EMR 2 vs Nomad

[Mad Mountain Mike]

I'm sure this has been discussed before but I can't seem to find it.
It seems that most guys who have the EMR really like it and that a lot of people seem conflicted about the Nomad ( read a lot of reviews and opinions on here ). I'm just wondering what the difference is other than the main bag being attached on the EMR? I really like the idea of being able to drop the camp bag and also being able to mount a rifle scabbard between the frame and camp bag.
From the guys who own one or both bags what is the reason for the wide difference of opinion between the two?

 

[mrbillbrown]

I haven't handled a Nomad bug absolutely love my EMR2. Granted, I don't have near the experience most guys have but for my usage it's perfect. I like having the main bag attached and how it folds out of the way when not needed. The main bag can be folded flat and still use the lower pockets on the main bag if needed. Also, having the main bag attached allows for a pretty quick "blow out" when I want to overload the bag and carry a massive awkward load. The couple of times I've wanted to do a "drop camp" style trip I just pulled my dry bag out of the main bag, folded very thing flat, and kept on rolling. Worked very slick.

In regards to the nomad style bag, I didn't want to have to rely on separate pockets, pouches, or a larger dry bag for extra storage between the wings. I think I'd spend more time trying to figure out which "perfect" configuration I needed next for the different usage. I wouldn't like relying only on the wings and 3 straps to hold items. I like the camp bag, or emr2 attached bag, to hold everything together and not worry about catching things just right.

Just my experiences and opinions. Hopefully more experienced guys will jump in and offer advice.

 

[castandblast]

I have only used the Nomad, not the EMR II. I bought it based on the versatility and found that it takes some time and use to get things dialed in. Once I got through the learning curve, I really liked using it with or without the camp bag.

Last week it worked slick as a day pack all by itself for spring bear. I stashed a grab-it and hanging meat bag in one zippered pocket with kill and fire kits. Shell and puffy went in the other, with lunch and snacks. Water and sit pad in the shock corded pockets, spotter/tripod next to the frame in a gun bearer. Didn't need a lid or extra pouches. When I reached a glassing point I popped the three buckles and could get to everything I needed without digging deep.

The more I use it, the more I like it.

 

[luke moffat]

The EMR 2 can do everything the nomad can do. The reverse is not true. Yes you can drop the camp bag from the nomad but what are you really saving weight wise anyway? Of course I am biased but I view the nomad as a bit to gimmicky and I like the one stop shop of the emr 2 and no need to buy or add accessories to make it work the way I want to.

 

[neverquit]

I like the idea of the emr2 but I've never handled one.

I have the nomad with camp back. And gun bearer. I took it out for a 4day bear hunt. It worked perfectly. I think I could have got away without the camp bag in fact any backpack trip I do this summer 3days or less I'll leave the camp bag at home. Very configurable. I can imagine a situation. It could not be adapted to.

 

[dreamingbig]

I like the nomad because it is lighter for day hunts than the emr2 and it functions better without a lid in my opinion. That said I rarely carry the size of loads Luke does.

 

[Scotto]

Bought the Nomad. It works. Go with what fits your style.