Western Hunting Journal, Vol. 1, Issue 3 whj013_final | Page 42

GEAR REVIEW Oregon Pack Works The Wholeshabang! $700 40 ALPS Outdoorz Hybrid X $249.99 Badlands Packs Sacrifice LS $269.99 CAPACITY: 1,150-7,000c.i. WEIGHT: 6lb. 6oz. Construction VVVV+ Configuration VVVVV Fit/Comfort VVVVV Performance Up to 40 lbs VVVVV 60 lbs VVVV+ 80 lbs VVVV Overall VVVV+ CAPACITY: 2,750c.i. WEIGHT: 6lb. 5oz. Construction VVVVV Configuration VVVV+ Fit/Comfort VVVV Performance Up to 40 lbs VVVVV 60 lbs VVVV+ 80 lbs VVVV Overall VVVV CAPACITY: 3,400c.i. WEIGHT: 3lb. 13oz. Construction VVVV+ Configuration VVVV Fit/Comfort VVVV Performance Up to 40 lbs VVVV+ 60 lbs VVV+ 80 lbs VVV Overall VVVV You will be hard pressed to find more com- plete packs (yes, plural) than the Whole- shabang! from Oregon Pack Works. Center- ing on the One Is All ® suspension system, The Wholeshabang! utilizes modular components that can be assembled in seconds to create up to twenty three combinations and multi- ple pack options. In less than three minutes, I was able to transform a 1,150 c.i. lumbar day pack into a 7,000 c.i. extended backcountry pack, and that’s just the beginning. Accesso- ries such as waist pouches, rifle scabbards, and optics holders further increase custom- izability. I can’t say enough about the ease of being able to completely change pack con- figurations in seconds via the clip of a robust buckle or two. Even the lumbar and waist pads can be removed or modified for your personal preference. Overall fit and comfort were excellent; a range of available options in the One Is All ® suspension system will fit a wide range of body types. The 6061 aluminum stays can be conformed to the shape of your back, and produce conforming, more flexible load support that worked well with weights up to about eighty pounds. Abundant pockets allow for organized storage of gear and the overflow wing bags are large enough to hold an 82mm straight spotting scope. A full length meat shelf is re- versible and has 400in2 of blaze orange on one side for safety on pack outs or to meet regulations in some states. The brushed face of the OPW Burr™ fabric is soft and was the quietest material of all packs tested, and the disassembled bags and pouches can be ma- chine washed. oregonpackworks.com Hell for stout construction and loaded with features, the new Hybrid X pack system from ALPS Outdoors is built for a hard life without being hard on your wallet. 1680D Nylon Ballistic and Robic Nylon will withstand everything from oak brush thickets and cactus thorns to potentially a bear attack. No exposed stitching further guards against a blown seam catastrophe. The main bag is top loading, but is also accessible through a large front pocket which also features two zip- pered internal mesh pockets that allow you to quickly look through the material for the item you need rather than searching through multiple pockets. There is also a gun/bow sling and a rain cover. The Hybrid X gets its name by being able to switch from pack to meat hauler in seconds. Simply unhook two speed hooks, unbuckle six buckles, and remove the pack entirely to expose the meat shelf. There are two wing flaps and a super heavy duty main flap that connect via compression straps that securely bundle heavy, awkward loads tight against the aluminum frame. The bag can then be reattached over the top of the load, or simply left off when using the Hybrid X strictly for meat packing. The molded foam suspension system is quite comfortable, es- pecially with heavy loads, though does trap heat and sweat against the back. This would be less of an issue when used in cooler late season hunts. More adjustability for sizing and fit would be nice, and if there were an expandable sleeve on the main bag coupled with a mod- ular top lid, it would allow for a bit more stor- age for longer trips. alpsoutdoorz.com With a capacity over 3,000 c.i. and a total weight less than four pounds, the Sacrifice LS from Badlands Packs is comfortable and compactable enough for a day pack while also being able to carry your camp on your back when you decide to stay out for several days. Constructed of lightweight but tough rip- stop nylon with reinforcing aramid thread bartacking at high strain areas helps reduce weight, while the lower portion of the pack is reinforced with heavy duty nylon to guard against wear. The fabric is a bit noisy when pushing through thick brush. The 2,160 c.i. main compartment is top loading with no other access points into the compartment. There are two 17" deep side wing pockets which prove large enough to hold spotting scopes up to 65mm, a large lid pouch with two compartments for keeping items handy, and also a smaller outside pocket on the back of the pack. The hip belt has forward pull adjustment, and has pockets large enough for electronics and calls. A nice feature is in- tegrated pistol pockets on each side of the belt for keeping a sidearm in easy reach. A ri- fle sling is also included and stows away in its own small pocket. The Hypervent™ design of the frame pro- duces a large space between the mesh back panel and the main bag for excellent airflow. The foam in the lumbar pad and hip pads is also perforated to promote airflow. Spring steel frame flexes and conforms to your body when traversing uneven terrain, though does also flex under heavy loads. Designed as one size fits most, the Sacrifice LS felt a little small for my 20” torso length. badlandspacks.com WESTERN HUNTING JOURNAL