Badlands packs aren't high end. They are decent packs, but more comparable to Eberlestock. And between those, I prefer Eberlestock.
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Badlands packs aren't high end. They are decent packs, but more comparable to Eberlestock. And between those, I prefer Eberlestock.
I would not hesitate to pick up a used higher quality pack, although it may cost a little more it will be worth it, if not just sell it down the road you'll lose very little money on it
I'm in the same boat as you, just getting started getting into this backpack hunting and I'm giving the J107 Dragonfly a whirl, seems like it will be good for what I want and very versatile in going from small to expand big for all the gear and I really like gun scabbard. Just got mine yesterday.
Check out the Horn Hunter full curl system to. It would be right in your price range and it can pack some serious weight. It is also very modular so you can change it up to your needs. The load lifters on it actually work very well to with lots of room for adjustment. I have packed out plenty of elk on mine and it does good. The one flaw with it is that it does not have an adjustable torso so it either fits you or it doesn't. You can do some mods to them to shorten them up a little but that is about it.
Anybody have experience with the Tenzing packs? Ive been watching them for awhile and tried on their 5000 and 6000 packs this year at an expo. Ive tried on Badlands, Eberlestock, and Tenzing and preferred Tenzing. BUT... I only tried them on, never hunted with them so that only goes so far. Still using the Cabelas Alaskan guide packframe until I can decide which upgrade to make.
That's why I've been real patient with the process and am awaiting some real reviews on the tensing... Also keep researching the higher end (kifaru, kuiu, mystery ranch). I don't have any real complaints other than I think I would gain some comfort with the internal packs, and it sticks up pretty high over my head, makes navigating through thicker stuff a little more work.