Field-Tested and Foundation Approved: Badlands Gear Joins the Mission
By: MDF Staff
At the Mule Deer Foundation, we’re proud to work with corporate partners who not only believe in our mission but build gear tough enough to support it in the wild. One of those partners is Badlands Gear—a brand known for rugged reliability, innovative design, and a relentless focus on performance in the backcountry.
This year, Badlands has leveled up with two standout pieces that have earned our seal of approval in the field: the updated MRK 4 pack and the newly redesigned Bino XR. These aren’t just upgrades—they’re purpose-built tools for serious hunters and conservationists alike.
The MRK 4: Built for the Long Haul
The new MRK 4 pack strikes the perfect balance between size and versatility. With enough space for 2-3 days away from the truck, it’s a legit backcountry workhorse. But thanks to its thoughtful, collapsible design, it still handles beautifully as a daypack. Whether you’re packing out after a successful hunt or hauling trail cams and habitat supplies, the MRK 4 delivers unmatched comfort with Badlands’ signature frame support and load distribution system.
We field-tested the MRK 4 on conservation projects in both Utah’s rugged canyonlands and Alaska’s challenging blacktail country—and it didn’t flinch. Rain, terrain, weight—this pack handled it all. The earthy, adaptive colorway blends into everything from alpine timber to coastal muskeg, making it ideal for serious mule deer and blacktail pursuits.
The Bino XR: Protection and Performance
The redesigned Bino XR isn’t just a bino harness—it’s mission control for your chest. With room for even the largest binoculars, this pack keeps optics safe and secure while offering quick access to rangefinders, wind checkers, and calls. The magnetic closure is quiet and reliable, and the storage layout is exactly what you want when every second counts.
Like the MRK 4, the Bino XR is built for the field—tough enough for sharp rock, dense brush, and sudden weather shifts. We put it through the wringer on both mule deer glassing missions and thick Pacific rainforest surveys. It stayed comfortable, functional, and dry.
More Than Gear—A Shared Commitment
What makes our partnership with Badlands so special is more than just durable packs—it’s a shared commitment to the land, the wildlife, and the people who make conservation happen. Every product they create helps make our fieldwork more effective. Every purchase from Badlands supports a company that gives back to organizations like MDF.
If you’re heading into the backcountry this fall—or helping out on a local habitat project—consider packing gear that’s been tested by the same crews protecting the herds you chase. With the new MRK 4 and Bino XR, Badlands Gear is proving once again they’re built for the mission.
Join the Mule Deer Foundation Today
Good luck this fall and remember to send any success pictures or stories from the field to [email protected] and you could be featured on our website or in our magazine. If this article or any of our articles have helped you become a better hunter or conservation steward, consider becoming a member of the Mule Deer Foundation for only $35 dollars a year. Click here to join: https://muledeer.org/product-category/membership/
