Badlands ATV bag line up...full review

[huntem]

I've been fortunate to own different types and sizes of quads throughout my life. In 2005, I purchased my first utility quad, an Arctic Cat 500LE. To carry my extra gear, I primarily used the offerings made specifically for the speed rack mounting system.

Most recently, I purchased 2006 Yamaha Grizzly 660. While the Arctic Cat products were functional, I was pleased that I would have more options and flexibility with the great products that are available on the market today.

Foremost, I simply love to ride and will do so when I can get away. Uses for my ATV include: chainsaw work on my property, general work around the house, camping, hunting all critters and most importantly-- mud slinging-creek crossing-trail blazing-good times. The 1000 miles I ride a year isn’t enough, that I can tell you.

The Cabelas 2008 fall edition catalog has 4 full pages dedicated to ATV bags of all shapes and sizes. Having been a long time user of Badlands hunting packs, I was pleasantly pleased with the current release of ATV bags.








As you can see, I did not waste any time after installing the bags before I put them to “good” use.


Front Trunk


When I initially opened the box containing the front trunk, I was a bit skeptical regarding the overall size and the design for attaching the bag to the front rack (more in a minute).

The front trunk is made up of 3 compartments: centered in the trunk is the main compartment with two “wings” or side pockets on each side.

The main compartment can be accessed in two locations (large, zippered flap on top and a smaller, zippered flap in the front). With the top lid opened, you will find a removable, suspended mesh shelf. I found this shelf helpful by creating two levels in the main compartment. Also, located on the back wall of the main compartment are a series of mesh pockets. I kept my smaller items (headlamp, light sticks, hunting license, etc.) in these centrally located pockets for quick access.



All of the badland packs are known for keeping Mother Nature out and the material used in the ATV bags are no different. You can clearly see the amount of mud on the exterior of the bag but none is found inside. (Did I mention how helpful the winch was in getting my Grizzly out of this mud pit from hell?)



Last but not least are the side pockets. The bodies of the side compartments are made out of molded foam. Make no mistake; these side pockets are great for securing items such as rope, knives, shot shells, centerfire ammo and rimfire shells. I stuffed a full box of Federal 375 H&H in the side pockets no problem



Initially I thought the front trunk could be a little bigger to fill my front rack. However, I quickly realized that I could see the corners of my quad and most importantly, the front of my quad. The visibility is so key when trail riding in thick timber. The shape and size is spot on.

I was pleasantly surprised how rock solid the front trunk was to my front rack. One thing that I did find very helpful was to wrap the strap in a crisscross manner on the rack tubing. As you can see the buckle on the trunk is adjustable left-right to accommodate different anchoring points.



The gear pictured below fits in the front trunk with more space left unfilled. I have no plans to remove the front trunk….great product!!



Fender Benders

Simply put…These things are simply awesome in so many ways. I liked them so much; I bolted them to the quad!!! The fender bender bags are sold in pairs. One is equipped with a cup holder while the other is equipped with additional pockets. FYI, a 20oz Mountain Dew bottle is snug in the cup holder opening.



Regardless of brand, ATVs or SxS machines do not have an area to store sensitive items like digital cameras, rangefinders or phones other than the larger plastic pockets. These plastic bins are large, single compartment with everything mixed together. The fender bags vary in shape and size to accommodate these items. The picture below shows the interior of the larger compartments. Take notice to the upper most zippered pocket, this padded pocket can be removed easily to provide addition room. Using the Velcro tabs, the pocket can be quickly placed back into the fender bag



Each fender bag is equipped with 4 long straps (2 on top—2 on bottom) with snap buckles and cam locks for attaching to the quad. However, I made my attachment a bit more permanent. I utilized the factory upper straps to wrap around the front rack. Rather than cut the excess straps, I wrapped and secured it with common electrical tape.

For the bottom, I decided to go a more permanent method for attaching the lower bags. I started by cutting 3” from each of the lower mounting straps. By cutting from each strap rather than one, the straps remain long enough to reuse the factory straps as originally designed, if needed. These straps are sitting on the Elk Foundation sweatshirt show above.

The next step is a dangerous one so caution should be used.

I then doubled the 3” piece over onto itself. Because the strap is nylon, it is difficult to cut/drill it without if fraying. Using a pair of vise grips, I held a nail spike over a torch until it was red-hot. The red-hot nail is pushed through the two halves burning a hole for the factory bolt. Once cooled, I passed the short strap through the fully adjustable buckle located on the bottom of the bag and secured it on the ATV.


The following picture shows the contents that I had in the fender bags. Of course, I’m holding the camera that was kept in the removable, padded pocket (lower left).


Once again the fender bender bags were no match for Mother Nature. FYI, I hit a mud bog at 35 MPH and had the entire quad covered in muddy water. The magnetic closure system kept the water and mud out.



While I thoroughly enjoy an afternoon ride, I find myself doing more overnight weekend rides. In the past, I’ve used my regular backpack as a method for carrying my “stuff”. When I looked at the rigid plastic trunks, I quickly realized that they would most likely be damaged or ripped off by the trees on our dense trails. The Badlands Rack Truck is made with molded form making it very durable buy lightweight, as well.

It is one thing to stuff a shirt or jacket in a quad bag but can you stuff a 4lb Gransfors Bruks small splitting axe, Mountain Hardware Light Wedge 3 tent, break down shotgun/rifle, thermarest pad, K&K tripod and your North Face sleeping bag? Did I mention there is enough leftover space to pack an adequate amount of clothes for several days of hunting/camping under a range of weather conditions, too?



The rack trunk is made up of two long, side compartments and one hefty compartment in the center located behind the driver. The side panels open with full-length zippers making the loading and unloading a snap. Even when covered in thick mud, they opened fine with muddy fingers.



I was extremely impressed on how the zipper design and bag materials kept the interior clean and dry (the dirt in the inside was a result of a muddy tow strap).



The stocky center compartment can be accessed from both ends. From the seat side, I would place my muddy helmet inside but then quickly access my tow straps from the tailgate design on the back. The following picture details the many mesh, side pockets in this compartment. I keep my extra batteries, shells, license and quad registration and other items secured while hitting the trails.



Like the yamaha, does your rear cargo rack have a raised portion to help secure your load? No problem, Badlands have made provisions with a sealed slot located on the underside of the trunk. Simply side the rack truck down over the rack and secure. (Ruffled part as seen in the previous picture)

If long weekend rides are in your future or you’re looking to haul more tools around the farm, the Badlands Rack Trunk is the way to go.

[bedrock]

Cool, but the front bag needs a clear plastic map pocket.

[huntem]

Not sure about the front bag but the tank wrap may be the ticket for you. No clear cover but the magnet over would make map view easy with a slight pull on the handle.

My tank wrap is currently on its way back from an elk hunt in colorado. My buddy took it a day after it arrived at my house.

[Capt. Randy]

When are these going to be available to the public? I am sold. These look great. Thanks, Randy

[huntem]

Randy let me first welcome you to the forum. Feel free to share a little bit about yourself.

In regards to the ATV bags, they are currently available. I do know the response has been huge so there are limited quanities.

I'd check with Scott (Sagecreek) and see what he can come up with. What are you interested in?

[Capt. Randy]

I am just a guy who loves hunting. I was wondering about getting one of the rear bags in camo and black. I have a monster fanny and 2200 both in hardwoods and love them both. I did not see them on the sage creek store website, but I will call monday. Thanks, Randy

[Sagecreek]

I'm waiting on pictures from Badlands, and as soon as I get them I'll have them on the website.

In the mean time, here's the suggested retail. We'll offer free shipping on all of the ATV line.

Badlands ATV 2008

Wrap Tank Bag--AP $110.00
Wrap Tank Bag--Black $110.00
Fender Bags (Set)--AP $129.00
Fender Bags (Set)--Black $129.00
Front Rack Bag--AP $139.00
Front Rack Bag--Black $139.00
Rear Rack Bag--AP $189.00
Rear Rack Bag--Black $189.00
Chest Protector--AP $169.00
Chest Protector--Black $169.00

[marko]

Great review huntem, and excellent pictures too! Thanks!

[2rocky]

Fred as always you are thorough and your pictures illustrate your words perfectly.

[pointblank]

Great review Fred, as always you are very informative,, I bought a set of the fender benders, ( Sorry Scott I bought these before I knew you were going to have them) These bags are awesome, they hold a range of items that are right in reach and the bags can be mounted to meet any quads rack and fender shape. The straps adjust so you can have them close together or a foot apart. Great job Badlands for hitting yet another market that was despirately in need of quality storage. Heres a few Pictures of how they fit on my 700 Grizz.


I added a link to here from Grizzly central forum again, thanks Huntem

[Norcal Fowler]

Great looking bags. I was wondering if they might make a smaller pack for the rear? I need just a straight pack thats not so big. I was just wondering thanks!

[huntem]

[bedrock]

Does anyone know where I can see pics and specs on the tank wrap? The ones on Badlands website don't show mucy.

[bedrock]

Does anyone know where I can see pics and specs on the tank wrap? The ones on Badlands website don't show mucy.

[bedrock]

Now I don't need the pics. I found one in Sportsmans and bought it. Looks like typical top notch Badlands quality. It needs more tie attach straps though. At least one between the top front corners.

[bedrock]

Concerning my post above: Bedrock gets the idiot of the month award. I discovered on closer inspection that the tank bags' attach straps will slide to any position you want. An ingenious system, I hope they got a patent. My only excuse is that there was beer involved with the original installation and no instructions. My apologies to Badlands for thinking they'd make anything that didn't funtion perfectly.

[huntem]

[nevadabugle]

Thanks for taking the time to post the detailed pics of all these bags. It is helpful for those of us who do not have a sporting goods store close by. The pictures and naratives make me feel like I got to play with the bags myself.

[kevinkevin]

COOOOl ATV i liked it very much, after all the rough driving the machine is still in shape and working the owner must have been very much in love with his atv as he has taken very good care of it, good Job .... i love the machine good pictures too, its rare to find people who really take care of their machines, again keep up the good work

[kevinkevin]

Gr8, Pictures of ATV's looking amazing.......I love it. Good work.