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Backcountry hunting packs compared
Badlands, Eberlestock, ALPS, and Mystery Ranch — day hunts to multi-day pack-outs.
Top pick
Badlands 2200 Pack
The pack I recommend most for western day hunts and short overnight trips — comfortable frame, smart layout, and built to take abuse.
| Feature | Mystery Ranch Metcalf Backpack | Badlands 2200 PackOur pick | Eberlestock Mainframe Pack | ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site rating (out of 5) | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Best for | Multi-day backcountry; premium build | Day hunts + short pack-outs; best all-around | Modular system; swap bags on one frame | Budget pack-out loads; elk/deer hauls |
| Frame type | Internal | Internal | Modular external | External |
| Capacity | ~~4,700 CI | ~2,750 CI | Varies by bag | ~4,250 CI |
| Price tier | Premium | Mid-range | Mid-range (frame + bag) | Budget |
Where to buy the picks
Badlands 2200 Pack
Eberlestock Mainframe Pack
ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag
Mystery Ranch Metcalf Backpack
Bottom Line
The Badlands 2200 is the best starting point for most western hunters — versatile enough for day hunts and short pack-outs without a steep learning curve. Go Eberlestock Mainframe for modular flexibility, ALPS Commander for budget-conscious heavy loads, and Mystery Ranch Metcalf for premium multi-day backcountry performance.