I bought a Badlands 2200 about 10 years ago. Overall it has served me pretty well but it is falling apart. I have sent it back probably 3 times over the years for repair but they have not always succeeded in fixing the problems. Major issue is the piss poor quality zippers. I am thinking it is time to give up and try another brand. I do like the size of the 2200 and really like its meat hauling design. Can anyone recommend other similar packs to look at that would be�better quality?
I bought a BL 2200 about 8 years ago, used it for 2 seasons.
Sold it here in the classified and bought a Mystery Ranch Bighorn. Been using it ever since. Limited use, less than 20 day hunts for antelope/deer so not much of a test.
It has great zippers/overall build quality, very well made piece of gear. Fairly expensive but it should last a very long time.
Similar to the 2200 in size/design.
I'd second a MR internal. I've had a dragonslayer for four or five years now, it's the same frame as the bighorn but a more similar size to the 2200. The bag size gets a little tight when you're trying to haul meat and strap horns and a rifle to it. I think if I were to do it again I'd get the bighorn.
It's a damn stout pack though. I've had a Handful of loads in the 60-80 pound range on it and it's handled them well. Not as good as my full size dans does, but still really well.
The price really isn't that bad on them either in my opinion, compared to a lot of the other high end bags out there.
Here's a picture of my wife hauling two bone in deer shoulders with the rack and her rifle strapped on.