. But can haul meat of 100 lbs plus.

Eberlestock X2 around $189. but I here the frame digs into some peoples back and and the frame squeaks but can be fixed with tape. But the big problem is the X2 in made for people the have a 21" torso or less and my torso in right at 21" ???? pros for the badland and X2 in the wing design.

Tenzing 2220 around $189 maybe cheaper I know the least about I can't find a real bad review, but I haven't found a review that states a person has hauled out X amount of meat and it was fine.or it could not haul meat very well. It looks like one bar for your frame is the true?
The biggest problem is that I cant find a store that carry all 3 packs so I can compare. I would love to here your thoughts
Thanks
Not an elknut yet but soon

[zpd307]

isn't that frustrating, not being able to put it on try it out before spending that kind of cash. I went through this 4 years ago when I bought my full curl.....

[Rangerz]

I have an X2 and it works ok for me. As you mentioned I like the bat wings. The load lifters aren't very effective due to the fact that the frame doesn't sit high enough. The newer ones don't squeak since they put some type of clear tape over the frame ( at least mine has it). The frame is real close to my lower back but doesn't hit at 30 lbs. I have a Kelty Cache Hauler to haul meat after the first load. I really like the Molle (sp) straps. Makes it nice for tying stuff on.

You might take a look at the M5 (Team Elk Pack). I was checking one out at Sportsmans Wharehouse the other day and they look pretty nice. They are adjustable and have a few more features than the X2 but are more money. Several reviews on Youtube.

Good Luck!

[Ridgernr]

I had a badlands 2200 and it worked but was just bigger than I wanted to carry even empty it did not compress very small. I have gone back to an X2 sold my first 1 (dumby) I took the frame out and flattened it down and that helped alot with the lower bar pressure, I also cut the belt out, I didn't like the way the pockets were so I had a kifaru belt sewn in its place I like 2 rows of pals for lots of options

I only gave $50 for the X2 so modifying wasn't as painful

[CurlyTail]

I have the Tenzing 2200 for one season now. Very comfortable. Just the right size for day trips and needed gear. Wouldn't want it any smaller. The pockets on the hip belt are very handy and useful. I was able to carry a full 50 lbs. of meat out in my Tenzing but I had to put the meat bag inside the pack and then no room for all my other gear. Adequate but not ideal for 1st load out meat hauler, best if load not more than 40 lbs. The rainfly is excellent and useful as is the gun/bow carrier. Overall I have no buyers remorse and would purchase again. Definitely need a dedicated freight pack to combine with this pack.

[Fridaythe13th]

Just bought the Tenzing 2220 found a decent deal and it's the lightest and cheapest pack of the 3 of them. That is maybe why I picked that particular pack.
Thank for your advise Eric

[husky390]

I had a 2200 and got rid of it quickly as it wasn't very comfortable for me. It wasn't the X2 but I did have an Eberlestock Gunslinger (first gen). It was a great day pack but too short for me and uncomfortable if it was heavy since the load lifters were non-functioning due to my torso height. I'm now using a Hill People Gear Ute which you can find for around $300 used, it's been the most comfortable pack I've found yet, or I'll use a Stone Glacier Sky 7400 for longer trips. Just an FYI, Kifaru came out with a new frame so guy's are dumping their Duplex and Bikini frames on the forums so they can upgrade. You might be able to snag a frame for around $300 or so. Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear sells the Horn Hunter Full Curl for under $300.

Good luck with whatever you choose to use and I hope it works well for you.