Low-Mid Range Packs

[DIBBS]

Evening everyone,
Looking for advice/input on the best low-mid range packs. Main use would be day hunts with occasional 3-day weekend hunts. So far in my research I’ve found the Badlands 2200 as being a decent entry level pack. Price would be in the $200 range. I understand that nothing will be on par with Kifaru, Kuiu, MR, and SG, but is there anything in the low end that I’m overlooking? The outdoorsmans optics hunter looks pretty nice for the money. Also the Killik 2800 caught my eye but they have no reviews or background. Thanks in advance for the input!

 

[zeroforhire]

If I were you I would save a bit more and get a used kifaru bikini frame, then find a cheap bag to attach to it.

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[juan trueno]

Save another $100 and get a mystery ranch popup28 so you actually have something useful and functional -specifaically designed for the use you describe- like they heard you say that and then deigned it for you accordingly. I’d rather hand carry everything or wrap it in handkerchief on a stick than spend money a badlands.

 

[adamm88]

Check out slumberjack bounty 2.0, new they are about 250, i have one for sale pm me if interested. You could also run a big backpacking pack and pack the meat in the bag. Check out other used packs in the classifieds you could find something in your budget.


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[Farmingdale's Finest]

My son and I are running MR Glacier’s. 4300 cubic inches with better organization than the Metcalf. It’s rated for 90 pounds and I rucked this summer with up to 75lbs comfortably up to 5 miles while training. The metcalf is rated for 150 pounds and has the meat shelf but is almost twice as much. Paid about 250 on sale at Moosejaw and couldn’t be happier with the purchase. I added a Kifaru Strap kit to carry our bows hands free.


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[Jmac603]

I have this pack as well. I paid $262 on sale at backcountry.com Love it. Very similar to the MR Marshall, just smaller.

I’m curious about the compression kit.

Thanks,
Jason

My son and I are running MR Glacier’s. 4300 cubic inches with better organization than the Metcalf. It’s rated for 90 pounds and I rucked this summer with up to 75lbs comfortably up to 5 miles while training. The metcalf is rated for 150 pounds and has the meat shelf but is almost twice as much. Paid about 250 on sale at Moosejaw and couldn’t be happier with the purchase. I added a Kifaru Strap kit to carry our bows hands free.


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[Farmingdale's Finest]

I have this pack as well. I paid $262 on sale at backcountry.com Love it. Very similar to the MR Marshall, just smaller.

I’m curious about the compression kit.

Thanks,
Jason

Here’s mine with the Kifaru grab it. I don’t have a picture of my sons with the strap kit.

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[Jmac603]

Sweet. I am looking at the gun bearer. I can’t suggest this pack enough to the OP. It’s a great value.
Jason

Here’s mine with the Kifaru grab it. I don’t have a picture of my sons with the strap kit.

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[mrbillbrown]

I agree with buying a Kifaru frame and adding a bag strapped to it.

But....dollar for dollar it’s hard to beat the Horn Hunter full curl system.


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[DIBBS]

Check out slumberjack bounty 2.0, new they are about 250, i have one for sale pm me if interested. You could also run a big backpacking pack and pack the meat in the bag. Check out other used packs in the classifieds you could find something in your budget.


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I was looking at the Slumberjack line a little bit. Had my eye on the Deadfall 65. My biggest worry is adjustability. I have a larger torso at 6’2” and don’t want to buy something I haven’t had the ability to try on. Mainly because I already had to send a pack back that didn’t lengthen out long enough.

- - - Updated - - -

Save another $100 and get a mystery ranch popup28 so you actually have something useful and functional -specifaically designed for the use you describe- like they heard you say that and then deigned it for you accordingly. I’d rather hand carry everything or wrap it in handkerchief on a stick than spend money a badlands.

Sweet pics Juan. I had a MR that was almost like the pop up when I was on a 20-man handcrew for fires. It was definitely a GameChanger when it came to hauling any heavy loads and being comfortable all day. How’s it do for strapping a bow to it?

 

[juan trueno]

There’s a couple archery guys running a round here in the forum that seem to like them. It doesn’t have any straps across the back of it to strap anything down to or with so you’ll be Stapping it in on the side or between the frame and the pack. If you see how my rifle is strapped in with the meat in that one picture- I strap it in that way while I make my approach hike also and even without cam locking buckles I haven’t had a problem. I’d think you could lash it down in a way that makes you happy

 

[Young Blood]

Save another $100 and get a mystery ranch popup28 so you actually have something useful and functional -specifaically designed for the use you describe- like they heard you say that and then deigned it for you accordingly. I’d rather hand carry everything or wrap it in handkerchief on a stick than spend money a badlands.

Hahaha That is pretty funny about rather using a handkerchief and stick than the Badlands! I have actually used a Badlands 2200 since college (about 10 years now) and it has worked out pretty well. I have used it exactly as the OP plans to. I have packed out all of or part of 6 elk with it and it works. It's just not nearly as comfortable as it could be. Be prepared to pack most/all of the load on your shoulders. All that being said, I think Juan is right... save the extra $100 and get something with a bit better design if you will be packing meat on your back.

 

[DIBBS]

Hahaha That is pretty funny about rather using a handkerchief and stick than the Badlands! I have actually used a Badlands 2200 since college (about 10 years now) and it has worked out pretty well. I have used it exactly as the OP plans to. I have packed out all of or part of 6 elk with it and it works. It's just not nearly as comfortable as it could be. Be prepared to pack most/all of the load on your shoulders. All that being said, I think Juan is right... save the extra $100 and get something with a bit better design if you will be packing meat on your back.

Thanks for the input Young Blood. You’re right the main use will be as a day pack, however I don’t want to have to purchase a whole new pack set up if I decide to do a high country buck hunt for a few days. I like the look of most of the modular systems, I researched Horn Hunter Full Curl and the Alps Hybrid X. My main goal is something in the mid size range that could compact into a day pack but also have the ability to pack out a boned out Muley if I get back in somewhere (without it being on my shoulders).

 

[slick trick]

Don't Knock Badlands out just yet ! They have a new pack coming in January- 3 bag system- meathauler, might be something to look at I think its something like the Viavo

 

[backcountry_hunter]

In the OPs price range either Horn hunter full curl or MR's glacier or terraplane (non-usa obviously) would be the top packs in the <$300 range IMO.....

 

[DIBBS]

I saw that! They posted a video about in being released in 2019. Pretty much the same system as those others. Didn’t catch or see anything on price yet though.

 

[smokinbobf4]

I have been there! I started with a Remington bag from Walmart, lol, not used much. Then once I planned my first elk hunt I got a badlands super day, then badlands 2200, then mystery ranch pintler, and then ended with a stone glacier x curve 3300. The x curve is amazing! Basically the mystery ranch and stone glacier were in a different league. But as I trained with weight I found which worked and which didn’t. I thought once I bought an expensive pack (the mystery ranch) that all would be good, but it did not fit me at all and gave me terrible headaches and back aches with moderate load. My point is to try a few and return them if they don’t work. Not one pack is best for all people. Good luck


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[duchntr]

Just get a simple pack frame, you won't find anything in the same price range that'll carry a load as well, strap your day pack or a 65L dry bag to it. Also FWIW Id stay very far away from any of the packs sold at big box stores, I went down that road all I did was waste money.

 

[nickstevens2588]

There’s a couple archery guys running a round here in the forum that seem to like them. It doesn’t have any straps across the back of it to strap anything down to or with so you’ll be Stapping it in on the side or between the frame and the pack. If you see how my rifle is strapped in with the meat in that one picture- I strap it in that way while I make my approach hike also and even without cam locking buckles I haven’t had a problem. I’d think you could lash it down in a way that makes you happy

I dont own the 28 but looked into it alot. When not hauling meat you can use the 2 side compression straps that hook to the frame to hold a bow. The hardware provided is run opposite (male on one side, female on the other) so just lay the bow on there and instead of connecting the side compression strap to the frame, run them across the front and they hook right up. This would work great until you down an animal in witch case you would have to carry the bow.

If your anything like me and I'm sure may others on here, after seeing the sweet systems other guys are running on rokslide, and just what's out there in general, Your gonna want a higher end pack not long after you purchase one of the cheaper ones. So with months to go till season and that in mind.... just save the extra money, and get what you REALLY WANT.
Good luck!

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[aion2come]

check out the REI XT85. If you search on the classifieds, one has been listed that I don't believe has sold yet ... but it is buried in the classifieds somewhere.