Hellbender vs Bedlam

[Rsudduth36]

Looking at investing in a Kifaru Pack. It seems like the Reckoning and 44 mag are great all around packs but I’m a big fan of the front bane style pocket on both the hellbender and bedlam.

I don’t see me taking any hunts over 5 days where I couldn’t get back to the vehicle to resupply in the near future so I’m looking for a good pack that I can comfortably hunt up to 4/5 days and be able to pack a good amount of meat out with.

Recommendations on route to go since this will be my first pack? Also if you have one for sale I’m interested.

Also looking for pictures or recommendations on how to rig these packs out to get the most out of them. Guide lid etc..

I only archery hunt, probably will be solo most of the time, and don’t have a spotter yet.


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[buffsmoker]

To start....I wouldn't recommend putting either of them on your feet.

 

[Rsudduth36]

To start....I wouldn't recommend putting either of them on your feet.

I didn’t realize this was in the footwear forum.. I’m dumb

 

[buffsmoker]

Joking aside...to answer your question, I'd say the Bedlam is the better option for multi day trips. I love my Stryker XL, but for longer trips I bump up capacity and simplicity with a different bag.

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[fngTony]

it’s in the backpack forum now

 

[Benlarsen21]

To start....I wouldn't recommend putting either of them on your feet.

 

[Cascade_Sherpa]

Are you considering picking up a gently used Gen 1 44 Mag or waiting until the new Gen 2 gets released? I had the original one and hunted with it as my main pack for several years and it worked really well...the only downside was it didn't have the volume I needed for late season backpacking hunts but I would get around it by just running my sleeping bag on the outside of the pack in a dry bag compressed to the 44 Mag....sometimes it wasn't pretty but it worked. Several buddies also have the 44 Mag and they packed lighter than me and it worked for them or they used a Sherman or Large Pouch on the Molle webbing....the original was a very versatile pack and several times I regretted selling it....but the new Gen 2 looks like an even better one, I really like the improvements they have implemented.

 

[prm]

The Hellbender itself won’t be big enough for all your gear. However, a lightweight and inexpensive dry sack in the load shelf area works very well in my opinion. Keep all day hunting gear in the main bag and camp in the dry bag. Pull out the dry bag once at camp site and you’re ready to hunt. The meat can then go against frame. Think through how you want haul all your gear, just day hunt gear, and then meat. The Hellbender style pack is different than the large bags. I much prefer that style and use the similar Stryker XL for 5 day hunts. I have an ultralight dry sack that is ~60L and weighs only 2-3 oz. I do not expand the dry sack fully away from the frame so I use less than the 60L total, though still plenty for my tent, bag, pad, food, a couple layering pieces, and a Ti stove.
I had a Reckoning, and others, and learned the large single bag style packs were not my preference.

 

[Marble]

I have both the hellbender and the Bedlam. I haven't used the bedlam yet, but i liked the layout of the hellbender so much i got the larger version.

The hellbender can quell for a few nights. I could probably do 3-4 nights in it of it is late summer early fall. But the problem is there is no extra room to pack anything out. That's why I got the bigger version.

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[SkunkCabbage]

Bedlam. You won’t ever regret having a slightly bigger bag. I had a Stryker XL that was way too small for my likings and the hellbender I think would be in the same boat.

Love my Dall and the old muskeg 7k. I’m all reality one only needs a 7k + bag to do it all from dayhunts to big trips. And the weight is negligible.

 

[shootnrun]

I can do 4 nights in my hellbender with a 20l dry sack during aug/sept hunts, but it can't pull off Oct or later when more clothes and gear are needed. I could get a larger dry sack, but I don't like having the bag pushed that far away from my body, personally. For the couple longer trips I do later in the season I bust out my muskeg 7k and don't have a worry. I prefer the tighter package of the hellbender for nearly everything I can get away with. I'm sure you could start with the hellbender and frame, and find a larger used bag here in the classifieds.

 

[Rsudduth36]

Are you considering picking up a gently used Gen 1 44 Mag or waiting until the new Gen 2 gets released? I had the original one and hunted with it as my main pack for several years and it worked really well...the only downside was it didn't have the volume I needed for late season backpacking hunts but I would get around it by just running my sleeping bag on the outside of the pack in a dry bag compressed to the 44 Mag....sometimes it wasn't pretty but it worked. Several buddies also have the 44 Mag and they packed lighter than me and it worked for them or they used a Sherman or Large Pouch on the Molle webbing....the original was a very versatile pack and several times I regretted selling it....but the new Gen 2 looks like an even better one, I really like the improvements they have implemented.

I’d be open to either, I always here nothing but great things about those bags


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[shootnrun]

As for loadouts/packing, here is my old Stryker XL(damn near same ci as my new bender), meat bag, and way too much day hunt crap loaded out this past season. I run a Gen 2 claymore for TP, tags, small snacks, med kit etc. Mini belt pouch for iodine, calls, headlamp, etc. And carry an extra set of straps to lock down the bow to the back.
When heading in for a few nights, swap the meat bag for a dry sack of gear and it looks similar, less a dead elk.

 

[prm]

How do you like the Stryker XL vs. the Hellbender? I’ve considered a Hellbender as I’ve had a Stryker and Stryker XL. Do you find the XPac to be an improvement, or not? I don’t have any glaring need to change, Just like trying things.
Edit: the other aspect of the HB That raises questions to me is the fact that the bag uses 3 of the 4 slots on the side of the Ark frame. Leaves only one slot for dedicated load shelf straps. The Stryker allows for 2. Perhaps a non-issue, but it gives me pause.

 

[shootnrun]

I liked aspects of each and feel like I would change a few things on the HB that make it perfect. I use the bag to compress the load shelf, so that isn't something I worry about, 2 on each side and the top straps kept loads from shifting. I also don't really care much about blood staining. The lumbar pad absorbs blood and stinks the most if not pulled and rinsed, especially with the PNW rains. Otherwise let is soak and rinse a few times.. The stains don't break the functionality.
I liked the hydro sleeve on the panel of the SXL, so my hydro hose would reach whether packing meat or not, rather than having one that is far too long for daily hunting just so it'll reach when packing meat and the bag is pushed back a ways. I also liked a bit of Molly on the panel so I could keep the claymore tucked against the panel. Kept the whole kit tighter and therefor quieter when slipping through trees.
At the end of the day, the cleanliness of the attached bane pocket over the grabit, touch of extra space, and lighter weight convinced me to switch. Plus I like tinkering with new gear.