questions about the Badlands 4500

[Backcountry]

The blowout in the JHO store right now is unbelievable... I am seriously thinking about getting this pack...

...but, I've never tried one on and don't know how the fit will be. From the picture it doesn't look like the torso length is adjustable (is it?)... I'm 6'1" and my current pack is extremely comfortable, and while it hauls big, heavy loads quite well, it is a "backpacking" backpack and not a "backpack-hunting" backpack.

That said, the Badlands 4500 is very similar to my Mountainsmith Spectre which is about a 500 c.u. pack, internal frame, very well padded, etc...

Honestly, the only thing my current pack is not set up to do well is haul meat... the meat has to go inside the pack, and that makes for a nice mess. The only reason I'm cinsidering upgrading packs is to have a pack that is better suited to hauling meat... the Badlands 4500 claims to have an "integrated meat shelf", but there are no pictures of what that might actually look like, so I have no clue if it will work well.

I'm also interested in the Cabelas frame packs, but only the lightest models available... Cabelas has one that is listed at 12 pounds, which is ludicrous... my Mountainsmith weighs 4 lbs on the button, and is bombproof (It's got over 1000 miles and many moons and not a single tear or other problem).

If I buy the Badlands 4500, it has to be because the extra 3 lbs (it's listed as a 7.4 lb pack) in "features" somehow makes it a better pack than my already damn good Mountainsmith pack.

Anyway, if anybody can provide some details, likes, dislikes, comparisons, etc... I'd appreciate it!

Backcountry http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/archer.gif

p.s. Here&#39;s a pic of me in the Mokelumne Wilderness this past August using the Mountainsmith pack.

http://www.jesseshunting.com/photopost/data/511/13239me-packing_sm.jpg

[SierraFool]

BC....I researched a pack for exactly what your talking about for over a year. I wanted one specificly for Backpack Hunting and not a Backpacking pack for hunting. What I found is that the problem with Backpacking packs are there is no other way to pack meat out other than the way you described.
I also found that Backpacking pack are light but not rugged, the material is not suited for rubbing on rocks or through bushes. They are designed to stay on the trail.
I found 3 packs that I would even consider and just bought one of them.

First check out Mystery ranch (http://www.mysteryranch.com/catalog/)
Look under Military at the N.I.C.E. frame, this is one you have to add another bag to it.

The other is the Badlands 4500 Badlands pack (http://www.badlandspacks.com) it was my second choice and the only reason I didnt buy this one was that it was not able to expand more than 4500ci. I know that this would sufficient for everything you do or need in the backcountry. Cameron Hanes has used this pack for years and had no complaints, and at Jesses price WOW!!! how can you go wrong and if you didnt like it you could sell it for what or more than you paid for it. http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smiley-cool-shades-down.gif

The one I just went with is the Eberlestock J105 Eberlestock (http://www.eberlestock.com) The reason I went with this was based on alot of Hardcore backpack hunters are swearing by it. Also its expandable from 2200ci to 7000ci!!! It also has a open mesh meat shelf for keeping meat cool. I paid $275 plus shipping for this pack and a "spike duffel" I bought it from a great guy named Ed at Trophyhuntoutfitters (http://www.trophyhuntoutfitters.com)

I really love this pack but for Jesses price on the Badlands, thats a sweet deal, you cant go wrong either way.

[SierraFool]

BC....one more thing I upgraded from the Cabelas frame....it worked ok but compared to the ones above. theres no comparison!!!

[in2blacktail]

I thought about buying this pack also but reconsidered especially for the value and price.
I am sticking to external frames packs just for the simple fact of configuration options. With an external, you can just take the frame and a small bag and turn it into a framed fanny, great for the day hunt. Plus if you arrow something you have the frame there to strap in the meat.
You can also add your large bag onto the frame for a 4-5 day adventure. You can take your bag off and use the handipak system to support your meat load from the bottom and comperssion strap the heck out of it from the sides. It just seems to me the options are endless with a good external pack.


Here is a pic from last year rigging my frame pack as a fanny day pack.

[SierraFool]

I agree with In2... after seeing his pic. If you decided to stick to external frame go with a Molle frame or check out the "Hardcore Hunt Pack" by Jannsenns outdoors. They dont have a website but have seen it in Eastmans mags. Also they will let you have a 30 day money back guarantee.
I cant attest to these types of frames but compared to the Cabelas Alaskan that I had the Molle frame is way low profile and looks more comfy.
Also you have to take into consideration of sound, if you are hunting with it on like I do a Cabelas alasken is not what you want. Way to noisy....I had to use black electrical tape on everything.

If you really want to go external, definitly look at that NICE frame at Mystery Ranch, it has a straight packboard but use a super comfy backframe and supports. Mystery Ranch is known for super comfortable packs. The original owner was Dana Gleason of Dana designs.

[SierraFool]

BC...So, did you get the Badlands?