I'm planning a Guided Colorado archery hunt in September. Trying to gear up for this trip, but plan for a potential DIY drop camp type hunt in the coming years.

Looking for a pack that has bow and rifle carrying capability and is tough enough to haul an Elk quarter strapped to the outside (hopefully get to test this!). Up for suggestions on frame or no frame and other features to look for.

$250ish budget, looking at the Badlands Diablo Dos or Superday and adding a rain fly. Who has what, and what do you like about it?

I have a Badlands day pack. Bought it about 8 years ago...can't remember the model name but it was kind of flimsy and didn't hold up great against an elk quarter.

I upgraded to the Eberle Stock Team Elk pack. Much stiffer frame. I've put hundreds of miles on it and hauled out ten elk. It holds up pretty well under heavy loads. It has a fold out rifle pocket and enough straps across it to hold my bow in place.

My next pack will probably be from Mystery Ranch. They have good reviews and I like their configurations on their multi day packs.

Mystery ranch seems a little steep for me, but the eberlestock packs are not much more than the Badlands.

Thanks for the info on the Badlands packs, that's the type of feedback I'm looking for.

Can probably find something serviceable on the rokslide classifieds

Someone was talking about the Alps Commander Frame on here a while back. They seem like a sturdy budget option. My only concern was that it doesn't appear to have any load lifters on the shoulder straps.

shaynew1 said:

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Can probably find something serviceable on the rokslide classifieds

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I'll check it out, thanks. Already tracking some eBay deals.

A.G.S. said:

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Someone was talking about the Alps Commander Frame on here a while back. They seem like a sturdy budget option. My only concern was that it doesn't appear to have any load lifters on the shoulder straps.

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I saw that one on Amazon, it's probably bigger than what I'm looking for, but seems to be a great deal compared to similar packs. It weighs almost 8 lbs empty, but that's not that bad comparing to some ~$500 Systems.

I bought a mystery ranch on camofire for 40% off. I love it. It does everything you would want for a back country hunt. Mine is the pintler. I added a kifaru "sherman pocket" to give enough room for multi-night bivy camping.

shaynew1 said:

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Can probably find something serviceable on the rokslide classifieds

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I would do this and look for a used Exo Mountain, Stone Glacier, Mystery Ranch, or Kifaru. I think you'll be happier with the functionality and comfort of one of these packs over a new, less expensive pack.

If doing a drop camp where the outfitter hauls your things in and out, you may consider only buying a quality fame this year and adding a bag later. For example, for a $100 more than your budget you can get a new Exo pack frame that will haul out meat and you could strap your weapon to it.

I have a buddy with the Alps commander and it seems to be pretty good, but it just seems giant and heavy. Frame is solid tho. I had an eberlestock and sold it for an Exo. Eberlestock was OK. Frame was beefy but didn't fit me quite right and I didn't like the bag layout. A buddy has been using the Eberlestock team elk pack and he seems to think it's pretty good for him.

For a pack you get what you pay for. I tried two different cheap options for a couple years before I but the bullet and went with an Exo... Rokslide classifieds is a great place to look for a good, used pack

The Rokslide site is awesome! Thanks for the tips there. I just brokered a deal on a Eberlestock X2 for $80....Not the top end, but very functional for what I'm looking for. I have time to fill it with sand bags and hit some trails just to check it out. If I don't like it for long range, it'll become my stand pack and I'll look for an Exo.

Thanks for all the help!

I have an Alps Extreme system, and LOVE IT. I ordered the frame years ago for a meat pack. It hauls 100+ lbs as comfortable as 100lbs can possibly be. After a couple season of use as a pure meat hauler, I moved to CO and ordered the large bag to make it a true backcountry pack. Got the bag, and it wouldn't zip to the frame, seems they changed the teeth count on the zipper. 1 email and 1 quick phone call to Alps, and they were shipping me a brand new frame for FREE. No hassel. I even had purchased everything on secondary sites (not direct), and they didn't care. Stood behind their product.

I love that I can pack my entire camp in, dump the big bag and just use the frame and small bag as a day pack. Or just use the top for a small hip bag. Or just the frame for meat (has a very good meat shelf & straps). And, for my last trip down, I can fit an elk 1/4 on the frame and strap the whole bag on top. Super versatile.

I have packed our 4-7 animals (elk, deer, & bears) in the mountians each year for the past 3 years, and did 5 total elk the two years before that. I also use it for several backcountry pack trips each summer. This thing is rugged, and I abuse the crap out of it. Most comfortable frame pack I have strapped on. And the price is awesome.

You might consider a gun-bearer for a weapon carry system. I bought the Kifaru and used for my elk trip this year and then again at Laguna Atascosa NWR a couple weeks ago and can't imagine messing with a sling etc now. Works whether you are in hunting or packing mode.

cupofjoe04 said:

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I have an Alps Extreme system, and LOVE IT. I ordered the frame years ago for a meat pack. It hauls 100+ lbs as comfortable as 100lbs can possibly be. After a couple season of use as a pure meat hauler, I moved to CO and ordered the large bag to make it a true backcountry pack. Got the bag, and it wouldn't zip to the frame, seems they changed the teeth count on the zipper. 1 email and 1 quick phone call to Alps, and they were shipping me a brand new frame for FREE. No hassel. I even had purchased everything on secondary sites (not direct), and they didn't care. Stood behind their product.

I love that I can pack my entire camp in, dump the big bag and just use the frame and small bag as a day pack. Or just use the top for a small hip bag. Or just the frame for meat (has a very good meat shelf & straps). And, for my last trip down, I can fit an elk 1/4 on the frame and strap the whole bag on top. Super versatile.

I have packed our 4-7 animals (elk, deer, & bears) in the mountians each year for the past 3 years, and did 5 total elk the two years before that. I also use it for several backcountry pack trips each summer. This thing is rugged, and I abuse the crap out of it. Most comfortable frame pack I have strapped on. And the price is awesome.

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Thanks, Cup. I was hoping you'd chime in. I hope to gain the experience and confidence needed to do a walk in camp/hunt trip without an outfitter one day, but I'm not there yet....I'll be looking at packs like the big Alps Commander if I get there. I hope I don't regret not having a full frame just for toting meat.....as stated above: I hope I have that problem!!!!! Means I got something!!!

I can almost guarantee you that if you have to haul an elk, you will regret not having a frame. Yes, that will be a "good" problem to have, but it will suck... a lot.

AgEng06 said:

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I can almost guarantee you that if you have to haul an elk, you will regret not having a frame. Yes, that will be a "good" problem to have, but it will suck... a lot.

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I'm prepared for the beating.

Thank you sir, may I have another?

agingcowboy said:

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I have a Badlands day pack. Bought it about 8 years ago...can't remember the model name but it was kind of flimsy and didn't hold up great against an elk quarter.

I upgraded to the Eberle Stock Team Elk pack. Much stiffer frame. I've put hundreds of miles on it and hauled out ten elk. It holds up pretty well under heavy loads. It has a fold out rifle pocket and enough straps across it to hold my bow in place.

My next pack will probably be from Mystery Ranch. They have good reviews and I like their configurations on their multi day packs.

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I'm pretty sure I took your advice on this forum a few years ago and bought this exact pack. It has served me well on all my hunts in the WY backcountry. Good price point, durable, functional, and easy to hike around with for miles.

That's exactly why I went with the Alps Extreme instead of the external frame Trophy (which is a good frame for sure, very sturdy). The versatility of the Extreme is amazing. I started with just the frame. It is an internal frame, so it is very comfortable, but made me wonder if it was as strong. I can tell you- that sucker can haul meat. And lots of meat. I actually like the internal frame and flexible meat shelf, because I can wrap it around my load more tightly, and I never get shifting as I'm hiking.

This pack has a rifle and bow sling- which I HIGHLY recomend on any pack. I use it for my fly rod tube as well.

The frame has a water bladder pouch and pockets on the belt. I just use that for a simple day pack & meat hauler all in one. For instance, last year hiked in 12 miles and set up camp for sheep. Dumped the big bag at camp and just had the frame & small bag (top of big bag) for a day pack as we ascended the last 900' to where we were sheep hunting. Then, chased a sheep a couple miles across a bowl before downing it. Was so glad to have a frame pack right there, as my buddy left his in camp because he said it was too heavy and cumbersome for a day pack. We boned it and shoved almost all of it in my pack, and we're able to make 1 trip instead of 2. That was tremendous, considering we had to break camp and hike our 12 miles.

Before I had the bag, when I was hunting with guides, I would strap my whitetail backpack to the Alps frame. Looked odd, but got the job done. Had all my gear and good for a full day in the field, and a frame to carry meat for when we killed something- no hiking down to get a frame (was amazed at how many guides do that). Now- I love how I can carry the bag and have an elk quarter under it on the frame. Don't have to put meat IN the bag (like some of the frame packs do), so my bag and gear don't get bloody. That is a really nice part.

Only downside for me- it isn't a quiet pack (I'm used to stalking with soft whitetail day packs- so not a fair comparison). It takes a little while to get all the creaks & squeaks worked out. It still creaks some, but I have been within bow range of elk and mule deer with it on, so it must not be as loud as I think it is. Just something to be mindful of.

There are several really good systems out there- most of which are mentioned in this thread. You really can't go wrong with any of these. Best thing is if you can get ahold of one to try, see how it feels. I'm happy to loan mine if it is helpful.

In true TA fashion, I have to mention Stone Glacier, even though a bag and frame would be double your price range.

However, you could get sorta close to budget with a Krux frame ($335) and add the dry load cell bag (like $35) for a stripped down multi purpose and minimalist setup.

You can always add a "real" bag in the future. A good pack is in the top 2 of priority gear items, IMO. A great pack makes like infinitely better.

LEJ said:

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A good pack is in the top 2 of priority gear items, IMO. A great pack makes like infinitely better.

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Gospel right here, brothers.

EXO mountain gear 3500, great pack can compress really small or carry a weeks worth. We hauled two elk last October with them. Beat part is they are made , so you can haul out something on first trip to camp or truckmor trailhead, you don't have to make a trip to get your frame. Best $ I have spent on hunting gear in a while.

In the market for a pack as well. Anybody hear good things about the Badlands 2200?

A.G.S. said:

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Someone was talking about the Alps Commander Frame on here a while back. They seem like a sturdy budget option. My only concern was that it doesn't appear to have any load lifters on the shoulder straps.

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The Extremes (Commander X) do have load lifters on the shoulders, at leas time do. Also, you can adjust the strap height, essentially where the straps tie into the frame, to accommodate different torsos. Belt is padded pretty thickly, and has some tension adjustments on it as well. I have loosened the tensioner on the right belt and slid a holster in there for my pistol. Crank it back down, and you don't feel the gun at all.

Blindside05 said:

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In the market for a pack as well. Anybody hear good things about the Badlands 2200?

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Depends on your intended use if 2200 is enough, or too much.

I hiked with one once, (an early model- so they may have changed/improved). The vented back was very comfortable, that's what stuck out to me the most. The frame didn't dig in anywhere, seemed to get weight down to the hips as it should. I hunt with an outfitter who is sponsored by Badlands, and he likes them a lot (but obviously is biased). But he doesn't do many week-long backcountry trips, so the smaller Scout and 2200 are all he needs.

I felt like the fit and finish was good with the Badlands. Durability, I can't really comment on, but it felt thinner than others I have used. Don't know how to explain it, but material and stitching seams a little less beefy. The Eberlestock, Alps, and Exo's I have used all had a rugged feel- like I could throw them down the mountain and they would be OK. I would be interested to compare the Badlands Summit to some of these others, for a more apples-to-apples comparison.

Overall, good pack and was comfortable. But I have a very small sample size, and only hiked 2-3 miles with it.

cupofjoe04 said:

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A.G.S. said:

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Someone was talking about the Alps Commander Frame on here a while back. They seem like a sturdy budget option. My only concern was that it doesn't appear to have any load lifters on the shoulder straps.

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The Extremes (Commander X) do have load lifters on the shoulders, at leas time do. Also, you can adjust the strap height, essentially where the straps tie into the frame, to accommodate different torsos. Belt is padded pretty thickly, and has some tension adjustments on it as well. I have loosened the tensioner on the right belt and slid a holster in there for my pistol. Crank it back down, and you don't feel the gun at all.

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Gotcha. I think I was just looking at the regular commander frame, not the Commander X.

I think that may be my next pack now. Used a mALICE pack I built on my last elk hunt, and it left a lot to be desired. Sadly never got a chance to see how it handled a quarter, but it hauled the tag just fine....

For those not needing a huge bag, you might check out the Alps Hybrid X. 4lb pack w/ 2700 in3 of space for $250. Looks like the same frame as Commander X's - so this thing could still haul some serious meat, without having a 4000 in3 bag.

A.G.S. said:

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but it hauled the tag just fine....

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Been there, brother...

Yeah, the regular Commander is a pretty plain jane frame pack. Bag is a little thin, and lacks a lot of features other packs have. Straps look like they leave a lot to be desired. Their Extreme series is really (imho) the only way to go if you are going with Alps. They have really expanded that line quite a bit since I first got one. Now this thread has me wanting to fill a void between my tiny water/hiking pack and my 4000in pack.

The best pack advice I can give is make sure you carry an extra waist buckle.

The first elk I packed out I started with some sort of internal frame Alps pack (I don't remember which model). On subsequent trips for that elk I used a Cabela's Alaskan Frame. If on a budget for an elk pack, I suggest starting with the Cabela's frame pack or similar (you can find them for $99). Admittedly I'm not familiar with any of the new stuff from Alps.

I've used an Exo Mountain Gear 5500 the last three years and highly recommend it.
+1 for watching Rokslide Classifieds.

LEJ said:

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In true TA fashion, I have to mention Stone Glacier, even though a bag and frame would be double your price range.

However, you could get sorta close to budget with a Krux frame ($335) and add the dry load cell bag (like $35) for a stripped down multi purpose and minimalist setup.

You can always add a "real" bag in the future. A good pack is in the top 2 of priority gear items, IMO. A great pack makes like infinitely better.

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Can't remember if I ever followed up on this, but I ended up getting the SG Evo 40/56 pack, same as yours. I was very impressed with how well it performed packing my bull out. Very ingenuis pack design. Light as hell but really handles the weight well.

Never used one, but these SG's look like fantastic packs. If you have the budget, this is worth serious consideration.

Badlands packs on clearance on Midway.

Found this code on Rokslide today for 50% off things purchased from the Badlands site. Apparently it was supposed to expire yesterday, but several people posted that they still received the discount this morning for their purchase.

RACKATTACK19

BurrOak said:

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LEJ said:

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In true TA fashion, I have to mention Stone Glacier, even though a bag and frame would be double your price range.

However, you could get sorta close to budget with a Krux frame ($335) and add the dry load cell bag (like $35) for a stripped down multi purpose and minimalist setup.

You can always add a "real" bag in the future. A good pack is in the top 2 of priority gear items, IMO. A great pack makes like infinitely better.

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Can't remember if I ever followed up on this, but I ended up getting the SG Evo 40/56 pack, same as yours. I was very impressed with how well it performed packing my bull out. Very ingenuis pack design. Light as hell but really handles the weight well.

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It gives us superpowers.