Recommendations for a backpack

[scairns]

I'm looking for a pack that will carry a rifle or shotgun, tent, sleeping bag, and food/gear for a few nights in the backcountry... Does anyone have any recommendations around $200 or so?

[buford19]

Try looking at badlands, the quality is second too none. The warrenty is just as good.

[Tenacious Billy]

Try looking at badlands, the quality is second too none. The warrenty is just as good.

Unless you find a smokin deal on a used one or on line, you're not going to get a badlands with that sort of capacity in that price range........check out Cabelas - they have a few packs around your price range with carrying capacities that might meet your needs.

[Devilbear]

Try looking at badlands, the quality is second too none. The warrenty is just as good.

What actual experience with various packs in big game hunting do you base your opinion on? I do not mean to offend you, but, I had one of the very first American-made Badlands 4500 packs, certainly one shipped to Canada and now have a "Monster Fanny". I have a LOT of serious backpacking experience and sold gear for my living until I retired at age 55 and, IMHO, there are several packs with superior quality to the current Badlands.

In the price range given, I would first check the backpacking forums for used, Bozeman-made and early K-2 Mexican production Dana Design large internal frame packs and the superb Shortbed frame packs as well as Longbed Loadmasters. You can find these for about $300.00 in minty condition and many feel they are superior to Mystery Ranch, Dana's current production. I have and do own many examples of each and agree that some features of the older ones are better, especially the shoulder straps, the best I have used.

If, in a hurry, I agree, look at Cabela's and check for older used Camptrails Freighters at MEC Gear Swap and in BuyandSell.

[BromBones]

Sounds like you won't be doing too much serious bacpacking. The Cabelas ext. frame packs will work fine for your purpose & price range. Also check out some of the Lowe Alpine Contour packs, they usually go close to your price range as well. Not the best, but they are a dependable internal frame pack with excellent torso adjustment, and decent suspension/padding. Not really designed for hauling 90+ lb loads, but very comfortable with 50-60 lbs.

[huntcoop]

www.eberlestock.com (http://www.eberlestock.com)

X1A1 is relatively inexpensive as is the X1E. You could also look for a used J107 or J105.