I have been looking in to getting a new pack. I'm leaning more towards the internal frame and have narrowed it down to the Badlands 4500 and the Blacks Creek G11. The G11 isn't out until July or August but so far I like it a little better than the 4500. Any other pack suggestions 3500+ CI?
Of the two, I had the 4500 many years ago and used it one year. Liked the pack, but personally alot has changed since I used it. Badlands makes a great product and now their are many quality packs that are available. The Kuiu Icon 3000/6000 with the newly designed Carbon Frame, the Sitka 4500 However this is personal preference. The recent Huntin Fool magazine did a comparison of all the the high end backcounty packs...size, weight, pockets, etc...if you PM me your address, I can copy it and send it to you....believe me, its a valuable article and nothing I am sure you will find in a "tradiional" subscription magazine. PS. I usually keep my back copies for future reference...sorry Let me know Rob
The Kuiu Icon is definitely another one to consider as well as the Eberlestock Blue Widow. I sent you a PM Rob Thanks!
The Icon, and Kuiu in general, created alot of buzz on the net. I will copy and then send out to you Hope it helps Rob
Another one you may want to consider is the Oregon Pack Works system. They are getting a lot of good press lately for building a good pack with lots of options.
I was able to get the copies made and to the post office before they closed...so its "in da mail !" Good luck and I am sure you will find the article informative. Rob
When I got a pack I had made my decision through research on the net, but when I actually got to try the pack on I intended on buying, it just did not fit me right and I ended up going with a badlands pack and have been very happy. The above mantioned packs are top notch but I would certainly try them on if I could before purchasing. Good luck and hopefully you weight it down with some meat this fall!
I have the Eberlestock X2 with some add ons to include the bow bucket and a long gun sleeve. I was in the military for 11 years and have lived out of packs...all kinds...so I know packs. Outside of your individual preferences, which are very important, Eberlestock kit is top notch. My X2 is very stable and comfortable when packing out. The details are very nice (i.e. good zippers, waterproof, it's made of quality materials) and I would be surprised if you could push the gear to it's limits. I like how the packs are highly customizable and there is a huge array of packs and kit to choose from. The bottom line is that there are many great packs out there...as for Eberlestock...if you purchase one you are getting a great pack at the minimum.
