Rate Your Pack

B

bigoltom

Guest
I saw this thread on a similar site and thought it might not be a bad idea here, escpecially since I am in the market for a new pack. There are a lot of different packs out there, so lets here what pack you used this year and how it worked for you. Give it a rating from A+ all the way down to F-. Include pics of the packs in action, if you have any, and let's see what everyone liked or didn't like.

www.muleybulloutfitters.com
 
I use a hornhunter mainbeam xl and I give it an A+ very comfortable, 27 pockets so you are very organized which I like. Also the external meat packing system works awesome has 9 strapping points so your meat or horns and cape is secure and not sliding around. Also hornhunters new curl packs look pretty sweet as well I am looking to get it as well.
 
I used 2 packs this year. For day trips I use my Horn Hunter Mainbeam, I give it an A.
For trips where I know there is a chance I may pack out meat or a head or somthing that weighs a lot, I use the Horn Hunter Full Curl system. I give it an A+. They really nailed it with this pack. I had the oppertunity to take a great high country buck this fall and packed all the meat, head, hide, and all my gear with this pack. It was a very heavy load, but the pack was surprisingly comfortable. I would reccomend this pack to anyone who hauls meat. I don't have any pic's of the pack out because It was getting dark, and I was by myself.

}}-SLIVER-->
 
MYSTERY RANCH 6500 A+. I finally got to see this pack in action this year. It's rock solid durable. Allows heavy loads to stay balanced.Lots of versatility. Hands down the best pack I ever owned.
 
badlands 2800 good fit carry weight well. Just wished it had one big pocket instead of two small B+ BL 4500 fits good had frame break hip buckle break, but carries weight well.B Eberlestock j104 great pack when carried empty. Sucks when full shoulder straps feel uneven.C Bull pack sucks too much weight on shoulders instead of hip strap. D
 
Badlands 4500.
Carrys weight well! It fits like a dream. Never had a rip.

Cons
Tore two hip belts off. Broke two back stays. And I busted atlest 12 buckels. And the side pockets are to small to even put a roll of TP in!

D-


("For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9")
 
Mystery Ranch 6500 gets the A+ from me. Hauled out 3 animals this year with it. The last buck I killed I tried to carry all 4 quarters, backstraps, and tenderloins, rifle, tripod, spotter, everything all in one trip. It all fit and rode well on my back but it was too much weight for me to go uphill out of the hole I shot him in so did it in two trips.

Also tried the Sitka Flash 20 this year and have to give it a B-. The material is a bit too flimsy making it hard to zip and unzip. Like the spotting scope pocket. The arch in it to provide air flow between the pack and your back is nice other than it really takes away from being able to get much in the main compartment.

My next buy is the Mystery Ranch Dragonslayer. Never tried it but have heard great things about it. Seems to be the perfect day pack. Anyone have one?
 
The one I am curious about is the Outdoorsmans Pack System. That pack looks to be the best of both worlds. Anyone used it?
 
Here are my reviews. I can give more details if you would like.

Badlands 2200 B+
Badlands 2800 B
Badlands 4500 B

Badlands needs to fix the buckle issues. Too many break.

HornHunter Mainbeam XL D
Frame bent twice, very uncomfortable pack for me.

Blacks Creek Canadian and Alaskan B-
good fit, and functionality, but mine get squeeky. other issues also but minor

Sitka Bivy 30 C
too expensive, fabic wear problem.

Mystery Ranch 6500 A.
 
I almost forgot:

Eberlestock Just One j34

B+

Nothing better for packing a rifle or bow. The expandability is great. Zippers are top notch, and I love the loops on the zipper handles. Very comfortable, good load hauler.
 
Hornhunter Mainbeam XL A
For day trips or overnighters.

If you are packing in for more than a day and plan on packing out an animal, than expect to make more than one trip.
I would only give it a "B" for 2+ day trips-need a larger bag.

"Half of being smart, is knowing what you're dumb about."
 
I have the Mystery Ranch Crew Cab and give it an A+ for hauling heavy loads. But a B+ for the design just can't get used to the load cell system. I might purchase the new Wolf Alpha or the 6500.


Jerad
4495montana_2010_045.jpg
 
Badlands 2800 B+ Never had a problem with it, however I would like to see some things changed

2200 B, It will haul anything, but I dont like the one giant pouch, and it seems too tall on my back

OX I dont own one but have used it I would give this B, Still need to work out some kinks

Horn Hunter c+b- I have tried a few of these packs, but have never really felt comfortable in them.

Black Creek, Not sure on these kind, never really tinkered with them much





YOUR FAT!! DON'T TRY AND SUGAR COAT IT OR YOU WILL EAT THAT TOO!!
 
Nice Bull there Jared!

Looks like alot of Leverage to me!:D

God is Great!
Life is Good!
And People are Crazy!
I love not acting my age,
Damn I love my NASCAR race,
And Hell yes I love my Truck!
And a good BBQ!
I am Medicine And I am Poison!
 
JanSport Carson Backpack - 4900cu in
I think its a great pack for 100$ it has an external frame. The hip strap makes it feel like its only 2 pounds when you dont have anything in it. The only thing i dont like is that it doesnt have a scarab for your gun/bow, but for a bow you can tie it to the back. Overall i rate my pack an A- for hunting and A+ for just backpacking. The reason for that is the no scarab, i am thinking of ways to make one though.
 
LAST EDITED ON Jan-31-11 AT 03:54PM (MST)[p]I bought an Eberlystock J107 Dragonfly for my LE elk hunt and loved it! The scabbard came in nice while scaling the freak'n rock piles and the detachable waist pack was handy to have my muzzleloader gear in so I could ditch the main pack and lighten up for a stalk. I packed out a deboned back quarter, the bag with the cape and the rack in one load for 2 1/2 miles and preformed flawlessly. The only downfall is that it is a bit heavy and can load it down with too much weight for a day pack. I'd give it an A- only because of the weight of the empty pack.
2910mt._dutton_104.jpg
 
I received 3 Nimrod Packs last week. They are awesome.
I am using them for the next few weeks and will then
Post a review. I think they will get a good grade.
 
I used an Eberlestock J34 this past year. I am extremely happy with my purchase. When it was loaded with 75+ lbs of gear for a not so lightweight backpacking trip into the Passayten Wilderness, the suspension left a little to be desired. However, after adjusting the pack so that it sat higher on my hips and up over my shoulders a bit, the load lifter straps helped a little in taking some of the wait off my shoulders. I'd give the pack a solid B when loaded with that amount of weight.

The rest of the time, as a large daypack, I would rate it an A-. The pack is well layed out with just the right amount of pockets for organizing gear. I love the rifle scabbard, it is a very comfortable way to pack a rifle when negotiating steep terrain. The suspension is very comfortable when used as a daypack. Also, the pack compresses down small enough that it does not get in the way while stalking through thick forests.
 
Eberlestock X1: A-

Love the packs fit and larger main compartments.

Wish the smaller triangle compartments were a little bit bigger. Not ever sure about what to care in them.

Cabelas Outfitter Pack XL: C

I really like the pockets and set up of this pack.

Overall it is heavy for the size. Also started to blow out the stiching from packing out a moose head and cape.

Note: Cabelas did give me credit or offered to replace my pack due to the stiching issue. I went with the Eberlestock instead and have been very happy!
 
MR Crew Cab - Solid A. Can haul a load well, plus compact enough to function as a day pack.

MR NICE frame and Cerberus bag. Another A. Carries a load well plus enough room for 5 day bivy hunt.

Sitka 45. B-. Fairly lightweight, but not a fan of the flimsy shoulder straps. Also, not very confident in its load carrying capabilities.

BL Hypervent. B+. Comfortable day pack and I love the scope compartment.
 
Eberlestock j107 Dragonfly= B-
Performed great as daypack, plenty of pockets and comfortable for the most part, when loaded the pack kept slipping lower and lower on me. Even tightened up as much as I could get. A friend had a Blue Widow and was having the same issue.
I have been an eberlestock guy for the last 6 years since my first j105. I would gladly take back a j105, it just felt better and I don't know why.
Sold my j107 and will replace it with something else, not sure what yet.
 
Blacks Creek Barbarian Featherlite gets a A+ from me.
I packed out several critters this year and have no complaints.
 
I use a Badlands Superday for a daypack and Cabelas Alaskan guide for pack-in hunts.
BL gets a B+
Pros - great fit and extremely conforming, secures a gun or bow in the pullout pocket well, several securing straps, and relatively easy to access all compartments without pulling everything out. Can pack out some meat but only one hind quarter.
Cons: No back vent space, side/waist pockets nearly impossible to access without removing and I've pulled off 2 zipper tabs on the side pockets. (Haven't sent it in for replacing them yet.)

Cabelas pack is a frame with removable pack and gets a B.
Pros: Very comfortable even with 100+ lbs on the frame. I like the versitility of removing the pack and only using the frame for meat as it keeps the pack clean for packing out gear. Also it's a relatively inexpensive pack.
Cons: Realtively heavy as a pack in pack (I think 12 lbs.)
 
Badlands Superday B : Really comfortable and holds a lot. A little sweaty (but so am I) Had to send back twice due to broken zippers.

Balands 2200 B+ : Very comfy also a bit sweaty (see above). Needs bigger pockets on the waist. I like the dual entry

Horn Hunter Mainbeam XL C : Had high hopes for this pack but doeas not fit me well. I have wide shoulders and it never fit right. Too big for day trips but would be great for a 3-4 days.
 
I've been using the Badlands Hypervent. Its a great pack for lion hunting, I can carry the stuff I need for the dogs and some snacks for myself, but I dont really like it for any other hunting. Its a little loud (creaks) when I move, cant keep a rifle on my shoulder (strap slips off pack strap way too easy) and it doesnt have the specialized storage space I would like.

I'll be looking for another hunting pack.

www.nationwidehuntingadventures.com
 
MR Crew Cab. C- I wanted to love this pack especially for the money you pay. It is built like a tank. I used it on one hunt and absolutely hated it. The shoulder straps pinched me where my front shoulder/armpits meet. Very uncomfortable for me.

BL 2200 B- I'm 5-9 and the pack seems too long for me and I can't cinch the waist belt tight enough.

BL 2800 B+ pretty much use it for everything except trips over 3 days. Could use more useful pockets.

BC Barbarian Featherweight. Can't rate it just yet. Like the design but it needs a few more pockets for organization. I should be able to give it a rating this year.

JR
 
I have an Eberlestock J104 and two Cabelas Alaska 1 plus frame. The Eberlestock is great for day hunting and some overnights. No breakage or sewing problems of any kind. This is a well built product. I love the rifle scabbard especially when packing meat. Last year I packed a whole mature buck muley (quartered)in one pack about 4 1/2 miles. I have also hauled numerous elk quarters. There is no perfect pack when hauling meat. It is never easy.This pack is comfortable to have on your back all day.
The Cabelas packs are extrenal frame. They are awkward when carrying a rifle. The large main compartment is super for packing quarters. I once packed a half a spike bull out in one pack with this pack. They are tough and durable. They are a pain to wear all day as a day pack.The frame and your rifle will bang into each other when the rifle is over your shoulder. I prefer this pack for longer trips and when I am hunting and can go back for it after taking an animal.
 
Eberlestock Dragonfly B+, I love so much about it. Once you use the gun scabbard, you will wonder how you lived without it. It works great for climbing straight up mtns. Not sure yet about long hikes with an elk in the pack.

Badlands 2200 D, I loved the size. I could pack in for 3-4 days with it. Hated the fact that buckles broke, water is stored inside directly above your gear (what if it leaked), my back would sweat so bad. There is more, but I can't remember it all. When I sold it, I told the guy everything I hated about it and the reason for selling it, but it didn't even faze him. Maybe I don't know what I am talking about.
 
Badlands 2200....A

--Can't say any thing bad at all! Yes, the buckles may break here & there.....They'll send you as many as you want! Nothing is Bulletproof!!!!!

Badlands OX.....A

--Awesome as well!!
 
E-stock 104, A for sure.Have had it three years and no problems.Have the camp/bivy add on for packing in camp and I use it as a day pack now too. My Cabellas Alaska frame pack is good but I just take it for help from others packing out if needed....
 
Another thumbs up for the E-stock j104. I call it a "heavy daypack". I've hauled some stupid heavy loads with mine....I'll break before it does. Not sure I'd choose it over my Cabela's Alaskan external frame for backpack hunting though.....




the artist formerly known as "gemstatejake".
 
1. Mystery Ranch Longbow, A+ and I've got lots of use out of it. My favorite.
2. Cabelas Elite Scout pack size large, B- good for real light weight stuff.
3. Badlands 2200, F just dont like it. at all
4 Badlands Whitetail Hybrid, B+, good daypack, I like the magnet pockets but the zippers on the from are on backwards because walking through brush will open them but it is still a B+
5. Mystery Ranch Crew Cab, only an A but it could be because I use the Longbow and just haven't got used to it yet
6. Camelbak, C don't know which model it is but it is ok for real light stuff but has NO SUPPORT
flyingbrass
cold dead hands
NRA Life Member
 
Badlands 2200 - B+
Great pack and can haul a lot of weight.
Its a little to long for my body.
Hands down the best pack I have owned. If I lost it I would buy another one.
 
Badlands 2800 - C

Very comfortable but doesn't seem to hold up. I've used it for four years and it has broken down three times (Buckles and now zippers). A waranty is worthless to me when I still have 75% of an elk to get off a mountian with a broken pack. I will not be using it any more.

Badlands 2200 - D

Could be a good pack for some, but it's way to long for me (I'm 5'9")
 

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