Tip of the Spear Outdoors | Gear Reviews
The Badlands ATX 16 daypack, Bino X2 harness, and accessories that make up my new hunting setup.
I recently upgraded my hunting equipment with the Badlands ATX 16 daypack, Bino X2 binocular harness, Bino Connect system, hydration reservoir, bow boot, and additional bottom storage pouch.
After assembling everything, adjusting the fit, loading the backpack with my typical hunting equipment, and doing some initial testing, I wanted to share my first impressions of the complete system.
So far, I'm extremely impressed, although there are a few things worth discussing!
Build Quality and Materials
One of the first things I noticed was the overall quality of the materials and construction.
Nothing feels cheap or flimsy. The materials feel premium, and I haven't noticed any loose threads or obvious stitching defects throughout the equipment.
The zippers are particularly impressive. They're heavy-duty, with thick, sturdy zipper pulls that feel durable and are easy to grip.
A closer look at the ATX 16's heavy-duty zipper and textured pull tab, designed for a secure grip and easy operation.
Another important consideration for hunting equipment is noise.
The ATX 16's material is surprisingly quiet. Moving the backpack around or brushing it against branches produces very little noise, which is particularly important when moving through the woods in pursuit of game.
Of course, long-term durability remains to be tested, but the initial construction quality has left an excellent impression.
Comfort, Fit, and Weight Distribution
This is probably where the ATX 16 has impressed me the most.
Quite simply, this is the most comfortable hunting backpack I've owned.
The adjustment system is extremely straightforward, making it easy to achieve a snug, secure fit.
Once adjusted, the backpack sits comfortably against my body, with the load resting nicely across my hips rather than feeling like everything is pulling down on my shoulders.
Load stability has also been excellent during my initial testing. The backpack remains snug against my body without excessive shifting, and the materials are comfortable and breathable.
For some perspective, I served as an infantryman in the U.S. Army, where carrying heavy equipment over considerable distances was a regular part of the job. Between military rucksacks and assault packs, I've spent plenty of time carrying equipment on my back and have developed a pretty good appreciation for the importance of comfort, load stability, and effective weight distribution.
While military rucksacks serve a different purpose and typically carry significantly heavier loads, I can confidently say that the ATX 16 is exceptionally comfortable by comparison, particularly when considering how effectively it transfers weight to the hips.
I'll be interested to see whether this comfort holds up during extended hikes and full days in the field.
Testing the fit and comfort of the ATX 16 and Bino X2 system with my bow secured to the backpack.
Storage and Organization
The ATX 16 offers a surprising amount of usable space for a relatively compact daypack.
I've been able to comfortably accommodate my normal hunting loadout, including ammunition, my medical kit, snacks, extra socks, and other miscellaneous equipment. There's also dedicated space for the hydration system.
Everything fits without feeling like I'm cramming gear into every available corner.
The backpack also features plenty of MOLLE webbing, which is something I personally appreciate. Having the ability to attach additional equipment and customize the setup is a major benefit, particularly when carrying gear for different types of hunts.
The available storage and organization appear more than sufficient for my typical day-to-day hunting needs.
A look inside the ATX 16's main compartment, showing the available storage space and internal organization.
Bino X2 Harness and Bino Connect System
The Bino X2 harness has been another standout component.
The magnetic closure operates smoothly and quietly, allowing for easy access to binoculars without making excessive noise.
Accessing my binoculars through the Bino X2's quiet magnetic closure, providing quick and convenient access.
The additional bottom storage pouch is also a welcome accessory. It provides convenient extra space without making the harness feel unnecessarily bulky.
The bottom pouch utilizes a traditional zipper rather than a magnetic closure. Naturally, this produces a little more noise than the magnetic lid, but it's nothing unusual. In fact, I'd argue that it's probably quieter than many conventional zippers I've used.
Like the other zippers throughout the system, it feels extremely sturdy and well constructed.
The Bino Connect system is particularly impressive.
Once connected to the ATX 16, the binocular harness integrates almost seamlessly with the backpack. The harness moves naturally while remaining connected, making the entire setup feel more like one cohesive piece of equipment rather than two separate products.
Another thing I was particularly interested in testing was whether the harness would interfere with shooting my bow.
Fortunately, it doesn't seem to interfere at all! I can comfortably draw and shoot my bow while wearing the chest harness, and I barely notice it's there.
The harness is also comfortable and breathable, which should be particularly beneficial during warmer early-season hunts.
So far, this has been one of my favorite components of the entire system.
Side profile showing how the Bino X2 harness integrates with the ATX 16 through the Bino Connect system.
Hydration System and Accessories
The hydration reservoir and Bino Connect have both been simple to install and adjust.
One thing I want to clarify is that while I've installed the hydration system, I haven't actually utilized it in the field yet.
Having used CamelBak hydration systems in the past, the concept is familiar, and I anticipate the Badlands system will function similarly. If it performs anything like those systems, I don't expect to have many complaints.
However, I won't make any definitive claims about its performance until I've actually put it to use.
I'll cover the hydration system in more detail during my end of season review, including how well it functions, how easy it is to access and maintain, and whether I encounter any issues throughout the season.
As for the other accessories, the modular nature of the system makes it easy to organize equipment around my specific needs without having to fight with complicated attachment systems.
I particularly appreciate equipment that is intuitive to use. When you're getting ready for an early morning hunt, the last thing you want is to spend unnecessary time fighting with straps, buckles, and attachments.
That brings me to one accessory that has been a little less straightforward.
Bow Boot — Excellent Stability, Some Frustrating Limitations
The bow boot has been the one component of this setup that has given me some trouble.
First, the construction itself is excellent. The materials feel durable, the attachment hardware appears sturdy, and the overall quality is consistent with the rest of the equipment.
However, the attachment process wasn't nearly as intuitive as I expected.
The positioning of the straps initially made getting the bow into the boot somewhat frustrating. Once I figured out how to get everything positioned and secured, things improved considerably.
My biggest complaint is the orientation of the boot.
The bow boot has an asymmetrical design intended to accommodate the bow's cam and limb assembly. With my particular right handed bow setup, the necessary orientation places my quiver against the backpack.
Unfortunately, the boot doesn't appear to be reversible, which means I cannot comfortably transport my bow with the quiver attached in this configuration.
The sight mounting bracket also rests against the backpack. It isn't putting pressure directly on the sight housing, but it is something I'll continue keeping an eye on.
With that said, once the bow is properly secured, the system actually works very well.
The bow sits snugly against the backpack, and I've experienced very little movement while walking, even with the backpack mostly empty.
The entire setup remains comfortable, and I don't feel like I'm fighting the weight or movement of the bow while carrying it.
My compound bow secured to the ATX 16 using the Badlands bow boot. The setup provides excellent stability, although my quiver must be removed for proper fitment.
So, while I'm not particularly impressed with the boot's compatibility with my specific bow configuration, I am impressed with how securely it carries the bow once everything is adjusted.
I would definitely recommend checking compatibility with your bow, sight, and quiver before purchasing.
Warranty and Long-Term Expectations
Badlands offers what appears to be an excellent warranty program, which was another appealing aspect of the equipment.
A strong warranty is certainly reassuring when purchasing outdoor gear, but a warranty is only as good as the experience of actually using it.
Hopefully, I won't have any reason to find out how that process works anytime soon!
For now, I'm much more interested in seeing how everything holds up through regular hunting, scouting, and time spent in the woods.
I also plan to evaluate how easily this equipment adjusts between different seasonal clothing configurations.
Right now, I'm still dialing in my fit and strap management while wearing my typical hunting equipment. So please excuse the excess straps in some of the pictures!
When I publish my end-of-season review, I'll discuss how the system handles the transition from early-season hunting clothes to late-season Michigan cold-weather gear, when my layers make me look like the Michelin Man!
Comfort and adjustability are one thing when you're wearing relatively light clothing. Whether the same equipment remains comfortable and accessible under several layers is something I want to evaluate properly.
Final Thoughts
My initial impressions of the Badlands ATX 16 and Bino X2 system have been overwhelmingly positive.
The construction feels excellent, the materials are quiet, the storage is well thought out, and the modular accessories integrate nicely.
Most importantly, the comfort and weight distribution have exceeded my expectations.
The Bino X2 and Bino Connect have been particularly impressive, offering a comfortable, functional system that doesn't interfere with shooting my bow.
Testing the Bino X2 harness at full draw. The harness remains comfortable and doesn't interfere with my shooting position.
The bow boot has presented some compatibility frustrations, particularly with my quiver and the orientation of my bow. However, its stability and comfort once properly secured have been excellent.
Would I recommend this setup based on my first impressions? Absolutely, although I would encourage anyone considering the bow boot to verify compatibility with their particular bow configuration.
That said, I'm not ready to make definitive claims about long-term durability or reliability just yet.
I spend a considerable amount of time in the woods, and having equipment that is comfortable, organized, and easy to use can make a substantial difference over the course of a season.
I'll continue putting this equipment to work throughout the hunting season and provide a follow-up review after evaluating its performance in real field conditions, including the hydration system and Michigan's colder late-season weather.
So far, Badlands has made one heck of a first impression!
Tip of the Spear Outdoors
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