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