>Look at Mystery Ranch Nice Frame
>and Crew Cab. Folds flat,
>below the shoulder, will carry
>more than your body can
>handle. Not camo, but brown.
>The Osprey packs are awsome,
>but can't do bright red.
>
+1... best pack on the market at the moment IMO. With out a doubt the BEST waist belt out there, and the suspension is probaly the best as well or dang close to it. Its also modular so you can take the 'crew cab' (day pack) off the frame and swap it for a big hauler if you want to pack in camp. The crew cab opens up enough to easily carry an elk quarter when the hunt is over.
I would recomend a double duty pack over 2 packs. You'll have about as much money wraped up in one as 2, and I'd rather have one nice pack as opposed to two crappy ones. I've also heard good things about the Eberlestock packs wich are also double duty packs.
I had a Badlands 2200 last season and didn't care for it at all, its not even in the same league as the MR Crew Cab, not a bad day pack, but thats about it, definately not a dual purpose pack. I would think packing any more than 35-40 pounds would be pretty painful if it was very far.
Camelbak picked up the Mystery Ranch line and is selling them under their brand name at a lower price point, but also at a slightly lower materal spec. from what I understand, I'm sure they will still better than 99% of the packs out there.
I have a High Country deer/elk trip this fall, I plan on hunting 3-4 nights at a time and am taking my Crew Cab as my only pack. With a Lid and a Load Cell I will be able to get everything I need with out any problems, plus will have a real day pack to pack around my spotter and hunting stuff.
They aren't made from 'quiet' material by any means, but I've not noticed it being a problem, or even noticing any noise from it. It sits behind your back and is really out of the way of any raking branches. Granted I've only used it on one hunt, but it packed this critter out with ease 3.5 miles.