Need some honest pack opinions

Alright guys this may be covered elsewhere but I have to ask: What are opinions on the Badlands Sacrifice? I currently own a Badlands 4500 and have enjoyed several seasons and many mile with it, but am looking to lighten the load. Currently, I have my sight set on the Sacrifice, but would love to have the opinion of EBJ folks.

To be specific, my hunting will include two weeks in the backcountry for elk and deer with a spike/supply camp. This means I will be resupplying every 3-4 days. August also consists of bonsai backpack bear hunts too. The terrain for both hunts are brutal and awesome. Any thoughts on this pack would be greatly appreciated, as well as any other suggestions. Thanks!
 

Graylight

Active Member
Apr 27, 2011
222
0
Southern California
Straight off of the Badlands site:

Starting its career by taking people to the top of K-2, Denali, and Everest, the 4500 is chosen by more guides than any other pack on the Market! The 4500 is an internal frame pack using a Polycarbonate frame, which transfers even the strangest loads at half the weight and twice the strength of a traditional aluminum frame pack.

The molded foam suspension matches your body curve for curve, making it the most comfortable hunting pack on the market.

Holds a spotting scope & Tripod
Compatible for carrying Bow & Rifle
Adjustable suspension
Available in two sizes for a perfect fit
Hydration Compatible
Kevlar backtracking at every stress point
Removable Fanny Pack
Unconditional Lifetime Warranty

I have found this to be very accurate in summary... It is a great pack and has been through the ringer with me on several back country trips over a week long... I love it... The sacrifice is lighter but my suspicions may be that you would be sacrificing something... No pun intended. Since I have not tried it, I cannot say much about it though...
 
to Badlands or not to Badlands...

Thanks for your help thus far! I have read the pack review in the latest issue of EBJ, however, I was hoping to get feedback from anyone and everyone who has had a chance to shoulder either the Sacrifice pack or a similar-sized pack that may be worthy. My goal is to make the best informed decision possible because, hey, the off season is gearin' up season!! Thanks again guys!
 

miller1

Member
Mar 7, 2011
83
0
Michigan
I havnt used the sacrafice but if you wont need more than 3 to 4 days of gear at a time look at the Eblerlestock X2, i used this last year for a 3 day pack in and it worked very well and you can also carry a elk quarter with it, if you will have a frame pack to take back for the bulk of the animal the X2 would be excellent.
 

Elkcrazedfrk

Active Member
Feb 21, 2011
232
0
I did alot of research and review reading on several different forums before deciding on my Eberlestock X2. Based on my research, there were a fair amount of complaints regarding the zippers of the badland pack. Aside from that, I cant give an honest opinion on Badlands. My X2 is an awesome pack. My only complaint is the hip pouches sit to far back and are a pain to access while wearing the pack. It still gets 2 thumbs up though:)
 

Reflex

Active Member
Apr 21, 2011
210
5
Lincoln, NE
I actually think the Sacrifice will do you well. I have not actually used the pack, so take this for what it is worth, but for the application that you are describing, it sounds ideal. Plus, since you already own the 4500, you can bring that along and leave it at the vehicle for use in the serious packing once you get an animal down. From what I have read and heard about, the Sacrifice is a great lightweight pack that is perfect for about 3 days. The only major complaints that I have heard is that it is a bit noisy (the material they used to get it so lightweight) and that it does not have a meat shelf, unlike the 2200 or 2800. The only meat-hauling ability that this pack has would be in the internal portion of the pack, which might make things a little difficult if you are already completely loaded up with gear. Hope this helps.
 

T43

Active Member
I am another happy X2 owner but if you don't need the pack right now you may want to wait and check out the Eberlestock Warhammer. The limited info I have shows it being larger than the X2 with a J design like the Just one packs. It looks like a smaller version of the Blue Widdow without the top pack. I believe the price point is about the same as the Sacrifice. I would upload a picture but it's a flash file and I don't have a clue how to get one of them uploaded. They don't have much info on it but from what I hear they are working on a new website and when they get it running they should have the info on there.
 

OR Archer

Member
May 27, 2011
81
0
Eugene, OR
www.facebook.com
Check out the Blacks Creek Barbarian. I use this pack and its very versatile. It'll hold plenty of weight. Has enough room for ten days worth of gear(4500 ci). Plenty of compression straps to suck it down small. Best feature is the adjustable shoulder strap system. It lets you get a custom fit on where you want the pack to sit on your body.
 

SDbowhunter

Active Member
Feb 21, 2011
163
0
Winner, SD
I know its not a hunting pack, but if I'm just going out for a weekend or a short trip in the summer I use an Osprey, its light weight and I seem to think that if I'm trying to keep all my gear light why do I need a pack thats 5 lbs.
 

Firearrow

Active Member
Mar 1, 2011
225
0
CA
I own the older style badlands 4500, and that thing works. I will hall as much meat as your legs will carry, I like the fact that the pack distributes the weight up your back, instead of away from your back, and if you break it send it back no questions asked. BUT, the damn thing doesnt fit me just right. I think that if I tried the reg and not the tall it would be better. Dont like where the hip pockest are, and you cant add a holster to the hip. I have used the sacrifice to carry out meat, and anything larger than a mulie, you are going to regreat having it. The shoulder pads are to narrow.

Bottom line if you are going for deer, 2-3 days the sacrifce, or Sitka Bivy 30/45 would be awsome. Longer trips, and bigger animals you need a pack that is designed for it. Badlands 4500, Eberly Blue Widow/Dragon Fly, or equivalent.

Also go to a place that stocks all of these packs, or order all of them, and try them on, and load them up with all of your stuff. See how it rides on you. It is like finding boots, there is one out there that will fit your better, and you will like the layout of one pack (ie. pockets, panels, style), more than another. Trust me. Get your hands on all of them to see which one you like best, and which one fits the needs you have planed for it.
 

Skybuster1329

Member
Feb 21, 2011
84
0
50
Oregon City, OR
I think the Eberlestock X2 is a great pack plus with the changes they have made to this years model. It looks like they fix this issues that I have complained about. Waist strap and Pockets.....
 

miller1

Member
Mar 7, 2011
83
0
Michigan
Skybuster, did they change somthing on the X2 from the 2010 model? I have the 2010 and was wondering if the 2011 is diferent.