I am looking for a good back pack for my first elk hunt. I typically do a fair amount of deer hunting each year (rifle), of which I am away from the truck for 1-4 hours at a time. I spent a fair amount of time on the internet researching what is available, and from that have seen several of the packs that are of the most interest. My elk hunt this year will be a guided hunt in western Wyoming, and we will be going into the base camp on horse.
I have narrowed my search down to the Badlands 2200, the Badlands Superday, and the Eberlestock X1 (the new one for rifles only). The 2200 is a great pack, but seems like a lot of pack for my normal deer hunting. I looked at the Superday today, and it does not seem big enough for my needs for the elk hunt (if I am fortunate enough to get an elk, the guides will get it hauled out for me, so hauling it on the backpack is not an issue). I like the X1, but it is a bit on the small side, and I am not 100% sold on the scabbard. Seems very functional, but seems bulky when not being used. The Badlands scabbard pouch seems tight for my guns butt, making it tough to get the gun in/out. Badlands said they would make me a bigger one if I wanted it, just let them know what I want.
Question........what experience do any of you have with any of these packs? Is the 2200 to big for a day pack (for use in my deer hunting)?
Any input would be appreciated.
