Eberlestock pack

[WapitiTalk1]

Eberlestock packs are built very well but as others have said, they are heavy as heck in day pack mode.  Now once you pack em up with meat, that heaviness of the material doesn't matter that much in the present moment.  I packed a few critters out with a Blue Widow and it worked fine for loads up to 70ish pounds (that's all I dared putting in them crawling out of the holes the elk decided to die in).  Dead elk rack, straps, and loins riding out in a Blue Widow below.  I'm a gnats hair shy of 6' and I'd say the load lifters work just OK.  If you can swing the price tag, I'd certainly look at an EXO for an all in one pack.  At any rate, yes... the EB packs will serve the intended purpose but are not so comfortable to pack around in day pack mode. 

 

[Mudman]

Badlands!

[D-Rock425]

 

[D-Rock425]

I have a j34 pack it's functional for the elk woods but heavy as crap and not the most comfortable.  Packs are kinda like optics buy once cry once.  If you can save and get into a kifaru,  stone glacier,  mystery ranch or exo it will be worth the extra money.

[KFhunter]

too bad there isn't a place around here to try out all these high end packs

for me, the eberlestock is comfy, all the weight is on my hips.  I do get the web strap slipping through the belly belt buckles and find myself pulling on the tag ends to tighten them back up time to time, like others have complained about before when it's loaded up.

[D-Rock425]

Cory miller at xxx archery has some kifaru stuff on hand.  Exowill be at the northwest mountain challenge at Stevens pass.

[sjhgraysage]

I agree with most all of the responses. I have the J104 Eberlestock, and it is heavy compared to other packs. If I'm hunting it is usually on my back because all my stuff is in it.
My brother in law has a KUIU and it is lighter. He has only used his on one hunt so far and liked it, but we both could hear it squeek as he walked with a loaded pack. Maybe it will get quieter with use? It is a nice pack though and distributes the weight well.

If I was buying a new pack I would be looking for something lighter than Eberlestock and still able to carry my gun on the pack. 

[spin05]

I have a EXO 3500. A EXO or stone glacier is probly the only 2 packs i would consider. Like the guy above says the EXO is the do it all pack

[milldozer]

I started out with an Eberlestock J107 for backpack hunts.  As mentioned, it is not the best performer with heavy loads.  To utilize the full volume of the pack (center zipper unzipped) the bag is very bulky and the center of gravity is way behind you and becomes uncomfortable quickly.  I also feel the scabbard is a little gimmicky, which I definitely fell for.  You can't sit down at all with your rifle barrel sticking out below.  I sold mine after two years and two brutal packouts and upgraded to an Exo 3500.  Rides and carries weight much better.  The side pockets fit a rifle stock well and you can easily strap a rifle to the side.  If day hunting, the eberlestock will likely fit your needs just fine, but i would not recommend for backpack hunting.

[ridgefire]

I owned a Eberlestock at one time and no longer have it. Upgraded to Kifaru and its a much better pack. I would suggest saving up the money and buy once.