Dukats Journal of Hunting

Packing a Badlands 2200

Written by Dave Dukat

There have been many discussions on packs on the forums and around the campfire, especially concerning the Badlands 2200. As I have noted in a review, I don’t feel the 2200 is sufficient as a multi-day pack, but think it is one of the best packs on the market for use as a day pack. I thought it would be interesting to list the items and pockets I use on the pack as most of the negative comments surround the fact that the bat wings don’t work or the pockets are too small. Here is what I carry in my Badlands 2200 for a day trip.

Waist strap pockets

One Side
- Gerber Folding Knife
- Folding Knife Sharpener
- Pack of Matches
- Surefire Flashlight

Other Side
- Garmin eTrex GPS

Batwing Pockets

One Side
- Leather Gloves
- Handkerchief
- Digital Camera

Other Side
- Energy Bars
- Jerky
- Gum or Candy

Batwing Interior

One Side
- Tripod
- Shooting Sticks

Other Side
- Zeiss Spotting Scope

Back Pocket

- First Aid Kit
- Extra Bullets
- 20’ Rope

Hunting Home Page Interior Pocket
- Hunting License
- Extra MiniDV Tape
- Trash Bag
- Emergency Blanket
- Iodine Water Pills
- Maps

Interior Compartment
- 2 Game Bags
- Video Camera
- Camelback Bladder

Obviously, this list changes somewhat if I am bow hunting or know the area and most folks concerned about weight wouldn’t carry the video camera. I carry a Leica rangefinder on my belt and my Swarovski binoculars around my neck. I strap my rifle sling in with the backpack chest strap and carry any calls I need in my pockets. If I carry a radio, I strap it to my shoulder strap on the opposite side of my rifle.

The main compartment on the backpack is basically empty and can be filled with meat as well as a jacket. The batwings I use for the cape and the skull and horns or antlers if I’m successful. With this set up, I’m prepared if I have to spend the night on the mountain although it would not be a comfortable one. In my opinion, I have everything I need for a successful day of hunting.