I was able to look at the Superday and the 2200. Both looked like great packs, each had it's plusses and minuses. I was unable to see a 2800, but bought a new one from ebay (new camo pattern and everything...) for $160 including shipping. I figured if I didn't like it I could sell it for that much with no problem.
After getting it I have been able to fit everything in it for a 5 day hunt and it is very comfortable to wear (about 42 pounds with gun and everything - tent, stove, saw, food, cold weather clothing, water filter, sleeping pad, bag, pillow, first aid kit, ), but all of my stuff is ultralight type gear. To me the 2200 was just not quite big enough for a 5 day hunt and a little bit too big for a day pack. I probably could have made it work as I have seen others do, but it didn't look very comfortable or balanced when it is filled to the extent that it looks like it is about to pop. If the 2800 wouldn't have worked out right, I was going to sell it, buy a Superday and strap it onto the outside of my Cabelas Alaskan external frame pack.
The biggest thing that I did like about the 2200 was the way the meat shelf pulled out. It was a really awesome pack, that truly is nearly as big as the 2800, it just didn't seem to cinch down as tight and was really "tall" on my back. I don't regret getting the 2800, but the 2200 may have been fine also... In a perfect world it would be great to have one of each...
The wings on the 2800 are much bigger than you might think. I tried packing the pack several different ways and ended up with what I think is perfect, although I hope to KNOW in October. I can fit my BA insulated aircore pad in the inner pocket of one wing along with my pillow. In the inner pocket of the other wing my entire Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3 tent tent body AND fly fit (that is impressive). One of the wings if you choose will hold a MSR Reactor stove. I'm just saying they are big enough for just about anything and that was one of the concerns I had when I bought it. My bib overalls and inner jack fit in the lower compartment. Sleeping bag goes underneath. Main compartment holds stove, eating utensils, food, water filter, Wyoming saw and knife, and water bladder (has it's own compartment). In the raincover pocket I have rope and flagging tape, along with all of my personal items (toothbrush, etc.) and first aid kit. I put my tent footprint and stakes in the mesh compartment between the wings. I can squeeze my outer jack and tent poles between the wings and still make the wings meet each other, so much more could go between if necessary. On the belt compartments one pocket holds my GPS and the other holds my camera. Outer wing pockets hold toilet paper and headlamp and there is room for more small stuff. I have not got the thing absolutely full yet, but it is amazing how much this 2800 CI pack holds.
I did alot of research on other sites, and really tried to find as many complaints as possible on each pack. There are alot of complaints out there, if you look hard enough, mostly regarding noise and weight when wet, and also some durability issues. I think some folks are impossible to satisfy, but I am really happy with the pack so far. If it will pack meat as good as I've been reading, I'll probably sell my Cabelas Alaskan frame pack, because at that point I'll know that it can't do anything that this one can't. The way the gun straps to the badlands is far superior to the Cabelas gun holder. Also, there are no rattles or squeaking like with the external frame.
I truly can't believe I am this happy with it, and I was pretty happy with the Cabelas pack - it is a good product too.
NitroSteel
