I had a Badlands 2200. That thing is good for carrying jackets and knives, elk quarters not so much. I was able to get it off the mountain, but it kicked my butt. I do not recommend this for hauling large loads.
I have a Kuiu Icon Pro 3200 now, it is light and fits pretty good. It has an external frame that is carbon fiber and I can carry lots of items inside.
I have used it on a couple elk hunts. It has tons of great features, but I want something bigger.
If you want to do serious backpack hunting, you need to look at Kifaru. That is what I will be getting next month. Call and talk to them, they are very savvy to carrying loads that exceed what I want to try. They're pricey, but sounds like you've already figured that the best is gong to cost a little more.
Good luck.
