eLightfoot
WKR
Well I still have some more of my own research to do but I thought I'd start a thread here looking for hands-on, experienced, advice.
Bottom line is.... Badlands isn't cutting the mustard anymore, I need to upgrade. I have never handled a HIGH end bag, I am basing all my decicions on research and experienced testimonial. I am 90% sold on getting a Kifaru, main reason... I like the frame and belt. As far as bag options I'm still unsure exactly what to get. I've been watching the videos for the new Nomad, seems like a cool idea but I'm still not sure exactly how I would make it work for my hunting. My favorite bag design I've seen so far is the SG Sky, simple and has good pockets, size, cool features, everything I really like. The only thing holding me back it I don't really like the belt, granted I've never worn one. I much prefer the straight pull belt, and the kifaru has that and it looks much more rugged/comfy. So right now I'm thinking Kifaru DT1 with a few pockets/grab-it, ect. I just know its gona cost a small fortune buy the time I have added all the stuff I want. Hoping you guys with MUCH more experience than I can chime in, before I make a call to Kifaru.
Ok now a little info on the type of hunting I do.
Usually about 8-9 miles to base camp. Need to be able to bring 7 days of gear.
Gear includes:
Rifle, Food, 2 pants, 2 shirts, 4/5pr socks, undies, light weight raingear, warm jacket, H20 filter, 48oz nalgene, 100oz bladder, head lamp, knife, radio w extra batteries, game bags, cord, first aid, wet wipes, 10x43 binos, lighter, folding saw, flask of booze, 2.5 lb tent, 20 degree down bag,Thermarest and I'm sure I'm missing a few things. I usually also pack in a small day pack but would like to eliminate that.
Hunting in North California for blacktail deer. Terrain can get pretty nasty at times. Usually end up hunting with in a mile or two of base camp. Sometimes it's nice to be able to half a deer and carry the haves whole back to camp to work on (external frame is great for that scenario).
Features I like:
I like having pockets. Knowing where all my stuff is, not having to dig through a deep bag to get out gear. Gear goes in pockets. Meat, sleeping bag, tent, pad, clothes, go in the big bag. I'm not a light weight extremist.
I like being able to strap things onto the outside of the pack, that is the one thing I liked about my 4500. It had that rubberish cup on the bag to put a rifle butt in and then could just use the compression straps to secure the top end. Jackets and other odds and ends easy to strap on. bottom straps to put a tent and or sleeping pad when filling main bag with meat.
I like a hefty, wide, and tight squeezing hip belt. Hip belt must be top notch, it bares all the weight. On some trips in the past my 4500 hip belt would run out of adjustment on the pack out (heavy pack w a little slimming down after a week in the sh*t).
Pack MUST be able to carry all of my gear plus a whole boned out deer (60-80lbs) and head+cape. This is the bottom line, capacity to carry all of my crap plus animal, many miles. Badlands sent me a new Summit pack top replace my 4500 that totally fell apart. Problem is, it's too small, well that and a bunch of other things. That pack could only carry a boned out deer and maybe half my gear TOPS. I haven't had to pack a whole deer, head, cape, and gear by myself yet, I've always had a friend. However there will be future solo trips and I will need to. My hunting partner did it this year and his pack ended up weighing 145lbs, if that gives you any idea of what I'm trying to accomplish.
Bottom line is.... Badlands isn't cutting the mustard anymore, I need to upgrade. I have never handled a HIGH end bag, I am basing all my decicions on research and experienced testimonial. I am 90% sold on getting a Kifaru, main reason... I like the frame and belt. As far as bag options I'm still unsure exactly what to get. I've been watching the videos for the new Nomad, seems like a cool idea but I'm still not sure exactly how I would make it work for my hunting. My favorite bag design I've seen so far is the SG Sky, simple and has good pockets, size, cool features, everything I really like. The only thing holding me back it I don't really like the belt, granted I've never worn one. I much prefer the straight pull belt, and the kifaru has that and it looks much more rugged/comfy. So right now I'm thinking Kifaru DT1 with a few pockets/grab-it, ect. I just know its gona cost a small fortune buy the time I have added all the stuff I want. Hoping you guys with MUCH more experience than I can chime in, before I make a call to Kifaru.
Ok now a little info on the type of hunting I do.
Usually about 8-9 miles to base camp. Need to be able to bring 7 days of gear.
Gear includes:
Rifle, Food, 2 pants, 2 shirts, 4/5pr socks, undies, light weight raingear, warm jacket, H20 filter, 48oz nalgene, 100oz bladder, head lamp, knife, radio w extra batteries, game bags, cord, first aid, wet wipes, 10x43 binos, lighter, folding saw, flask of booze, 2.5 lb tent, 20 degree down bag,Thermarest and I'm sure I'm missing a few things. I usually also pack in a small day pack but would like to eliminate that.
Hunting in North California for blacktail deer. Terrain can get pretty nasty at times. Usually end up hunting with in a mile or two of base camp. Sometimes it's nice to be able to half a deer and carry the haves whole back to camp to work on (external frame is great for that scenario).
Features I like:
I like having pockets. Knowing where all my stuff is, not having to dig through a deep bag to get out gear. Gear goes in pockets. Meat, sleeping bag, tent, pad, clothes, go in the big bag. I'm not a light weight extremist.
I like being able to strap things onto the outside of the pack, that is the one thing I liked about my 4500. It had that rubberish cup on the bag to put a rifle butt in and then could just use the compression straps to secure the top end. Jackets and other odds and ends easy to strap on. bottom straps to put a tent and or sleeping pad when filling main bag with meat.
I like a hefty, wide, and tight squeezing hip belt. Hip belt must be top notch, it bares all the weight. On some trips in the past my 4500 hip belt would run out of adjustment on the pack out (heavy pack w a little slimming down after a week in the sh*t).
Pack MUST be able to carry all of my gear plus a whole boned out deer (60-80lbs) and head+cape. This is the bottom line, capacity to carry all of my crap plus animal, many miles. Badlands sent me a new Summit pack top replace my 4500 that totally fell apart. Problem is, it's too small, well that and a bunch of other things. That pack could only carry a boned out deer and maybe half my gear TOPS. I haven't had to pack a whole deer, head, cape, and gear by myself yet, I've always had a friend. However there will be future solo trips and I will need to. My hunting partner did it this year and his pack ended up weighing 145lbs, if that gives you any idea of what I'm trying to accomplish.
