I did search through old threads about this but since it will be my first elk hunt this Sept I wanted to start a new one addressing my trip. We will either hike in and set up camp doing day hunts from there, or drive to different areas and day hunt depending on if/where we get drawn. Either way I will need enough room for essentials for the day, rain gear, and a little extra room for gear in case we have to spend the night. Is this pack big enough? It looks like I can only get a 35oz bladder for this. Doesn't sound like enough to me. I have never hunted like this before and need some opinions please. It also seems like it might be easier to shoot with and will be cooler than a true backpack. I am open to a backpack if need be, however. Any input on packs for this type of hunting is appreciated. I really don't want to break the bank too bad either. Thanks in advance!

The monster is awesome.

All Badlands packs are great quality, but I would choose something a little bigger for what you're describing. By the time you get all your essentials in there, there really is not a lot of room for the "just in case" stuff. My monster fanny was always busting at the seams - but I also did not use the weird bladder holder on the harness. I carried a nalgene inside the pack - which also drastically limited my water consumption.

You also mentioned wanting something that's cooler than a backpack. Both badlands and eberlestock make vented-back packs, which are my preference becasue I'm a sweathog. Everybody's got their own prference, but I like the eberlestock X2 for elk hunts. I think Whip has them at Prarie Trad.

The monster is an awesome pack, but too small for what your doing.  Definately would go with something bigger.

Look at Eberlestock packs. They have the same lifetime warranty as the Badlands and were a little bit cheaper in price. That's what I used for my first elk hunt and on a trip to Kodiak Island.

The Monster is a great pack, it's all I use for whitetails.  A buddy used the Monster for elk last year and it was a bit small for the job.  The bladder is 35 oz and is a bit small for the mountains.  Keeping hydrated is essential to not getting altitude sickness.  Honestly the carrying arrangement for it is a little on the flimsy side too.  It's attached to the single strap coming down from the yoke.  You'll be better off with something bigger as you will definitely be carrying more gear and clothing than you would day tripping for whitetails. I would also recommend a pack that can handle carrying out meat on the first trip rather than having to go back to camp and get a different pack.

I loved my Badlands Monster Fanny but as you pointed out the hydration bladder capacity is lacking (the ONLY thing I did not like about it).
  I have replaced it with an Eberelstock X2, top quality and after using it on a couple day hikes very comfortable stays out of the way and expands to carry a good sized load.

When I hunt from a base camp I love to carry my KOM fanny pack that is comparable in size to the badland,but if I need to set a spike camp for sure i need a much bigger pack,I like the 2800 or the 4500 depending how far I am going to go.The monster is a great day pack though.

I've used a Badlands 2200 on two very hot and dry elk hunts and it was great. Even worked for packing out meat...

I've been watching for eberlestock packs on the classifieds.. never see them which makes me think people like em
Also check out this new pack system I recently heard about. It's an add on "one pack" system. Not cheap but looks cool. Snag said he wore one around an expo with 60 lbs and it felt good.
http://www.oregonpackworks.com/

There is an unwritten law in elk hunting...its something like this.

The amount of "stuff" you need is always in propotion to the size of your pack.

If you doubt the veracity of this...why, about day three is everyone is going through their own packs seeing how they can lighten the load.

Happens every year to me!

It's a good pack.

Bob

Take a look at the Eberlstock Blue Widow. Very versitle.

I think Bob is on to something.      

Plus he used a big word so he has to know what he is talking about.      

I bought the Monster for Reed for Christmas. He used it in Texas when we hunted with Curtis. It will be the next pack that I buy for myself.  

That being said, it is not the pack you want to plan to overnight with.

I'm loving my 2800.  Opens up so you can pack out some meat.  H

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I checked out the eberlestock website and the x2 looks like it will carry a little more without being too bulky and definately holds a bigger water bladder. First trip like this and I'm pumped and want to try to have the right gear. I have a frame pack to get me in, just need to figure out which day pack Thanks to all...

I think you are making a wise choice with the Eberlestock - great packs for the trip you are taking.

They had a big fire at their warehouse a couple of months ago and lost a bunch of inventory. I am limited at the moment, but do have an order pending to restock as soon as they become available. If you know exactly what you want let me know and I will be in touch as soon as they come in.

You can't go wrong with a badlands no matter what you choose I would get a backpack it will cover all your needs. I used a bad lands 2200 last year and it is a awsome pack. some may call me crazy but I may try to use it for a pack in 9 day hunt this year. I have not made up my mind yet but I may use it just to prove it can be done.  Widow

QuoteOriginally posted by spike buck:
... It looks like I can only get a 35oz bladder for this. Doesn't sound like enough to me. I have never hunted like this before and need some opinions please...

I suggest that if you plan to stay out or might stay out buy a good water filter. Anytime you go far enough that you can use up your water supply its the deal breaker not having a filter. Not a fan of tablets myself. Do some research on water purification  and decide for yourself.
An aside:
Do not let yourself come out here and skimp on drinking your water. As a wilderness guide, water consumption (or lack of it) seemed to always be the problem I would see for many visitors from more humid climates and lower elevations. The ways they llearned to recognise water consumption by the body is largely absent out here- sweaty clothes, sweat staying on skin and the biggie- at elevation you lose a lot of water just breathing.

The Pack-
The Eberlstock x2 is a great pack because its so versatile. It can expand to accomodate a lot of stuff or compress small for stealth missions. It does not weight a lot itself which is an issue with the big capacity packs. These can weight as much as 7lbs just by themselves. The suspension system is very stout.
I think the advice is right on concerning that pack. It also has a top lid pocket which I prefer on packs.
Its easy to over-load, trying to account for every possibility. Can you be comfortable using the pack for the bottom of a bivy and a small thin tarp as its main part? If so, all you need is a light sleeping bag, your clothes and pack, filter and food, a "kit" of starter etc.


Joshua

Be sure to check out Kifaru before making a decision.

spike buck

I have been using a CamelBak for several years now on elk hunts similar to what you are talking about.  We will drive into an area for the day, and then return to camp that night.  My first pack was a little bigger than the Raider model they sell now, with a 70 oz. bladder.  For me, that wasn't quite enough water on a warm September day, so I would carry an extra water bottle in the pack.  Last year I purchased the Ranger model with the 100 oz. bladder and it has worked really well for day trips.  It's got quite a bit more room than my other pack, so I don't have to stuff it to capacity with necessities.  I think they run about $100 or so, but occasionally you can find them on sale.