i bought the new J107 from Cabelas and loaded it up with 60 pounds and have been hiking stairs with it and found that it does not distribute wieght to the hips more the shoulders i dont' think this will good for miles of hiking. My old pack from Cableas that is a full frame seems to handle load much better with the same wieght on your hips but has no scabbord. Any other users have this problem and any suggestions if the badlands is better. It sure looks like the badlands has better support and comfort. I have heard that the zippers are poor on the badlands. I really like the scabbard on the j107. thanks
j107 vs Badlands 4500 help
- Thread starter werre300
- Start date
I have a J104 and my torso was to short while using it so loads were not right. I got a Large 4500 and it is way better at carrying loads. I have an older 4500 (the ones that had the little backpack that came with them) and have not had an issue with a zipper or the internal frame (yet). Try adjusting the J107 torso and see if you can get a better fit.
T43
Active Member
Graylight
Active Member
NDHunter
Veteran member
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
It does sound like a fit issue. I got the smaller hip belt for my J104, and the fit improved dramatically. My waist is 32".
REI has a video on fitting a pack that is pretty good.
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/backpacks+adjusting+fit.html
As mentioned, torso length is important. Many people overtighten the stabilizer straps, which pulls the load to the shoulder straps.
REI has a video on fitting a pack that is pretty good.
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/backpacks+adjusting+fit.html
As mentioned, torso length is important. Many people overtighten the stabilizer straps, which pulls the load to the shoulder straps.
I tried out the Badlands 4500 and the J107 also the Cabelas Alaskan Guide Frame pack. The badlands fit the best and was the most comfortable. It also seemed designed better for hauling quarters but the scabbord is a joke and the pocket is too small the the gun flops around a lot. The zippers are not designed well and i had one of them stuck in only a few minutes. I really like the Alaskan from cabelas also but the scabbord was on the side and the gun kept hitting the side of the frame when i walked. This one also come with a rain fly and costs a lot less. I decided on the J107 and sent the others back. It's made to last it seems and the scabboard design is ideal. Its not as comfortable as the other 2 and the torso adjustment is a bit tricky but this one should last a very long time. Looking forward to trying some elk quarters on it soon.
mnhunter
Active Member
I have the J107 and have had really good luck with it, once I got it fitted properly. I have not had any experience with the Badlands except trying it on in the store. The thing I think I like most about the J107 is the ability to collapse it down to a day pack configuration after I have walked in and set up camp, and when I shoot a deer all I have to do is expand it again to haul meat. I also like the concept of the Mystery Ranch Crew Cab, but I wasn't a big fan of the price. I included a link to Eberlestocks wesite where they discuss proper fitting of their packs. I had to move my should harness up to account for my longer torso, after I did that the weight was well distributed between my shoulders and hips.
Also, I bring in the spike camp duffel empty to allow for carrying out meat and my camp in one load, this isn't for the faint of heart or weak of leg. You also have to be very mindful of how you distribute the load within the pack.
http://www.eberlestock.com/Backpack%20Tech%20Tips.htm
Good Luck
Ross
Also, I bring in the spike camp duffel empty to allow for carrying out meat and my camp in one load, this isn't for the faint of heart or weak of leg. You also have to be very mindful of how you distribute the load within the pack.
http://www.eberlestock.com/Backpack%20Tech%20Tips.htm
Good Luck
Ross
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