Eberlestock

[ctwiggs1]

Any reviews for backcountry?

I've got some more Cabelas points to spend

I've spent the last 5 years hunting a big traditional elk camp and I think I'm done with that.  Time to get back to my back country roots.  Step 1 - get a new pack!

[WapitiTalk1]

Any reviews for backcountry?

I've got some more Cabelas points to spend :D

I've spent the last 5 years hunting a big traditional elk camp and I think I'm done with that.  Time to get back to my back country roots.  Step 1 - get a new pack!

Rock solid and very functional pack; great warranty.  They are however, pretty heavy compared to many others out there.   

[ctwiggs1]

Any reviews for backcountry?

I've got some more Cabelas points to spend :D

I've spent the last 5 years hunting a big traditional elk camp and I think I'm done with that.  Time to get back to my back country roots.  Step 1 - get a new pack!

Rock solid and very functional pack; great warranty.  They are however, pretty heavy compared to many others out there.   

I was thinking Team Elk, but then I thought it would be better to just get the frame and strap my pack to it.  Any thoughts on that?

[WapitiTalk1]

I'm not a fan of strapping a day pack to a frame if that's what you mean.  I much more prefer the all in one type pack that compresses down far enough to use as a daypack but will expand out large enough to pack in 5-7 days worth of gear/chow, and, carry 100 lbs of boned out meat when necessary.  Take a look at the new Eberlestock Destroyer and Battleship packs (both carried by Cabelas) and see what you think of them.  I have not touched either one of these but they look to be the real deal.  If you go to Eberlestock's web page, they give a good rundown of both packs.   

[andersonjk4]

Tag

[xXLojackXx]

Spend your Cabelas money on other gear like a jetboil, filter, knives, GPS, etc. Whatever else you need. Get on the forums and buy a used Dana Designs, Mystery Ranch, stone glacier or Kifaru. I went from Badlands, to Crooked Horn, Horn Hunter, Eberlestock, kuiu, mystery ranch, and now Kifaru. Had I bought a Kifaru to begin with I would have saved money in the long run and still be using that same pack. People say "Eberlestock is the same as Kifaru, it's a lie. It's night and day difference.

[X-Force]

I bought a Kifaru to begin with I would have saved money in the long run and still be using that same pack.

Sometimes its easy to to say run to someone who hasnt even started walking.   



Being this is your first pack Lojack makes sense on getting a higher end pack and using your Cabelas points where they could help the most. If money is a problem dont buy new. Plenty of great used packs on here, rokslide, etc. and you will be saving 25-50%.

[xXLojackXx]

Sometimes its easy to to say run to someone who hasnt even started walking.   

Just trying to keep people from having to play the "upgrade my pack every year" game, unless that is fun for you

[autodink13]

I had eberlestock and do not recommend above 50lbs. Not comfy! Then used arc teryx bora. 90 lbs in bora felt like 50 in the eberlestock. Last year I bought stone glacier! Comfy like the bora but weighs a few pounds less.

[sirmissalot]

I spent a few years with an Eberlestock pack on my back. Worked great for most situations but I began going farther in and aiming for lighterweight. It depends on what your intended use is. Some guys are just gear nuts and buying a brand new pack or bow or all new gear every year is just what they do. The newest, latest and greatest is what they will always preach. 

I've found I like a rigid frame for the heavy loads on the way out. My favorite for the last few years has been one that the bag can separate from the frame to be used as a load sling. This gives me the ability to haul a day pack sized bag and still carry a full load of meat on the way out.

[Jacque]

 I can vouch for the Bora 95, makes 80 lbs feel like 45 lbs in any other pack I've used.

[7mag.]

Spend your Cabelas money on other gear like a jetboil, filter, knives, GPS, etc. Whatever else you need. Get on the forums and buy a used Dana Designs, Mystery Ranch, stone glacier or Kifaru. I went from Badlands, to Crooked Horn, Horn Hunter, Eberlestock, kuiu, mystery ranch, and now Kifaru. Had I bought a Kifaru to begin with I would have saved money in the long run and still be using that same pack. People say "Eberlestock is the same as Kifaru, it's a lie. It's night and day difference.

I agree. If you are serious about backpack hunting, don't waste your money and your back on a "one size fits all" pack, I don't care what celebrities are endorsing them. Taking advice about backpacking gear from people who don't backpack, will cause you misery as well.

[stromdiddily]

Spend your Cabelas money on other gear like a jetboil, filter, knives, GPS, etc. Whatever else you need. Get on the forums and buy a used Dana Designs, Mystery Ranch, stone glacier or Kifaru. I went from Badlands, to Crooked Horn, Horn Hunter, Eberlestock, kuiu, mystery ranch, and now Kifaru. Had I bought a Kifaru to begin with I would have saved money in the long run and still be using that same pack. People say "Eberlestock is the same as Kifaru, it's a lie. It's night and day difference.

Which Kifaru are you using now?

[xXLojackXx]

Duplex EMR2

[bobcat]

I like my Eberlestock Just One, but then, I have nothing to compare it to. It's worked for me for about 10 years now. The only other pack I've ever used for hauling meat is an external frame Cabelas pack. For me it's the Eberlestock or nothing. Sure I might be able to upgrade but then I'd have to go a year or two without buying any hunting licenses or tags. I'd rather hunt every year so I'll continue using the Eberlestock. I had three quartered antelope in it last year and walked out 1 1/2 miles. It does the job, and it's what I have.

[milldozer]

I have an Eberlestock J34 "Just One" pack and it is great for loads up to 50 pounds.  Over that I feel its not sturdy enough to carry heavy loads over long distances.  You can certainly do it, just not comfortably.  95 lbs for 10 miles after the high hunt last year was tough on the body.

[luvmystang67]

If you're trying to be cheap and aren't a "super-light gear guy" the Eberle blue widow is a good choice, especially with the spike duffle.  There have been many used ones on here.  I'll probably try a move to Kifaru at some point, but I don't know what I'm missing just yet and the Eberle hasn't ever let me down.

[blackveltbowhunter]

I have no experience with the Battleship or Destroyer, but the design looks nice and would possibly solve the biggest problem I experienced with the Just One or Blue Widow and that is lack of load lift resulting in loss of comfort rapidly over 50ish pounds. And expansion of the packs width and putting the load away from my center of gravity. That being said the packs are tough, and well constructed. I was very satisfied with the performance of mine. And I used it alot.

That said so much depends on your budget and use that it may not be the "best" choice, however in my experience I dont think it would be a bad one.

[ridgefire]

Like others have said I would save your money and put it towards a used high end pack. I went from the j104 to a kifaru siwash and now a kifaru bt2 and a highcamp 4800 and it was money well spent. I thought the eberle was decent til I tried the kifaru and its night and day difference. You can start by buying a frame and then figure out what bag you want to go with later.

[kselkhunter]

Eberlestock makes a good pack.  Two of my hunting buddies have one, and I've test run one.  Only complaint is when it rains they tend to retain water more than other brands.  And don't handle heavier weight as well, in my opinion.  But, get what fits.  I have Mystery Ranch for hard core stuff, and Kuiu for ultralight.  Love my Kuiu after a few seasons, and loaned my MR out to my best friend.  Many swear by the Kifaru but I haven't tried, so will defer to the experts on that.  Decide how long and far you want to pack and decide from there.  If you know you are addicted like the rest of us for longer packs and durations, go Kifaru/Stone Glacier/MR/Kuiu from the start.  Some people know immediately, and for others it's a process.

[Camo]

If your height is over average, you really need to key in on that first, IMO. I hunted a few years out of a J34, then moved to the Blue Widow because it was "adjustable". I liked both packs, they worked great for day hunts and believe they are built well though a bit heavier than others. Having said that, neither fit me correctly, and very uncomfortable loaded, but I didn't know how they were supposed to fit. Having effective(above shoulder) load lifters is crucial to weight distribution and comfort. Most packs are too short for me at 6'3". A couple of my buddies at 6'+ are having the same issues and have or are getting away from Eberle for the same reason. A call to Stone Glacier (at the time)confirmed that their packs would not work for me which left me with Kifaru and the 26" stays, which in the end was a great decision. However, this post is mute if your of average height.

[ctwiggs1]

I'm 6'2 so thanks for the tip!

[Caseknife]

I was just looking for a pack frame for packing gear into camp and elk quarters out, after breaking my 35 year old Kelty frame.  Bought the Eberlestock frame and the spike duffle.  The frame is VERY compact, but is very adjustable and supports the load of a full bone-in elk quarter quite easily, did need to extend the straps though to fit around the rib-cage.  That being said, I don't know if I would want to use it as a day pack, but I hunt in tight timber and like the flexibility of a smaller day pack.  I think that the Eberlestock frame will be with me for the long run.

[Labredog]

As mentioned earlier, kifaru is hard to beat. Spendy but worth every penny, I currently hunt with a timberline 2 on a bikini frame, I can compress down to daypack size, and still expand out to 5200ci for the back and 1000ci for the lid. Most comfortable pack I've ever owned. Don't rule out a used bag ,  I don't think you could ever wear one out,  anyway Kifaru is warranted for life no matter who owns it.

[Big6bull]

Here's my experience.
We bought an X1 and a team elk eberlestock. My only complaint is that they would both "squeak" , very annoying and loud enough I had to take my pack off for a stalk or if we were into animals. We inquired with eberlestock and they said it's a known problem and we needed to "tape" up our frame.  I didn't think we should need to anything on a new pack spending that much money. Still has a little noise but I can't afford a new pack 

[Utah]

You couldn't pay me to take an Eberlestock into the high country ever again.    Thank us later...

[skagitsteel]

You couldn't pay me to take an Eberlestock into the high country ever again.    Thank us later...

 

Depends somewhat on preference, however my kifaru bikini/ high camp is way more comfortable to haul out a load than an eberlestock.  Ever heard of the 'eberlestock lean'? Load gets out away from your back, load lifters don't work worth crap and you will lean forward under heavy load with a lot of the weight on your shoulders.  My personal preference is kifaru, I have heard lots of good things about mystery ranch and stone glacier as well.

Definitely save a few more bucks and get a better pack, if you are serious at all about packing animals out of the backcountry

 

[Fishhuntmike]

I had an eberlistock just 1.  Gave it to my nephew.  Packed a bear out 5 miles with camp.  Did not use it again.  Weight too far out and too low.  Had to walk out leaning so far forward I could almost touch the ground.

Bought a Kifaru. 

[bobcat]

Gee, these stories of leaning forward with an Eberlestock pack is sounding really familiar. Last year while packing out three quartered antelope in mine, I couldn't stand up straight. That was a tough 1 1/2 miles. I didn't realize another pack might have been more comfortable, and I have no clue what "load lifters" are. Never even heard that term until recently on this site. I guess I need to do some research. Really doesn't matter though, a new pack is not in my budget. My plan for now is to only pack out one animal at a time with the Eberlestock.

[skagitsteel]

I had an eberlistock just 1.  Gave it to my nephew.  Packed a bear out 5 miles with camp.  Did not use it again.  Weight too far out and too low.  Had to walk out leaning so far forward I could almost touch the ground.

Bought a Kifaru. 

 
I think there are a few of us that have made that switch.  Although I did pack out 3 bears with a badlands 2200 my 1st yr.....

Gee, these stories of leaning forward with an Eberlestock pack is sounding really familiar. Last year while packing out three quartered antelope in mine, I couldn't stand up straight. That was a tough 1 1/2 miles. I didn't realize another pack might have been more comfortable, and I have no clue what "load lifters" are. Never even heard that term until recently on this site. I guess I need to do some research. Really doesn't matter though, a new pack is not in my budget. My plan for now is to only pack out one animal at a time with the Eberlestock.

Load lifters are the straps that connect the stays to your shoulder straps.  On a well designed pack they will take the majority of the weight off your shoulders, resting on your hips instead.  Last fall I packed an entire bear and hide out in one trip (about 3 miles), was a 130 pound load, almost none of it on my shoulders.  I had sore legs but no sore shoulders or sore back

[MountainWalk]

Just bought a Bikini frame. Pretty excited. Guess I chose the expensive way to find out what load lifters are... Any younger guys needing a pack? Make ya a great deal on an Eberlestock x2......it'll make ya strong...

[couesbitten]

......it'll make ya strong...

 ,  with sore shoulders.

[jrebel]

I love my eberlestock pack.....with that said I don't to long back country hunts so it is really just a glorified day pack that allows me the ability to pack meat if needed.  I have the team elk pack and it has a ton of adjustment.  Great pack in my opinion.     Probably big enough for a 2-3 day hunt if you pack light. 

[Fishhuntmike]

I had an eberlistock just 1.  Gave it to my nephew.  Packed a bear out 5 miles with camp.  Did not use it again.  Weight too far out and too low.  Had to walk out leaning so far forward I could almost touch the ground.

Bought a Kifaru. 

 
I think there are a few of us that have made that switch.  Although I did pack out 3 bears with a badlands 2200 my 1st yr.....

Gee, these stories of leaning forward with an Eberlestock pack is sounding really familiar. Last year while packing out three quartered antelope in mine, I couldn't stand up straight. That was a tough 1 1/2 miles. I didn't realize another pack might have been more comfortable, and I have no clue what "load lifters" are. Never even heard that term until recently on this site. I guess I need to do some research. Really doesn't matter though, a new pack is not in my budget. My plan for now is to only pack out one animal at a time with the Eberlestock.

Load lifters are the straps that connect the stays to your shoulder straps.  On a well designed pack they will take the majority of the weight off your shoulders, resting on your hips instead.  Last fall I packed an entire bear and hide out in one trip (about 3 miles), was a 130 pound load, almost none of it on my shoulders.  I had sore legs but no sore shoulders or sore back

I love my 2200, although heavy for its size it packs out meat very well in my opinion.  An elk in 3 loads is quite comfy.

[Stein]

I have and use an Eberlestock just one and it works fine.  The construction is high quality (on par with my other backpacking packs).  There are a few design issues I would like to see fixed, but nothing major.  It does sway left to right when really loaded, but not too bad.  Overall, I can comfortably carry a large amount of weight in relative comfort.  I have it adjusted to fit my 6'4" frame quite well.

Most hunting packs have way, way too many pockets, straps, 1,000 molle attachments and features.  They put them on there for marketing and they make the pack heavy and introduce more failure points (buckles, zippers, seams).  In my view, the ideal hunting pack would be incredibly simple with few bells and whistles.

If I had to do it over again, I would seriously look at an external frame meat hauler.

With Kifaru, you are looking at a huge amount of money, at least double.  They may be better, but at most I use it once a year.  I think most guys would benefit more from training their body to haul the load than buying more gear.  The few "professional" game haulers I have seen have beat up old packs that look like they belong at a garage sale.