Reckoning or Hoodlum

[sivart]

Wanting 5 day pack for archery elk. Have it narrowed down to one of the two. Can anyone list the pros and cons to both? I cannot decide if I like the center or side zip? Do they both have bladder sleeves?

 

[ErikM]

I don’t own either, but this mod below seems like it gives you the best of both worlds, enclosed side pockets and full zips....

View attachment 170804View attachment 170805View attachment 170807View attachment 170809

 

[mrbillbrown]

I don’t own either, but this mod below seems like it gives you the best of both worlds, enclosed side pockets and full zips....

Who did that work?

 

[Dschwan]

I have used the Reckoning for a few seasons and purchased the 44 mag this year. Cons for me on the Reckoning are the center zip and the open pockets. I see myself selling the Reckoning to purchase the Hoodlum for longer trips. The reckoning does not have a bladder sleeve just an awkward hanging loop and strap and the bladder goes between the frame and bag. There is not a hose port on the bag for internal badder mounting. I gave up on a bladder and just run a nalgene on the waist belt.

 

[BeaverHunter]

I've never used the Hoodlum but have used the Reckoning the last 2 seasons. No water bladder sleeve but I prefer the waist belt nalgene anyways. I actually like the open side pockets and center zip. I have never had anything fall out of the side pockets and they are very roomy, big enough to hold a spotting scope or bugle tube. I used the Reckoning on a 7 day November Idaho hunt and was able to fit 7 days worth of gear and food in it. I have the Claymore on top and a grab it. I like how it can go from small to large very easily and quickly. Overall I love it. Hope this helped.

 

[ErikM]

Who did that work?

Believe it was pods8, ”Rugged Stitching”???
Saw it on a past thread on the Hoodlum and I have to say looks really slick...

 

[Deadspace]

Who did that work?

@pods8 did it for me. Pretty good price too. It makes loading quarters into the bag WAY easier when you’re solo

 

[BackcountryBloodline]

I thought the bladder system on the reckoning was a bit janky at first but I've grown to really like it. No issues with the open side pockets for me, I like the fact that I can put taller items like trekking poles in them if need be. That modified hoodlum looks like a slick system though, nicely done @pods8

 

[CB4]

I have the hoodlum while my hunting partner has the reckoning. I like the zippered side pockets of the hoodlum. You can still keep longer items in there just with the zipper slightly undone. I chose it over the reckoning because it has less buckles/straps for compression. Also with the hoodlum it is easier to run belt pouches on the back vs the bottom of the reckoning. The hoodlum does not have a water bladder sleeve which is not a big deal to me. The only thing I do like more about the reckoning is the full center zip to really open up the pack. I like the mod Pods8 did to the one above but I would see more function of just creating one side as a full zip so you still can close the snow collar completely. I have both mine and my hunting partners packs currently so if you want any pictures side by side DM me. I will be packing them both this weekend for my trip next week.

 

[trophyhill]

my buddy has a Reckoning and loves it. its a great pack and not much not to like. i bought the Hoodlum/Duplex Light a few months ago and am loving it! did a 5 day pack in with it to start September, carried the 60# pack great! you can't go wrong either way. i love being able to access the main bag via zippers. when loading up i simply zipped up as i filled the bag. perfect for loading and unloading.