Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Review of the Badlands Ox

What better thing to find on a Friday after work but a box from Sage Creek Outfitters sitting in my living room? After many long months of waiting, the Ox has finally arrived!!!!!

To quickly describe the Ox: an external frame with a 3500ci bag with tons of options.

It may be a little easier to describe the Ox by looking at the main features:

Frame/Hauler

The main frame is comprised of two skeltonized, aluminum rails with two aluminum tubes acting as the supporting cross members. The rails and tubes are assembled using wrench-free bolts with cam locking handles. The disassembly/assembly process is rather simple and could easily be done under the worst conditions.



The following picture is of the frame and load hauler.


The frame and hauler weighed in on my postal scale at 6lbs 4 oz.

The orange meat shelf is secured to the lower frame tube and buckled at the top of the frame. The load is further secured by the 3 cinch straps/bat wing configuration. Pictured is a my ground blind. I did lower the blind down on Saturday by lengthing the top straps creating a deeper cradle.



The 3500ci Pack

It is quite easy to attach the pack to the frame. Simply removed the lower cross tube, index the pack loops, and reassemble.



The arguement with external versus internal frame packs will usually come around to the scenario of what do when you have prized game on the ground. How do you handle both your gear and meat?

The Ox provides a simple solution to you hardy hunters: carry both if you choose to do so. How you ask?

The pack is secured at the top of the frame with long straps that can be adjusted to create a cavity between the frame/hauler and the pack. Notice my ground blind sandwiched between the two.
[img]http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/huntem_photo/P1020383.jpg[/img]
Like I mention, lots of adjustments.
[img]http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/huntem_photo/P1020384.jpg[/img]

My scale puts the total combination at 9lbs 8oz.

The Ox Pack:

The pack is rated at 3500ci which is plenty for a few days in the back country. As you can see, the main pocket is very roomy and is equiped with full length zippers.
[img]http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/huntem_photo/P1020393.jpg[/img]

In addition to the main pocket, the back of the pack has a pocket equipped with full length zippers, also.

[img]http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/huntem_photo/P1020391.jpg[/img]