I’m a self-professed bag nut. Computer bags, luggage, briefcases, hunting packs, day packs, camera bags….I can’t get enough. That came to an abrupt end with the Badlands Ultra Day pack which I finally got my hands on in 2008. I say “finally” because I had hard time justifying paying the big bucks for another hunting pack that would likely be at the bottom of the closet when it would surely disappoint. I can happily say that is not the case and the Ultra Day has become my go-to piece of gear when I load up the truck for a weekend in the deer stand.
Prior to the Ultra Day I was using a giant fanny pack, but as I began staying longer in the stand it became obvious I needed more space. ”1800 cubic inches” doesn’t mean anything to me, I’m one of those guys who has to hold something to see if it has the space I need. At a little over two pounds (again I had to hold it), it seemed pretty light. It wasn’t until the Bass Pro Shops in Myrtle Beach started carrying the Badlands line was I able to stop reading the ads and looking at the website and really get my hands on one.
The craftsmanship of this bag makes it obvious that hunters designed it. The simple carry strap is all I need for slinging it into the back of the pickup or attaching a carabiner for hauling up a tree. Shoulder straps have padding in the right places and the lap belt is simple enough for the short hikes to the stand or around the coolies of North Dakota.
Seven pockets in all and plenty of variety in those pockets:
- bottom side is basically a flap opening with a mesh inside pocket, perfect holding licenses, pens and tags
- Two small pockets on either lap belt are good for flashlights and granola bars
- Two outbound vertical pockets for calls and water
- Ginormous main pocket for just about anything else. In my case, that’s a book, gloves, Scent-Lok head cover, extra scent killer, rangefinder, sammich (for those really long days) and pack of Red Man.
- Smaller pocket on top of the main opening for stuff I MAY need
Hunting the South means dealing with layers and the Ultra Day has straps that will make sure I take out all the clothing I wore on the way in, plus the “just in case” rain gear. Strap on the Thermacell and I’m good to go. One more word on the pockets: a nice touch is a mesh web that catches anything that may try to fall out – pretty nice when you’re settled in 20′ up a pine tree.
The Ultra Day has a pocket for a 100oz water bladder and a handy opening at the top of the straps for running the drinking hose right where you need it. The combination of stout stays and mesh back keeps a small opening between my back and the pack so I don’t wind up all sweaty after wearing it.
I bought this pack prior to the ’08 deer season and I took it to North Dakota that year. It spent most of that trip in the back of an atv in snow, dirt, deer blood and some downright cold days, holding up like a champ the entire time.
Was the extra cost worth it? For me, absolutely. It’s ideal for most any deer hunter.
2 Comments
I’m a Badlands fan. Great company.
My brother has one of these – he loves it. I’m always jealous of him because all my packs kill my shoulders & neck. I really need to think about springing the cash for one.