Badlands Summit or Tenzing?

[Longbow42]

I am going on a goat hunt this September in BC. This will most likely be my only hunt like this as I am getting older. I have it narrowed down between Badlands Summit and Tenzing TZ6000. I will most likely sell it after my 12 day hunt. I need it to carry my bow as well. Which do you guys think is the better option? I am very tall and will need to do 2-4 night trips from the base cabin/shack.
Thank you.

 

[mtnwrunner]

I am going on a goat hunt this September in BC. This will most likely be my only hunt like this as I am getting older. I have it narrowed down between Badlands Summit and Tenzing TZ6000. I will most likely sell it after my 12 day hunt. I need it to carry my bow as well. Which do you guys think is the better option? I am very tall and will need to do 2-4 night trips from the base cabin/shack.
Thank you.

Man, that's like choosing between Obama and Hillary................................

If you have made your mind up between those two, my opinion is that you would be better off with the TZ 6000 or whichever one of those FITS you better. Now mind you, I have never tried those exact two packs but I have a lumbar pack from TZ and it's okay---never been impressed with badlands. FWIW.

Randy

 

[Manosteel]

If it's between those two packs go with the Bad lands Summitt. I have one that they sent me a couple years ago to replace the older 4500 I had sent in for Warrenty repair. I have used the BL Summit for training purposes with upto 80lbs and it did the job, comfort wasn't anywhere near that of my Kifura pack but it has functional load lifters and you can sift the wieght from hips to shoulders as needed. my son has used the BL Summit to haul deboned moose quarters and again not super comfy but it worked. Plus the BL summit only wieghts 5lbs 15 oz on my scale.

 

[HardcoreHunter]

If it's between those two packs go with the Bad lands Summitt. I have one that they sent me a couple years ago to replace the older 4500 I had sent in for Warrenty repair. I have used the BL Summit for training purposes with upto 80lbs and it did the job, comfort wasn't anywhere near that of my Kifura pack but it has functional load lifters and you can sift the wieght from hips to shoulders as needed. my son has used the BL Summit to haul deboned moose quarters and again not super comfy but it worked. Plus the BL summit only wieghts 5lbs 15 oz on my scale.

I would have to disagree. THe Tenzing 6000 is hands down more comfortable with loads IMO than the Badlands. Plus it has more adjustability than the badlands, and wont have buckles breaking all the time like the badlands. I have had alot of Badlands over the years and always had issues with buckles and zippers. I now own Kifaru, so for what its worth, maybe pick up a used pack and save for a Kifaru.

 

[Manosteel]

I would have to disagree. THe Tenzing 6000 is hands down more comfortable with loads IMO than the Badlands. Plus it has more adjustability than the badlands, and wont have buckles breaking all the time like the badlands. I have had alot of Badlands over the years and always had issues with buckles and zippers. I now own Kifaru, so for what its worth, maybe pick up a used pack and save for a Kifaru.

Really? Maybe you should ask the moderators what happened to the Tenzing Review they had done on the pack when Rokslide first started back in 2012.

But as you said the OP should save an extra $150 and get a used Kifaru or Stone Glacier pack, options for good packs are so many now we don't have to get packs from Box stores anymore.

 

[HardcoreHunter]

Not trying to get in pissing match, only stating personal experiences. I have had both brands of packs. Just stating what I have experienced first hand. But yet he should look for a used Kifaru or Stone Glacier, much better packs.

 

[Shrek]

Nothing a roll of duct tape , fist full of 550 cord , and your knife to make some holes with can't get you through...maybe. If the plastic stays break in the summit then it's going to be long and miserable hike out.. I couldn't imagine hanging my BC goat hunt on a Vietnam / China special. Everything you have is going on your back and there isn't a Cabelas 20 min away. There isn't that much you have to have and the whole kit isn't that much money in the scheme of a high dollar goat hunt. Buy the best and sell it when you get back and the hit won't be terrible. Buy a used Kifaru or Stone Glacier and when you get back and sell it you probably won't loose much more than the shipping. Buy new and you would loose a quarter to a third maybe. Nothing is 100% guaranteed to never fail but Kifaru and SG use the best quality components made and it would be unlikely that you would end up fighting your pack. Almost guaranteed that you are going to break something on an Asian special in 12 days of hard use in the mountains.

 

[300WSM]

If you don't want to spend a lot of cash you probably end up with a better quality pack if you went with the REI XT 85 or Osprey Aether 70. Plus it would be much easier to sell after the hunt. I have the Osprey and have been pleased with it.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I would agree the REI XT85 would do just as well. If set on the two mentioned I would go with the Badlands and reinforce the stays. I had the 4500 stays break, but no problems after reinforcing them. I had bad experiences with the Tenzing.

 

[Elkfitness]

If you are an rei member, you can get 20% off one item this weekend. $20 to join if not a member. You can try the pack out for the summer (up to a year) and return it for a refund if you decide tongi another direction.

 

[Longbow42]

Thanks everyone. I did look at that REI Osprey Aether and it looks nice, plus it's 30% off through tomorrow. It looks like there are two straps to attach my bow if needed. I may just go that route. Thanks again.

 

[mrbillbrown]

Might take a look at the Horn Hunter Full Curl System. For the money it's a pretty solid set up that won't break the bank.

 

[Randle]

PM sent

 

[stevenm2]

good luck with your search for the right pack.
I had a badlands 4500 and was treated well by their support group. They fixed my pack when I broke it (every time) I had it all fixed and sold it to a buddy. He loves it and has not broken anything...yet
Next I went the Mystery Ranch route. I could never quite get comfortable with that pack However I did carry 100lbs up my local training hill on my 60th birthday. Sold it and now have a used Kifaru duplex with Nomad. After some messing around with the right sized belt and straps it is Very comfortable and very capable as well.
I would strongly suggest for a trip of a lifetime you don't go with questionable equipment.
The resale of Kifaru, Mystery Ranch or Stone Glacier is MUCH higher than a used Tenzing or Badlands pack will ever be.

 

[Floorguy]

I would ditto the rei xt85 or other osprey pack on sale. You could also look into the ilbe pack and save even more money. The ilbe is on the heavier side but you could do some cutting to drop some weight

 

[Northernpiker]

PM sent.

 

[In God We Trust]

I run two Badlands pack right now. I have had one for 8 years and the OX I have been using for 3 years. I know there are more comfortable packs out there but they both get the job done. People that talk like they are equivalent to Wal-Mart packs make me laugh.