Backpack - frame vs no frame

D

dpollard

New member
I am looking at getting a backpack for this upcoming hunting season. The 2 I have looked at thus far are the Badlands 2200 and the Badlands Superday. The 2200 has an internal frame while the Superday does not.

I plan to use the pack for elk and deer hunting as a daypack. My concern with the 2200 is it may be too big. However, is having a frame important enough to maybe buy a pack that is a little bigger than I think I need? I guess my gut is telling me I'd rather have more room than I need than not have enough but I think I could easily get by with the smaller (Superday) pack.
 
Frame is always better IMO. Even if it's internal. It really helps with weight distribution and keeps stuff well organized by preventing the gear from shifting.

Far a day pack, the fanny pack style guys work for me. They're cooler, with the back open there is more air circulation. I like them for that. But get one with the harness that goes over your shoulders.

For animal pack out, a nice meat packing frame is as good as it gets. Distributing the weight is a mist with that much weight back there!
 
I checked out the X2. Now I cannot decide which pack I like more, the Badlands 2200 or the Eberlestock X2. My only concern with the X2 is it does not come with a way to pack a rifle w/out buying an additional accessory and adding to the cost. The 2200 can be bought for $179 brand new and my local retailer will sell me the X2 for the same price but w/out the rifle carrier.

Any other input to help me decide between these 2 packs?
 
Badlands Legendary Warranty

We don't care what happened, or whose fault it was, we will fix it for free forever. We could care less if you bought it at a garage sale or a gear swap, as long as it says Badlands, it's covered. All we ask is that you use and abuse your pack as much as possible so we can learn how to make our products even better.


Eberlestock Warranty

We offer a Simple Lifetime Warranty on our products.  If an Eberlestock product fails under normal use due to a defect in materials or workmanship, we will either repair or replace it, at our option.  If we choose to replace the item, it will be with an equal or better product, but we cannot guarantee availability of an identical product.


With this warranty, spelled out, and the cheaper price, the badlands is a no brainer.
 
I've got a Badlands 2200 and like it pretty well. I have used it to hunt pretty rugged desert country for mule deer and it has withstood all I threw at it. I put all of a nice-sized 4x4 muley buck in it in 2012 and packed it off the mountain - no issues. I also have an Eberlestock (I think it's a Gunslinger) that's pretty nice too. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the aluminum stays that would make it so much more pleasant to carry. I like the idea of the rifle scabbard in the Eberlestock, but be sure to get one with the stays. Between the 2200 and an Eberlestock without a scabbard, I'd definitely get the 2200. I'll probably be packing the 2200 again this fall, unless I get carried away and spring for the Eberlestock J34.

Sorry, I got derailed by the Badlands vs. Eberlestock issue. To answer you initial question - get the 2200 with the frame. You'll like it much more in the long run. The 2200 can be snugged up to really hug your back like a daypack, but will easily expand to accommodate a lot of gear or a whole mule deer.
 
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