Perfect pack size?

[bald9eagle]

So I have a chance to buy a Badlands 2200 off Craigslist for $125. My idea of how a hunt might go for me is hunting out of a drop camp or hotel but spending a night or three in the woods closer to the elk. It all depends on where I end up. That being said, is the 2200 a good size pack to have for that? Would something bigger be suggested?

[Ben Nicholson]

Do you have a meat hauler too? Or would this be your sole pack for getting a critter off the mountain?

-Ben

[ElkNut1]

Yes, the 2200 Badlands will work for your intended use. It's a tough pack & can haul a 100# if needed. It's more comfortable with 70# or less though as it does not have load lifters. If you can tough it out & not worry about some shoulder pinch it will haul all you can carry & still function fine as a daypack too. I use one for years & hauled out many an elk with one, it will do the job!

ElkNut1

[bald9eagle]

Thanks. Yeah this would be it. I have a cheap frame pack I bought from Sportsmansguide years ago that I thought I might use as a meat pack. I wouldn't want to carry it around all day though.

I think my buddy (6'4" 290-300# built like a DL) can handle it though....

[Dakota86]

I have an Eberlestock Just One pack Id sell for $225

[pointysticks]

I think it's too small.
Try stuffing a sleeping bag and pad in/on it. Your space is gone. Tip over an elk, wow. You will have zero room.

[Dr. Rx]

x2.. too small..
kris

[Ridgernr]

I have used a 2200 if you take a dry bag with camp stuff in the bat wings jus t drop camp and hunt from there 2 or 3 days would be it .

[EVD]

I'd say if you're willing to lash stuff to the outside it could work for a couple nights, but will be tight. Whether the pack carries 40+ lbs comfortably is important. Not sure about the suspension setup on that particular pack.

[pointysticks]

i had a Badlands 2800..the older version of the 2200. the suspension can handle a load! it is very robust and you can get the hip belt to ride tight to carry the load. no load lifters, but not awful. multiple elk loads with that pack happily carried. zero issues.

i still think it is too small. sure you can get a dry sack, fill it with gear and secure it with the "bat wings". but that is exactly where you carry the meat load. where's that gonna go?

$125 is a smoking good deal, but you cannot go in for any extended overnight stays with it..it is an awesome day pack.

[bowhunter04]

Ill agree with what everyone else is saying. I have a Badlands 2200. It's a great day pack that can bring out loads of meat as well. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of room in the pack and more than one or two nights would be difficult in the pack. Especially if you're trying to bring out gear and meat. Like I said though, it's a great day pack.

[one_elk]

Sounds too small to me as well, but I am not an ultra lite kind of guy I have an Exo mountain 3500 pack and it works great for me...

[elkaholic]

Another person here that is has a 2200. I've hauled out several elk with it and it does a good job. No load lifters to speak of but it gets the job done

[bald9eagle]

Well I went ahead with the pack anyway. Couldn't pass up the deal. I guessed that it might be a hair small but for what I have planned I think it will work. If we go with a drop camp we won't have to worry about packing a lot in and out in it. I'm betting that I will get super addicted and will be upgrading gear later. For now, at that price, I will use it as a day pack.

What the heck do you guys pack that you need 2200 CI of space for a day pack? I'm a minimalist when in the turkey woods. Okay, that's a lie. Still though when you say day pack does that mean camping equipment in case you get caught out and want to stay away from base camp?

I have a turkey hunting buddy that wears his vest full of stuff and will still carry a back pack! 3 Decoys, a couple of sandwiches and Little Debbie cakes, Mt Dew, binos, jacket that he took off because he got too hot, shirt that he took off because he got too hot (he often wears 3 shirts and a jacket on cooler mornings...45-50 degrees)...I'm not sure what else he has in there. I find it funny but useful at the same time.

[husky390]

Day pack mode:

Kill Kit
Rain jacket
Vest
Puffy (If really cold out)
Lunch
Space Blanket
Tripod and 10x binoculars (If I'm in an area I'll sit and glass)
PLB
First Aid Kit
Space Blanket and poncho
MSR Dromedary 4L
Water Filtration Kit
Decoy
Spare Magazine
Range Finder and sheath knife attached to belt
Calls, GPS, Compass, Fire Starter, Headlamp and Pistol in my HPG Kit Bag Chest Rig
Bugle tube over left shoulder
Small 8x binoculars over left shoulder
Boonie hat or beanie (depends on the temps)